Tan is the man !:+)

[diamondhearts]

Thanks Lisa I am glad that there is someone that can confirm that Alexandrites that turn RED do actually exist and I am pleased to see that you have one like that .

Anonymous , this was a very old post and I explained that I hadn't had the chance to do it then. actually I hadn't been on this website for almost a year because I was actually extremely busy .And I got rid of it and so on to make an important purchase but this is not why I opened this threath. .

Chrono actually the better quality Russian ones are actually expected to have a chery red color which was the color that I was trying to describe so I know how to recognize a cherry red/deep red garnet color when I see it .You can even see it a little bit on the video even if it looks more intense in person.
Here is an inetresting text that I just found



Alexandrite is considered a transparent gem which appears green in the daylight and red to purplish red in artificial light (indoors) . This phenomenon is known as color-change. Alexandrite is strongly trichroic (phenomenon of different colors appearing when viewed from 3 different directions)There are variables which affect the price of this gem including how dramatic the color change is, modifying colors, size, and location Alexandrites are found. When the color change is dramatic, the stone will be very expensive. Less expensive stones will have a weaker change and less saturated colors. The color phenomenon is a result of the presence of chromium ions and the way those ions are absorbed and reflected. The presence of brown or gray modifying colors will lower the value vs. the price per carat on alexandrites with the lack of these modifying colors. Alexandrite is more common in smaller sizes but still fetch a steep price tag due to the rarity of the gemstone and the current command in the market. Price on fine smaller stones range up to $10,000 per carat.There are large alexandrites which are very clean, but generally most stones have many inclusions including negative crystals & rutile silk. Ovals & cushion cut stones are the more common cut styles seen in the market. Alexandrite was originally discovered in Russia in the early 1830’s & this is where the finer top quality gem stones are found and command a premium. Russian stones are described as displaying color change from very green to dark cherry red. Some other sources of alexandrite include Ceylon & Brazil. Alexandrite is part of the chrysoberyl family. Some imitations or fakes include natural color change garnets & synthetic color change sapphires.


Chris I do not watch JTV because all they sell is industrial diamonds and their cheap quartz among other things as if it was something from De Beers.If you have Time warner cable you could check channel 270 .It is more medium to high end but very pricey .
Oh I didn't know that Diamonds were single refractive ...That is something I learned today.

LD your comments sounded pretty accusatory and downright nosy . I know the difference between someone that is honest and someone that just means harm .I have my reports and I am keeping them in a safe ( in my bank ) along with some of the other valuables so I am really not looking for any arguments here . Yes they costed just under 100$ (I never said otherwise) because it turned out the person that sold them didn't know their value but when I sent them to the AGL ( because the color change was just too outstanding ) they were confirmed to be Russian .And just because Russian mines were depleted does not mean that all the Russian alexandrites that were produced disintegrated into thin air .I know there are lots of dishonest sellers out there but the person that sold them to me never said that they came from Russia in the first place. She didn't know the origin of it.


To wrap this up the purpose for posting this thread was also to let you know that Tan does have some wonderful gemstones for great prices if you are interested .That was just my way of thanking him .I actually have a link to a 4 carater


http://www.ebay.com/itm/330817032675?ru=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fsch%2Fi.html%3F_sacat%3D0%26_from%3DR40%26_nkw%3D330817032675%26_rdc%3D1

There is an element of brown in it but the size and the color change are very good for the price just in case anyone is interested.

 

[LD]

Diamondhearts - if you feel that by attacking me and saying I'm not genuine it will deflect from your refusal to post the reports, you're wrong. I don't believe your claims about the Russian Alexandrites (especially those earrings jackets) and also that you have EVER owned a .25ct vivid red diamond. Forum members generally KNOW the gemstone market and KNOW the claims you're making to be unsubstantiated. If you don't substantiate your claims, people will make up their own mind - rubbish me all you want to but it doesn't take away from the fact that when you're challenged you attack and don't provide proof!

 

[chrono]

Diamondhearts,
Even the most famous and best alexandrite, the Tino Hammid does not change from emerald green to ruby red. When you wrote red, you implied a pure red hue which is impossible per all the well-known experts. Are you claiming to be able to see colour better than they? Cherries come in many hues so again, this descriptor tells me little. Deep red garnets have a strong element of brown so your description of a change to such a colour does not reflect a fine alexandrite. Purplish red is the very best to date. You have quoted your information from the Palagems website so I'm sure you have also read the following:

For alexandrite, the quality of the color change is paramount. While the holy grail is a gem whose color changes like a traffic light from green to red, such a stone has yet to be found. In fine examples, the change is typically one from a slightly bluish green to a purplish red. The quality of color change is often referred to by dealers in a percentage basis, with 100% change being the ideal. Stones that display a change of 30% or less are of marginal interest and are arguably not even alexandrite. Significant brown or gray components in either of the twin colors will lower value dramatically.
Daylight: Green to blue-green
Incandescent Light: Purple to purplish red
http://www.palagems.com/alexandrite_russia.htm

The reason many of us question you is out of concern, not as a personal attack. You claim to know what you are doing, yet do not know many very basic gemstone facts. I am very interested to see your AGL memo for the earring jackets. I also keep my jewellery and paperwork in the bank vault and it is very easy to just hop over for a minute or two to take a picture of it.

 

[VAgemguy]

I think we all know that there is no AGL report and this person is just trying to get a reaction out of everyone. On to the next topic.

 

[minousbijoux]

Diamondhearts: Of course you can continue to post if you feel like it, but perhaps you are not aware that the individuals you are speaking to are experts, one of whom has specialized on alexandrites for years if not decades (LD). She has many museum quality alexs and is one of the few individuals, in all her study and travel learning about alexandrite, to see Russian material. Chrono has devoted years to reading and learning about stones of all kinds. When you argue or accuse them, you ruin your credibility with this community. No one, and I mean No one doubts LD's authority and knowledge when it comes to the stones she collects. It would be wise for you to read some more old threads here, or perhaps even better, decide to agree to disagree and find a better board than PS. I would suggest that you will not be taken seriously or be welcome here if you continue to post wild unsubstantiated claims...

I have no doubt that you bought what you consider to be excellent stones from Tan and anyone who reviews your ebay history can see you've bought a few alexandrites recently. But Tan is an experienced seller who would certainly not sell world class alexandrite of that size that turn cherry red in certain lighting for less than $2k; in fact, I'm sure if he found this one of a kind specimen, he would keep it for himself

 

[soberguy]

I appreciate knowledge, but expert in my mind infers experience at GIA or AGL grading gemstones as a career. Not saying there isn't a vast amount of knowledge here, just suggesting we steer clear of expert. And forgive me, but a museum quality alexandrite would be like this: and I have never seen anything like it on here...

http://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2011/magnificent-jewels-and-jadeite-hk0359/lot.1670.html

 

[LD]

I appreciate knowledge, but expert in my mind infers experience at GIA or AGL grading gemstones as a career. Not saying there isn't a vast amount of knowledge here, just suggesting we steer clear of expert. And forgive me, but a museum quality alexandrite would be like this: and I have never seen anything like it on here...

http://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2011/magnificent-jewels-and-jadeite-hk0359/lot.1670.html

Soberguy - I appreciate Minou's kind words but you're right, I'm not an expert. What I would say is that an "expert" (to me) is not simply a grader at GIA or AGL. An "expert" might be somebody who buys gemstones, an expert may be somebody who collects, an expert may be somebody who designs jewellery, an expert may cut gemstones. These "experts" may not have chosen gemstones as a career path - some have, some haven't. An expert may or may not have a qualification but should be knowledgeable and keep up to date with their area of interest. I believe there are a huge number of experts that post here - the substantial amount of knowledge on this forum alone is incredible. If people have a love for gemstones and have taken the time to learn then they may well be an expert. However, that's not what this thread is about!

At the end of the day, despite what Diamondhearts thinks or says, I would have been delighted for her if she had posted an AGL report stating that she had found Russian Alexandrites earring jackets for under $100. What a find that would have been! It would be proof that miracles can sometimes happen and would have been a lovely story to tell.

By the way, the cat's eye in that link is to die for! Just as a matter of interest, they must have used some form of photo manipulation because the cat's eye is the incandescent colour but the surrounding Alex pave is the daylight green! I'd still love to see it though!

 

[minousbijoux]

I appreciate knowledge, but expert in my mind infers experience at GIA or AGL grading gemstones as a career. Not saying there isn't a vast amount of knowledge here, just suggesting we steer clear of expert. And forgive me, but a museum quality alexandrite would be like this: and I have never seen anything like it on here...

http://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2011/magnificent-jewels-and-jadeite-hk0359/lot.1670.html

Oh you mean my ring that I'm selling?!!

Thanks for your words there SG; I may have gotten a bit carried away with my use of the word expert, but I think if you were to contact some of the purveyors of fine alexandrite, those who know her would consider LD quite knowledgeable on alexandrites. That's what I was trying to say.

 

[diamondhearts]

If she starts attacking my credibility because I happened to get lucky to find jacket earrings with very small Russian Alexandrites ...How about she shows us the 3 carat Russian alexandrite that she said she owns ?

And I do agree with soberguy you are not an expert just because you own some alexandrites of good or great quality no matter for how many years that is why people study to be gemologists .Those are the experts .I personally have an AJP from the GIA in Carlsbad California and I never claimed to be one .I still have a lot to learn .

 

[minousbijoux]

If she starts attacking my credibility because I happened to get lucky to find jacket earrings with very small Russian Alexandrites ...How about she shows us the 3 carat Russian alexandrite that she said she owns ?

And I do agree with soberguy you are not an expert just because you own some alexandrites of good or great quality no matter for how many years that is why people study to be gemologists .Those are the experts .I personally have an AJP from the GIA in Carlsbad California and I never claimed to be one .I still have a lot to learn .

Well, you've lost credibility to me.

 

[diamondhearts]

Tan actually works for a manufacturer so that is why he has to list them and actually he told me that he wasn't even aware that they had that one,it was a coworker that listed it and he told me that he thought that the price was way too low for that one .
He did said that it was a Top gem world class gemstone and I believe him.
Actually there is actually no element of brown in it, just a dark deep red color.When I use the flashlight it turned into a purplish red like a Burma ruby .I will post the pictures .

Most of the rough that is found around the world is actually shipped to Thailand for cutting so It wouldn't surprise me if there turns out to be some great specimens found once in a while.

 

[diamondhearts]

Minousbijoux Ma chere I think you are just trying to be mean for no reason because you don't know me .I think you are just jealous because that is how people react when act like when they don't know somebody .I will close this thread because this is becoming senseless.

 

[chrono]

The AJP touches just the surface of gemmology but is a good start. Just as there are those who went to college and graduated, not all are equally as smart in their major. Some go on to success in their field, most remain mediocre and the rest struggle in their chosen field. There are also many who've learnt on the job but are without formal training. Years of such experience more than make up for the lack of that piece of paper. Some with such experience have better skill sets than those who went to college and graduated. This is also the case for gem related fields.

 

[diamondhearts]

I agree with you Chrono.I had never had an interest in Alexandrites until recently so I am a new bie in that field but I have a quite extensive knowledge in other areas and gemstones.It takes you 8 months to complete the AJP diploma so it must count for a little bit .But you know that owning great Alexandrites does not mean that you necessarily know everything .Anyone can walk up to a store and buy them for the money and also everyone can read about it on the internet.

 

[ChrisA222]

With all due respect...what kind of degree does the GIA offer which does not teach that Diamonds are single refractive? Not trying to be mean...but that is one of the most basic things I can think of...

 

[chrono]

Few stores sell alexandrites and even fewer stores sell quality alexandrites. It's not sufficient just to be willing to part with a wad of cash. In order to not get ripped off (synthetic, simulant, or poor colour change) or overpay, the buyer must know what he or she is doing. I believe that is what LD and Minous are trying to explain.

When you posted the link of the "museum quality" alexandrite from eBay, it made many posters concerned that you might have been duped in your other purchases (probably not Tan since he is a proven vendor). The item advertised is for synthetic alexandrites, not purchased by or for a real museum, not accompanied by a true AGL lab memo but by an appraisal company which goes by a similar sounding name which is essentially not worth the paper it is printed on from a serious buyer's perspective. Based on all the above, it makes for an extremely overpriced alexandrite necklace that isn't even a natural stone.

 

[diamondhearts]

Chris AJP studies are more centred around different sales techniques but I do remember that I had like 2 huge cartons full of files that I had to go through and you can't imagine how much info you have to process and the exam was not easy trust me .I may have forgotten about it with the years and frankly I don't think that we dwelled that much on refraction either .It was back in 2008.But then again Renee Newman who is is renowned gemologist did deny that Red alexandrites existed .People make mistakes and its no biggie .I never had to use that info in my job or anywhere so You can't remember everything.

I remember that there was a GIA gemologist on tv that actually said that it sparkles more ( if you single out the diamond out ) than peridot because light refraction splits into 2 directions instead of one so It gives it a different type of sparkle .

Chrono, I respect your opinions but I think that you can just be a little biased :+) I know they are your girlfriends on this forum and all and its ok . I don't think you read the last message from minousbijoux It was very offensive .I wish the best of luck to LD but I don't like it when people accuse others because they happen to have a pair small russian jacket earrings while she can boast that she has a 3 ct Russian alexandrite and not expect to be put on the spot for it .Actually I put most of my valuable in a Navy Federal bank in another state so That 's why I can't travel accross states just for that but I can take further pictures of this one while I have it before I add it to the safe.I can pick the AGL report up for for you next time no problem !

As for that museum quality one .I could never afford anything like that in the first place but when I read that there was a AGL certificate I thought to myself Gees so it was an appraisal ? Laboratories never appraise anything so you must have clicked on it I didn't .And what is even more scary is that it received 15 offers .Might have been some bogus offers though.

I will be back with the pictures and everybody have a great weekend.!!!!

 

[Ella]

Everyone please remind yourselves to keep quiet if you feel you must be mean. This is not the place.

 

[LD]

Ella - thank you.

Diamond hearts - please point to one single post where I say I have a 3ct Russian Alex. I don't. I've never said I have. By the way, not all of us shout about our qualifications.

I look forward to seeing your lab reports for all the Ebay Russian Alex you bought and the vivid red diamond. That would put this distasteful situation to bed once and for all.

I would ask again that you please do not keep bringing me into posts whilst trying to defend your position by rubbishing me. It's not called for.