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 Post subject: Re: Sapphire opinions
PostPosted: Mon Sep 10, 2018 12:25 am 
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Isi wrote:
In my opinion, the way the stone is cut is not really consistent with you great great grandmother's time (whatever your age is). Looks much more recent.
100 years old would be correct... for a synthetic :?
I look forward to hearing more when you have shown it to the proper person ! It might be worth it.


I took the stone to the gemmologist. She used a dichroscope and a microscope, and said it was a natural unheated stone. I asked her about the RI, but she said she didn't need it as it was so obviously a natural sapphire. She based her opinion on the dichroscope and the unbroken needles that were in line that she saw under magnification.

She used to be a gem trader/broker, before children took that life away. So, she seemed more competent than the jeweller I showed it to previously.

She didn't charge me, and pointed me Gem Studies Laboratory in Sydney, suggested above, if I wanted it certified. I am undecided whether to go that far, as it is just going in a ring for my partner. Although a romantic road trip to Sydney, might be nice.


To its age...100 years is definately in the ballpark as my great great grandmother was still alive when my mother was a little girl.

Thanks for the suggestions and help.


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 Post subject: Re: Sapphire opinions
PostPosted: Mon Sep 10, 2018 1:21 pm 
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Unbroken needles sound like a really good sign. It would definitely be worth getting a lab report, as it may have significant value if it checks out.

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 Post subject: Re: Sapphire opinions
PostPosted: Mon Sep 10, 2018 1:36 pm 
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If this person used to be a gem trader/broker, surely she has given you an estimation of the value of the stone ?
Must have been a pleasant one !


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 Post subject: Re: Sapphire opinions
PostPosted: Mon Sep 10, 2018 1:57 pm 
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Yes, unbroken silk is a very important characteristic.

I want to encourage you to get a report (including origin) from an internationally recognized gem laboratory. A natural unheated 6.7 carat sapphire of the color, clarity, and cut that it seems to be in the images you posted would absolutely have significant value. I think you may be shocked at the value in today's market. But beyond value, since it is a long time family heirloom, you might find some interesting family information through the origin report. You can usually do this through the post if the trip is inconvenient.

Very few unknown stones of this quality show up for ID in the forums. Mostly rather mundane, ordinary things of little or no monetary, or provenance significance. This one is likely an exception. Make sure you post the report, we would all love to see it.


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 Post subject: Re: Sapphire opinions
PostPosted: Thu Sep 13, 2018 10:24 pm 
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So much for a romantic road trip! I ended up soloing the almost 6 hrs each way to Sydney and back. A large chunk of which was slogging into and out of the city. Anyway, this was what Gem Studies Laboratory said:

A rectangular step cut deep blue faceted transparent stone.

A doubly refractive uniaxial material with R.I. of 1.761-1.770 showing a very faint patchy orange reaction under LWUV.

Cloudy areas caused by fine particles in bands, minor partially healed fissures, snowflake like inclusions, intersecting silk, a crystal with surrounding halo, crystallites, angular colour bands and zones were noted under magnification.

Natural Sapphire.


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 Post subject: Re: Sapphire opinions
PostPosted: Fri Sep 14, 2018 4:46 am 
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Congratulations! You might be the first person in this kind of situation I have ever seen to get this result.

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 Post subject: Re: Sapphire opinions
PostPosted: Fri Sep 14, 2018 5:48 am 
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The orange reaction under LWUV suggests me a Sri-Lankan origin. Not a proof, only an indication, and consistent with the colors of your pictures.
Well done, enjoy your find and your luck !


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 Post subject: Re: Sapphire opinions
PostPosted: Fri Sep 14, 2018 6:48 am 
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Isi wrote:
The orange reaction under LWUV suggests me a Sri-Lankan origin. Not a proof, only an indication, and consistent with the colors of your pictures.
Well done, enjoy your find and your luck !


He was quite certain in its place of origin, and it wasn't Ceylon or Burma.


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 Post subject: Re: Sapphire opinions
PostPosted: Fri Sep 14, 2018 11:57 am 
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Fodder wrote:

He was quite certain in its place of origin, and it wasn't Ceylon or Burma.


Well, what was the origin he was so certain of? WE all want to know.

Congratulations, you have a wonderful stone. Very few unknowns posted on this site get such a positive outcome.


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 Post subject: Re: Sapphire opinions
PostPosted: Fri Sep 14, 2018 2:44 pm 
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1bwana1 wrote:
Fodder wrote:

He was quite certain in its place of origin, and it wasn't Ceylon or Burma.


Well, what was the origin he was so certain of? WE all want to know.

Congratulations, you have a wonderful stone. Very few unknowns posted on this site get such a positive outcome.


It begins with a K.

Bill Sechos put his name to that on the authentication report. But he was realistic enough to understand that we will need to take it to the U.S. to confirm his opinion.


Last edited by Fodder on Sat Sep 15, 2018 1:05 am, edited 1 time in total.

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 Post subject: Re: Sapphire opinions
PostPosted: Fri Sep 14, 2018 3:09 pm 
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...


Attachments:
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 Post subject: Re: Sapphire opinions
PostPosted: Fri Sep 14, 2018 5:19 pm 
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Wow....just Wow.


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 Post subject: Re: Sapphire opinions
PostPosted: Fri Sep 14, 2018 6:35 pm 
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Identifying a Kashmir sapphire:



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 Post subject: Re: Sapphire opinions
PostPosted: Fri Sep 14, 2018 6:44 pm 
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Wow, a hundred year old Kashmir Sapphire is an amazing find. I really hope you are aware of what you have. Congratulations on the find!!!


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 Post subject: Re: Sapphire opinions
PostPosted: Fri Sep 14, 2018 6:45 pm 
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re: Orange Fluorescence.
I was unaware of the association between Kashmir and orange fluorescence.
Researching the Richard Hughes/ John Emmett article:
Heat Seeker

Image

Image


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