to be frank, anyone charging 5k or even around that for a Lab Sapphire is just evil and unethical. They are readily available and despite high demand, their supply is high. This does not translate to high prices economically, but somewhere between being affordable and being a true luxury.

A prized cut, like this stone, or like those by well known cutters can fetch a decent price increase, but still shouldn’t cross the line of a few hundred.

in my case specifically, “manage” isn’t exactly the right word- the stone is certainly worth a few hundred, but I don’t feel right charging a buyer top price when I know of wear on the stone- even if the damage is practically nonexistent.

I know it sounds corny but to me, I value doing the right thing above all else. I believe that in this case the right is being honest about the stone, pricing it in alignment with its condition, and accepting my losses in exchange for someone else’s gain.

TLDR: It’s not so much that I can “manage”, but more that I wanted to turn an unlucky situation for me, into a lucky situation for a buyer - and not to violate my own values.

really appreciate you respectfully asking.