The search for the elusive emerald continues

[RRfromR]

I learned (the hard way) that's very risky to buy emeralds online and the colors are off, so I'm back at shopping in person. I found this one at a consignment store and I like it. I'd have to change that setting, but the stone is pretty imo.
Here the kicker - the seller has this on consignment since 2018, won't budge on price (4K!), has no clue about the stone treatment and refuses to have it send out for testing.
Why?!

 

[seaurchin]

Looks pretty to me but I wouldn't go for that deal.

 

[AzadKashmir]

I mainly collect Ruby and Sapphire, but I have a couple of thoughts.

1. Size: Looks to be 1.5-3 cts. (can't tell depth, assuming 1.5 to 2?)
2. Color: Looks great, bluish-green "Columbian" color.
3. Inclusions: Lack thereof. Suspiciously clean, I suspect at least minor oil enhancement (OE:Minor on a report)

What karat is the gold? The setting prongs look a bit wonky. Could be the age of the ring, or could be poor craftmanship if the emerald is synthetic, although most of the Chatham synthetics I've seen are much darker.

I would honestly walk away. I've been in this situation many times, and lost some good gems. But when a vendor refuses to allow testing (especially considering FedEx insurance)...red flag.

If you really want it, offer to pay for the certification with GIA or GRS and see where that gets you If he/she says no, then run!

Just imho. I hope it works out, it is a gorgeous ring!

 

[RRfromR]

@AzadKashmir he won't allow the item to leave the store, however he doesn't have a problem getting someone there, on the potential buyer's money, to do the inspection. However, my understanding is that you need special tools to see the type of clarity enhancement in emeralds; it's more difficult than analyzing sapphires or rubies. The setting is 18k, and very 1980s style. The entire thing is so absurd that it's comical.

 

[AzadKashmir]

@RRfromR Ugh. I'm sorry to hear that.

There is a way you can identify if it's natural to my knowledge. Most of the synthetic emeralds were produced by Chatham, Linde, and Gilson. All of them (until Gilson's new line) fluoresce a STRONG red under long-wave UV. Natural emerald should be inert to slightly violetish red, but it shouldn't really pop like a ruby under UV.

If it were me, I would go find a reputable jeweler nearby (someone with a GG or GCS from GIA) and come look at it with you. It might cost a few hundred, but then you can rest easy on one front.

I wish I knew more about the oils and resins. To my limited knowledge, only a reputable lab will have the equipment to tell what it was impregnated with and how much enhancement it has.

IMHO...the owner being all weird about the stone leaving the store is strange to me. Express service could be done on it in 72 hours with GIA, or even same-day service if you wanted to pay for it. Heck, he'd close for the day and the stone would be back before he opened again..!