5ct+ honker search - Dealing wt antique/ secondhand shops

[Phoenix]

This is very frustrating!! . So many of you know I've been looking for a big honker diamond for a few years now. I guess I am very particular but I reckon since I'm spending a pretty penny (and some...well, a lot more actually...) I *should* be selective. I don't want to just buy any big diamond off the online vendors (though of couse I am not ruling this out if an amazing stone comes along at an amazing price). I'd much prefer to buy a signed piece or an amazing antique diamond/ ring, to maximise value for my money.

During the last few weeks, I've identified quite a few rings, some are signed, one EC, an asscher and an antique cushion. They're all seem like out-of-this-world beautiful stones/ rings. But I keep encountering the same problems, including:

- vendors not answering the phone (period!)/ not calling me back, though this could be to do with my not living in the US
- vendors not supplying pics and more details about the ring and yet expecting me to pay for it in full!
- pieces getting snapped up!!
- vendors expecting me to pay in full before I have the piece appraised by an IA/ before my seeing it in person

etc. etc...

There's also the potential problem of my having paid an IA to appraise the piece and then having this piece snapped up from under me (esp. if the vendor then proceeds to tell prospective buyers that the piece has been appraised favourably, by virtue of my making them an offer).

I am prepared to fly to the US to see a piece in person and pay for it in full there and then if the stone/ ring checks out. But I don't want to just fly out without i) having the piece first appraised by an IA, and ii) knowing if there's a high likelihood of the transaction being finalised.

What should I do? What do you ladies do when you buy from secondhand shops? There has been quite a few antique rings being purchased recently and shown on SMTB; so hopefully you can share your experience with me?

 

[CharmyPoo]

Re: 5ct+ honker search - Dealing wt antique/ secondhand shop

I don't think second hand shops are used to providing high touch customer service. People go in and make a decision - no major photos, no conditions upon appraisals, etc. I hear you that it is an expensive purchase but I guess this is why there are retail stores that tailor to customer service.

 

[Phoenix]

Re: 5ct+ honker search - Dealing wt antique/ secondhand shop

I don't think second hand shops are used to providing high touch customer service. People go in and make a decision - no major photos, no conditions upon appraisals, etc. I hear you that it is an expensive purchase but I guess this is why there are retail stores that tailor to customer service.

I understand. But how can anyone spend a HUGE chunk of money without requiring the ring /diamond to be appraised by a professional etc..? It's just mind-boggling to me!

 

[Phoenix]

Re: 5ct+ honker search - Dealing wt antique/ secondhand shop

I know some PS'ers have bought expensive rings on the secondhand market. I'd love to hear about your experience please.

 

[Christina...]

Re: 5ct+ honker search - Dealing wt antique/ secondhand shop

I have a solution! !!!! since I'm located here in the US, you can appoint me as your official 5ct honker purchaser! I will be more than happy to try on, photograph, and make arrangement for an IA then upon your approval I will fly to Singapore, wearing this beauty of course to avoid any taxes or duties, turn the monster o er to you while I blissfully play in your jeweler box for several days before returning to my 'if only' life!

Seriously though, I wish I had some advice to give. I cant imagine paying that amount for a stone unseen and not IA. In fact I was just telling DH that I thought we should have JA send our 9k selection to an IA for evaluation before laying out the cash. Have you checked Lang antiques? They had several very large stones that looked like beauties, perhaps they may be more helpful?

 

[smitcompton]

Re: 5ct+ honker search - Dealing wt antique/ secondhand shop

Hi,

You are at a disadvantage for sure. Now, fraud is rampant on the internet and imagine when they see you are from Singapore; they just don't want to deal with it. I would try to explain to vendors before an item comes up, what you are about. Some might notify you ahead of time to see if you are interested. Explain that you are a serious buyer.

Take a trip to Hong kong, attend the previews for auctions and bring a gemologist or appraiser with you on the preview paying them an hourly fee. Get to know the vendors who interest you. You are a genuine high end buyer and should be attracting their attention. High end buyers also look for value and good buys.

Begin by emailing GOG. Bgd White flash, John Pallard--all those that may also hear about a good buy in a beautiful diamond. pUT ANY FUNDS IN AN ESCROW ACCOUNT, aren't you an accountant.? I'm not screaming at you, Caps are mistake.

Annette

 

[CharmyPoo]

Re: 5ct+ honker search - Dealing wt antique/ secondhand shop

I don't think second hand shops are used to providing high touch customer service. People go in and make a decision - no major photos, no conditions upon appraisals, etc. I hear you that it is an expensive purchase but I guess this is why there are retail stores that tailor to customer service.

I understand. But how can anyone spend a HUGE chunk of money without requiring the ring /diamond to be appraised by a professional etc..? It's just mind-boggling to me!

I completely agree!!! For me, even for 10+ K ... I can't buy without the info and they don't want to give any. High risk .. high reward as Fortekitty puts it.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: 5ct+ honker search - Dealing wt antique/ secondhand shop

It sounds like you need to find an independent appraiser in the city where the ring is located and just pay them to go examine the ring for you. I think that would be enough for me with a signed piece. They can surely tell if the diamond matches it's grading report and I wouldn't want a stone removed from the original setting anyway.

 

[ariel144]

Re: 5ct+ honker search - Dealing wt antique/ secondhand shop

It sounds like you need to find an independent appraiser in the city where the ring is located and just pay them to go examine the ring for you. I think that would be enough for me with a signed piece. They can surely tell if the diamond matches it's grading report and I wouldn't want a stone removed from the original setting anyway.

Yes, there are independent appraisers that will go to where the diamond or ring is and appraise it on site. I'm sure it is more expensive but may be your solution. You could put a refundable deposit on your item with a credit card and get it in writing from the vendor that it is refundable if you change your mind for any reason. I'm sure they will give you several days to get it appraised this way, and then make your decision based on the appraisal. If the vendor says "NO", then the diamond is probably dead and the appraisal will not be favorable and then just move on.

Also I've learned when talking with jewelers on a high carat stone, if they will not comment on the phone about the beauty of the diamond then it is probably a dud. I checked out a 5+ carat OEC online and called the high end jewelry store which is local to me. He was anything but accommodating when it came to describing the diamond. "I am not qualified to answer that." he stated when asked about the accuracy of the color. (And how long have you been selling jewelry???? Give me a break) So i went to look at the stone in person and it was deader than a door nail. Can't figure out why in the world an ultra high end jewelry store would even purchase such a ring with a large carat stone that was dead. The setting was lovely but the stone was so dark in the middle with teeny tiny dots of light that barely twinkled....like the midnight sky with few tiny far away stars.

Here is an interesting statement from Jonathan/GOG on viewing diamonds from their pictures from a post in here a couple of days ago. My plan is to wait until I can get a large carat AVR from Jonathan. Antiques are nice but when you are investing big bucks you definitely do not want to "roll the dice" and hope the stone performs. another option is to get Jonathan at GOG to outsource your diamond...he will call it in and test it and video it for you. This would be your best way to get what you want since you live out of the country. He has resources for antique diamonds as does Old World Diamonds and Jewels by erica grace. See what these 3 can come up with for you if you want antique.

Greetings PS peeps,

Just a few comments.

The culets you see in the larger AVR's are not so large that the eye is drawn to them or detracts. In every one I have examined it's more of an afterthought like ... oh yea ... this one has a culet too. Last thing to worry about.

The HCA is NULL AND VOID when it comes to OEC's and generally any kind of round diamond that is not a "traditional" round according to today's cutting with 57 facets. Particularly when lower half length is less than 75% and the mains comprise the primary reflections under the table. You will be falsely led to believe something is horribly wrong with the diamond if you use the HCA for OEC's.

What kathley said regarding OEC's and photography couldn't be more true and has been my experience over the decades as well. If you are trying to judge optics of an OEC by photography, no way. I've said it in the past and this same truth applies not only to OEC's but also OMB's as well as just about any other shape and that is ... "Photography is fine for seeing the facet structure of a diamond but impossible for judging the actual characteristics of brightness, contrast, leakage, fire & sparkle." I've seen some very beautiful photography of butt ugly diamonds. A thorough optical examination is key. At the very least an ASET exam.

Hope that helps.

Rhino

 

[bgray]

Re: 5ct+ honker search - Dealing wt antique/ secondhand shop

just some thoughts: second hand /pre-owned/antique is a different process. most of the time top quality pieces and stones are sold to high end dealers. there are no great deals on a premium stone or piece unless there are unusual circumstances. your best best is to pay an expert to source something for you. i bought my large stone through Brian Gavin--but there are many people you can work with. I wanted a middle man to handle the stone at that price point.

 

[Dreamer_D]

Re: 5ct+ honker search - Dealing wt antique/ secondhand shop

YOu can find deals on the secondary market for large diamonds. I just helped a friend buy a diamond for $14k that would retail for about $25 to $30k, though the final word on the stone won't be in until the appraiser sees it.

Usually the big rocks are sniped be the dealers. But not always. Private sellers sometimes offer their good directly to sale. Private sellers also put their items up for auction at local auction houses. And sometimes private sellers sell to dealers who do not specialize in diamonds. *This* is where I think some good deals can be found. Those dealers know the diamond is worth something, but they are not connected to the market to get the real big bucks, and don't understand marketing. For example, the diamond my friend just bought had an EGL-USA report but the vendor, for a very silly reason, did not advertise that fact! They offered the diamond for sale with an appraisal, which was of questionable value. We only found out that the EGL report after my friend went through a lot of trouble to talk to the owner! She had to really persist. But it was worth it.

Anyways, Phoenix I admit I do not think you are the secondary market type It takes a lot of persistence, a little risk taking, and a lot of time to find a good deal on the secondary market. You also have to value a deal over perfection, and over immediate gratification. And you have to be a little crazy.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: 5ct+ honker search - Dealing wt antique/ secondhand shop

Phoenix is shopping at very respected, high-end dealers, though. I think she will be fine if she has an appraiser go to the rings that are being considered. And I think it is possible that she can still get a better deal than buying a loose stone "new". But the kind of stones she is looking for just won't be at a regular antique store or on Craigslist, etc.!

 

[Phoenix]

Re: 5ct+ honker search - Dealing wt antique/ secondhand shop

I have a solution! !!!! since I'm located here in the US, you can appoint me as your official 5ct honker purchaser! I will be more than happy to try on, photograph, and make ar arangement for an IA then upon your approval I will fly to Singapore, wearing this beauty of course to avoid any taxes or duties, turn the monster o er to you while I blissfully play in your jeweler box for several days before returning to my 'if only' life!

Seriously though, I wish I had some advice to give. I cant imagine paying that amount for a stone unseen and not IA. In fact I was just telling DH that I thought we should have JA send our 9k selection to an IA for evaluation before laying out the cash. Have you checked Lang antiques? They had several very large stones that looked like beauties, perhaps they may be more helpful?

Ha ha, I may very well take you up on your offer, ya know?!

Mind you, soon, I am gong to be minus 3 rings (my 3ct RB F VS2, VC ring and maybe even the pear ring). That's the only way I could afford a honker and even then I'm still going to have to top up some more!!

I did actually check out Lang Antiques. They have a BEAUITUFL antique cushion, the one that I mentioned above, and they're the ppl who asked me to pay for it in full before they'd even consider sending it to my IA! Also, is it me or are their prices on the higher side?

 

[Phoenix]

Re: 5ct+ honker search - Dealing wt antique/ secondhand shop

Hi,

You are at a disadvantage for sure. Now, fraud is rampant on the internet and imagine when they see you are from Singapore; they just don't want to deal with it. I would try to explain to vendors before an item comes up, what you are about. Some might notify you ahead of time to see if you are interested. Explain that you are a serious buyer.

Take a trip to Hong kong, attend the previews for auctions and bring a gemologist or appraiser with you on the preview paying them an hourly fee. Get to know the vendors who interest you. You are a genuine high end buyer and should be attracting their attention. High end buyers also look for value and good buys.

Begin by emailing GOG. Bgd White flash, John Pallard--all those that may also hear about a good buy in a beautiful diamond. pUT ANY FUNDS IN AN ESCROW ACCOUNT, aren't you an accountant.? I'm not screaming at you, Caps are mistake.

Annette

Ya' know, I've tried to link these estate vendors to PS and tell them who I am and some of them are like :"PS who?"!

I have been trying to tell them that I am a serious buyer, and all they need to do is to check out my threads on PS and if they need to, I can ask my preferred vendors to contact them for a reference if they need to...but all seems to fall on deaf ears!!

What do you mean by taking a trip to HK? I have been to HK many times and have attended the auctions there. I've LOVED (seriously LOVED) the magnificent jewels I see on the HK auctions but alas , these are WAAAYYYY over what I am prepared to pay.

I've also been in touch with BGD (Brian has been on the look out for me for years now), JA (so has Jim), JbEG etc.....I love the AVR's and AVC's at GOG but they're very expensive! I really wanna get a signed piece or a secondhand piece now as I think there's great value to be had in those pieces.

Yes, I am a UK Chartered Accountant and am aware of the Escrow A/c concept. Not sure what you're trying to tell me!

 

[Phoenix]

Re: 5ct+ honker search - Dealing wt antique/ secondhand shop

It sounds like you need to find an independent appraiser in the city where the ring is located and just pay them to go examine the ring for you. I think that would be enough for me with a signed piece. They can surely tell if the diamond matches it's grading report and I wouldn't want a stone removed from the original setting anyway.

Ah! I see...I was asking if the whole thing (ie. diamond AND setting) is signed, as apparently some high-end jewellers (Cartier included) are willing to set someone else's diamond in their setting. I'd like BOTH to be signed.

I've ID'ed a couple of IA's and seem to be building up a rapport with one of them, so I think I shall be using her from now on.

One of the vendors required me to pay for it in full before sending it to the high-end jeweller for verification, presumably because they don't want the ring to be tied up for the 1-2 month period without knowing there's a confirmed sale. Well, I was considering it...but in the meantime...the ring got snapped up, appparently!!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: 5ct+ honker search - Dealing wt antique/ secondhand shop

I am not sure about which designers would actually put their brand name on the diamond itself. I think the important thing is that you don't pay more than the diamond is currently worth regardless of the branding. For example, it is easy to get Tiffany jewelry around 30% off retail. That brings it into line with other nice quality, new jewelry. But I wouldn't overpay for a second hand piece. It would be fabulous to get a branded ring second hand! I, too, would rather have that if closely priced to a "new" stone and setting.

 

[Phoenix]

Re: 5ct+ honker search - Dealing wt antique/ secondhand shop

I am not sure about which designers would actually put their brand name on the diamond itself. I think the important thing is that you don't pay more than the diamond is currently worth regardless of the branding. For example, it is easy to get Tiffany jewelry around 30% off retail. That brings it into line with other nice quality, new jewelry. But I wouldn't overpay for a second hand piece. It would be fabulous to get a branded ring second hand! I, too, would rather have that if closely priced to a "new" stone and setting.

DS, I agree, I don't think the high-end jewellers would actually put their brand name on the diamond itself. All that there would be, I should think, would just be the setting bearing the stamp of a high-end jeweller. There would be no cerification or paperwork from that high-end jeweller to say that the whole ring was bought from them.

Exactly! I am hoping to get a secondhand signed piece for abt the same or even just slightly more than what I'd pay for a brand new unsigned quality piece elsewhere.

 

[MyDiamondSparkles]

Re: 5ct+ honker search - Dealing wt antique/ secondhand shop

Oh gosh, I sooooo understand your frustrations, Phoenix! I've been in this same boat for 2 years while looking for a large OEC. Vendors seem to give you info but then when you need more info they don't email back or simply don't have the info I need. So then I ask them to ship the ring to an appraiser and they want the ring paid in full before they ship. I totally understand why they do that, but it is sooooo much money to plunk down that I have shyed away from actually doing it....sigh.

If the vendor actually had great photos along with a GIA report I would more easily plunk down my money, but most vendors have just basic color, clarity and mm measurements and that is it. And the photos they have are questionable--some look very Photoshopped or there aren't enough clear photos or even videos for me to make a decision, and of course very few of these diamonds have a GIA report. Rather it is their on staff gemologist giving their opinion and a few of them have had an EGL.

That being said, I have found a large OEC that looks promising. The process of buying it is a lot slower than I'd ever expected--waiting for the seller to get back to me--emailing back and forth and I am buying it sight unseen--which makes me very nervous. For the price on the high of color and clarity I am willing to take the risk, I guess.

Phoenix, I know you tend to like higher color diamonds, but are you finding anything out there like that? The highest color in a large diamond I've found is an I--I've seen absolutely nothing higher than that. I did see your post on the heat treatment thing--but I don't know if I'd go that route as who really knows how it affects the price of the diamond if you ever decide to resell it. I kind of think you might be better off having GOG cut a OEC diamond for you--have you looked into that at all? Of course I have no idea of how that works, how much time is involved how much it costs, etc I was just thinking it might be a good option for you to at least look into. Then you get a great cut, with optimum brilliance, in the color and clarity you want. Oh, and did I see that OWD will soon be offering newly cut OECs as well?

On Langs, sometimes I think their prices are high and one time I found an absolute steal! If it is the 6-ish carat one you are looking at I am sure some of that price is the original setting that diamond is in--when I first looked I thought it said 55k and I thought wow, that's a steal and then I saw the real price....lol. Someone here mentioned they have a newsletter or mailing list and they occasionally send out 10% off coupons. I have yet to figure out how to sign up for their mailing list. I have emailed them asking to be added to their list, but it's been months ago and still no newsletter. 10% savings on a large purchase might equal enough for a beautiful LM or Victor setting--so worth looking into.

I know for myself I have wasted countless hours, days, month, years looking for that large OEC with that glorious checkerboard faceting. I sometimes think I would have been better off to spend more money and have someone like GOG, JBeg or another vendor do the searching for me--even though as you've said even they are finding those larger high clarity, higher color OECs are a needle in the haystack. That being said, I do think I've found "the one" but have yet to finalize the purchase. Prior to finding this OEC I really thought all the looking was starting to drive me nutty, so I started looking at MRB. I really do have my heart set on an OEC, so hopefully this one works out. We'll see.

 

[Phoenix]

Re: 5ct+ honker search - Dealing wt antique/ secondhand shop

Oh gosh, I sooooo understand your frustrations, Phoenix! I've been in this same boat for 2 years while looking for a large OEC. Vendors seem to give you info but then when you need more info they don't email back or simply don't have the info I need. So then I ask them to ship the ring to an appraiser and they want the ring paid in full before they ship. I totally understand why they do that, but it is sooooo much money to plunk down that I have shyed away from actually doing it....sigh.

If the vendor actually had great photos along with a GIA report I would more easily plunk down my money, but most vendors have just basic color, clarity and mm measurements and that is it. And the photos they have are questionable--some look very Photoshopped or there aren't enough clear photos or even videos for me to make a decision, and of course very few of these diamonds have a GIA report. Rather it is their on staff gemologist giving their opinion and a few of them have had an EGL.

That being said, I have found a large OEC that looks promising. The process of buying it is a lot slower than I'd ever expected--waiting for the seller to get back to me--emailing back and forth and I am buying it sight unseen--which makes me very nervous. For the price on the high of color and clarity I am willing to take the risk, I guess.

Phoenix, I know you tend to like higher color diamonds, but are you finding anything out there like that? The highest color in a large diamond I've found is an I--I've seen absolutely nothing higher than that. I did see your post on the heat treatment thing--but I don't know if I'd go that route as who really knows how it affects the price of the diamond if you ever decide to resell it. I kind of think you might be better off having GOG cut a OEC diamond for you--have you looked into that at all? Of course I have no idea of how that works, how much time is involved how much it costs, etc I was just thinking it might be a good option for you to at least look into. Then you get a great cut, with optimum brilliance, in the color and clarity you want. Oh, and did I see that OWD will soon be offering newly cut OECs as well?

On Langs, sometimes I think their prices are high and one time I found an absolute steal! If it is the 6-ish carat one you are looking at I am sure some of that price is the original setting that diamond is in--when I first looked I thought it said 55k and I thought wow, that's a steal and then I saw the real price....lol. Someone here mentioned they have a newsletter or mailing list and they occasionally send out 10% off coupons. I have yet to figure out how to sign up for their mailing list. I have emailed them asking to be added to their list, but it's been months ago and still no newsletter. 10% savings on a large purchase might equal enough for a beautiful LM or Victor setting--so worth looking into.

I know for myself I have wasted countless hours, days, month, years looking for that large OEC with that glorious checkerboard faceting. I sometimes think I would have been better off to spend more money and have someone like GOG, JBeg or another vendor do the searching for me--even though as you've said even they are finding those larger high clarity, higher color OECs are a needle in the haystack. That being said, I do think I've found "the one" but have yet to finalize the purchase. Prior to finding this OEC I really thought all the looking was starting to drive me nutty, so I started looking at MRB. I really do have my heart set on an OEC, so hopefully this one works out. We'll see.

Thank you so much for your lovely post. At least there's another PS'er who's in a similar situation and who understands the dilemmna (first world dilemma I am sure) I'm going through. I thought I was going (a bit) crazy!

There are signed pieces/ antique or estatate diamonds with higher colours. They're just more expensive. I did identify a really lovely one with a very high colour, but that has supposedly been bought by someone else.

For sure, I am not going to buy a HPHT diamond. I thought the same exact thing as you, ie. I'd have terrible problem finding a buyer for such a diamond in the future. For me, every BIG purchase is a potential investment and it'd be very foolish of me to make such an decision (and even if it's not an investment, I'd hate to lose big bucks on such a large purchase).

Yes, the 6ct+ cushion at Lang is the one I looked it. It sure is a beauty, isn't it?! . I'd prefer G or H or even higher colours but for the right price, I'd be ok with an I! It's good to know there's the possibility of getting a 10% discount with Lang.

I am still counting on our beloved PS vendors to be on the lookout for me, and I shall keep on looking. I'm not giving up!!

 

[MyDiamondSparkles]

Re: 5ct+ honker search - Dealing wt antique/ secondhand shop

Well I just realized that I missed your post about already looking at GOG AVRs and they are more $ that what you want to spend. Yep, we're in the same boat indeed....

My budget "could" be fairly high, but let's face it, just because I have that much money to spend doesn't mean I want to spend it. In this economy I am choosing to be conservative and I want a deal. I'm fairly certain I won't ever want to resell the diamond but ya' never know--I keep thinking what if I end up thinking it is too large and I decide to downsize. I seriously doubt that would ever be the case, but ya' never know. Didn't someone here downsize recently---now who was that? Um...you know the E oval, Singlestone setting? I need more coffee as for the life of me I can't think off hand who that was....Yssie?

And really, what is with sellers not taking us seriously? It's not the Singapore thing, as I am in the US and experience the same thing you have. I never mention who I am or what my budget is when calling--I figure if I am calling about they assume I can afford it, I don't slur my words when I talk, I ask educated questions, I usually have all my jewelry on...not that they can see that or anything....lol. But really, where is the customer service and how on Earth do they ever sell anything when they often don't return phone calls or emails? I will have to say that JBeg has been great at returning emails promptly on the diamonds/ rings I have inquired about. By far the best customer service out there. But that being said I have not contacted OWD or GOG or ERD, so they may have equally as good customer service.

Anyway, good luck in your search. I know you will find something fabulous and I'll keep an eye out for you as well. Are you only looking for over 5 carats? I did recently see a 4 carat cushion--I forget that stats on it though--I think it was a J, but I don't remember the clarity.

 

[Phoenix]

Re: 5ct+ honker search - Dealing wt antique/ secondhand shop

Well I just realized that I missed your post about already looking at GOG AVRs and they are more $ that what you want to spend. Yep, we're in the same boat indeed....

My budget "could" be fairly high, but let's face it, just because I have that much money to spend doesn't mean I want to spend it. In this economy I am choosing to be conservative and I want a deal. I'm fairly certain I won't ever want to resell the diamond but ya' never know--I keep thinking what if I end up thinking it is too large and I decide to downsize. I seriously doubt that would ever be the case, but ya' never know. Didn't someone here downsize recently---now who was that? Um...you know the E oval, Singlestone setting? I need more coffee as for the life of me I can't think off hand who that was....Yssie?

And really, what is with sellers not taking us seriously? It's not the Singapore thing, as I am in the US and experience the same thing you have. I never mention who I am or what my budget is when calling--I figure if I am calling about they assume I can afford it, I don't slur my words when I talk, I ask educated questions, I usually have all my jewelry on...not that they can see that or anything....lol. But really, where is the customer service and how on Earth do they ever sell anything when they often don't return phone calls or emails? I will have to say that JBeg has been great at returning emails promptly on the diamonds/ rings I have inquired about. By far the best customer service out there. But that being said I have not contacted OWD or GOG or ERD, so they may have equally as good customer service.

Anyway, good luck in your search. I know you will find something fabulous and I'll keep an eye out for you as well. Are you only looking for over 5 carats? I did recently see a 4 carat cushion--I forget that stats on it though--I think it was a J, but I don't remember the clarity.

AGREED with every.single. thing you've said.

Is it Yennyfire?

Yes, unfortunately, DSS has seriously set it and I'd really like a 5ct+. I mean if I am going to do all this work, I might as well go for a larger stone, he he...

 

[Dreamer_D]

Re: 5ct+ honker search - Dealing wt antique/ secondhand shop

Phoenix, most vendors want to be paid before they will send anything to an appraiser. I'm not sure where you got the idea they would send it out on memo?

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: 5ct+ honker search - Dealing wt antique/ secondhand shop

That's why I think she needs to pay for the appraiser to go to the ring. Then there is no risk for the seller to send out the ring.

 

[Phoenix]

Re: 5ct+ honker search - Dealing wt antique/ secondhand shop

Phoenix, most vendors want to be paid before they will send anything to an appraiser. I'm not sure where you got the idea they would send it out on memo?

I guess it's because the PS vendors (at least the ones I've dealt with) are willing to send and have sent loose diamonds out to IA's before they're paid in full.

Is this not the case generally or is it just with estate/ secondhand vendors?

How do we know for sure that we could get our money back in full if the stone turned out to be a dud if it's not a well-known vendor (at least not to me)? Personally, unless the diamond is a super-ideal cut diamond like a BGD (and even then, if it's a large purchase like what I'm comtemplating), I'd want to have the stone looked at before I pay the vendor in full.

 

[MyDiamondSparkles]

Re: 5ct+ honker search - Dealing wt antique/ secondhand shop

AGREED with every.single. thing you've said.

Is it Yennyfire?

Yes, unfortunately, DSS has seriously set it and I'd really like a 5ct+. I mean if I am going to do all this work, I might as well go for a larger stone, he he...

Yennyfire! That's who it was!

I originally started looking for a 3 carat, then upped it to a 3.5 carat then threw in a 4 carat--thinking well then DSS wont set in as I never want to go thru this search again--it's been completely frustrating. Anyway, I just happened upon something larger at a great price and I am hoping I won't think it's too large...if there is such a thing.

Hey, do you have any photos of a 5 carat on your hand? I'd love to see it!

 

[Phoenix]

Re: 5ct+ honker search - Dealing wt antique/ secondhand shop

That's why I think she needs to pay for the appraiser to go to the ring. Then there is no risk for the seller to send out the ring.

DS, I'm quite happy for this to take place. The IA I've identified would be totally prepared to do this. Its just amazing that practically all the vendors I've spoken to and exchanged emails with have REQUIRED full payment before the appraisal is done (and they don't even ask me whether the stone is to be sent out/ or the IA is to come to them)! Mind you, that might be my fault - perhaps I wasn't clear enough in my communication. I should make sure to clarify that in my future communication. Thanks, DS.

 

[Phoenix]

Re: 5ct+ honker search - Dealing wt antique/ secondhand shop

AGREED with every.single. thing you've said.

Is it Yennyfire?

Yes, unfortunately, DSS has seriously set it and I'd really like a 5ct+. I mean if I am going to do all this work, I might as well go for a larger stone, he he...

Yennyfire! That's who it was!

I originally started looking for a 3 carat, then upped it to a 3.5 carat then threw in a 4 carat--thinking well then DSS wont set in as I never want to go thru this search again--it's been completely frustrating. Anyway, I just happened upon something larger at a great price and I am hoping I won't think it's too large...if there is such a thing.

Hey, do you have any photos of a 5 carat on your hand? I'd love to see it!

Wow! larger than 4ct+ AND at a great price? I'd LOVE to see pics and hear more details. And no, there's no such thing as too large - not in my book anyway, LOL!

I do have photos of one on someone else's hand, but that was with a more co-operating vendor but unfortunately the stone is not well cut. The rest of the photos *seem* to be glamour, touched up photos but of course I could be wrong. I've asked for "regular" untouched photos and that's when I don't get any joy from the vendors.

 

[Laila619]

Re: 5ct+ honker search - Dealing wt antique/ secondhand shop

Phoenix, most vendors want to be paid before they will send anything to an appraiser. I'm not sure where you got the idea they would send it out on memo?

Yes, definitely. Think about it from their perspective--they are sending off a very expensive, valuable stone. We know you are 100% trustworthy, but they don't. If they offer a no-questions asked refund policy, then I guess I'm not seeing why it would be a problem to pay upfront?

Anyway, I hope you find your honker soon!

 

[Phoenix]

Re: 5ct+ honker search - Dealing wt antique/ secondhand shop

Phoenix, most vendors want to be paid before they will send anything to an appraiser. I'm not sure where you got the idea they would send it out on memo?

Yes, definitely. Think about it from their perspective--they are sending off a very expensive, valuable stone. We know you are 100% trustworthy, but they don't. If they offer a no-questions asked refund policy, then I guess I'm not seeing why it would be a problem to pay upfront?

Anyway, I hope you find your honker soon!

Fair enough. So I guess what I'll need to establish is whether or not the vendor is trustworthy enough to give me a 100% refund no question asked (I've heard of horror stories of a so-called "restocking fee" which in my case would amount to several thousands of dollars, or worse still what if they refuse to refund the whole amount to me?). How do I do that here without disclosing too much detail (you know, lurkers and all)?

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: 5ct+ honker search - Dealing wt antique/ secondhand shop

Phoenix, if they have a retail shop, anyone can go in to see a ring. You can arrange for your appraiser to go in and examine the ring in your place. If they can confirm that the piece has the mark in the ring and confirms the diamond is worth the price you want to pay, then you arrange to wire the funds and have them ship the ring to you. I think they were balking at sending the ring out.

And regarding return policies, you ask for this to be written on the sales receipt. You are looking at very respected dealers so I don't think they will be out to cheat you.