Antique engagement rings?

[bellarex]

Hi-

My boyfriend and I are very close to finally picking my ring! I have changed my mind 1000s of times and I have found two that I love. I know plenty about diamonds at this stage, though I'm not so sure about the purchasing process in an antique store.

Will they expect me to offer a price rather than pay the ticket price? Obviously I'd like to get a deal, though what sort of percentage below the sake price is appropriate to start at?

Any advice welcome!

Thanks!

 

[Lisa Loves Shiny]

Every store is different but it never hurts to make an offer. I have found that most second hand stores will accept an 80% offer or lower depending on the ring. Higher quality diamonds and settings leave less room to negotiate in general. Diamond rings with lab reports have the least room to negotiate- even if the lab report shows the diamond cut to be less then ideal and is EGL versus GIA.

The lowest I ever negotiated was 60% of the price. Witht that said it is the most beautiful antique diamond I have ever seen let alone owned and I would have kicked myself if I had lost the ring due to trying to bargain the seller down. So to me the most important thing is what am I willing to pay for an antique diamond that has everything I am looking for.

 

[tulip928]

I don't have any advice on pricing, but was just visiting a website and saw this beautiful antique engagement ring!

http://www.newyorkestatejewelry.com/engagement-rings/1920s-0.80ct-old-european-diamond-engagement-ring/19092/3/item

Have fun shopping - I love the old cut stones and settings, too.

 

[CharmyPoo]

I don't want to add to your list but eBay could be an option too ..

I had this one on my watch list for several rounds. Very safe buy given the GIA report it comes with.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-25-tcw-VS-GIA-graded-Old-European-diamond-antique-style-estate-platinum-ring-/150893219655?pt=US_Fine_Rings&hash=item2321efcf47

I think this diamond is very pretty as well
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Platinum-Vintage-Old-European-Cut-Diamond-Engagement-Ring-76CT-G-VS1-/221118241080?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item337bac9938

http://www.ebay.com/itm/GIA-CERTIFIED-OLD-EUROPEAN-CUT-DIAMOND-VS1-VINTAGE-FILIGREE-DECO-ENGAGEMENT-RING-/400318684931?pt=Diamond_Solitaire_with_Accents&hash=item5d34da5f03

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-27ct-VS1-OLD-EUROPEAN-CUT-ROUND-DIAMOND-NATURAL-VINTAGE-LOOSE-ART-DECO-OEC-/170903242388?pt=Loose_Diamonds&hash=item27caa08694

 

[motownmama]

What I do, is I say "I'd like to offer X for this item. Here's my offer and phone number so you can let me know." I've had great success. I'd say 20% below max.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

One more thing. Be sure you insist on an unconditional return policy and get it in writing. Have an appraisal set up immediately.

 

[mandasand]

There are many antique dealers online...one I've worked with before is http://antiqueengagementrings.com/shopping/.. I believe he takes offers. I know that the prices he quoted me were less than the price shown online.