What do you think of this icy blue Montana sapphire?

[JaneSmith]

I think this is a pretty colour, and I like that the inclusions make it look like an ice cube. I'm worried that it might be fragile with that big one down the middle? I'm thinking claw set pendant. Cheers!

Blurb from the site:

$424.00
Origin: Rock Creek Montana
Weight: 4.24 carats
Size: 9 x 7.5 x 6 mm deep
Clarity Natural inclusions as shown
Cut: Well cut emerald radiant shape. No Window.
Color: Light blue shifting to purplr blue depending on the light source.
Treatment: None, guaranteed 100% natural unheated color
Note: Bright and well cut natural Montana Sapphire with very pretty color! Natural inclusions as shown but still bright with pretty blue color! This gem is unheated and untreated in any way.

 

[airplay355]

I think it's at least worth checking out in person if you like the color...and I really like the color The lighter color seems to hide some of the inclusions. Could still be a very cool stone

 

[innerkitten]

Mixed feelings. I really like the color, cut style and the price is great. But I too would be worried about the inclusions. And they are very obvious inclusions.

ETA: Wonder what it looks like in person.

 

[corundum_conundrum]

Love the color. Personally, I could overlook the little inclusions in the corner at that price. But I think the one in the middle might be too much for me optically, but I suppose you'll have to see it...

 

[FrekeChild]

What's the return policy?

 

[JewelFreak]

I would definitely check it out if the return policy is good. Love the color -- unusual. The inclusion in the center doesn't bother me optically, at least in the photo -- you'd have to see IRL if it compromised brilliance, and I'd also want to be sure it wouldn't make the stone more fragile. The size is great & the price good too, if it's intrinsically sound.

 

[chrono]

Rather interesting stone and not everyone's cup of tea but I can see the attraction.

Questions for the vendor:
1. Ask if it is safe to set in a pendant.
2. Make sure no inclusions break the surface.

Questions for you:
1. Are you all right with the sapphire not showing any sparkle? I suspect it is too included to sparkle. It will always look frosty but not clear.
2. The "big one down the middle" is actually a clean section that is colour zoned, meaning it will always be a different colour than the rest of the stone. I don't think it is a giant inclusion.
3. With the size at 4 carats, the stone is guaranteed to show a lot of inclusions and big ones at that too, based on the type and location of inclusions. I know it is going to be a pendant stone so if the vendor has a good return policy, it is best to see it in person first.

 

[JaneSmith]

Thank you all very much for your replies. Very helpful!

Airplay, I think the colour is great too!
Innerkitten, I usually strongly dislike inclusions, but for some reason these ones actually make me like the gem more. Weird.
Frekechild and Jewelfreak, I'll have to check the return policy.
JF and Chrono, I'll have to check with them and see if they think its settable. I was wondering if you pros could tell from the photos, but I guess you're right, I should just ask the vendor. I hope they are honest with their answer!
I'm pretty sure it won't sparkle, and that is oddly enough not bothering me either. As long as the stone is the same bright ice blue in person, and structurally sound, I'll be OK.
I see what you mean by that strip of colour zoning in the middle, I meant the thing that looks like a crack (pardon my ignorant wording) from the 12 o'clock to 5 o'clock position.

 

[chrono]

With regards for that 12 to 5 inclusions which runs almost halfway across the sapphire, it is best to ask the vendor because I cannot tell if it is close to the surface or deeper inside, which makes a difference.

 

[JaneSmith]

OK Chrono, thank you.

 

[ilovegemstones]

I love it! It really does look icy It looks beautiful in the hand shots.

 

[colorluvr]

I have to agree with everyone else about needing to see it in person. I have a steely blue Montana sapphire (much darker than this one) with an inclusion near the center that looks blaring in some photos and doesn't show up in others, but it's barely noticeable IRL, so this one could be much less obvious in person also. Good luck!!!!

 

[iLander]

Honestly, I don't think you're going to like it. You'll get it home and you'll be constantly wiping it to try to get the "smudges" off. Then you'll wish you had one that didn't look so dirty. Then you'll end up not setting it.

Just being honest, not trying to be harsh.

 

[imagardener2]

I love Montana sapphires and lurk sellers of them constantly so I know where that one is listed.
My feeling about MontSapp's is that each is very individualistic and that's what I like most about them.
I actually do not like Yogo Sapp's because they have less personality, too homogenized in color.

Do I like yours? No, it's not to my taste but it's more important that it is to your taste.
The fact that you are asking for support tells me you aren't sure yourself.
It's like falling in love. If your breath catches and you want it-want-it-want it then there is no question (as long as it's in your budget). (OK even if it's not in your budget that's the feeling you should get.)

I personally think it's priced a bit high for the quality but that is probably a feature of the pretty color and the fact that Montana sapphires are in demand right now. Have you seen some of the outrageous prices on ebay? hahaha.

I haven't found my want it-want it-want it MS stone yet but I'm sure I will. You will find your too, maybe this one is it. Order it and hold it in your hand and gaze at it for a day or 2 before keeping it or returning it. I think they have a good return policy IIRC.

 

[JaneSmith]

That you all for your replies. Very much appreciated. I value critiques from other gem lovers, it is helpful.
I've decided not to buy it. I think the likelihood of me returning the stone is more than 50%, and I really don't like returning. It's annoying.
It would look lovely as a pearl necklace enhancer though.