Tsavorite photos

[JLW05]

I heard from Swala today. Below is part of the e-mail I was forwarded:
Tsavorite was eventually recut into a square cushion 6.54x6.50x4.32mm 1.51 carats
Vivid green, well saturated, it is a nice stone!
As most of the tsavorites this stone is not eye clean, it has small spots visible to a naked but trained eye
I don't usually like to reveal pricing online but I will in this instance because I was surprised by the cost - even knowing that good rough is hard to find Price is $1900. That is a dear price as far my budget is concerned and if I were to pay that price, the stone must be more than just nice. The stone is not wowing me - I don't know if it is the cut, some dark spots I don't like or maybe just the price has surprised me. Also, I wanted an eye clean stone and I am not certain what is meant by "visible to a naked but trained eye". That seems perhaps a bit subjective.
I would appreciate all comments and/or suggestions. I am not vested in this stone so please be blunt. I will not get back to Swala until I have had time to evaluate and think things through. I am no longer the person who "must" find a stone ASAP. I also have the mahenge stone I pruchased for my daughter that could be set in the pendant, although I would prefer a tsavorite and I am in no rush. However, my daughter is not really a jewelry person and has let it be known that we can play "Let's Make a Deal" as she has another gift in mind for her 21st.

 

[JLW05]

One more photo

 

[chrono]

The picture isn't magnified sufficiently for me to see any inclusions but perhaps Swala could also be playing it safe that someone with sharp eyesight will find the spots. I know the tsavorite pricing has gone up significantly. $2K for a sub 2-carat stone seems in-line for most vendors, depending on the quality. Let's just say you have been spoiled by Prima's pricing.

Unfortunately, I agree that the stone isn't wowing me either. Perhaps it is the cut or it could be the photography. If Swala didn't have such a high shipping fee (not their fault for being so far away), I would take a lookie see in person. At least you know the pictures have not been touched up or the stone made to look better than IRL. I would follow up with Eric about how the tsavorite looks in person compared to the pictures he sent you.

 

[kgizo]

I can't tell if it is the way it is sitting on his fingers or the cut, but something looks a little off symmetry to me. Does it look balanced to you?

 

[JLW05]

Perhaps Prima has indeed spoiled me. However, this stone is much more than BB wanted as well, although his stones were not to my taste color-wise. I am hoping sharper eyes than mine can help me evaluate the stone. All I know is that I have seen some Swala tsavs that have left me breathless but this isn't one of them and I can't quite put my finger on it.

 

[minousbijoux]

Perhaps Prima has indeed spoiled me. However, this stone is much more than BB wanted as well, although his stones were not to my taste color-wise. I am hoping sharper eyes than mine can help me evaluate the stone. All I know is that I have seen some Swala tsavs that have left me breathless but this isn't one of them and I can't quite put my finger on it.

This says it all to me. Trust. Your. Gut.

I can't comment on pricing, as tsavs continue to go through the roof pricing-wise. Less and less rough means higher and higher prices. What I can say is that 1) while it does look eye clean, we'd need closer shots to know for sure; 2) the color, while intense and saturated, looks green, pure green. I really don't see much bluish tone; and 3) the cutting appears to be...not stellar - its not like one we see cut from one of the precision vendors that we "ooh and ahh" over. In several of the photos, there is a fair amount of extinction present. I don't know if that is a function of the stone's positioning or whether that is consistently present. I would ask.

JLW: I am sorry - I really wanted to love this stone for you

 

[JLW05]

Minous, et al,

I have to give a big thanks to you guys. I have learned much. Color is not easy for me still but at least I couldn't see yellow tones and I think I could live with a pure green considering the scarcity of rough and my lack of flexibility in terms of size. However, I too see the extinction (dark places as I like to call them) and the cut seems to be "eh". I also noticed that in the message I received from Swala no mention was made about the cut although I expressly stated that an excellent cut was important to me. While the pricing may be within reason as tsav prices soar, I have to be more than luke-warm about the stone for that price and I also would want some positive feedback from those whose opinions I have come to respect. I think I will reach out to Eric tomorrow but I am not optimistic that my tsav dream will reach fruition!

 

[minousbijoux]

Two other thoughts for you - have you checked with Vance Gems yet? Also, Steve (can't remember his last name) of New Era Gems is considered a garnet expert. Last time I saw them each at a show, if I remember correctly, they both had a good number of tsavs and lighter grossulars. The polish on Steve's were generally better, but I bought from both, so was happy enough with each! Forgive me if we've already had this discussion...

 

[JLW05]

Thanks, Minous..
I did reach out to Vance. I was sent a photo of some 5mm stones for earrings and since they were quite dark in the photos, I asked if they would close up when set. Never heard back from Vance even though I tried to be tactful when I wrote the e-mail. I will definitely contact New Era gems. Thank you.

 

[minousbijoux]

He goes all over with shows. I can't remember your location, but I think it might be best if you were to contact him but then wait until you are both at a show some time and you can look them over and pick that way. It is really hard to do the back and forth that you have been doing and don't want you to lose faith because its tediously slow this way...

 

[JLW05]

Thanks Minous...