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Thoughts on this unheated Madagascar Ruby ring

Mreader said:
I cannot see this quote about the Greenland Ruby, except in your reply. Hmmm.
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It's because I edited the post I felt like getting into the super treated stuff was a bit of a distraction. TBH though I have three Greenland rubies and I really like them for what they are. Sadly no flouro at all but otherwise the purest reds I've ever seen in a red stone.

As for locality and Burmese stones, agreed that the finest Madagascar can look a lot like the finest Burmese and same goes for truly top gems of many localities. I think Burmese stones are just more likely to have that nice flouro and punch in the sunshine. But other localities have very nice specimens as well.
 
I am late to the party! Take heart, @Mreader, let’s see how it turns out. I agree with @Avondale on the shallowness and window, and with @VividRed that for USD 3000 it is well near impossible to get a nice, red unheated ruby. The setting is quite appealing.
Last year, I managed to help a friend find a slightly over 1 ct unheated-ruby from Tanzanian for around 3000. It was really red, with only a slight purple tinge. It also had fluorescence! That was a lucky find, probably not to be repeated but I shall let you know if something like that comes up.
 
The ring might look better IRL than in the listing, fingers firmly crossed for @Mreader.

DK :))
 
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And these two photos. The second one is a close-up and that’s where you can see the line running through the stone. But you don’t really see that at all from a distance. Also, everybody talks about the window, but to me it’s not noticeable. If anything, it looks a bit overly dark.

I’m still think I’m going to return it - maybe? :lol: One thing that was a bit odd to me is that it only came with a photocopy of the GIA and not the actual report.
 
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Mreader said:
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And these two photos. The second one is a close-up and that’s where you can see the line running through the stone. But you don’t really see that at all from a distance. Also, everybody talks about the window, but to me it’s not noticeable. If anything, it looks a bit overly dark.

I’m still think I’m going to return it. One thing that was a bit odd to me is that it only came with a photocopy of the GIA and not the actual report.
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I love it. It's so much more cleaner than in the pictures.
 
I know it’s not perfect and I know there’s better specimens and yeah, you could probably find a better one… But I like it. I think it looks pretty. I’d like to see it in the sun.
 
I'm pleasantly surprised by it! Better than expected.
You could do a lot worse. I'd love to see it outside in the sun as well.
 
The sun actually came out today. The first two photographs were in direct sunlight and they look like it does IRL. The last picture is in the shade and that’s the most unflattering look it has.

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I like it. Weird as the stone is cut the color is nice. I think the value depends a lot on whether you like the setting.
 
This one might actually be a keeper.

The colour is there which is precisely what the hope was - that GIA red meant red in real life even though TRR pictures were purplish and unattractive. And it is red, and it’s saturated, and a good colour can compensate for a lot.

With this ring a bunch of factors, some of which usually even considered flaws, come together to give you a look that looks a hell of a lot more expensive than it actually is.
 
Avondale said:
This one might actually be a keeper.

The colour is there which is precisely what the hope was - that GIA red meant red in real life even though TRR pictures were purplish and unattractive. And it is red, and it’s saturated, and a good colour can compensate for a lot.

With this ring a bunch of factors, some of which usually even considered flaws, come together to give you a look that looks a hell of a lot more expensive than it actually is.
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Yes and I am struggling tbh bc when all the critical feedback came in, I was almost relieved bc this Christmas I made a sizable purchase on a bucketlist item (bracelet) so was not in the market for another big purchase. The ONLY reason why I pulled the trigger on this ring was because I thought if I did like the color, then even though the timing is bad, where will I find another unheated at this color and price? So when everyone says it's going to be ugly :lol: and I'm like "cool, I can return it haha and won't feel bad" and then I get it and I am like "oh. uh-oh". :lol::lol::lol:

So for the others in this thread, don't be afraid to critique it :lol: if you hate it bc now I am seriously on the fence. Can I do the same or better at a future date? Oh and @Dreamer_D I do love the mounting - super sparkly stones. No they aren't old cut but they are really really sparkly.

@VividRed give me all you got :lol-2:
 
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I don’t dislike it at all - from your photos.
I like how it still leans towards red in full sun - as opposed to leaning way pink in sun as mine does.

It’s a nice looking ring for the money you paid. Can you call the vendor about the hard copy of lab report? I don’t know but do assume there’s a fee for a hard copy replacement?

Comparison is the thief of joy - but I feel when we make an educated aware thoughtful decision of those tradeoffs -and you truly are ok with it -
The ‘thief of joy’ really isn’t that threatening or disheartening. :) Or at least it’s fleeting. :lol:

Check as many different lighting environments as you can before your return window -
I think that color bleeding /shifting would to be the catalyst for regrets one might have and question about finding better on. Bleeding to more emphasize inclusions and cut faults. If one doesn’t want to say ‘x environmental lighting I’ll NEVER wear this ring, but be ok in y lighting.
And that’d be multiple stones you’ll be bringing in to evaluate in person, not photo, to work thru that to cherry pick, if you even can, that in this price point.
 
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Mreader said:
Yes and I am struggling tbh bc when all the critical feedback came in, I was almost relieved bc this Christmas I made a sizable purchase on a bucketlist item (bracelet) so was not in the market for another big purchase. The ONLY reason why I pulled the trigger on this ring was because I thought if I did like the color, then even though the timing is bad, where will I find another unheated at this color and price? So when everyone says it's going to be ugly :lol: and I'm like "cool, I can return it haha and won't feel bad" and then I get it and I am like "oh. uh-oh". :lol::lol::lol:

So for the others in this thread, don't be afraid to critique it :lol: if you hate it bc now I am seriously on the fence. Can I do the same or better at a future date? Oh and @Dreamer_D I do love the mounting - super sparkly stones. No they aren't old cut but they are really really sparkly.

@VividRed give me all you got :lol-2:
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I absolutely love it!! The red of the ruby, and the sparkly diamonds. But I do need to see this bracelet purchased at Christmas:evil2:
 
Obviously not an expert on this at all but I think you would generally pay a lot more money for a lot less look than this ring has, assuming you want to stick with unheated. I think it's lovely in your photos, we all know TRR undersells their jewelry.
 
Mreader said:
Yes and I am struggling tbh bc when all the critical feedback came in, I was almost relieved bc this Christmas I made a sizable purchase on a bucketlist item (bracelet) so was not in the market for another big purchase. The ONLY reason why I pulled the trigger on this ring was because I thought if I did like the color, then even though the timing is bad, where will I find another unheated at this color and price? So when everyone says it's going to be ugly :lol: and I'm like "cool, I can return it haha and won't feel bad" and then I get it and I am like "oh. uh-oh". :lol::lol::lol:
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Do you like it?

If yes, don't give it back, or you'll kick yourself later for it.

A stone doesn't have to be perfect to be a source of wow in your life.

Also, I was in your shoes two years ago. I had just spent a hefty sum on a dream vacation I had been planning for the better part of a decade. The ruby, at less than 1k per carat, was thus already stretching my budget, even though that was on the cheap side for heated ruby 2 years ago. Only now that same price is more or less unthinkable. And boy, am I glad I bought it then.
 
Mreader said:
Yes and I am struggling tbh bc when all the critical feedback came in, I was almost relieved bc this Christmas I made a sizable purchase on a bucketlist item (bracelet) so was not in the market for another big purchase. The ONLY reason why I pulled the trigger on this ring was because I thought if I did like the color, then even though the timing is bad, where will I find another unheated at this color and price? So when everyone says it's going to be ugly :lol: and I'm like "cool, I can return it haha and won't feel bad" and then I get it and I am like "oh. uh-oh". :lol::lol::lol:

So for the others in this thread, don't be afraid to critique it :lol: if you hate it bc now I am seriously on the fence. Can I do the same or better at a future date? Oh and @Dreamer_D I do love the mounting - super sparkly stones. No they aren't old cut but they are really really sparkly.

@VividRed give me all you got :lol-2:
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I will do my best :D

Look, the color in direct sunlight is nice and red. However, I miss the brilliance and I still see a window, despite the inclusions. But we already knew this. It does look better than expected, I agree with the rest of the crew.

Now, what really matters: Do YOU like it in other lights? Direct sunlight may or may not be frequent where you spend most of your days, only you can answer. It’s a lot of money, but to be honest it’s hard to beat this price when it comes to mounted rubies.

Does it make your heart sing? If yes, and if it doesn’t put you in a difficult financial situation, I would genuinely advise you to go for it. I once bought an expensive 1ct ruby, not the best, but I REALLY wanted it and I am glad I got it. I cannot tell you how many hours (hundreds, anyway) I spent looking at it. It now sits in a vault at the bank and only take it out every now and then, and it’s always a magic feeling.

It you feel the butterflies when looking at your ring, buy it and don’t look back ;)

There, that’s all I have ;)
 
Valuing second hand pieces like this is funny. Like, if you hate the setting, the setting is worth nothing :P2 And if you try to sell a mounting on its own, you get pennies on the dollar unless its a name brand or something.

BUT! If the stars align and you like the setting, then I think it should absolutely factor into the valuation, and we all know that buying a setting like that would cost like $2500 today. And if you bought a loose ruby later you would have to set it, obviously. So I think the value of the setting should absolutely come into play with this particular purchase. In that case the ruby cost like $500 :lol-2: Does that help?

~~~

If you desire the other type of feedback, when I am feeling very torn like you are about a piece that ticks almost every box I always say to myself "Another one will come along". And that is probably true here too. If you will feel better returning it, do it. You will find another, different ruby ring later when you are ready.
 
Any fluorescence?
 
VividRed said:
I will do my best :D

Look, the color in direct sunlight is nice and red. However, I miss the brilliance and I still see a window, despite the inclusions. But we already knew this. It does look better than expected, I agree with the rest of the crew.

Now, what really matters: Do YOU like it in other lights? Direct sunlight may or may not be frequent where you spend most of your days, only you can answer. It’s a lot of money, but to be honest it’s hard to beat this price when it comes to mounted rubies.

Does it make your heart sing? If yes, and if it doesn’t put you in a difficult financial situation, I would genuinely advise you to go for it. I once bought an expensive 1ct ruby, not the best, but I REALLY wanted it and I am glad I got it. I cannot tell you how many hours (hundreds, anyway) I spent looking at it. It now sits in a vault at the bank and only take it out every now and then, and it’s always a magic feeling.

It you feel the butterflies when looking at your ring, buy it and don’t look back ;)

There, that’s all I have ;)
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All very good information and questions! Same with From all of you guys. I’m going to wear it for a couple of days and see how it behaves In different lighting before making a final decision.
 
RRfromR said:
Look at the comps

www.ebay.com

GIA cert. unheated NO HEAT 2ct RUBY platinum 1.43 diamond Ring JUST WOW!!!! | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for GIA cert. unheated NO HEAT 2ct RUBY platinum 1.43 diamond Ring JUST WOW!!!! at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!
www.ebay.com
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I saw that but also saw others like this one

www.ebay.com

14K white gold engagement ring 1.28CT. Natural unheated Ruby Cushion GIA cert | eBay

Gorgeous ring crafted in 14k white gold ring natural untreated cushion shape ruby weight 1.28ct. size 6.1x5.4x4.2 This ruby is vivid red type RED color ,very nice luster, lively ,clean,nice cut. SIDE diamonds 0.25ct tw. SI1-G quality. Ring size 8 Retail value $7,500 net . Appraisal available GIA...
www.ebay.com
 
Mreader said:
I saw that but also saw others like this one

www.ebay.com

14K white gold engagement ring 1.28CT. Natural unheated Ruby Cushion GIA cert | eBay

Gorgeous ring crafted in 14k white gold ring natural untreated cushion shape ruby weight 1.28ct. size 6.1x5.4x4.2 This ruby is vivid red type RED color ,very nice luster, lively ,clean,nice cut. SIDE diamonds 0.25ct tw. SI1-G quality. Ring size 8 Retail value $7,500 net . Appraisal available GIA...
www.ebay.com
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Yours is prettier. The other ones are brownish
 
Mreader said:
I saw that but also saw others like this one

www.ebay.com

14K white gold engagement ring 1.28CT. Natural unheated Ruby Cushion GIA cert | eBay

Gorgeous ring crafted in 14k white gold ring natural untreated cushion shape ruby weight 1.28ct. size 6.1x5.4x4.2 This ruby is vivid red type RED color ,very nice luster, lively ,clean,nice cut. SIDE diamonds 0.25ct tw. SI1-G quality. Ring size 8 Retail value $7,500 net . Appraisal available GIA...
www.ebay.com
Click to expand...

It’s neither here nor there to some degree, but the settings are very different and so that’s worth taking into account.
 
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