Your opinions on two new stone?

[chrono]

The stone still looks very pale. Is there any time at all where the colour resembles the vendor's picture? But more importantly, is this what you are looking for and do you like it? Some people like strongly coloured stones while others like a more pastel shade.

 

[AmeliaG]

Not really. The stone is more yellow than in the vendor's photo and a lot lighter no matter the lighting situation. Actually it more closely fits the description. It is a brilliant stone of apple green color, but a light apple green.

 

[AmeliaG]

OK the peridot is in and so is my new camera. I'm still figuring out the macro mode, the photos are a bit grainy but at least you can see the facets better in these pics.

 

[chrono]

Not bad at all. Actually, it looks nicer than the seller's picture.

 

[AmeliaG]

thanks Chrono. This camera is great! I'm finally able to capture the steps. I couldn't help but capture some shots of the sapphire too. Interesting that it appears the peridot has a smaller table than the sapphire. It gives it a totally different look.

I think I see a feather under the table but honestly its invisible under normal magnification. I'm really liking this stone so far.

 

[innerkitten]

The reason is two-fold:
1. Garnets have higher RI than peridots
2. Brilliant cuts sparkle more than step cuts.

Thanks Chrono. I didn't know about the higher RI of garnets. That's something to consider. I did know about brilliants being more - well, brilliant - but that doesn't concern me as much. I actually find step cuts attractive in their own right regardless of the fact they're less sparkly than brilliant cuts.

Both are lovely stones, but the merelani garnet appeals to me more - both colouring and shape. That's what I'd pick!

What is your skin tone like? Would the yellow in the peridot work with or against you, if on a pendant? The bluer undertones of the garnet - would that be better at your neck?

What metal are you setting it in and any other accent stones?? That would influence which CS would be best, if it were me chosing between the two.

Good questions, Enerchi. If I answered them honestly they'd lead me to the garnet but I have a weakness for Asschers and the peridot.

My coloring is Summer-Winter so I have absolutely NO warm tones in my skin; that suggests white metal. However, I really like yellow gold with colored stones especially with peridots but even with this garnet because it doesn't seem overly blue-toned. I would want to set the garnet in a bezel setting similar to the ones in the Mauboussin Dream & Love collection (I've attached a photo of their pendant to give you an idea). I don't know about the peridot yet but I'm not thinking about accent stones at this point. I'd like to keep the design simple with just the center stone and the metal.

I love that shape for a pendant!

 

[AmeliaG]

I do too, innerkitten but I returned the garnet.

The peridot, however, I'm keeping. It's simply a gorgeous stone.

 

[chrono]

The RI for peridot is lower than that of corundum, so the angles cannot be the same, otherwise the peridot will either window or show a tilt window. It needs a smaller table and steeper angles (likely more steps too) for it to look as pretty as the sapphire.

 

[AmeliaG]

Good to know Chrono! I'm really impressed with Roger Dery and Peter Torraca and their gemcutting. These stones are exquisitely cut and as you say, they're cut to bring out the individual characteristics of each stone.

This buying experience has confirmed my love for Asschers and my preference for precision cut stones.

Thanks so much all of you for your help.