Advice needed- second hand cheaper than brand new diamond?

[Katba1ou]

Hi guys

Due to some issues with my current engagement ring (stone and setting) my husband has agreed to purchase me a new one! It's not going to be until next year now as we are in the process of selling our house.
We discussed what was possible and he agreed to let me increase the size of my diamond from the .49 that I have now to a .75! However as time has gone on I feel I am becoming greedy and want something bigger (my husband has said if it doesn't cost him anymore money then he doesn't mind on the size etc...)

I was wondering if buying a second hand stone would be cheaper than buying a brand new one? I've come to the conclusion that as long as the stone has the credentials I'm looking for then i don't mind if it belonged to someone else before me as it'll be what I wanted.

Thank you in advance for your help and advice

Katie

 

[LaraOnline]

Re: Advice needed- second hand cheaper than brand new diamon

I would say going second hand is a good way to get more bang for your buck, if you are careful and know what you are looking for.
Take your time!!!

 

[Katba1ou]

Re: Advice needed- second hand cheaper than brand new diamon

I would say going second hand is a good way to get more bang for your buck, if you are careful and know what you are looking for.
Take your time!!!

I definitely feel confident with what i'm looking for this time- I've been researching since january this year but wasn't sure about second hand or not. Is there a large difference do you think?

 

[denverappraiser]

Re: Advice needed- second hand cheaper than brand new diamon

What makes 'used' diamonds cheaper than new ones has more to do with the seller than the stone. People prefer to buy from pros for a variety of reasons, some of the good and some less so, and the competitive advantage private sellers have is that they can drop the price. If you're buying from an individual, usually the selection is low (lthey only have one item), returns are difficult, payment and delivery terms are usually less friendly condition can sometimes be a concern but, in the end, diamonds aren't perishable and if you're a better buyer than they are a seller and you can find someone who has what you want, there are deals to be had.

 

[ericad]

Re: Advice needed- second hand cheaper than brand new diamon

Also, take a look at reputed retail vendors who offer consignments for sale. They'll be priced lower than retail, but will include the service, safety and return policy of using a trustworthy vendor. It's a good compromise between buying retail or buying directly from a private party. Many of the PS recommended vendors have a consignment section - you never know, might get lucky and find just what you're looking for!

 

[WinkHPD]

Re: Advice needed- second hand cheaper than brand new diamon

I would like to say that oft you can find incredible deals from "privates" as they are called in the trade. However, you must know what you are doing if you are to deal with a private.

May I recommend that you not try to do it yourself, but rather work with someone like Neil, an independent appraiser who does not buy or sell diamonds so he will have no dog in the fight to try to get you to buy one of his stones. That way you will get an unbiased assessment of the diamond you are looking at and you will not have to be the one to tell the seller if the diamond is not as it was represented during the original purchase.

It is surprisingly often that the (fill in any two grades that you like here) diamond that was purchased without a good document was indeed not as represented.

Wink