Are my bling goggles on too tight?

[naivemelody]

The price is believable to me, not suspiciously low. You're right that preowned is the way to shop for a better price!

GIA certs for preowned ~1ct stones aren't widespread enough that I'd hold out for it personally. Most of the JBG stones have appraisals, not GIA certs either. However, accurate weight is a must, and I wouldn't trust color/clarity grades given by the seller. They should unmount the stone, weigh it, and let you examine it. Find the inclusions with a loupe, make sure it's not cloudy or tinted from any angle.

Accurate color/clarity ratings are important if the price hinges on them. To me the price seems reasonable for an eye-clean untinted 0.99ct, even if GIA would call it H/SI2 - but it's your call. If the price were higher and the seller was claiming, say, F/VVS, I'd suggest trying to get them to agree on an independent appraiser to make the call on color/clarity and adjust the price accordingly.

I like your choice for the new band. In my view, the ring you're considering compares favorably to the online options posted here. But if you're doubtful and can make it work cash-flow-wise, perhaps you could order a nice one from JA and compare them in person at the local store.

 

[Austina]

I would also have V tips on the points to protect them, rather than claws, the ones on the JA setting look a bit too chunky IMVHO


More elegant looking

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

Great suggestions!

The JA D colored stone has a gorgeous shape--but is the (black) inclusion top center? Maybe I was seeing things.
The JA H looks nice also.
The JBG antique was so chubby--I loved it!

cheers--Sharon

 

[Austina]

It certainly looks like a black spot @canuk-gal

 

[whitewave]

Have you looked at aetting it east/weat in a bezel?

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

Lufflee thread.

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/show-your-marquise-love.171011/

Great pictures here...

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/80s-throwback-yg-m-1-5-marquise.210272/

cheers--Sharon

 

[SimoneDi]

OP, that 0.8 D VS2 is really pretty! Yes, there is a crystal inclusion, but I am willing to bet that it is eye-clean. You can snap a pic and zoom out to get to the actual size..I saw nothing. The V tips suggested above are really pretty and compliment the stone very nicely.

 

[canuk-gal]

OP, that 0.8 D VS2 is really pretty! Yes, there is a crystal inclusion, but I am willing to bet that it is eye-clean. You can snap a pic and zoom out to get to the actual size..I saw nothing. The V tips suggested above are really pretty and compliment the stone very nicely.

Worth seeing, IRL? That do you think, HaleyC? (no pressure...... )

cheers--Sharon

 

[drk14]

I wouldn't be so quick to dismiss your jewelry store find, since you've seen it in person both in the store and in natural light, and you seem to have a positive impression (i.e., you're not put off by any aspects of its color, clarity, or faceting).

To know whether the price is fair, you will need an appraisal by an independent appraiser to know what you have. Some important questions (which are not answered in the specifications provided by the jeweler) is whether it is a natural and non-clarity enhanced diamond, and whether there is fluorescence. Nonetheless, taking the seller's specs at face value, comps from PS vendors are around $3k. A 30% reduction (to $2k) is par for the course for the second hand market, although I'm not sure how this "recycled jewelry store" is positioned vis-a-vis the second hand market. So this is not necessarily a deal that is too good to be true.

If you like the appearance of the stone, my next step (if I were you) would be to get a copy of the store's return policy in writing, and post it here for us to scrutinize.

 

[MollyMalone]

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.

Actually, that speaks well of the appraiser who's exercising sound, cautious professional judgment. If you look at the Pre-Sale Qualitative Reports prepared by David Atlas (PS Trade member who posts here as Old Miner) that accompany many of Jewels by Grace's preloved rings, you'll see the same kind of estimating -- because the stones are not loose ones. E.g., here's the Pre-Sale Qualitative Report for the navette ring previously linked in this thread:

Even AGS, who (unlike GIA) is now willing to issue reports on mounted diamonds, will assign only that kind of "split grade" (spanning two color grades, like the F-G seen in the appraisal report given you) & flatly refuses to give even an estimate re weight.
https://www.americangemsociety.org/en/diamond-trade-mounted-diamond-evaluation-report

Plus, the Diamond Cellar* gemologist appears to have used a GIA-certified master color comparison set, something your standard jewelry store definitely does not invest in.

* Google indicates that Diamond Cellar in central Ohio is the only business using the name Diamond Cellar in the US. DC in central Ohio, with just several stores, is family-owned and operated.
https://www.diamondcellar.com/pages/history
As a transplanted Buckeye, I can say that they enjoy a good reputation in central Ohio; that's a major reason they are an authorized retailer for high-end watches like Jaeger-LeCoultre (the only authorized JC retailer in Ohio) and Patek Philippe (one of three PP retailers).

 

[Niel]

I'm sorry if I missed this but do you like e/w Marquise or only with the traditional n/s orientation?

 

[Niel]

Also, I know your want a Marquise and I support you completely and I love them.

But! As youre concern is "I want a white diamond with a lot of finger coverage for a good value", I have to share this. Not to change your mind, though. I just heard what you're looking for and I wonder if this might work, too.
I haven't looked for any second hand Marquise for a while I'll report back with anything good there. http://www.ebay.com/itm/263166885789

 

[rockysalamander]

Also, I know your want a Marquise and I support you completely and I love them.

But! As youre concern is "I want a white diamond with a lot of finger coverage for a good value", I have to share this. Not to change your mind, though. I just heard what you're looking for and I wonder if this might work, too.
I haven't looked for any second hand Marquise for a while I'll report back with anything good there. http://www.ebay.com/itm/263166885789

What a pretty ring! I don't think a resize from 7 to 4.25 would work for pave...if I'm seeing the shank correctly on my tiny phone screen But, maybe the could just reshank.the ring with a plain band.

 

[Niel]

I didn't realize her fingies were so tiny. I wouldn't size it that small. Ugh someone needs to buy this I guess it'll have to be me!

 

[hayley_cat]

You guys are AMAZING -- I cannot thank you enough for your thoughtful advice and insight!!! You really have me thinking...I'll keep browsing JBG, JA, and eBay, but I'll probably also keep my Saturday appointment with the B&M store to "weigh" my options .
Speaking of which, @MollyMalone -- thank you so much for checking into the store for me!!! My parents have worked with the Diamond Cellar and have been pleased, and this is a pre-loved store that is owned by the same people. It's reassuring that the tools used in the appraisal are on the up-and-up and could differentiate this store from the average second hand jewelry store. (Go Bucks, btw )
@kristine johnson, @naivemelody, and @drk14 --- thank you for showing me that there is hope for an uncertified stone! That is really solid advice, and if we move forward with it in our visit we will absolutely insist on a reweigh and negotiate accordingly if necessary. When we talked with the jeweler he said there was no fluorescence, was natural, and not heat treated, but we will get that in writing, too. In your opinion, is it commonplace to "haggle" with pre-loved stones?
@Austina I think you have me sold on the v-tips! I will have to compare in person, but they seem like a safer option, especially since I hope to wear the ring daily.
@Niel, I love the e/w style, but will probably save the style for a RHR instead of an e-ring.
@canuk-gal -----ahhhhh yesssssssss thank you for the thread links!! Marquise heaven!!!
And re the .8 D stone --- what a cut! The inclusion is a little worrisome, but I will follow SimoneDi's advice and view it from afar. If it's eye clean, though, it is definitely worth looking into!

Am overwhelmed with gratitude for you PS gurus....seriously, thank you. Who knew getting engaged could be so much fun!?

 

[hayley_cat]

Also, I know your want a Marquise and I support you completely and I love them.

But! As youre concern is "I want a white diamond with a lot of finger coverage for a good value", I have to share this. Not to change your mind, though. I just heard what you're looking for and I wonder if this might work, too.
I haven't looked for any second hand Marquise for a while I'll report back with anything good there. http://www.ebay.com/itm/263166885789

SUCH a showstopper!!! Is it too early to plan for an anniversary band? lol

 

[MollyMalone]

Re haggling: of course, no harm in asking if they "can do better" for you. But don't be surprised if that invitation is declined or they don't budge much from the price already quoted you. From what I can tell, it seems that Store 5a is already being reasonable. Plus, Store 5a isn't like going to one of the pawn shops down by the bus depot. They are purposely positioning themselves more as as a "boutique" for, e.g., preowned designer handbags, watches that ain't Timex
https://www.store5a.com
& that's reflected in their 2 locations, right on N. High Street in the Short North and out at Easton. Their rent can't possibly be cheap in either location.