Antique ring but poor diamond clarity

[orimental]

Apologies for my lack of knowledge. I'm buying an engagement ring for my girlfriend and have only read up a few things on the internet.
I'd really value any advice and help you could give me.

I've found a ring that I really think she will like but the diamond has been listed as 1.20 carats, Colour L, clarity P1.
From my reading it looks like that many would completely avoid P1 diamonds and with wear could crack or be more perceptible to become damaged?
But then I've also read that some antique diamonds which when graded to today's standard are considered very good but the cut of the diamond may actually be better than diamonds today?

Also is there a possibility of replacing the diamond with a nicer one? Would that devalue the ring as it isn't completely antique anymore after this work has been carried out?

Sorry if these seem ridiculous questions. I really have no idea!

Ah forgot to add the ring is priced at £4000 which is $6100.

 

[AprilBaby]

Welcome! I would skip it and buy different diamond.

 

[LibbyLA]

You have a nice budget so you should not have to settle on a ring with a poor quality diamond. Keep looking and you will find a beautiful diamond in a beautiful setting. Maybe some of our UK/European members will have some leads on some good choices within your budget.

liz

 

[orimental]

Thanks for your help. What a great bunch of people!

I've taken a look through lots of antique jewellery websites today and this is one that really stood out to me.

They've come back to me and said that they can replace this with a better diamond.
Colour: H Clarity: SI2 1.21 carat
This would up the total ring price to £8795.00 which is unfortunately out of my budget for now.

Also they've said "A majority of the diamonds in store are not GIA certificated, merely as they are not ‘new’ stones and will have purchased second hand, whether in store or on buying trips. On any sale over £2000.00 we can offer a valuation for insurance which will state diamond & ring specifics."
In what circumstance would I need GIA certification? Is GIA certification only useful when you sell on the ring?
is there any other worthwhile certification or check that I could get done myself?

 

[nowicanseethemoon]

Have you looked at Jewels by Erica Grace? They have a really nice selection on antique rings with more than a few in your price range.

 

[yennyfire]

Have you looked at Jewels by Erica Grace? They have a really nice selection on antique rings with more than a few in your price range.

+1...they have a lovely selection and are exceedingly reputable...you'd be in the most capable of hands....

 

[Confection10]

This is only my opinion, but that stone doesn't look so called antique at all. Price seems to be high for that combo; ring and diamond.

 

[bunnycat]

This is only my opinion, but that stone doesn't look so called antique at all. Price seems to be high for that combo; ring and diamond.

+1. It kind of looks like a poorly cut modern round brilliant in that pic. I'd second looking at JBEG, or also, some of the antique hunters on here may be able to suggest some more reliable UK vendors for antiques.

 

[SB621]

Definitely go with JbEG.

I love this antique oval- $4100
http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.com/Jewelry/Rings-Antique-Vintage/1ct-est-Oval-Mine-Cut-Diamond/29859223_6jX2sG#!i=2562729904&k=JBwvXdC

$3850
http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.com/Jewelry/Rings-Antique-Vintage/110ct-Old-European-Cut-Diamond/27846587_3xsrxD#!i=2349042490&k=ng2vnHk

$6195
http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.com/Jewelry/Rings-Antique-Vintage/101ct-Old-European-Cut-Diamond/29994095_vJdzkR#!i=2576074633&k=sN8qthV

 

[Rhea]

This! http://www.ebay.com/itm/ANTIQUE-14CT-WHITE-GOLD-1-06CT-CERTIFIED-OLD-CUT-VS-DIAMOND-SOLITAIRE-RING-/290953359424?pt=UK_Jewellery_Watches_FineJewellery_CA&hash=item43be2bf040

In your own country (hello, neighbour!) so no duties or taxes or waiting, good return policy, and comes with a certificate from an independent appraiser.

 

[antiquesparkler]

This is only my opinion, but that stone doesn't look so called antique at all. Price seems to be high for that combo; ring and diamond.

+1. It kind of looks like a poorly cut modern round brilliant in that pic. I'd second looking at JBEG, or also, some of the antique hunters on here may be able to suggest some more reliable UK vendors for antiques.

+2. The ring seems to be overpriced.

 

[nowicanseethemoon]

Definitely go with JbEG.

I love this antique oval- $4100
http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.com/Jewelry/Rings-Antique-Vintage/1ct-est-Oval-Mine-Cut-Diamond/29859223_6jX2sG#!i=2562729904&k=JBwvXdC

$3850
http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.com/Jewelry/Rings-Antique-Vintage/110ct-Old-European-Cut-Diamond/27846587_3xsrxD#!i=2349042490&k=ng2vnHk

$6195
http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.com/Jewelry/Rings-Antique-Vintage/101ct-Old-European-Cut-Diamond/29994095_vJdzkR#!i=2576074633&k=sN8qthV

Yes! Like any of these. I just love their stuff...

 

[msop04]

Hi orimental,

What color and clarity are you comfortable with? Does your GF desire an old cut stone or does it matter?

 

[msop04]

I'm assuming you'd be ok with an eye-clean stone (correct me if this isn't so), so I found several on JA that would allow a little room for VAT or whatever taxes you may pay.

If you're comfortable with J color... (should face up white if excellent cut)

The table is a bit large, but it has medium blue fluorescence to make the J appear whiter. You'd need to make sure it's eye clean though (it's a VS2, but the inclusion is on the table)... @ $5450
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-dia...-j-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-239538

For the price, this is my favorite for you. It's an extremely clean J/SI2 for under budget @ $4810! It has faint fluoro... numbers look good.
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.20-carat-j-color-si2-clarity-sku-229256

Another one. J/SI2 (very clean) No fluor... numbers look good. @ $5490
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-dia...-j-color-si2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-211197

 

[msop04]

And if you can go to K color, this one is really pretty with Strong Blue fluoro, so it should be a little whiter. EX 1.2 ct K/VVS2 @ $5350.
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-dia...-k-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-25429

 

[Snowdrop13]

I'd like to second the recommendations for JBEG, I've just had a stress free transaction with them from the UK and even with p+p charges and VAT the prices are still cheaper than many local places. If you want something vintage from "home", fineantiquediamonds.co.uk and carolefranks.com stock preowned and antique pieces and are great to deal with.