Thoughts on these sapphires?

[Teddy123]

Hi! I am looking for a nice saturated blue unheated sapphire that is neither too dark nor too light for a ring to be worn daily.

I found some on Earth's Treasury and Jeff was so nice and swift to send me the videos of 4 sapphires below. But after seeing them, I just want to buy all of them lol but it's sadly impossible with my budget (~$10k USD).

These are all unheated natural sapphires in the cornflower blue shade, originated from Sri Lanka. I am fine with these carat sizes too.

The video (left - indoor ; right - outdoor):

The details of each sapphire (from top to bottom of video) are:

1. USD $14.3K - 4.09 ct
Clarity: Very slightly included (my untrained eyes couldn't find any visible inclusions)



2. USD $9.4k - 3.42 ct
Clarity: Very slightly included (my untrained eyes couldn't find any visible inclusions)


3. USD 8.9k - 2.55 ct
Clarity: Nearly flawless


4. USD $2.4k - 1.85 ct
Clarity: Slightly included (you could see the inclusions clearly in this one, although it is not very obvious)


My opinion:
I'm not a huge fan of the concave design in #3 - it looks a little plastic-y in indoor lighting. But I like that it is nearly flawless which is something very rare in sapphires? I still love the colour regardless.
#4 looks fantastic outdoors. It still looks great indoors, just not as vibrant.
#1 and #2 look fantastic both indoors and outdoors, #1 seems to have more spark especially indoors? But I don't know if that alone is worth USD $5k more?

Which sapphire would you buy? Or are any of these sapphires great at all? Any opinion would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Mrs_Strizzle]

I personally would go with #2 because the carat difference is not obvious, and the color is very pretty. When compared like this #1 color is slightly better to me, but won't be seen when they aren't side by side. I would rather spend the price difference on an awesome setting. Good luck with your decision!

 

[Teddy123]

I personally would go with #2 because the carat difference is not obvious, and the color is very pretty. When compared like this #1 color is slightly better to me, but won't be seen when they aren't side by side. I would rather spend the price difference on an awesome setting. Good luck with your decision!

That is true. The difference between #1 and #2 doesn't seem enough to justify the 5k USD difference. Thanks for your valuable input!

 

[LilAlex]

I do a bit of mental gymnastics for this type of thing. Color is king for blue sapphire (or any colored gem, for that matter). In all of the photos, the tone is lighter and the blue is muted and almost pulling toward the gray. You can save a ton with a light-toned stone if it suits your taste. The best way to evaluate color, imo, is outdoors on a bright cloudy day.

I am willing to compromise on cut (so long as not windowed or overdeep, although offset culet is fine) and on clarity (while prioritizing eye-clean or "eye-clean-adjacent") and even on size. But I am reluctant to compromise on color. Color is why I'm buying a colored stone.

I would need the actual dimensions of those stones; the similar oval cut + carat-weight alone does not tell you the size. Also, the two-dimensional face-up size is best reflected (as you know) by the product of the long and short diameters (A 10x8mm stone will face up twice as large as a 7.1x5.7mm).

Imo, #3 and #4 are no-go. #1 is slightly more vivid blue with a lovely cut. #2 looks a little less saturated and a little grayer and I am not able to evaluate the cut at that angle (or perhaps that is as good as it gets). I did not play the video.

If your budget is limiting, you might be better off with a heat-only stone. I much prefer unheated but, cost aside, it's a lot easier to find a fairly vivid and decently-cut heated. If I had a hard stop at $10K and wanted a sizable stone for a ring, I would probably get a heat-only to attain the more vivid blue. If you love the paler, softer blue, then you are in luck. I have seen gorgeous antique and vintage rings with light-toned sapphire and a relative has a small, very light step-cut that is lovely.

And: any one of those gems could impress you right out of the box -- and maybe that's all you need. The question is: how will they look next to a fine sapphire? Or: how will you feel in a year with a little more knowledge? Comparison is the thief of joy, I know, but you do want to think about future-proofing your decision a little. Most of us have things we spent real money on when we were less discriminating and, with a better-refined set of priorities, we might have chosen something very different for not too much more money. And it's really hard to sell this stuff as a private party. So my advice: take a beat and draw up a short list of priorities -- like you would if you were buying a used car (which you sort of are). No need to limit yourself to one vendor (unless it is someone you have worked with before and trust).

 

[dk168]

The colours do not pop at me personally, sorry!

Gary at Finewater Gems has a 3.70ct round one listed in his shop and he recently posted it in his IG, and its colour popped at me!

DK

 

[mellowyellowgirl]

I personally would go with #2 because the carat difference is not obvious, and the color is very pretty. When compared like this #1 color is slightly better to me, but won't be seen when they aren't side by side. I would rather spend the price difference on an awesome setting. Good luck with your decision!

Agree with MrsStrizzle! I feel like you’re getting more for your money with 2.

I also find that blue sapphires are very photogenic so this may be them looking their very best in these videos. I have a blue sapphire that looks especially good outside but it will photograph looking at its best under any light!

 

[Mrsz1ppy]

They are lovely, but it is hard for me to judge without individual videos. I like #1 the best, though I realize it stretches your budget. But being over the 4 carat mark is good for future value/resale. Have you considered Madagscar sapphires? I find the color can be extraordinarily good, and the premium is not up there with Ceylon's, although I predict one day it will be.

I also second what @LilAlex says, that color is king. You really don't want a grey modifier.

Happy Hunting!

 

[Teddy123]

I do a bit of mental gymnastics for this type of thing. Color is king for blue sapphire (or any colored gem, for that matter). In all of the photos, the tone is lighter and the blue is muted and almost pulling toward the gray. You can save a ton with a light-toned stone if it suits your taste. The best way to evaluate color, imo, is outdoors on a bright cloudy day.

I am willing to compromise on cut (so long as not windowed or overdeep, although offset culet is fine) and on clarity (while prioritizing eye-clean or "eye-clean-adjacent") and even on size. But I am reluctant to compromise on color. Color is why I'm buying a colored stone.

I would need the actual dimensions of those stones; the similar oval cut + carat-weight alone does not tell you the size. Also, the two-dimensional face-up size is best reflected (as you know) by the product of the long and short diameters (A 10x8mm stone will face up twice as large as a 7.1x5.7mm).

Imo, #3 and #4 are no-go. #1 is slightly more vivid blue with a lovely cut. #2 looks a little less saturated and a little grayer and I am not able to evaluate the cut at that angle (or perhaps that is as good as it gets). I did not play the video.

If your budget is limiting, you might be better off with a heat-only stone. I much prefer unheated but, cost aside, it's a lot easier to find a fairly vivid and decently-cut heated. If I had a hard stop at $10K and wanted a sizable stone for a ring, I would probably get a heat-only to attain the more vivid blue. If you love the paler, softer blue, then you are in luck. I have seen gorgeous antique and vintage rings with light-toned sapphire and a relative has a small, very light step-cut that is lovely.

And: any one of those gems could impress you right out of the box -- and maybe that's all you need. The question is: how will they look next to a fine sapphire? Or: how will you feel in a year with a little more knowledge? Comparison is the thief of joy, I know, but you do want to think about future-proofing your decision a little. Most of us have things we spent real money on when we were less discriminating and, with a better-refined set of priorities, we might have chosen something very different for not too much more money. And it's really hard to sell this stuff as a private party. So my advice: take a beat and draw up a short list of priorities -- like you would if you were buying a used car (which you sort of are). No need to limit yourself to one vendor (unless it is someone you have worked with before and trust).

Thank you so much for taking the time to write these! I only just started researching about sapphires a week ago so this is really helpful. I would definitely prefer a medium saturated blue with minimal greying indoors (which is important because I stay indoors most of the day . Not greenish blue definitely too. Cut and clarity is secondary, as long as there is no window and the inclusions aren't too visible/distracting.

A heated stone feels somewhat artificial to me so I think I'd rather spend more money for a stone that will hold a special place in my heart for the next few decades.

#1 and #2 fit my criteria more for now, but do they look very grey-ish to you? Here are the dimensions:
#1 - 10.3 (L) x 7.8 (W) x 6.2 (H) mm
#2 - 10.6 (L) x 7.6 (W) x 5.5 (H) mm

I just found another sapphire (#5) whose colour looks even more saturated to me:

2.89 ct - 10.7 (L) x 7.2 (W) x 4.9 (H) mm
Clarity: Very slightly included

How does #5 look overall?

I haven't looked too much in other vendors because ET has a special setting design that I am really interested in.

And it seems to have the most reliable reviews throughout the forum so far. But I will take your advice and look into other vendors soon.

Thanks again!

 

[Teddy123]

The colours do not pop at me personally, sorry!

Gary at Finewater Gems has a 3.70ct round one listed in his shop and he recently posted it in his IG, and its colour popped at me!

DK

Their colours do look much more subtle compared to colours like royal blue! It's a pity that royal blue looks too dark indoors. The one you recommended is really pretty too, I'll try asking him for some indoor shots. Thanks for the recommendation!

 

[Teddy123]

Agree with MrsStrizzle! I feel like you’re getting more for your money with 2.

I also find that blue sapphires are very photogenic so this may be them looking their very best in these videos. I have a blue sapphire that looks especially good outside but it will photograph looking at its best under any light!

Thanks for your response! I'm more attracted to #2 now thanks to you two Though I'm just worried it will look too grey in person. If only I could see it in person before buying!

 

[Teddy123]

They are lovely, but it is hard for me to judge without individual videos. I like #1 the best, though I realize it stretches your budget. But being over the 4 carat mark is good for future value/resale. Have you considered Madagscar sapphires? I find the color can be extraordinarily good, and the premium is not up there with Ceylon's, although I predict one day it will be.

I also second what @LilAlex says, that color is king. You really don't want a grey modifier.

Happy Hunting!

Thanks for your help! Yup $14k for a stone is too much for me I have seen some Madagscar sapphires and some of the colours do look much better than #1/#2 to me. But they all have visible inclusions that are really distracting. I'll try to search more. That's interesting to know that 4 carat+ sapphires can hold their value better!

 

[RRfromR]

All those colors are photoshoped. My pet peeve

 

[LilAlex]

I haven't looked too much in other vendors because ET has a special setting design that I am really interested in.

What do they say about cars on the lot (and why am I seemingly so hung up on the car analogy)? Never fall in love with just one.

This is a little like buying the car that comes with the great Michelins instead of the so-so Bridgestones. Or: I would not settle for a worse present just to get the prettier box.

And it seems to have the most reliable reviews throughout the forum so far.

I do not agree with this statement. I know nothing negative about them but, as a long-time sapphire browser, I don't have them on my short list.

#5 looks sleepy to me. Interesting that #1 and #2 are the same face-up size -- so these are good numbers to have. This could be an argument for #2; however, I can not gauge the impact of the (possibly) worse cut. (The rule of thumb -- except for truly fine stones that are impossible to photograph -- is that everything will look worse in your home. Oh, and my home, too -- no offense intended .) Overdeep stones (no actual threshold but maybe > 75%?) "waste" carat-weight but can also contribute to lovely depth of color (longer light-path).

 

[HockeyMama]

I do not agree with this statement. I know nothing negative about them but, as a long-time sapphire browser, I don't have them on my short list.

Begs the question, if you please... who is on your short list?

 

[ShinyPink]

@Teddy123 Just an fyi, don't get fixated on the setting. That setting can be replicated and while lovely, it's not one-of-a-kind.

In the end, you are the one who has to love the stone. Buy the color that sings to you!

 

[LilAlex]

Begs the question, if you please... who is on your short list?

Busted, I guess. Truth is that I don't buy from specific vendors anymore so I really do not have an actual shortlist. I had a local B&M place that closed. And I have worked with one or two broker-types (well known on this forum) who will reach out a few times a year if they encounter something cool or something that they think might be of interest. (And this is actually how our favorite B&M place worked -- they had wonderful staff [and, later, the owner] who had a good memory for what we liked and would call with something up our alley.) Maybe it was easier since we are in a pretty unsophisticated city and I was one of the two or three people who would inquire about colored-gem treatment rather than the e-ring 4Cs.

We are busy and returning is a hassle and everything (!) looks amazing on IG whether it is or isn't -- so I typically only waste time with "pre-vetted" stuff now. If I compare online photos across a bunch of vendors and then decide to chase the best-looking gems, I can be almost certain that I am instead actually stalking the best photos and that's the completely wrong game, imo. (This, of course, is why so many photos are unrepresentative.) I may end up with a decent stone, but it's frustrating to spend dozens of hours clicking and pondering and drawing up spreadsheets (come on, you know who you are) just to be left wondering what better choice you left on the table.

I know this is not helpful for many who are just getting started or are in a hurry to make a purchase or fill a "jewelry-wardrobe" niche. I like excellent color and no/minimal treatment and am willing to compromise on some other areas (as above) since we are price-sensitive -- we do not own a single thing that is tip-top in all areas. Anything sizable and top-notch across the board is pretty much out of our league.

I think over the years I have only made repeat purchases from Inken, from Adamant International, and from our now-closed local shop.

Statistically, we should be decumulating now.

 

[HockeyMama]

Busted, I guess. Truth is that I don't buy from specific vendors anymore so I really do not have an actual shortlist. I had a local B&M place that closed. And I have worked with one or two broker-types (well known on this forum) who will reach out a few times a year if they encounter something cool or something that they think might be of interest. (And this is actually how our favorite B&M place worked -- they had wonderful staff [and, later, the owner] who had a good memory for what we liked and would call with something up our alley.) Maybe it was easier since we are in a pretty unsophisticated city and I was one of the two or three people who would inquire about colored-gem treatment rather than the e-ring 4Cs.

We are busy and returning is a hassle and everything (!) looks amazing on IG whether it is or isn't -- so I typically only waste time with "pre-vetted" stuff now. If I compare online photos across a bunch of vendors and then decide to chase the best-looking gems, I can be almost certain that I am instead actually stalking the best photos and that's the completely wrong game, imo. (This, of course, is why so many photos are unrepresentative.) I may end up with a decent stone, but it's frustrating to spend dozens of hours clicking and pondering and drawing up spreadsheets (come on, you know who you are) just to be left wondering what better choice you left on the table.

I know this is not helpful for many who are just getting started or are in a hurry to make a purchase or fill a "jewelry-wardrobe" niche. I like excellent color and no/minimal treatment and am willing to compromise on some other areas (as above) since we are price-sensitive -- we do not own a single thing that is tip-top in all areas. Anything sizable and top-notch across the board is pretty much out of our league.

I think over the years I have only made repeat purchases from Inken, from Adamant International, and from our now-closed local shop.

Statistically, we should be decumulating now.

Thank you for clarifying. Based on reading the threads I had focused on Inken and Adamant. As you say, there is a value in pre-vetted stones, particularly for myself, as a novice.

Sorry for the de-rail, OP. Best of luck in your search!

 

[RRfromR]

I'm sorry, but those prices are bonkers. For that budget, I'd get an antique one like this one. I bought from this seller before and he's great and also gives discounts.

12.2ct Natural Unheated Cornflower Blue Ceylon Sapphire Gemstone ð £22,000 | eBay

This has to be one of the single biggest natural! Ceylon sapphires I have ever had the opportunity to bring to you all. Usually with a sapphire of this size they are often quite included. As you move the stone around into different lighting you will see all forms of blues from this gemstone.

www.ebay.com

I also like this one, see if they can sell the stone without the setting

Real Sapphire Ring Diamond Gold 14k Natural NO HEAT Ceylon 4.33CTW GIA Certified | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Real Sapphire Ring Diamond Gold 14k Natural NO HEAT Ceylon 4.33CTW GIA Certified at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

 

[Teddy123]

What do they say about cars on the lot (and why am I seemingly so hung up on the car analogy)? Never fall in love with just one.

This is a little like buying the car that comes with the great Michelins instead of the so-so Bridgestones. Or: I would not settle for a worse present just to get the prettier box.

I do not agree with this statement. I know nothing negative about them but, as a long-time sapphire browser, I don't have them on my short list.

@Teddy123 Just an fyi, don't get fixated on the setting. That setting can be replicated and while lovely, it's not one-of-a-kind.

In the end, you are the one who has to love the stone. Buy the color that sings to you!

I'm so glad people like you guys are always around to help others on this forum. I've done some intense search into many of the vendors in the trusted-vendors list here and contacted some too since your post but have not come across a blue like #1 unfortunately, yet.

A lot of the saturated blues (ones labeled cornflower too) either are too dark or have some violet tones to them, which isn't really my taste since it has a tendency to look inky with really dim lighting.

On the other hand, most of the lighter toned, softer blue ones look really greyish under incandescent light. Though I think I haven't search deep enough for these.

#5 looks sleepy to me. Interesting that #1 and #2 are the same face-up size -- so these are good numbers to have. This could be an argument for #2; however, I can not gauge the impact of the (possibly) worse cut. (The rule of thumb -- except for truly fine stones that are impossible to photograph -- is that everything will look worse in your home. Oh, and my home, too -- no offense intended .) Overdeep stones (no actual threshold but maybe > 75%?) "waste" carat-weight but can also contribute to lovely depth of color (longer light-path).

#1 is all I've been thinking about for the past few days, even had a sleepless night yesterday cus of it. I'm extreme, I know . I might just end up getting #1, the colour and facets showing under sunlight just melts my heart every time I look at it. So soft yet intense blue.

It holds its blue pretty well under incandescent light I think, while #2 looks a bit too grey to me now.


One bad thing about #1 is the "half-half shadowing" but I read that it is prevalent in almost, if not all oval shaped sapphires due to the shape and the way it is cut?

But I guess if I wanted one of this size, shape and colour (most importantly) without this effect and also one that has even lesser grey modifier under artificial lighting, I would probably have to spend way more than just $14k?

I'll definitely be researching more about sapphires and also looking at more vendors before I make my decision!

 

[Teddy123]

I'm sorry, but those prices are bonkers. For that budget, I'd get an antique one like this one. I bought from this seller before and he's great and also gives discounts.

12.2ct Natural Unheated Cornflower Blue Ceylon Sapphire Gemstone ð £22,000 | eBay

This has to be one of the single biggest natural! Ceylon sapphires I have ever had the opportunity to bring to you all. Usually with a sapphire of this size they are often quite included. As you move the stone around into different lighting you will see all forms of blues from this gemstone.

www.ebay.com

I also like this one, see if they can sell the stone without the setting

Real Sapphire Ring Diamond Gold 14k Natural NO HEAT Ceylon 4.33CTW GIA Certified | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Real Sapphire Ring Diamond Gold 14k Natural NO HEAT Ceylon 4.33CTW GIA Certified at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

Hmm is the market price below $3.5k/carat for an unheated stone now?
Thanks for the recommendation! The colours are too dark for my liking I'll try searching for some antique ones too! Although I'm scared to buy one because I would have to have it recut and I'm still fairly new to sapphires

Thank you for clarifying. Based on reading the threads I had focused on Inken and Adamant. As you say, there is a value in pre-vetted stones, particularly for myself, as a novice.

Sorry for the de-rail, OP. Best of luck in your search!

Thanks! No worries, it's helpful information for myself and some others too

 

[Avondale]

#1 is all I've been thinking about for the past few days, even had a sleepless night yesterday cus of it. I'm extreme, I know .

A stone doesn’t have to be the perfect colour in order to be perfect for you. If you love it that much and it’s already crawled under your skin, go ahead. You’d be able to return it if you don’t like it in person, right? As others have said, blues tend to overperform for the camera. I’d go as far as to say it’s wise to select the worst possible picture and judge the stone by it instead of the glamour shots. If you can buy it, see it in person and return it if you find it disappointing, I see no harm in going for it.

 

[Dreamer_D]

I thought number one was the stand out in the first video and I loved the cut to boot.

 

[Winnie The Pooh]

I personally think these are waaaay over priced. I got a 2 ct+ cornflower blue sapphire this year and it was only half of #3. The finished jewelry is not even 10k.