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Are my bling goggles on too tight?

hayley_cat

Rough_Rock
Joined
Sep 7, 2017
Messages
24
Hey there, PriceScope Community!

Long time lurker here, first time poster, and so excited to come to the experts for advice!

I've found an F .99 ct SI-1 Marquise stone in a recycled jewelry store. I don't love the larger ring it is currently set in, and the store agreed to remove the diamond and place it in a smaller 18k white gold band. I know the market for Marquise stones is down, but I'm a littleeeeee suspicious, as they've agreed to reset the stone into the new band for $2,700 -- $2k for the stone and the asking price of $700 for the ring with no additional labor charges. I've checked the PS inventory and the stones with matching specifications are at least over 3k, and this ring (to me, at least) doesn't have an overly obvious bowite or crushed ice look in the store or natural light.

My boyfriend and I are looking to spend under $3,000 for the e-ring and stone, so were pretty excited we could get so much finger coverage for (comparatively) little. We're going to take a second look tomorrow, but my question -- is there something I'm missing? Is there anything else I should check/ask to see?

I'm afraid I'm caught up in the "omg this is my engagement ring" moment and am losing a discerning eye.....so please,
any and all advice is greatly appreciated, and thank you so much in advance!!!!!!

Please find the specs sent to me by the GIA certified jeweler of the original ring and the band I hope to set it in, along with a few hand shots :wink2:.

484253-5d9aae0f6adea35ec97fa9400f1f6540.jpg

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484256-73437eba189817f99acd669bb0e01bf1.jpg
484259-ba2f1f4d06ada8a8f34e39a8cb3749e7.jpg
 

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Hi Hayley Cat...
It does not appear that the marquise has GIA paperwork. It has an appraisal by a GIA certified Jeweler which is not the same. The stone would be
considered uncertified (does not mean its not a nice stone). You cant really compare uncertified stones with certified stones because its not
apples to apples.

I wish the pictures of the stone were more up-close so we could see the faceting. I cant really comment on anything without more info.

Is the ring yours already?

Edit...farrahlyn and I were posting at the same time
 
The thing to consider is whether you like certainty. I know the lack of certainty would drive me nuts with my personality, but if you won't mind having an "estimated .99 carat, estimated F-G color" and you love the ring, then go for it.
 
I think you can do better. That looks exactly like my first wedding set. Same "appraisal" of a 1.04 carat marquis. When it was unset, it was .67 carats. :angryfire: I desperately wish I knew about PS then. I'd pass. You are planning on resetting it anyway. I'd give your budget, ring size, and your setting preferences, and the posters here can find you something better.
 
Hi, farahlynn, tyty333, scarsmum, and soxfan,

Thank guys you soooo much for your replies! There is so much to be said for this wonderful community.

You're right -- the appraisal while mounted is a huge concern. I will check again and see if they have GIA paperwork.

Also -- I am so sorry for the low-quality pics! Didn't realize how bad they were until I got home and actually looked. I am attaching a picture of the stone from the website. I am not sure if it is all that detailed, but definitely better than mine.

upload_2017-9-7_12-46-57.png

We haven't purchased the ring yet and are soooo grateful to you PS gurus -- this is exactly the kind of advice we needed. We love the price and look, but the lack of certification has us rethinking our options.

Thank you again!!!!
 

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Ahhhhh thank you, so much, soxfan! You've DEFINITELY picked up on my love for all things art deco and OEC :) These are some beautiful alternatives to consider - the A Jaffe ring is beautiful.....

 
HI:

If and where you can, buy a stone with a reputable lab cert.

You have a healthy budget and can get something beautiful AND have peace of mind knowing you are getting what you paid for.

Have you settled on a diamond shape?

cheers--Sharon
 
Thank you, Sharon!! You made me smile! We are both recent college grads and EVERYTHING seems expensive! My sweet intended has been feeling disappointed we can't swing for more, but I've assured him that for 3k we can absolutely find something perfect. You're right, though -- with such a hefty investment, we should get something with confirmed specs.

I think a marquise center stone is my front runner; I know they aren't really the style these days, but I am partial to the "it faces-up larger" factor, as well as the sentimental value, as my mom has one as well.

HI:

If and where you can, buy a stone with a reputable lab cert.

You have a healthy budget and can get something beautiful AND have peace of mind knowing you are getting what you paid for.

Have you settled on a diamond shape?

cheers--Sharon
 
Thank you, Sharon!! You made me smile! We are both recent college grads and EVERYTHING seems expensive! My sweet intended has been feeling disappointed we can't swing for more, but I've assured him that for 3k we can absolutely find something perfect. You're right, though -- with such a hefty investment, we should get something with confirmed specs.

I think a marquise center stone is my front runner; I know they aren't really the style these days, but I am partial to the "it faces-up larger" factor, as well as the sentimental value, as my mom has one as well.

You have a good budget. And you have nailed down the shape. Ok. Now setting- what do you like? Can you post some pics?? What size is your finger?
 
You'll find a whole host of marquise fans on here!!!!
Just a suggestion, but..... I'd put the entire budget into the stone and wear a plain band, with the idea of a diamond band perhaps down the road - only saying bc I see the set you liked had a diamond band. Happy hunting!
 
If they can reweigh the stone once it is removed from the setting and it is the spec they say then I would go for it. If it's higher and they want to charge you more tell them you have already negotiated the price and you won't go higher but if it's smaller than the .99 try renegotiating with them for a lower amount. If they don't want o negotiate than keep looking for one that is certified.

I'm also a big fan of elongated stones so I get your love for a marquise! My promise ring from my first boyfriend was a marquise and now current "upgrade" ering is also a marquise. The stone cut looks very nice on your hand so I think you picked a great cut.
 
You'll find a whole host of marquise fans on here!!!!
Just a suggestion, but..... I'd put the entire budget into the stone and wear a plain band, with the idea of a diamond band perhaps down the road - only saying bc I see the set you liked had a diamond band. Happy hunting!

or tell us your finger size and we can try to find a reasonably priced one secondhand.
 
You have a good budget. And you have nailed down the shape. Ok. Now setting- what do you like? Can you post some pics?? What size is your finger?

I am honestly not as picky here as I am with center stone specs... I prefer a setting that is around the 2.4mm in size. White gold is a plus, though I am not against yellow gold. I do like milgrain detailing. An eternity band is not ideal. If there are diamonds, I prefer that they match the center stone in color/ clarity and contain no/low florescence! I wear a 4.25 ring.

You guys are the best!
 
I am honestly not as picky here as I am with center stone specs... I prefer a setting that is around the 2.4mm in size. White gold is a plus, though I am not against yellow gold. I do like milgrain detailing. An eternity band is not ideal. If there are diamonds, I prefer that they match the center stone in color/ clarity and contain no/low florescence! I wear a 4.25 ring.

You guys are the best!

I love yellow gold. I am a recent convert!
 
Pears cuts also have a larger face up appears like marquise incase you needed to expand to a different cut. They are very popular right now so finding one shouldn't be an issue
 
Here are some other suggestions if you decide to see what you can get for your $3k budget.

This one looks to have a nice faceting pattern...(it does not have bright lights shinning on it like some of the others so wont look bright like some of the
other videos). Nice size, gives you about $400 for a setting.
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/marquise-cut/0.80-carat-h-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-1890643

Setting possibilities...
https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...mfort-fit-solitaire-engagement-ring-item-7086
https://www.jamesallen.com/engageme...ld-presentation-solitaire-six-prong-item-7990

I like that D too that soxfan posted.
 
Another marquise fan here too. If it's the shape you really want, don't get distracted by other rings. You won't get the same finger coverage with a round, and I think marquise is more unusual, and different to what most people have :)
 
That's a lovely stone that tyty has posted, mine's also a VVS2 H and really sparkles and looks white. I'd advise against going any lower in colour, because I think you'll really notice the tint.
 
That's a lovely stone that tyty has posted, mine's also a VVS2 H and really sparkles and looks white. I'd advise against going any lower in colour, because I think you'll really notice the tint.

Austina -- agreed on all accounts!! I am really (and kinda unfortunately) color/clarity sensitive, and it seems like marquise stones show color a lot more than other stones might. Thank you for confirming my thoughts on this!!
 
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