Where to Buy Unheated Blue Sapphire Stone/Ring available (Burma/Ceylon/Sri Lanka with GIA/AGL/SSEF/Gubelin) $40k budget

[WaveOperator6]

Hey guys,

I'd like to see where or which reputable gemstone dealer or jeweler should I go for unheated Blue Sapphire loose stones or rings.

Origin wise hope to be from Burma/Ceylon/Sri Lanka with recent (after 2017) GIA/AGL/SSEF/Gubelin certifications. No GRS please I hope to get something that can preserve value better.

Also hope to not work with someone that just straight up asks a $500 consultation deposit that's un-refundable... (I buy enough fine art and no one ever asks for a $500 consulting fee simply sourcing works)

I have a budget of $40k, carat size 3-8 carat, with vivid blue or cornflower blue.

I'm based in Orlando FL.

Thanks and truly have learnt so much from you guys, helped refine what exactly I want stone wise. And I'm still learning a ton just reading and digesting this forum's threads!

 

[JackTrick]

My first thought was here: https://www.instagram.com/enhoerningjewelry/

 

[qubitasaurus]

I think youre going to get a lot of repeat suggestions which are similar to your last few threads. So Im just going to put the context in

Need Tips For looking for a Kashmir/Burma Blue Sapphire? (SSEF Guberlin certified)

Hi all, I’m buying an engagement ring for my fiancée, and we are looking for a Kashmir or Burma blue sapphire for the engagement ring, would like to hear you pro’s tips on how and where to find a good one. Our budget is $70k USD (based in the US), and we want something below 5 karats and with...

www.pricescope.com

Try adding Ivy New York, Gems by Nomads, and Mayer and Watt to your list. You can also browse langs antiques.

Finally I dont think a consultation fee is that rare when sourcing gems. If it gets you somewhere and its small (at this stage less than the price of a few melee stones in the ring). Then I dont think its a bad idea. You must have spent an equivalent of multiple thousands of dollars worth of time by now, so 500 to have someone else take over the time investment to generate 4-6 more options would be a bargain -- just check they know what theyre doing and youre on the same page about what you want.

Mmm I forgot roger derry gems. And any vendor who can access the gem2000 and pala international gem carelogs can also probably help you.

 

[lovedogs]

I think youre going to get a lot of repeat suggestions which are similar to your last few threads. So Im just going to put the context in

Need Tips For looking for a Kashmir/Burma Blue Sapphire? (SSEF Guberlin certified)

Hi all, I’m buying an engagement ring for my fiancée, and we are looking for a Kashmir or Burma blue sapphire for the engagement ring, would like to hear you pro’s tips on how and where to find a good one. Our budget is $70k USD (based in the US), and we want something below 5 karats and with...

www.pricescope.com

Try adding Ivy New York, Gems by Nomads, and Mayer and Watt to your list. You can also browse langs antiques.

Finally I dont think a consultation fee is that rare when sourcing gems. If it gets you somewhere and its small (at this stage less than the price of a few melee stones in the ring). Then I dont think its a bad idea. You must have spent an equivalent of multiple thousands of dollars worth of time by now, so 500 to have someone else take over the time investment to generate 4-6 more options would be a bargain -- just check they know what theyre doing and youre on the same page about what you want.

Mmm I forgot roger derry gems. And any vendor who can access the gem2000 and pala international gem carelogs can also probably help you.

I agree. I honestly think that the options you have been given are the vendors to go with.

 

[WaveOperator6]

I agree. I honestly think that the options you have been given are the vendors to go with.

I tried but stopped when the only one that got a reply asked for $500 "consultation fee" that's un-refundable...

I have bought from Gagosian, Perrotin and Miro and many private dealers and none will ask for a $500 consultation fee for high-priced items...

If you are a reputable gem dealer I will be glad to talk with you on phone or share my art collection website...

 

[lovedogs]

I tried but stopped when the only one that got a reply asked for $500 "consultation fee" that's un-refundable...

I have bought from Gagosian, Perrotin and Miro and many private dealers and none will ask for a $500 consultation fee for high-priced items...

If you are a reputable gem dealer I will be glad to talk with you on phone or share my art collection website...

Not sure what to tell you that hasn't already been said. You simply cant walk into a store and find a 40k stone in most cities. It just isnt how things work. If you dont want to shop online then there's really not a lot more we can say.

 

[peacechick]

You might want to consider throwing your net wider. This jeweler in Hongkong deals in Kashmir sapphires and rare jewels of that 5+ carat size. His store operates out of Mandarin Oriental hotel, which is a prestigious hotel chain in Asia.

Ronald Abram – Rare Jewels Worthy of Collection.

Renowned high jewellery, rare gems specialist - yellow diamonds, fancy colour diamonds, vintage, bridal, gentlemen’s jewels. Guardians of family legacies for half a century, creating timeless pieces worthy of collection. Discover our collections.

www.ronaldabram.com

I took a screenshot of one of their IGstories.


Maybe those who have visited HK‘s International Gem Fair will be able to point you to more vendors.

Also you can do like many of us and look on IG for leads.

This ring was posted just 3 days ago. And guess what, it’s in Florida! The Palm Beach show just wrapped up 3 days ago. You should get in touch in case any of the exhibitors are still in town.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CLUelLWhfas/

 

[Bron357]

I don’t think a $500 consultation fee is unreasonable.
The fee may also be designed to act as a deterrent to “weed out” clients who aren’t serious with their requirements.
Why don’t you want a GRS report? They are one of the top labs.
While $40,000 is a substantial budget, the availability of fine, unheated, top colour blue sapphires is limited and the chances of there being a selection available for you to view in person in Florida, very slim.
Vendors, brokers, gem cutters with such sapphires do ship them but it usually requires payment upfront or through escrow and the costs of shipping and insurance not inconsequential. So it’s not like you can have a dozen or so unheated Large size, fine Blue sapphires collated at your preferred location so you can peruse them in person and maybe select one.
Here on Pricescope other than under “recommended vendor” threads, trade aren’t permitted to participate in forum threads.
Pricescope is more a community of like minded jewellery and gem lovers who share their thoughts, collections and experiences. We can share our experience or knowledge of particular vendors we have used and we can offer an opinion on a gemstone you are considering to purchase.

 

[Bron357]

You might want to consider throwing your net wider. This jeweler in Hongkong deals in Kashmir sapphires and rare jewels of that 5+ carat size. His store operates out of Mandarin Oriental hotel, which is a prestigious hotel chain in Asia.

Ronald Abram – Rare Jewels Worthy of Collection.

Renowned high jewellery, rare gems specialist - yellow diamonds, fancy colour diamonds, vintage, bridal, gentlemen’s jewels. Guardians of family legacies for half a century, creating timeless pieces worthy of collection. Discover our collections.

www.ronaldabram.com

I took a screenshot of one of their IGstories.


Maybe those who have visited HK‘s International Gem Fair will be able to point you to more vendors.

Also you can do like many of us and look on IG for leads.

This ring was posted just 3 days ago. And guess what, it’s in Florida! The Palm Beach show just wrapped up 3 days ago. You should get in touch in case any of the exhibitors are still in town.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CLUelLWhfas/

that magnificent ring is just a cool $365,000

 

[peacechick]

Oh yeah and OP, have you checked out Graff?

Their US store is located in Florida.

9700 Collins Avenue
Bal Harbour, FL 33154

You can read reviews of Graff if you search on this forum, they are very highly regarded high jewelers. And will be able to source fine sapphires. I will make them my top choice based on reputation and location for you.

 

[qubitasaurus]

I tried but stopped when the only one that got a reply asked for $500 "consultation fee" that's un-refundable...

I have bought from Gagosian, Perrotin and Miro and many private dealers and none will ask for a $500 consultation fee for high-priced items...

If you are a reputable gem dealer I will be glad to talk with you on phone or share my art collection website...

Unfortunately not totally unheard of when shopping for gems, I think sometimes consumers would set several dealers up to search for them at the same time. Clearly this is an appalling idea, as it will just drive up bidding on the item they want (supply in any one region of the world doesn't tend to be that unlimited). But I think it happens. Sometimes accidentally, sometimes people just contact everyone and anyone who might have something right off the bat. You also see this from time to time here, usually when people are super enthusiastic about their first purchase and dont stop to think they probably just incited a bidding war and potentially rose the price of the item by a not insignificant chunk of change. Charging consultation fees stops this process.

Really the choice is up to you though, looking at your past threads you could probably use the help.

 

[Rfisher]

I have bought from Gagosian, Perrotin and Miro

They don’t sell gems, or do they?
If not - I’m not quite sure how it’s a good comparison.

 

[Arcadian]

If you can, you might want to contact Hamilton Jewelers on Worth Ave in PB, they're just east of Graff. There's also one in PBG but go to the one in PB instead. They're knowledgeable but I had to walk them through what I might consider to be normal jewelry terminology...lol They can also help source your stone and, they have real jewelry designers you can discuss your needs with. Thats ONLy if you choose to go that route, and I can attest they're very good at hand holding.


And as someone mentioned, try Graff. I had a great time playing in Graff (I was not allowed to photograph anything though!!)


At least in the US, certain types of stones may become scarce and rare and not just because of Covid! just keep those in mind.

@peacechick pointed to a really great ring. That company is in Georgia so might be worth trying them (I did not go to any shows this year because I really don't want covid)

 

[slksapphire]

hi, i was in the exact same boat as you, but several years ago. and, very importantly, i lived in hong kong then, which made all the difference in terms of sourcing a stone. however, here are some key takeaways:

- the market for large, high quality sapphires is unlike any other (including art). it is ridiculously fragmented, no one has any sizable inventory and supply is chunky
- your search is going to take a long time
- in my opinion, the ONLY way to purchase a stone of the quality you are seeking is to view them in person
- definitely take the advice of others in terms of the hi-end retailers. however, know that most of the salespeople are much more knowledgable in diamonds than colored stones. after a lot of time, you will figure out that many of them are relying on designations like "vivid blue" from grs, etc. often, they will be able to obtain large stones from the right geographies, but not necessarily the stones with the best color or saturation. other downsides: they usually bring in stones 1 or 2 at a time; they take a hefty markup; they get bored if you don't buy quickly. i think i rejected more than 50 stones before i settled on the one i purchased
- in my opinion, the best way to get educated quickly on the type of stone you are looking for is to attend a gem fair. i think tucson is the premier one for colored stones in the u.s. ... i went to the one in hong kong almost annually

good luck. this forum was an incredible source of knowledge for me ...

 

[LilAlex]

Oh yeah and OP, have you checked out Graff?

Won't get much for $40K there . And someone will have to dig out their report binder. Imo, they cater to the rich and not the knowledgeable. Amazing window-shopping, though!

Second (or third) vote for Inken/Enhoerning. It may not be fast. She will ask for a non-refundable deposit -- along the lines of what you wrote. When she starts showing you things, you will understand why. It's really great to work with someone who is a few subway stops from so much high-quality stock and can walk to AGL if you need a report .

 

[WaveOperator6]

hi, i was in the exact same boat as you, but several years ago. and, very importantly, i lived in hong kong then, which made all the difference in terms of sourcing a stone. however, here are some key takeaways:

- the market for large, high quality sapphires is unlike any other (including art). it is ridiculously fragmented, no one has any sizable inventory and supply is chunky
- your search is going to take a long time
- in my opinion, the ONLY way to purchase a stone of the quality you are seeking is to view them in person
- definitely take the advice of others in terms of the hi-end retailers. however, know that most of the salespeople are much more knowledgable in diamonds than colored stones. after a lot of time, you will figure out that many of them are relying on designations like "vivid blue" from grs, etc. often, they will be able to obtain large stones from the right geographies, but not necessarily the stones with the best color or saturation. other downsides: they usually bring in stones 1 or 2 at a time; they take a hefty markup; they get bored if you don't buy quickly. i think i rejected more than 50 stones before i settled on the one i purchased
- in my opinion, the best way to get educated quickly on the type of stone you are looking for is to attend a gem fair. i think tucson is the premier one for colored stones in the u.s. ... i went to the one in hong kong almost annually

good luck. this forum was an incredible source of knowledge for me ...

Thank you! I was based in NY now exiled to Florida sunshine and was looking through at NYC midtown diamond district but the whole vibe is very different from buying contemporary art from upscale galleries such as Marian Goodman, Hauser Wirth and Gagosian. Maybe I will ask some of the gallery directors. Thanks for your help!

 

[WaveOperator6]

Oh yeah and OP, have you checked out Graff?

Their US store is located in Florida.

9700 Collins Avenue
Bal Harbour, FL 33154

You can read reviews of Graff if you search on this forum, they are very highly regarded high jewelers. And will be able to source fine sapphires. I will make them my top choice based on reputation and location for you.

I'm passed Graff and Harry Winston stage they overcharge a lot but thanks for suggestion.

Graff for me it's like trying to sell me a Barbara Kruger 1980s photograph for $1.5M when I can find one with similar imagery for $700k through private dealers.

 

[WaveOperator6]

Won't get much for $40K there . And someone will have to dig out their report binder. Imo, they cater to the rich and not the knowledgeable. Amazing window-shopping, though!

Second (or third) vote for Inken/Enhoerning. It may not be fast. She will ask for a non-refundable deposit -- along the lines of what you wrote. When she starts showing you things, you will understand why. It's really great to work with someone who is a few subway stops from so much high-quality stock and can walk to AGL if you need a report .

Ok thank you I may pay that Inken‘s $500 then. Just very new to this and works very different comparing to the fine art world...

I made the comparison because art and fine gemstones both belong to the same high-end upscale collectibles.

It's I cannot imagine how will Gagosian does business if they charge $500 pre-consulting fee to help people find a Ruscha/Serra/Richard Prince canvases.....

 

[LilAlex]

It's I cannot imagine how will Gagosian does business if they charge $500 pre-consulting fee to help people find a Ruscha/Serra/Richard Prince canvases.....

I'm sure it's hidden in there somewhere

I can't speak for Inken's model but it is labor-intensive and very personalized. It's a "credit" and not a fee.

EDIT: You buy million-dollar art but begrudge someone $500? FL it is!

 

[slksapphire]

if you want to see what "good" looks like, pala gems has an unusually deep inventory. unfortunately, they only sell to the trade so you will need to hook up with a dealer to see pricing. unfortunately, i'm pretty sure these will be way outside $40k.

Sapphire #23000 11.66 cts

Amazing Royal Blue sapphire with AGL Prestige cert - Classic Ceylon

palagems.myshopify.com

https://palagems.myshopify.com/collections/sapphire/products/21897 (not as fine and heated, but will probably be closest to your price range ... i am still thinking $75k min)
https://palagems.myshopify.com/collections/sapphire/products/20123 (not classically burma; saturation isn't great)
https://palagems.myshopify.com/collections/sapphire/products/24847 (looks to be a window)

 

[elizat]

You might want to consider throwing your net wider. This jeweler in Hongkong deals in Kashmir sapphires and rare jewels of that 5+ carat size. His store operates out of Mandarin Oriental hotel, which is a prestigious hotel chain in Asia.

Ronald Abram – Rare Jewels Worthy of Collection.

Renowned high jewellery, rare gems specialist - yellow diamonds, fancy colour diamonds, vintage, bridal, gentlemen’s jewels. Guardians of family legacies for half a century, creating timeless pieces worthy of collection. Discover our collections.

www.ronaldabram.com

I took a screenshot of one of their IGstories.


Maybe those who have visited HK‘s International Gem Fair will be able to point you to more vendors.

Also you can do like many of us and look on IG for leads.

This ring was posted just 3 days ago. And guess what, it’s in Florida! The Palm Beach show just wrapped up 3 days ago. You should get in touch in case any of the exhibitors are still in town.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CLUelLWhfas/

The Naples show is this week. A good source for possible vendors as well.