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Suggestions where to find a sapphire

Mrs_Strizzle

Brilliant_Rock
Joined
Jun 14, 2018
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Hello all. I am starting to plan my next big project of finding a sapphire the color of my hubby's eyes to trade off with my e-ring when the mood strikes. It isn't "trade ideal color", although those eyes (color)have had me hypnotized since I was 11 years old.:love:

Below is the approximate shade I'm looking for, in 3 carats or so. I know most of you will recognize the vendor, but I'm feeling like all the ones on that site are overpriced (?) and too small for what I'm planning. Thanks for any suggestions. I'm not in a rush as this ring will be as important to me as the real e-ring and I want it perfect. Thanks for any advice.Screenshot_20181029-115702_Chrome.jpg
 
I found this one on Multicolour that would be perfect except for the size. The price difference between the 2 vendors is puzzling.Screenshot_20181029-123121_Chrome.jpg
 
Gemfix has a large selection of Montana sapphires. I would suggest looking there along with the other vendors.
 
I'm going to disagree with the above advice and recommend you NOT look for a Montana sapphire, unless the Montana provenance is very important to you.

Though the stone you posted is a color produced in Montana, you can also find that color emerging from African deposits. As many in the trade have pointed out on this board, Montana carries a very inflated price tag out of whack with the price of rough and the price of similar material from other deposits.

My first step would be to contact some precision cutters in the recommended vendor list, show them the color you're looking for, and see if they have any rough of that color or could easily procure it from a non-Montana source.
 
Thanks for all the advice! I looked at the sites and will reach out to a cutter. I appreciate the advice @corundum_conundrum as I was unaware about the African deposits. I'm not loyal to any locales, nor hell bent on an unheated stone.
 
I am in complete agreement with @corundum_conundrum. Montana sapphires are exorbitantly overpriced compared to what they pay for the rough. One recommended vendor was asked why he charged these prices and he said "because I can..." There is a push to raise the prices on these stones.
 
This is a pretty light blue color, but doesn't have the greenish modifier that I see in your example pics. This is precision cut and about 7.7mm. Are you looking for greenish blue, or a purer light blue?
il_570xN.1590748384_bj03.jpg
 
This is a pretty light blue color, but doesn't have the greenish modifier that I see in your example pics. This is precision cut and about 7.7mm. Are you looking for greenish blue, or a purer light blue?
il_570xN.1590748384_bj03.jpg

I definitely want it to have the green modifier in a light tone. A tiny bit of silvery gray would be accurate. GEMFIX has so many beautiful ones in the right color combo, but most are too deep or saturated. @suzanne2 I have been quite surprised to see the prices on these Montanas. I am definitely going to keep looking for the right one. Honestly hoping to find one a fellow PSer is willing to let go!;-)
 
Australia = green sapphire?
 
Here's one from Bayoto on Instagram. He has quite a few pale green sapphires on his page. I've never bought from him, but I believe @Rare gem lover and a few other PSers have, and were pleased with the transactions. My hold up (a year ago) was that he doesn't (can't?) take paypal. He has a good reputation and I've been watching him for quite a while. Seems like a stand up guy.

Screenshot (76).png
 
Here's one from Bayoto on Instagram. He has quite a few pale green sapphires on his page. I've never bought from him, but I believe @Rare gem lover and a few other PSers have, and were pleased with the transactions. My hold up (a year ago) was that he doesn't (can't?) take paypal. He has a good reputation and I've been watching him for quite a while. Seems like a stand up guy.

Screenshot (76).png

That one is gorgeous. How do I get prices from him?
 
I also wanted to add something about Montanas: finding one in the size you want will be super tricky. They're usually a lot smaller.

This seems like a fun challenge! I'll keep my eyes peeled for you.
 
I completely realize these are too big - and may be too expensive - but I think they're worth exploring if you love the color. I'd want to see a hand shot of the first one because the picture of it on its table shows a very different color than the other two. And, admittedly, I love the idea of having the second one re-cut (cause, let's be honest, the cut sucks) by someone like Jerry Newman...again, only if you love the color.

https://ivynewyork.com/collections/other-sapphire/products/greenish-blue-sapphire-no-heat-12-71-ct
https://ivynewyork.com/collections/blue-sapphire/products/sapphire-no-heat-7-53ct

Still on the lookout...

ETA: Oh, I'd contact Elle @ TGP and see if she can ask Mayer & Watt if they have anything that would work. Their inventory is crazy extensive.
 
@SparkliesLuver, yes I've seen the IVY NY stones, and agree that the second one would definitely need a makeover cut. I took your advice and messaged Elle about my hunt so thanks! I would love if she could source and then create the ring.
 
Here's one from Bayoto on Instagram. He has quite a few pale green sapphires on his page. I've never bought from him, but I believe @Rare gem lover and a few other PSers have, and were pleased with the transactions. My hold up (a year ago) was that he doesn't (can't?) take paypal. He has a good reputation and I've been watching him for quite a while. Seems like a stand up guy.

Screenshot (76).png
I bought two stones from him last month. His prices are fair, he responds very quickly, and the stones are gorgeous!!! Shipping was fast, too. Just make sure if you are interested in more than one stone to buy them at the same time so you only pay the bank's transfer fee once. I learned that the hard way.

As a price reference, he has a gorgeous unheated "Cameroon blue" sapphire that's 1.42 ct, 6.77mm x 5.445mm, for $700.
 
I have a 'problem' with facebook and own no account. Anybody know a trick how I can see facebook sellers anyhow? Please don't say 'open an account'.
 
I have a 'problem' with facebook and own no account. Anybody know a trick how I can see facebook sellers anyhow? Please don't say 'open an account'.

I have an issue with social media and have been weaning myself off of fb, but now it seems that I'm missing great deals by not using my account or having an Instagram. What happened to vendor's selling the old fashioned way on a regular internet website, anyway? :think:
 
You might check with Gary at Finewater Gems. He will travels a lot and will search for gemstones or rough in a desired color. I love your sweet idea for a ring!
 
I also am not on any social media. It has been years and I am happier because of it.
 
I have a 'problem' with facebook and own no account. Anybody know a trick how I can see facebook sellers anyhow? Please don't say 'open an account'.
I think most of the sellers without online stores are on instagram now. I know Bayoto is. I think you can view instagram without an account, but most likely need to join to DM for info. I don’t like Facebook at all, but did open an Instagram account just to follow my interest and so far it has been a much better experience than facebook.
 
Wanted to update, as I've read MANY threads that don't and it's disappointing. A vendor that I have been buying loose stones from for 15 years had this Sapphire ring on consignment. Although the shade is SLIGHTLY more green than I was initially thinking, I about hit the floor when I saw it. It is a 5.89 ct unheated sapphire with 1.25 cts diamond halo in 14k gold. I can't keep staring.20181107_193919.jpg

Thanks for everyone's help! I may look for a more blue one in the future, but this definitely scratches the itch. It also puts me out of the gem buying game for awhile:lol:
 
Wanted to update, as I've read MANY threads that don't and it's disappointing. A vendor that I have been buying loose stones from for 15 years had this Sapphire ring on consignment. Although the shade is SLIGHTLY more green than I was initially thinking, I about hit the floor when I saw it. It is a 5.89 ct unheated sapphire with 1.25 cts diamond halo in 14k gold. I can't keep staring.20181107_193919.jpg

Thanks for everyone's help! I may look for a more blue one in the future, but this definitely scratches the itch. It also puts me out of the gem buying game for awhile:lol:
Beautiful ring, Mrs. Strizzle :-) Love the fact that you wanted a stone the same color as your husband's eyes! I have green eyes and your stone is close to the color of mine.
 
Wow, lovely ring! I'm so glad you found a sapphire to love :mrgreen2:
 
Holy S**t that's gorgeous!
 
OMG can we please have more pics? I LOVE the colour!!!!
 
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