Some time ago I posted a video about a superb 38 carat aquamarine piece. Today, I came across this exceptionally outstanding piece. Its 60 carat, very clean; very difficult to find such pieces. They are one of a kind. Additionally, the dealer had another eye-clean, beautiful aquamarine piece in a ring. Link to both of these is shared below. I am sure everyone's gonna admire these, especially the 60 carat piece. Both are from the oldest known mine in Skardu, North Pakistan (I think its located in the famous Chumar Bakhoor mining area)
I admire your passion for gemstones, and in no way want to lessen your enthusiasm. But I think it would be in your best interest to understand the international market and the qualities demanded in these markets.
The Aquamarine you are showing is a nice attractive stone. But it would not be described as superb, exceptionally outstanding, in the broader markets.
First, large Aquamarine is commonly available, 60 carats is not notably large.
Second, it is Expected that Aquamarine is at a minimum flawless to the eye. Most are flawless under loupe.
Third, the stone you showed is a medium light color. Exceptional stones are much much more intensely saturated. The best being given the "Santa Maria" color description, followed by the "double blue" in color intensity.
I tell you this only to keep you from making a mistake and paying exception prices for what is in the International Market a nice commercial color quality that is commonly available. far from being hard to find I think you would have no problems buying many thousands of carats of the quality you showed at an International gem show like Tucson at reasonable prices.
Below is an example of a fine deep blue Aquamarine. One more deserving the the accolades you have used.
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Santa Maria Aqua.jpg [ 15.57 KiB | Viewed 1368 times ]
Joined: Tue Apr 05, 2016 7:58 pm Posts: 1424 Location: San Marcos, CA
Well stated and very accurate. I and the better half did travel to Tucson last month for a private appoint, where I ventured to the Hotel Tucson show and directly inside the lobby were two vendors primarily selling large Aqua rough in an abundance. All in the same color as your 60ct. He was asking anywhere from $40g to $85g and that was only based on clarity value. I am sure his prices were high to start off and would likely come down, but I felt it was much a buyers market. But darker blue or green color saturation in a large piece needs to be there prior to any cutting. I am just stating this as to this grade of aqua is quite easy to come by. So not all that special to me.
Dear 1bwana1, appreciate your detailed reply, which is very informative. And no, you don't dampen my enthusiasm at all; in fact, love to get more educated on gemstones. So thanks for clarifying.
When I say this piece is exceptional, I am talking from perspective of what's available in our domestic market. Of course, what's available in international market is altogether a different matter. The piece you showed is indeed exceptional, and much deeper in color than the 60 carat piece. But again, whatever I stated was from perspective of our domestic market. And NO, I don't intend to buy it. It's just that whenever I receive videos of beautiful gemstones, they are shared on this forum. Through comments on them, I learn a lot about gemstones.
Joined: Wed Dec 16, 2009 5:03 am Posts: 921 Location: Paris
Personally I prefer the first aquamarine to the "Santa Maria" which I find overrated; she plays it Zircon, Irradiated Topaz or Sapphire. That of Pakistan is natural and full of lightness as we like it in aquamarine
_________________ danielle
"I always believed in being myself"- Thelonious Monk
Personally I prefer the first aquamarine to the "Santa Maria" which I find overrated; she plays it Zircon, Irradiated Topaz or Sapphire. That of Pakistan is natural and full of lightness as we like it in aquamarine
I understand what you are saying about a color preference. Although I am a fan of the intense color of very rare Santa Maria Aquamarine, I also appreciate the lighter colors for the different mood the convey. I also am a big fane of the slightly greenish color of Aquamarine before heating. It looks most like the sea water the stone is named for and is very different that the treated topaz we see so much of.
My post was just to put the posted stone in its proper position market and value wise as an educational post. Many are limited in their understanding to what the see in their local markets. The really fine stones are most often exported before any of the locals see them.
Joined: Mon Oct 06, 2008 6:13 pm Posts: 5077 Location: Australia
I'm, with Danielle! The Santa Maria 'looks' fake as opposed to natural..just what's pleasing to the eye..maybe it's purely I don't like that colour in an emerald cut? Or maybe I need to see one in the hand to 'get it'? For me though, this light Aqua colour is what a natural blue Obrien's Topaz is all about.
I'm definitely with you though, 1bwana1, on the greener Aqua..this is my ultimate preference for an Aqua. It tells me the stone is alive and full of feeling and emotion!
Joined: Mon Oct 06, 2008 6:13 pm Posts: 5077 Location: Australia
That 60 is beyoootiful, Mohmand!
Probably the closest I'll ever get to seeing one and can only dream about cutting something of that size! Lovely.
As you say, GO is an amazing source of information, factual, trend and personal preference driven. The 'value' of stones follows the same trail of thought too, value of something mined out, what's the flavour of the year(which 'Star' wore what at the latest awards.. let's keep up with the Jones') and the ever present, personal preference(value of to the individual).
I'm, with Danielle! The Santa Maria 'looks' fake as opposed to natural..
I think that the reason it looks fake is that it is not what you are accustomed to seeing. I think many people even in the trade have never seen one in person. They are extremely rare, and expensive.
But I can tell you from personal experience cutting some, they are magnificent. Visit the Idar tent in Tucson if you ever want to see some. They usually have some on display.
Don't give up on getting to cut a big piece of the lighter tones. They are commonly available and not high priced.
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