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about to buy. is this a bargain?

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jasonguard

Rough_Rock
Joined
Dec 12, 2005
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Today, I''m going to look at a platinum diamond engagement ring. It really suits my lady''s style, but at $1,000.00 I don''t know if it''s a bargain or not. Please tell me what you think.

It''s got a 0.40 F/VS2 round brilliant diamond.
The weight of the ring is substantial, as the band is thik and the rock is bezel set.
However, it''s 10-15 years old, previously owned and has a tiny mark on each side where it has rubbed against other rings. They''re polishing it up now. But I''m planning to offer my lady a chance to take the thing to an artisan engraver and really make it unique looking. Is a ring like this even suitable as an engagement ring?

Lemme know what you think.

Jason

ps: sorry no pics yet. stay tuned
 
For $1000 you can do better. Not sure how stuck you are on the 4c's or the fact that its a previously owned peice thats intriguing to you. If you do a search for SI-1-2, colour H-J, there are some prices out there. Perhaps though, you might end up in the end spending the same money, you might be getting a better quality diamond & a brand new setting. A simple setting will cost about $150-200 so not pricey at all. Plus, a bezel setting might cover the stone a bit too much. Then again, if thats what she likes, then you better stick with that. LOL Check out Whiteflash has some nice stones for your pricerange.

Goog luck,
Judy
:-)
 
well, I definitely would not call it a bargain- b/c you could probably get nearly the same thing new at that price! see here- http://www.whiteflash.com/diamonds/diamond_Details.aspx?itemcode=AGS-6639709 same size stone, color, clarity. and a really nice cut, and you know nothing about the cut on the used ring it seems? PS price on that stone is $831.

whether or not the ring is suitable for an engagement ring is up to you and your gf. I personally would not want a used ring for an e-ring, especially when I could have had the same thing new at a similar price.
 
I don''t consider it a bargain either. I''d call WF and tell them your budget. I''d rather have a well cut stone and a simple solitaire setting that is new. Just my 0.2. Good luck!! Also you can get a nice WG setting for a lot less than platinum.
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Well, I''ve got the ring on loan from the store. The camera here at work wouldn''t zoom in very effectively and so they look a little grainy and generally imperfect. For instance, the stone has that colorful fire that diamonds are known for and the band isn''t all mishapen and scuffed the way these pictures seem to show. The style is a "half bezel set" with a round brilliant rock. When I give it, I won''t say that it was previously owned, I''ll say antique or vintage. The stone is only 0.40, but doesn''t really look small in this setting. It''s F-G color and VS2 clarity. But we''ll see what the appraiser says over the coming weekend weekend. I took two more pics, so I''ll attach them here.
Thoughts?

eRing-001.jpg
 
side view shows the exposed edges of the round brilliant.
a neighborhood jeweler said he would make the same ring new, with papers, for about $1500. So, I''m guessing I didn''t get an aweful deal. My coworkers all seem to like it.

eRing-002.jpg
 
I just have to chime in on the subject of "used" rings. If you''re not attached to having something brand new, why not look at vintage/antique rings? You can find a lot of really beautiful and unique rings this way--and the price is often a lot lower than buying a similar setting/stone new. I have an engagement ring from the 1920s and I absolutely adore it. I looked and looked at new rings and never saw one that spoke to me the way this one does--and the price was about 35 to 40% lower than what we were looking at in new rings. Old diamonds are quite different from modern ones, so it is a question of your girlfriend''s taste, but it might be worth exploring. Ebay has a lot of good antique rings, as do online sellers like faycullen.com, newyorkestatejewelry.com, and online-estate-sales.com.
 
Now that I look at it more and more, I''m not so sure my lady will want this thing engraved with a custom design. One idea is a bunch of leaves on a vine that ends with the diamond as the flower/centerpiece. But, it''s kinda nice as is too. Hmmmmm...

eRing-003.jpg
 
Date: 12/14/2005 3:10:45 PM
Author: jasonguard
When I give it, I won''t say that it was previously owned, I''ll say antique or vintage. Thoughts?
Click to expand...

Thoughts? Um - yeah. She''s not gonna "buy" that story. It''s insulting to her intelligence IMO. That ring is CLEARLY not "antique" or "vintage". It is a MODERN style. Couching it as "antique" or "vintage" is IMHO a manipulation of the truth that only a very dumb person would believe. Don''t kid yourself & don''t kid her. You could do a lot better for your budget if you''ll kindly spend a little more time picking out something SHE''LL BE WEARING THE REST OF HER LIFE. Why start off your life together with a manipulation/lie??????? To save a buck or two?

Puhlezzzzze??!
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Decolighted,
Maybe I should clarify. I've been describing the ring as "pre-owned," but have been told that the term has a negative connotation. So, I included the sentence you enthusiastically zeroed in on to illustrate that I know that the ring's previous experience can sometimes be an issue. Regardless, I've put a great deal of time into this search for the right ring. So, while I am looking for input, I'm going to ignore your comments, because I think you're being rude, although you clearly feel strongly and I suppose that's your right and this is your venue. Who am I but a man who plans to propose to his woman? I'm pretty sure this ring is going to go over well with her, because I know her tastes. What I don't know much about is the diamond/platinum ring market. Thanks for your time. Please go a little easier on me if you decide to chime in again.
Jason
 
jason,

I agree with Deco that you shouldn''t describe the ring as an antique piece to your future fiancee as it looks very modern. I think the term you''re looking for is "estate piece." That has a better ring (no pun intended
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) than "used" or "pre-owned."

Do you think your gf would be irritated at being given an estate ring & prefer something new or would she like having something with a little (albeit short) history? Different women feel differently about this, but I think you should be honest about it with her. I think Deco was trying to warn you of the possibility that a pre-owned ring might not go over well w/ your girl...
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I like the sleek modern look of this ring & think it would be best kept simple (sans engraving) if you wind up keeping it. If not, there are lots of other options out there that could be a good (or maybe even better) value & a gorgeous ring.

Good luck & let us know what you decide.
 
I think it's very pretty. But in no way is it vintage or antique. That said why not just say you got it as an estate piece?? Just a thought. Good luck!!
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Jason,

My original engagement ring was "pre-owned". I had absolutely NO problem with that. My fiancee didn't earn a lot of money way back when and wanted to buy me a nice ring so at the suggestion of one of his co-workers we went looking in a consignment shop. We found a beautiful .52 pear shaped diamond solitaire. It was perfect and we both saw it twinkling in the case from across the room, it's like it had our name on it. He knew I wanted a pear shaped diamond and this ring was definately within his budget. I got more than I would have gotten if he'd gone to a retail jewelry store (this was 15 years ago and wayyyy before internet diamonds) and he felt good that he could give me what I wanted and not break the bank. Just tell her that it came from a consignment shop. You know whether or not she'll have a problem with it. Good luck, I think it's a beautiful ring. I would inquire a jeweler as to whether or not he can polish up the scuffed areas and shine it up for her.
 
Yeah, I''m with pearcrazy. My ring is "preowned" (albeit genuine vintage) and i actually like that it has its own history--to me it makes it even more special. Also, i got a lot more ring for what my fiance could afford than if he had gotten me a new ring. but then, i''m a girl who LOVES getting a good deal.
 
Jason,
I don''t think Deco was trying to be rude, just sharing her honest opinion. You obviously know your lady and if you feel comfortable presenting her a pre-owned ring, go for it. I for one wouldn''t be opposed to owned a pre-owned ring as long as I knew it was such. Bill Pearlman has some gorgeous pre-owned pieces on his site and I''d gladly take most of them but would want my hubby to show it to me and make sure it was ok before spending the money. If he was to completely surprise me, i''d rather have something new, unless it was a true antique/estate piece. To be fooled into believing it''s something it''s not and find out later would lead to a very unhappy situation i''m guessing. The chance she will find out the truth will be very probable if you are planning on insuring the ring because it will say on the appraisal how old it is. If you short cut she''s bound to find out and only you know how that will make her feel.
 
Wow, tough crowd! I think some of you are feeling the effects of hump day!
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I think it is a very nice ring. I also think it is a fine price. I know some of you comment that he could get a diamond for $850, and then put it in a simple setting, but I think the setting is part of what he likes, and if it is a heavy platinum piece such as he describes, then I think it is well worth the price. If he has a $1000 budget and wants the best diamond possible, then I think your comments are warrented, but that's not what he is asking. And even so, if you do a search for 0.40 F/VS2 diamonds, the prices range from $750 to well over his price of $1000. And the one he has found includes a heavy platinum setting. As far as trying to call it something it's not, ie "antique" I agree that probably isn't the best way to go. On the flip side I wouldn't want anything called estate piece either, because to me that denotes that someone died. Crazy me, but we all think differently. But then again I'm going off track of his question. So my two cents are, I like it, I think it is a fair price.
 
I think the ring is very lovely and that your lady will be happy to have it.

But here comes the "BUT."
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I think that if you want to compare apples to apples and know how much you would pay for this ring new, then you need to do more research. Does the stone come with a lab report, preferably from the GIA or AGS? If it doesn''t or comes with a lesser-known report, then the prices for a new stone run even lower. The fact that there is a color range instead of one color indicates to me that there is no such report.

I did see that on Blue Nile a platinum half-bezel ring is selling for $995 and on Mondera for $960, so that could indicate that this is a good deal as long as the diamond checks out. Can you make the sale contingent on an appraisal checking out?

If you''re happy with the ring, and you''re not concerned about the exact color or cut quality, then I think it could be a very nice ring at a nice price.

While I think it is probably a good idea to tell your future-fiancee that the ring was previously owned, I don''t think you need to tell other people. It''s none of their business. So don''t worry about how to phrase it.
 
Honestly, Jason, Deco did not mean to be rude. She''s a total sweetie. She also says what she thinks. There is a thread that got a few of us going, and I''ll link it so you can understand. That said, I know it''s not exactly the situation, but a guy should tell the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth about a ring if it is preowned. Good manners dictate such. I think that was Deco''s point. Here is the link. https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/advice-friend-received-an-exs-e-ring.36599/

I think the ring is quite pretty, and if plat. could be quite a deal. Can''t say about the diamond''s quality. It was probably graded while set, hence the variation in grades. HTH

shay
 
I agree 100% with phoenix girl.

I think the style of the ring is lovely. Half bezels are one of my new favorites. It would also match a lot of wedding band styles, and being set low, would not snag on things and would be easy and comfortable to wear.

I would NOT engrave it. I think engraving is an antiquey look and this setting is very modern.
I think that if you have a budget of $1000, and you like THIS ring a lot, you have gotten a good deal. If you have $1000 to spend and are not in love with this ring, there are other fish in the sea.

Re: it being pre-owned, isn''t the point of platinum that it lasts forever? Just have your jeweler polish it and it will be good as new. Lots of diamonds are "recycled" - I assume this happens when people trade up or sell their jewelry! So there is absolutely nothing to be ashamed of. I would tell your fiance the truth but nobody else needs to or should know.
 
One additional thought, the price of platinum is quite high right now. The ring seems to have a substantial amount of plat. You could have your jeweler measure the weight and tell you how much the plat is worth (maybe they can even tell you at used value). That way you can figure out how much you are spending on the setting and how much on the diamond. This would let you better compare with what you can get new online.
 
Thanks to everybody. Lots of good advice. My vocabulary concerning a ring''s history is much larger now. On Thursday, the ring goes to the appraiser... for insurance purposes and because the jeweler said that if I got a second opinion and I''m not satisfied, then I can bring it back. However, I''m proposing on the Thursday before Xmas, so it''s a good thing that I have fallen for this ring and can''t stop peeking at it.
Again, thanks everybody.
Jason
 
Date: 12/13/2005 2:55:58 PM
Author:jasonguard
Today, I''m going to look at a platinum diamond engagement ring. It really suits my lady''s style, but at $1,000.00 I don''t know if it''s a bargain or not. Please tell me what you think.

It''s got a 0.40 F/VS2 round brilliant diamond.
The weight of the ring is substantial, as the band is thik and the rock is bezel set.
However, it''s 10-15 years old, previously owned and has a tiny mark on each side where it has rubbed against other rings. They''re polishing it up now. But I''m planning to offer my lady a chance to take the thing to an artisan engraver and really make it unique looking. Is a ring like this even suitable as an engagement ring?

Lemme know what you think.

Jason

ps: sorry no pics yet. stay tuned
Click to expand...
is there a GIA or AGS lab report with this diamond? if not.....there is a good chance the platinum may worth more than the stone.
 
Jason,

You said your girlfriend likes the bezel set look, which means she's probably a fan of classic beauty and clean lines. If you're trying to stay in within a budget, how about something like this?

.39 F, VS2 (same as the diamond in the ring but with an excellent cut, $865.00 with the Pricescope discount)

http://www.whiteflash.com/round_ideal_cut/round-ideal-cut-cut-diamond-798842.htm

Platinum 4-Prong Tiffany setting ($393):

http://www.whiteflash.com/Engagement-Rings/Styles/Solitaire/Platinum-4-Prong-Tiffany-Style_608.htm

total= $1258.00. $258 more for a brand new ring all her own. An ideal cut round diamond in a tiffany setting...it doesn't get any more classic than that!

Just a thought!
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Easy enough for me... the stone would be a tad less than 1k, the setting another thousand ... to make again. And you've got the ring already made (nice looking to boot). Why not. It is not unusual to find estate pieces at half their original price, so... this is one more case.

The jeweler must have insured that you paid at least as much as he did for the ring, but that is another issue. To have a another, virtually identical ring made would cost more.


It is possible that the diamond is not as claimed: either the grades may not match or it could be some less than nice cut. But it has passed your scrutiny and even if the F-VS turns out lower, the 'replacement cots' would still be more than this. Are there visible inclusions or, does the diamond look non-colorless? You could also have an appraiser check the quality for you too (from the previous post it sounds like you have or will).

IMO, estate sales are a great way to pic nice jewelry at an attractive price - as long as you know what you are doing. And this ring is not a very complicated case.
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My 2c



About pre-owned. I wouldn't bother. Once it is restored and/or engraved it will look new and be as good as new in every way What's the use to mention anything? Is there any meaning to it? You bought it from a shop... Some buy diamonds and settings separately, but there are plenty of engagement rings that come already set, like this one.

The style is popular too - probably after Tiffany's Etoile rings with which this is cousin.

It happens to be among my favorites too.



Best of luck!
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PS: I wouldn't know to say whether the diamond is worth the money without knowing grades etc. But the setting is about 1k new, so this does it for me. I've looked at Blue Nile (link to setting), WF (link to setting), Wink (link)....
 
That Blue Nile "Semi-bezel" is the most perfect setting I''ve seen so far. Thanks Ana. Of course, like you said, it''s very similar to the used one I''ve got and costs about the same without the stone. So, I guess I was just fortunate to find an impressive little stone in a suitable setting for relatively cheap. We''ll see what the appraiser says, but it looks like I''m going forward with this.
Jason
 
Btw. about engraving... There are modern types too, if this is a concern.

Anyway, these don't look dated to me - rather the contrary.
Just IMO, of course.

Tsavorite-Secret-Garden-Ring-21.gif


The ring picture comes from Jewelryexpert.com
The engraving is not done in house by them.
 
Jason,

I have absolutely no problems with second-hand jewellery. You can actually pick up some really good bargins, if you consider estate pieces.

However, did you check the links that EBree recommended. The diamond illustrated was a real stunner.

If you invest as much as you can afford in a good diamond, and set it in a simple classic setting, then you can always change the setting at a later date (which spreads the cost) Although many people like the classic plain setting, because it showcases the diamond and the style is timeless.

That would be my personal choice, but good luck, whatever you decide.

blodthecat
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I am not sure how you are going to have the stone properly examined as many appraisers have recently posted the stone cannot be graded as actually while mounted. SO you are going to be getting a best guess. Assuming the diamond is exactly what you have been told it is and that the cut is nice then I think it might be worth buying. Would I call it a bargain, probably not.
 
I think the ring is nice and the fact that it''s 2nd hand isn''t a big deal. I think what people forget sometimes is that we all my have our opinions but this is for YOUR girl whom you obviously know very well. If you know that she wouldn''t mind finding out that you got her a pre owned ring then it''s not a problem. It sounds like the person you got it from is pretty decent considering that he offered to let you have it appraised and all and when the appraisal is done you will know a lot more about the ring. You might find your not as impressed with it as you were and can use some of these good links people have provided to stay within your budget and get something nice, or you may find that it''s what you expected or better yet exceeding your expectations and you can be comfortable that your giving your girl soemthing nice. I think it''s great that your proposing....obviously you don''t have a large budget and I think looking at pre owned rings was a very smart move.
 
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