Would do think of this blue topaz?

[pocahontas]

I know, I know, it's not terribly creative, but I would love to get a blue topaz ring for my something blue. I know topaz isn't a high quality coloured gem, but I think its pretty and best of all it's affordable. So, having said that, tell me what you think. I know something of you have posted about using awesomegems before and just wanted to confirm they're a reputable vendor. Thanks in advance everyone

It's the emerald cut that 5th from the top, item # g3862

http://www.awesomegems.com/topaz-blue.html#top

Also, here's a magnified picture for reference

 

[FrekeChild]

Honestly I think it's hugely overpriced. Topaz is really really inexpensive, and should range more like $5 per carat. For London Blue. And that's the most expensive. Maybe $10 tops. I paid a little over $100 for my 7.41 ct Silvery topaz, but that was precision cut by Barry Bridgestock.

I'd keep looking if I were you. Unless that one just sings to you.

Do you have any specs you were wanting specifically? We can always look too...

BTW, blue topaz is my favorite--behind spinel anyway.

 

[pocahontas]

Yah Freke, I was hoping you''d chime in to give your opinion

I also thought it might be overpriced, but I wasn''t sure if there was something special about this one that warranted the price, but I guess not. Ideally, I''d like to get a Swiss Blue blue topaz that''s about 7-8 carats, emerald or even cushion cut. Any suggestions? By the way, I posted this in my church thread, how have you been doing? You''ve been quiet lately.

 

[Harriet]

Hi,
Would you consider an aqua instead? At least it''s not radioactive.

 

[FrekeChild]

LMAO at Harriet.

Pocahontas, I''ll look around in a little bit. I think one should be relatively easy to find.

I have been quiet lately haven''t I? I''ve been alright, just dealing with a lot of school BS, and kind of depressed about it, and everything else that''s been going on. I''ve been lurking a lot, but not posting too much. I should work on that...

 

[Pandora II]

Date: 9/22/2008 1:07:46 PM
Author: Harriet
Hi,
Would you consider an aqua instead? At least it''s not radioactive.

Ditto - I''m afraid I just don''t see the attraction in a stone that is so obviously a long way from natural.

 

[Lady_Disdain]

On an educational note, the cut on that stone is rather lopsided - you can see that the steps are not perfectly straight.

I found a few nice acquas cheaper than the topaz you listed:
Multicolour radiant cut acqua

More expensive, but a beautifully cut unheated acqua

Blue zircon is another nice stone and this one is pretty fab. BKK has several blue zircons: this, this and this, for example. Or much cheaper at multicolour (this, this and this, among others). This ring is ready to wear. This stone, from the gem trader, is a steal.

You can also get beautiful blue apatatite, but that wold have to be set on a pendant
For example, this one is sold but you can see the beautiful colour. Or get a cheaper one or a down right very cheap stone and resign yourself that it won''t last long in a ring. This would be gorgeous on a pendant.

Looking at cabs, besides lapiz and turquoise, are you familiar with hemimorphite? Unlike the other two, it is translucent and a gorgeous shade of blue.

If, however, you are set on topaz, BB has a well cut one available (but it is rather expensive)

For the ultimate blue (in my opinion) and way out of budget, check out this hauyne.

Is this enough blue eye candy? Shopping for other people is fun!

 

[coatimundi_org]

Date: 9/22/2008 3:03:31 PM
Author: Pandora II

Date: 9/22/2008 1:07:46 PM

Author: Harriet

Hi,

Would you consider an aqua instead? At least it''s not radioactive.

Ditto - I''m afraid I just don''t see the attraction in a stone that is so obviously a long way from natural.

Agreed!

Hi Pocahontas,
Blue topaz is either irradiated(can still emit radiation)or coated. I''d go for an emerald cut aquamarine or just about any other blue gem than a blue topaz. Depending on how you want to set it, you''ve got lots of stones to choose from. What hues do you prefer?

 

[pocahontas]

Date: 9/22/2008 2:52:21 PM
Author: FrekeChild
LMAO at Harriet.

Haha - me too Freke

 

[pocahontas]

Date: 9/22/2008 2:52:21 PM
Author: FrekeChild
I have been quiet lately haven't I? I've been alright, just dealing with a lot of school BS, and kind of depressed about it, and everything else that's been going on. I've been lurking a lot, but not posting too much. I should work on that...

Freke, I'm sorry to hear you're dealing with so much crap lately. We miss your regular posts, but it's important you take care of yourself first (((hugs))) How's your mom doing? I hope you don't mind me asking. Of course, you don't have to answer if you're not comfortable, I'd totally understand.

 

[pocahontas]

Harriet - you're too funny. Your post makes me chuckle everytime I read it

Alright, alright, I will attempt to find something that isn't radioactive - lol!

Pandora - point well made! To be honest, I wasn't really looking at it from that perspective. I just like the colour of swiss blue topaz and know I can get some serious finger coverage at a very affordable price. Can't blame a girl for trying, right

Lady - thanks for the information about the cut quality and for your efforts to find me something else. Unfortunately, nothing really stood out to me. By the way, I agree shopping for others and spending their money is always fun

Coati - thanks for chiming in, you're always very helpful

To be honest, with the exception of Ellen's fantabulous aqua, I find them too light for my liking. Truthfully, after seeing Ellen's ring I was determined to get an aqua, but then when I saw them in real life I found the colour too washed out (really technical language here) and not at all like Ellen's beauty *sigh*


Okay naysayers, back to the drawing board. After all the feedback I've decided to explore some other, less hazardous gems -lol! Anyways, suggestions for alternatives would be helpful and very much appreciated. Here's what I'm looking for.... I like swiss blues and electric blues. I don't like dark blues like london blue topaz or blue sapphires. I'd like it to be emerald cut, or even a step cut like Ellen's aqua. Can you tell how obsessed I am with her ring? Cushion cuts are pretty too. I guess I'm going to have to give on the size *pouts* so maybe around 2-3 carats. Price at most would be around $300. Is this even doable? Thanks in advance everyone

 

[Babyblue033]

I like Forever Gemstones for pretty good inexpensive blue topaz. Granted I''ve only bought pretty small stones for fun but I was pretty happy with them.

 

[T L]

You can get very attractive blue zircon for very little money, and it has greater dispersion than blue topaz and IMO, it''s much more attractive. Just something to think about. You can find it cut in emerald shapes as well.

 

[Elmorton]

Here''s a rectangular concave blue topaz: http://www.artcutgems.com/item.php?item_id=486&category_id=49