Where Did All the Red Spinels Go?

[Lisa Loves Shiny]

I started to look because another poster was interested in a pink/red spinel for her e-ring. When I was searching a little over a year ago for a 1-2 carat red spinel there seemed to be more available through online vendors such as AJS. Am I remembering this wrong or is it the wrong time of year to look? There also seem to be less pinks available too.

Thanks!

 

[chrono]

You aren't seeing (or rather, not seeing ) things. Gems are now in much shorter supply than last year, particularly blue sapphires and red/pink spinels. And what you do find will be more expensive than last year too.

 

[Aerix]

I'm not sure which thread you're referring to (I haven't been on the forum too often) and this one might be a little bigger than she was looking for, but I saw this one from Technofacet on eBay:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/221125106910?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649



If you look at the photos it looks like it was originally sold by The Gem Trader and (I'm no expert but) I think the price is pretty good for a stone that size from Mahenge nonetheless!

 

[chrono]

Xiriah,
That spinel is strongly orange and sleepy. It's a trait that will only appeal to a small group of people.

 

[pregcurious]

Hi Lisa. I bought mine in 2010, and even then there were very few red-red spinels available. I tried to see as many red stones as possible in person, and the only ones I found in BM stores were rubies or tourmalines (I didn't consider garnets). Online, I have not seen many recently. AJS has some, but most have strong pink/orange/purple modifiers. You should see if there is one there---I think there was a 2+ ct one that looked like it has a good red.

There is a 2.42 ct at All that Glitters, but it looks little dark, even if it is not red-orange (it is stated to not be orangy in the description): http://www.atggems.com/Photos_Spinel.htm

 

[y2kitty]

Xiriah,
That spinel is strongly orange and sleepy. It's a trait that will only appeal to a small group of people.

And to those of us it appeals to the price seems too high!

 

[movie zombie]

Xiriah,
That spinel is strongly orange and sleepy. It's a trait that will only appeal to a small group of people.

And to those of us it appeals to the price seems too high!

at half the price i'd buy it myself. yeah, i like it, too, herekk!

 

[colorluvr]

If you are looking for a red Mahenge, I suggest you contact Jaimeen (or Geoff) at Primagems because Jaimeen makes frequent trips to Tanzania and sometimes is able to get some nice reds in with the pinks. I don't think the reds make it to his website or the Intergem show very often, even though they are more money per ct than the pinks, so getting on a waiting list for them might be the way to go.


He also told me that recently (this was a couple of months ago) it was becoming more difficult to find good pinks (that eye poppy neon color) that weren't included and that the clean ones that he did find, while pretty, didn't have that incredible neon that the more expensive (and popular) pink ones have.

If you are looking for the traditional red Burma spinels, then I suggest you contact a vendor like Jeff Davies, or one of the other vendors that live in Thailand or work with a Thai supplier and have access to the stones at the first point of sale. Popular vendors (just like popular lapidaries) often have regular clients with a list of stone requests and the nicer stones are often sold before they even get listed for sale to the public.

I have gotten stones from both Jaimeen and Jeff this way (which is why I mentioned their names).

 

[Aerix]

Xiriah,
That spinel is strongly orange and sleepy. It's a trait that will only appeal to a small group of people.

Hi Chrono! Thanks for the input! I have to agree that it's pretty orange and sleepy. I considered bidding on it since there is a 14-day return policy and although I don't mind the sleepiness the orange hue (along with the price) stops me. Just thought I'd put it out there for anyone looking for a large reddish Mahenge spinel.

 

[chrono]

Xiriah,
Go for it if you like it, but for goodness sake, don't tell the whole world unless your intent is to drive up the auction price.

 

[movie zombie]

yes, if you're going to bid, do it before someone with less ethics bids on it and drives the price up! there is no such thing as honor among color stone addicts!

personally, i don't think its a horrible price on it IF...and that is a really big IF....it is as pictured.

and make sure its a good return policy re mailing from where you live. sometimes having to return something overseas isn't cost effective.

 

[1001smiles]

FWIW, here is the original TGT listing: http://thegemtrader.com/Sept%202006%20Spinel%20Page.htm
The starting price is the same as 2006, so I would assume that's really good. However, Charlie sent me a hand shot a while ago (which I can't find in my e-mail) and the stone just looked too orange for me. But that's a personal preference.
I can say that Charlie is really great to work with and I don't think you'll have problems with a return.
I hope somebody here gets the stone and posts lots of pics!

 

[chrono]

yes, if you're going to bid, do it before someone with less ethics bids on it and drives the price up! there is no such thing as honor among color stone addicts!

True coloured stone addicts are honourable.

 

[pregcurious]

Xiriah, you can ask the mods to delete your post with the link to the auction.

 

[Upgradable]

yes, if you're going to bid, do it before someone with less ethics bids on it and drives the price up! there is no such thing as honor among color stone addicts!

True coloured stone addicts are honourable.

Until you turn your head. Then we grab the goodies and run for the hills!!

 

[Aerix]

Thanks for the advice everyone! I've decided not to bid on it though since I can't really justify spending that much right now and the orange hue bothers me a bit, but it does seem like a pretty good price to me... That said, I posted the auction in hopes someone from the forum will buy it and post pics! (And save my wallet from crying...lol.)

 

[movie zombie]

yes, if you're going to bid, do it before someone with less ethics bids on it and drives the price up! there is no such thing as honor among color stone addicts!

True coloured stone addicts are honourable.

well, we've seen examples of that not being true in the past........and the current bidding on ebay for that jxc amythest shows that we're competing against each other even when we don't know it for sure. then there are other color stone addicts that don't participate on pricescope to contend with.........

actually, its once again market forces. if one is going to hesitate and then have a stone sold while contemplating its merits then i can't blame the buyer whether its another pricescoper or just some other random jewelry addict.

 

[minousbijoux]

While many of us are bargain hunters - thus the unwitting competing bidding - there are so many times when we take care of each other. I love it when kind souls help out those who've been searching a long time. I remember times in the past where after disappointments, certain anonymous benefactors have stepped up to help out. I love that!

 

[movie zombie]

yes, that is really a pricescope blessing: helping to find the absolute best stone for what the buyer can afford.
pricescopers step up to the plate all the time and help with the search and in many ways "source" a stone for someone else.
it is this attribute that i think makes pricescope the very special place it is.
"dreams can come true" with the generous support and help of pricescopers.
so, Lisa, continue to dream....it can and will come true! and probably sooner than you think........