Finewater Gems

New gemstones added 15 June 2010.

 A good customer of mine wanted me to cut a red spinel, and since nice red spinel is hard to find in the rough I purchased this stone from a reputable local gemstone dealer.  The customer later changed her mind, so I was torn between recutting it or offering it as I received it.  It was very nicely cut already, so after several months I decided to leave it alone (as recutting would certainly reduce its substantial size).  A deep "merlot" red color, very clean, good proportions, and classic rectangular cushion shape.

3.40 ct, 9.2 x 8.0 x 5.7mm, VVS clarity

Clean peridot is very difficult to find, so I was pleased to find a small parcel of very clean Pakistani rough at the Tucson gem shows this year. This particular stone started life as an Asscher cut, but since it didn't have the required depth I switched to a Jeff Graham design called "Floating Lllly."  It's a little ironic since it has none of the "lily pad" inclusions normally found in peridot! A very bright apple green color in a design you'd never find at your local jeweler.  Remember that peridot is the birthstone for August, so you'll have plenty of time to get this set for that special person in your life.

2.18 ct, 7.9 x 7.9 x 5.2, VVS clarity

Before my trip to Kenya last year, my guide sent me some samples of stones that i could expect to find. This was a nice red garnet that I finally got around to cutting. I wish I hadn't waited so long - it turned out to be larger than expected, a deep red color with plenty of life, and a great ring size. 

3.52 ct, 9.5 x 9.5 x 5.7mm, VS clarity

One of my favorite materials in one of my favorite designs - Nigerian spessartite garnet in an "old mine" cut. It's a deep orangey-red stone with flawless clarity.

2.55 ct, 7.6 x 7.6 x 5.4mm, IF clarity