shape
carat
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Are these worth looking into?

Akalahab

Shiny_Rock
Joined
May 18, 2016
Messages
139
Hi! I'm searching for a ring. I don't want my boyfriend to spend a lot (other things I'd rather buy) on it and I want good value and something pretty. I've looked at some second hand rings and would like some advice. Not crazy about the settings (I love 1920s rings) but maybe these diamonds are worth it? Let me know what you think!

The first has a .9 carat center stone, EGL certificate: D (but appraised at E), VS2, ideal. Hca score is 4.5. Selling for a little above $3800 and comes with wedding band.

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The second has a center stone of .715 carats, total .82 carats set by hearts on fire. AGL certified and score of 0, G color, SI2, Hca 1.2 Selling for $2500
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I don't particularly like the setting of the 1st ring. 2nd may be doable. I do have a small hand though. Are these worth it just for the stones? I saw the second one is selling new for under $9000. But I know the stone can be purchased on the low side for $2280 possibly according to a calculator I found online. James Allen had a .73 carat for about $2000 and Hca of 1.6 though I think If going for a solitaire, I'd want .8+. I like that the 2nd one is seemingly unquestionable quality. But the 1st might be more for the money since other .9 carats I see seem to go for well over $4k.

What would you do? Or should I just find a loose stone? I'm not sure I can find ones for these prices. If I go for these, how much do you think I could negotiate down? Would it be offensive to offer $1800 for the 2nd one?
 

diamondseeker2006

Super_Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Jan 11, 2006
Messages
58,547
The first one has a badly cut diamond (with unreliable grading) and you don't even love the rings. So scratch those. The second does have potential due to the HoF diamond, but those are so overpriced at the outset that you may not get a good enough deal. Let me check prices for a similar diamond. I still wouldn't do it unless you really like that setting.

I don't see a problem with offering $1800 for the second diamond, but I advise you not to do it. Why don't you post a thread and ask people to help you find an antique ring (or antique style) with an antique diamond for whatever budget you are aiming for? People here are searching online all the time and I'll bet could show you some good options. I think even with a small budget, you should wait til you find a ring you love!

You can start here:

http://www.jewelsbygrace.com/rings/vintage-antique

http://www.jewelsbygrace.com/rings/vintage-inspired

http://www.jewelsbygrace.com/rings/estate-modern

http://www.loveaffairdiamonds.com/rings/?sort=featured&page=1
 

Gypsy

Super_Ideal_Rock
Joined
Aug 8, 2005
Messages
40,225
I can't tell anything about the second from that tiny AGS report.

But the first is a "no way in hell".

What is your budget, what you want for it? We are excellent with tight budgets.
 
Q

Queenie60

Guest
1. I would not buy an EGL stone, not recommended.

2. You can do better than both of these - I would keep looking if I were you.

3. Look under the "preloved" section - there are two very nice rings for sale by PS'rs and they look quite nice.

4. Or - have Gypsy or Diamondseeker or other experts help you to find something within your budget - they can do wonders!!

Good luck to you - I hope you find a lovely ring. :wavey:
 
Q

Queenie60

Guest
oops - they were already on it!!! :eh: :clap: Sorry Gypsy and DS - I was typing while you were posting!!!
 

Akalahab

Shiny_Rock
Joined
May 18, 2016
Messages
139
Thank you so much for the advice! Really appreciate it and definitely won't go with the first ring. I'm looking for something under 2 or 3.5k. Prefer under 2k though. I just can't justify spending more on a ring than a fine violin. I'd love a .7+ carat ideal cut diamond (it's my birthstone). I have a small hand (size 4) so I don't need anything huge.

Rings I love:

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I realize I'll probably have to compromise since antiques don't come with ideal cut and the bottom right ring was 5k.

Another thing that I might look into is comfortable rings. I'm a violinist so I move my fingers a lot! I know other musicians who have had to just not wear their rings due to effects of pinched nerves on other fingers and even arm.
 

Gypsy

Super_Ideal_Rock
Joined
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Messages
40,225
How do you feel about lower colors? J/K?
 

Gypsy

Super_Ideal_Rock
Joined
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Messages
40,225
This is my first choice for you r budget. Get measurements on that center stone though. And you will have size it, but it should be fine.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/401005180299?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT You can offer 2100 (a lot of watchers though, so be prepared that you may have to go up).

I really like this ring as a whole and think it would be perfect for you. You would only have to size it down a little.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/231928998044?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT It's eyeclean and white (won't be a G VS1 but will be close enough) and I'm okay with EGL USA if you are buying off vintage off ebay (much better than nothing!). Is it PS quality stone wise? No, I'll be honest. But I think its more of a flat top white light tranny and I think it will be very bright. And the setting is impeccable and so is the prong work. I'd ask if they would negotiate the price to 2500 if you do like it. But I'd buy it at that price too.

You need EVERYTHING on this ring (color, clarity, measurements of each stone), but the stones are nice and so is the setting. It is at the top of your budget though: http://www.ebay.com/itm/221829635474?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT You can bet offer 2600 and see what they say AFTER you get the information from them on the stones.

This would be very comfortable, is a stand alone and is unique: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Antique-Vintage-Art-Deco-platinum-blue-sapphire-and-diamond-ring-1-25-carats-/191873323604???? Can be sized.

Other options coming.
 

Akalahab

Shiny_Rock
Joined
May 18, 2016
Messages
139
Thank you so much Gypsy! These are amazing finds. Really appreciate your pointers. Hadn't looked at antique rings on eBay yet. My boyfriend and I like the 2nd ring you posted. And thanks for finding a good stone too! Love the first one you listed. Just continuing to look at options. I followed in your lead and perused on eBay and found this. http://m.ebay.com/itm/Antique-1920s-6000-1-10ct-Old-Cut-Diamond-Platinum-Wedding-Ring-NICE-/231447078029?nav=SEARCH

Similar to your option.

Another ring that I like http://m.ebay.com/itm/Antique-1950s-10-000-1-50ct-Diamond-Platinum-Wedding-Ring-MINTY-/231649129675?_trkparms=aid%253D222007%2526algo%253DSIC.MBE%2526ao%253D1%2526asc%253D20150519202348%2526meid%253Def9b3fb6854c4a33b214b9cb78bccd8d%2526pid%253D100408%2526rk%253D13%2526rkt%253D25%2526sd%253D301888252897&_trksid=p2056116.c100408.m2460

It's a little more than I want us to spend but I like the sparkly setting.


Similar to the previous but M color. What does that normally look like?

http://m.ebay.com/itm/Antique-Platinum-Old-European-1-30CTW-Diamond-Engagement-Ring-GIA-Gem-Appraisal-/171989946076?_trkparms=aid%253D222007%2526algo%253DSIC.MBE%2526ao%253D1%2526asc%253D20150519202348%2526meid%253D308927260e3448adb7770c9a413f7ce4%2526pid%253D100408%2526rk%253D5%2526rkt%253D24%2526sd%253D111735030736&_trksid=p2056116.c100408.m2460


Also similar and less expensive
http://m.ebay.com/itm/Antique-Art-Deco-0-92ct-Old-European-Cut-Diamond-Platinum-Engagement-Ring-/262436200984?nav=SEARCH

Thoughts from anyone? How do these compare to the 2nd ring Gypsy found?

Also, at the size I'm looking at (under 1 ct) would oval be a good option? I read some other forum about the difficulty of finding a large stone but I'm wondering if maybe a quality stone is easier to find in a smaller size.
 

Gypsy

Super_Ideal_Rock
Joined
Aug 8, 2005
Messages
40,225
This one:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/231447078029
Comments: Doesn't say eyeclean. Vendor is honest so ask. But the photo is photoshopped and it says Si2 so I'm thinking not. And I'd want eyeclean.

Not eyeclean: http://www.ebay.com/itm/231649129675

http://www.ebay.com/itm/171989946076 This is a good ring. Stone has nice faceting and looks clear. You want a NAJA appraiser. That says at least the appraiser is better than the large majority of them out there. Stone is small for carat weight. Should be 6.3 at least, but 6.5 ideally. If it had a GIA lab report it would be worth the retail price they are asking. But it does not, and even a NAJA appraisal means the stone is not papered. So I would want to get it for 2800 if you could and I wouldn't pay more than that.

It's either the photography, or that stone is a dark mess: http://www.ebay.com/itm/262436200984 Nope. Wouldn't buy without seeing in person.


M is going to look ivory. I am not a fan of taking a risk on M's on ebay.

I would want a guarantee they will take the ring back if you don't love it. No restocking fee. Just your insured return shipping.
 

Gypsy

Super_Ideal_Rock
Joined
Aug 8, 2005
Messages
40,225
Okay so the M stone is an M. And it's 6mm. So it's an ivory stone that looks like an 80 pointer. And you don't know that it's a excellent performer.

If you want a 6mm stone in a diamond setting for 3000 this is a much better investment. You aren't getting a "deal" with that ring. And this will give you higher color, same size, and excellent or ideal (verified) performance. Which is what you said you wanted.

Excellent cut with potentially ideal light performance (idealscope will verify) and at J color at least they will be white:
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.80-carat-j-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-1096833
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.81-carat-j-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-1099885
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.83-carat-j-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-1098151

It's an ideal J. For 2000!!
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.79-carat-j-color-si1-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-1133566

With this diamond accent setting:
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/14k-white-gold-petite-diamond-accent-engagement-ring-item-50124
or this one:
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/14k-white-gold-tailored-diamond-engagement-ring-item-41042


Much better investment. If you ever need to sell them, you will at least be able to do that more easily.
 

ccuheartnurse

Brilliant_Rock
Premium
Joined
May 22, 2002
Messages
1,915
Gypsy found some stellar choices. I love that James Allen .79, Ideal. Put that on hold ASAP. I think the 2nd setting Gypsy listed seems like a great fit for you. From the rings you've posted, all have side stones. This one definitely be a gorgeous blingy ring with a lot of presence on your hand. :lickout: No matter where you order your rings from, make sure to ask the vendor to make your prongs fine & delicate. Your diamond will appreciate it. ;))

DS, those are great finds too. Beautifully cut stones, both of them.

Judy

Edited to add: I think James Allen is having a promotion right now on stones over $1000 you get $100 off. Check with the sales staff. Sign up on their site for upcoming promo's.
 

Akalahab

Shiny_Rock
Joined
May 18, 2016
Messages
139
Thanks so much for taking a look at what I saw on eBay. And thanks for finding that James Allen stone! I just tried to ask to put it on hold via the online chat thing and they said they don't hold? Are there alternatives that can buy me a few days? It already has an ideal scope image on the AGS certificate as well. On HCA tool it says "Very Good" for scintillation though overall score was 1.5. How big of a difference does the lower grade of scintillation make to a stone? After some thought I am narrowed down to two options at the moment. I like Gypsy's 2nd ring and one of the ideal stones. Unique setting vs perfect sparkly stone... How noticeably sparkly is a modern stone of this size?
 

ccuheartnurse

Brilliant_Rock
Premium
Joined
May 22, 2002
Messages
1,915
Hi There,

Just clarified with Jennifer at James Allen. They will hold up to 48hrs so I'm not sure where the misunderstanding came from but you are good to go! She also confirmed if you sign up for the newsletter you will get emailed a coupon code for $100 off.

I have reserved this stone under my name & she will release it to you & Identify yourself with your PS name.

Email me which you will find my email address at the bottom of my page so I can give you the order # for the hold. This stone is a no brainer if you want value & a well cut stone for a great price. The $100 off is nice too. ;-) Do take advantage of the hold before the lurkers can get to this stone. You will have 48hrs to think about it. Have Jennifer change my info to yours. She is aware you are from PS.


https://loupetroop.com/listings/loose-stones-colored-gemstone/star-star-reduced-star-star-yellow-sapphire-x-2-pairs-available

Judy

Edited: This is for the James Allen , .79. SI-1, J, AGS certed stone.
 

ccuheartnurse

Brilliant_Rock
Premium
Joined
May 22, 2002
Messages
1,915
You don't need to worry about doing an HCA with an AGS stone, it has already been tested for light performance by them. A well cut stone will sparkly at any size. The key is to buy a well cut stone. This stone is 5.9mm, which is a nice diameter for your small finger. And as I said, that second ring, wow, will be a sparkler for sure. ;-) OEC's, nicely cut ones, have a great chunky sparkle, but broader wider flashes of light & colour. I love both stones but I would favour the .79 for an e-ring over an OEC especially for the blingy ring from JA.

Sign up for the $100 off code. It will come in handy.

Judy
 

mrs-b

Super_Ideal_Rock
Premium
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Aug 18, 2013
Messages
11,542
Gypsy|1463793295|4034246 said:
Okay so the M stone is an M. And it's 6mm. So it's an ivory stone that looks like an 80 pointer. And you don't know that it's a excellent performer.

If you want a 6mm stone in a diamond setting for 3000 this is a much better investment. You aren't getting a "deal" with that ring. And this will give you higher color, same size, and excellent or ideal (verified) performance. Which is what you said you wanted.

Excellent cut with potentially ideal light performance (idealscope will verify) and at J color at least they will be white:
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.80-carat-j-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-1096833
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.81-carat-j-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-1099885
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.83-carat-j-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-1098151

It's an ideal J. For 2000!!
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.79-carat-j-color-si1-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-1133566

With this diamond accent setting:
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/14k-white-gold-petite-diamond-accent-engagement-ring-item-50124
or this one:
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/14k-white-gold-tailored-diamond-engagement-ring-item-41042


Much better investment. If you ever need to sell them, you will at least be able to do that more easily.

LOVE this setting. And both Gypsy and Diamondseeker posted you some glorious stones!

Also - very nice of you, ccheartnurse, to set that up for the OP. Hopefully they'll take advantage of it pronto!

ETA Agreed re moving on this promptly; stones highlighted in RockyTalky are regularly snatched up by lurkers. So just be aware of that. And definitely cash in on the $100 bonus!
 

ccuheartnurse

Brilliant_Rock
Premium
Joined
May 22, 2002
Messages
1,915
I know I responded already but something weird is going on with my computer. Can you just post a quick note to tell me all is ok & you have gotten a hold of someone at JA.

Judy
 

Akalahab

Shiny_Rock
Joined
May 18, 2016
Messages
139
Thank you so much Judy! He called them and everything was fine but then he called me back quickly to pick a setting. So he's on the phone again. We picked the setting that Gypsy pointed out with the cascading stones. Yay! Thank you so much to everyone. Really appreciate the care and effort to help a stranger pick out a ring. Just amazing.
 

Gypsy

Super_Ideal_Rock
Joined
Aug 8, 2005
Messages
40,225
Great news!

Fantastic job Judy!
 

ccuheartnurse

Brilliant_Rock
Premium
Joined
May 22, 2002
Messages
1,915
Asesome!! :appl: I'm glad it worked out for you. :)) How long will it take for James Allen to get the ring together? You're welcome, I was only too glad to help & wanted to make sure you didn't miss out. ;)) You were trying SO hard to find the ring of your dreams without sacrificing your boyfriends budget, which is wonderful.

Thanks all for your kind words. I just had a hunch she needed a bit of help, especially with her budget. That those of us that know JA well, know that they absolutely hold stones. That part made me mad. ;)) I had to help, and so glad I did. This ring will be a nice one & Gypsy, you have eyes like a hawk. I would give up my 4 eyes for a set like yours any day. :D You find great stones.

OP, keep in touch, we need to find you a killer band. :lol: The ring has a width of 2.1mm, which is a nice small width on your tiny finger. I suggest the same width for your e-ring. Let us know what you like, what your budget is & we'll all keep an eye out for something for you. In the meantime, check LT & DB for options. We'll hook you up! ;-)

This is just an aside mind you. & not the norm. But I highly suggest if you can afford an "engagement" surprise for your boyfriend that would be very special. Men don't verbalize it like us women but those men I know that have gotten "engagement" watches have been surprised & thrilled to have their very own token of their engagement. If you need help with this, I can help you. You have my email, let me know if you want a watch. I can find you one.

Congrats on securing the stone & ordering the ring. I'm happy for you both. :sun:

Judy
 

mrs-b

Super_Ideal_Rock
Premium
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Messages
11,542
This is going to be one gorgeous, blingtastic ring!

Well done everybody - and great choice, OP!

And congratulations on your engagement :)
 

rubybeth

Ideal_Rock
Joined
Nov 12, 2007
Messages
2,568
Oh, wow, this is going to be lovely! Can't wait to see photos of the completed ring. :love: :cheeky:
 

Akalahab

Shiny_Rock
Joined
May 18, 2016
Messages
139
My ring! Needs to be sized down slightly though.

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Akalahab

Shiny_Rock
Joined
May 18, 2016
Messages
139
Thank you so much for all the help! My fiancée asked me to thank you all as well!

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lovedogs

Super_Ideal_Rock
Premium
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Jul 31, 2014
Messages
18,023
oh my goodness I'm so happy to see this outcome! I've been following this thread since the beginning and am thrilled to see what you ended up with! It looks incredible on you! Congratulations to both you and your fiance!
 

Akalahab

Shiny_Rock
Joined
May 18, 2016
Messages
139
Thank you!

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JDDN

Ideal_Rock
Premium
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Messages
2,339
Just beautiful!!!!
 

Gypsy

Super_Ideal_Rock
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I love it on you. It looks fantastic. Truly. Wear it in good health.
 
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