Would like some advice on this Montana. .

[MrsCornishWed]

Hi all.. I spotted a Montana sapphire, in a colour I really like. Very blue, with some green. However to my surprise it's a big stone at 4 . 12 ct. But within budget. It has some inclusions, and the vendor has sent me some extra pictures (I'd hoped for a video but they aren't able to unfortunately) other than disclosing that it does have inclusions, I don't have specific description though he says it doesn't detract from the stones beauty.

It'll only be the 2nd stone I've ever bought, and much more expensive than my first so I'm a bit nervy but would like to complete the purchase soon if I can be assured I'm making a good move.

I'd love your thoughts on the stone

 

[MrsCornishWed]

http://www.litnon.com/index.php?page=viewgem&id=10117

 

[chrono]

Personal experience and from what I've seen on the board with this vendor is that the inclusions are definitely eye visible. Whether it detracts from your enjoyment will depend on your tolerance for clarity. The level of inclusions is beyond my comfort zone, even at that price but for those who aren't bothered by it, I think the colour is pleasing and would make an excellent pendant where there is less risk of damage and no one ever gets that close to inspect the sapphire.

 

[MrsCornishWed]

I'm wondering if the fact it'd have to be shipped to the UK and the hassle involved to return it is too risky for this stone.

I love the blue green, and I think I can cope with some inclusions, if anything big windowing bothers me much more. But the last picture made me wonder how much I'd see the green and if it would also get very dark easily..


Cold feet. What to do. The colour is what I wanted. . . This size is irrelevant really, I wanted good finger coverage, but this is bigger than I was looking for

 

[MrsCornishWed]

Btw.. Thanks for swinging by chrono. I appreciate your help

 

[chrono]

I'm wondering if the fact it'd have to be shipped to the UK and the hassle involved to return it is too risky for this stone.

I love the blue green, and I think I can cope with some inclusions, if anything big windowing bothers me much more. But the last picture made me wonder how much I'd see the green and if it would also get very dark easily..

Cold feet. What to do. The colour is what I wanted. . . This size is irrelevant really, I wanted good finger coverage, but this is bigger than I was looking for

I agree with the bolded, due to your location (and taxes involved). I think this stone has more than "some inclusions" but there is no window whatsoever. A bit of tilt window is to be expected. I think the pictures are also taken indoors so it shouldn't darken more than shown in the picture. Unlike some vendors, Litnon shows the stone under different lighting conditions, so you get to see both the nice and not so nice versions.

 

[MrsCornishWed]

Chrono, if you don't mind. . Could you possibly show me where on the stone you see the inclusions? I can't always be sure what I'm seeing is what I think it is. I've only ever seen inclusions in light stones or diamonds irl so while I know what I would or wouldn't tolerate in those cases I feel a bit out of my depth here.

 

[chrono]

I have to be away for 2 back to back meetings but I'll be back with pictures showing the location(s) of the inclusion. Thank you for your patience.

 

[JewelFreak]

Mrs CW -- the most visible inclusions are here. I outlined an area of them & can see a few smaller ones where the arrow points.


From these photos I don't think they would bother me -- they might be more apparent IRL, though, which you can't tell without seeing it in hand. The color is good & the cut, with plenty of facets along the edge, helps make the inclusions less obvious.

The big thing is that this stone doesn't seem to make your heart go pitty-pat. It should. Given the shipping, duty & return issues and your doubts about its size, if it does not cause you to jump up & down waiting for it, my advice is to pass on it. Montana sapphires are abundant enough that another one that speaks your language better will turn up, if you're looking for one specifically; if not, there are tons of other choices out there. This may be a good price, but the inclusions tell you why.

I'll be interested to see what you decide!

--- Laurie

 

[MrsCornishWed]

Laurie thank you! Will be interested to see what chrono picks up on later.


The colour is what I love. Your right though, it doesn't have me bouncing- but this is the closest I've gotten so far in almost 10 months of searching.

I just don't think I can find what I want in my price range, and fear I may be hunting forever. - which should mean longer to save but in reality it means unexpected bills, emergency child related purchases etc.. cropping up and me feeling too guilty to not use my pocket money lol


I honestly don't know what I'll do about the stone at this time. Not least because my gut would be to pair in with some trillion diamonds, which won't be cheap alongside setting it. Some days I curse my jeweller for ever showing me coloured stones. Life felt simpler with diamonds lol!

 

[digdeep]

Do you have this stone reserved, because it is now marked "sold"...........

 

[chrono]

JF pointed out the 2 major ones; a fat line on the upper left and a large grouping on the upper right. There is a very small group on the lower left and a medium sized group on the lower right. The center looks fuzzy, which I think could be due to a small bowtie, but I'm not sure. I think it'll make a great pendant stone but I know you are looking for an e-ring stone, which is the reason why I'm more cautious with regards to inclusions.

 

[dk168]

I am in the UK, and have only ever imported jewellery from abroad knowing it is not worth the hassle to return them if they do not suit.

One will always lose out on postage and packing, and courier handling fees. I have never looked into claiming VAT back to be honest.

Of the few items that did not suit, I sold them via eBay and managed to get my money back and made a small profit, even as second hand goods.

Therefore, my advice would be to avoid importing goods with the aim to return them if they do not suit.

DK

 

[MrsCornishWed]

I have a confirmation email of it being reserved for me.. I did notice it said sold though.. possibly a mistake or a bit hopefully premature lol


Thank you chrono.. The I noticed the big one down the centre and thought it was a bowtie but trying to Google for a point of reference left me a bit lost.

I really appreciate all your help guys. Have since been

 

[MrsCornishWed]

Pressed too soon!

Have since had a deeper look into Montana stones and see others that are more beautiful and better clarity for little more. Since ct size does not bother me, more just the general size this seems a silly move on my part so ill let the vendor know I'm letting it go.


Thank you PS ers.. saved me again!

 

[JewelFreak]

I'm glad you made a decision that you feel right about, whichever way you opted for. There are others with similar costs that will make you happier. I empathize with your comment about diamond sides -- one reason I haven't set some stones I'm dying to see done is that they need diamonds with them (plus the price of gold).

Have you had a look at Gemfix? http://www.gemfix.com/sapphire_montana.html They have a large selection of Montanas, several nice ones in your price range. I'm always tempted there -- I love Montana sapphires too. Are you looking specifically for a rectangular cut, or would other shapes appeal to you?

--- Laurie

 

[MrsCornishWed]

Just where I've been looking! Going to perve over them later when I've got a chance to look properly- thank you x