What''s wrong with this picture? (should I buy this?)

[Silvyn]

Hi,

I''ve been a lurker on here for a bit and have learned a good deal of information, and now I''m ready to buy an engagement ring. The kind I want is an antique with a round cut in the center and some form of sapphire on the sides, as well as engraved sides, not just plain. I am willing to spend around $3000 ($4000 if it''s really nice and $2000 if that''s what it costs).

So, I was really confused to stumble upon this ring on e-bay. It''s exactly what I want, but it appears way too cheap. Even the diamond alone should be worth several hundred more than it''s listed at. Is there any reason I shouldn''t buy this, if it looks like what I want? The only thing that concerns me a little is the clarity (SI1/SI2). Every ring I''ve looked at so far was no worse than a VS2.

http://cgi.ebay.com/D-VS-14KTW-94CT-DIAMOND-SAPPHIRE-ENGAGEMENT-RING-NR_W0QQitemZ5024174069QQcategoryZ67726QQcmdZViewItem

Thanks for your thoughts in advance,
Jamie

 

[Silvyn]

Here''s a picture of it:

 

[katz]

Hi Jamie,
After looking at the ring I was a little confused too (I know that isn''t helping you!) I am not a diamond expert in any way but the center stone is almost 2/3 ct and is a D/SI1. I agree with you that you would be lucky to find a loose diamond of that quality for the Buy It Now price.
The seller appears to have a high feedback rating - always a plus. He also offers a 100% Money Back Guarantee, which would make me a lot less nervous. If you look at his other auctions, the seller is selling a lot of diamonds and diamond rings, so this is not just a Joe Schmo with a ring he is trying to unload.
If you want my advice, I would call the seller with any and all questions that you have - questions about the price, verify the quality of the stone etc. See if he will fax you a copy of the appraisal.
As far as the clarity goes, that really is more tricky to answer. I have seen absolutely gorgeous SI1 and SI2 clarity diamonds where I have not been able to actually see the inclusions. Part of it depends on where the inclusions are in the diamond and what kind of inclusions they are. Without seeing it first in person, or seeing an appraisal which maps the inclusions, it is difficult to tell what it would look like.
I would also check out www.faycullen.com. Fay Cullen is a seller of vintage, estate and antique jewelry. I frequently browse the site and always see rings like what you have described - diamond engagement rings with sapphire sides and other detailing.
Here are a few examples:
http://www.faycullen.com/engagement_rings/800/c415r2d.html
http://www.faycullen.com/engagement_rings/800/c415r6ds.html
http://www.faycullen.com/engagement_rings/800/cma502r2ds.html

Good luck to you with your search and congratulations on your upcoming engagement!
http://www.faycullen.com/engagement_rings/800/c421r9ds.html
kat

 

[Silvyn]

katz,

Thank you for your reply. I did some more searching around and noticed that other people on Pricescope forums have been satisfied with their purchases from this e-bay seller. The dealer also offers rings without the diamond in the center for very cheap, so I may elect to just purchase one of those and then get a loose diamond.

Thank you for the links. A lot of those look like they''d do very nicely.

 

[FireGoddess]

It is a beautiful ring. I hope it lives up to your expectations if you decide to purchase it.

If you don''t, you may want to check out another designer, Kirk Kara (www.kirkkara.com). A friend of mine recently got engaged and that''s where her ring is from...he has gorgeous settings with sapphires in them.

Good luck!