Buying a diamond from a friend ......

[fmzip]

[qoute]I answered your question a few posts up...the peanut gallery keeps this thread going south[/quote]

peanut gallery...lol!!!!!!

How about you stop adding non sense???????? It seems like you already know how you feel about the ring so move on!!![/quote]

I will say this clearly...I have zero attachment to any ring.....I am discussing a value of a specific item.....

 

[Christina...]

Okay, well in the interest of getting the conversation back on topic, I'm not sure that you are going to get a better answer than the one that you already have. As DA pointed out in the beginning its going to be difficult to assign a real value to this ring. Kenny made a good point early on in the thread (although you aren't interested in the recut option, so just throw that number of the equation away). Your friends appraiser thought that she would be lucky to receive half of the 14k and that sounds about on par to me (again a number that you have heard from several others). You mentioned that you will get your own appraisal done in the near future ( a great idea) so you will have that number to average with the others. I think your right, your friend will not be able to expect anything close to what she paid for ring or what it appraised for. Sincerly, if you like the ring, and your g/f likes the ring, then what any of us here have to say is irrelevant. If you feel that you are getting a good value and you are both happy with the purchase then that is all that matters! Personally, I would love to see pictures!

In all honesty though, I don't think that you are going to get anymore information from this forum than you already have. Good Luck to you, and I really would like to know what you decided!

 

[drillsgtsgem]

[qoute]I answered your question a few posts up...the peanut gallery keeps this thread going south

peanut gallery...lol!!!!!!

How about you stop adding non sense???????? It seems like you already know how you feel about the ring so move on!!![/quote]

I will say this clearly...I have zero attachment to any ring.....I am discussing a value of a specific item.....[/quote]


OK-thats great! You have discussed the value of the ring and people have given you their opinions. I hope you can use this thread and make a dicision you will be happy with.

 

[fmzip]

[][qoute]


OK-thats great! You have discussed the value of the ring and people have given you their opinions. I hope you can use this thread and make a dicision you will be happy with.

Honestly, I have never been more confused in my life. I've was simply trying to make this thread about one thing, one thing only and it never could stay there. With all the rude comments on my GF deserves Ebay, perfect cuts, I have no clue now.

If I only went by what the consensus is, screw my GF's feelings as well and "listen" to what everyone here says to do. Or offer $7500 and get laughed at.

I can't convey how disappointing this is. I thought a ring was to symbolize love

 

[drillsgtsgem]

Everyone was only trying to get you going in the right direction is all. Honestly if you like the ring thats what matters. But you already know what people here think. Just use what you have learned on this thread and go with what you think is best.

 

[fmzip]

Everyone was only trying to get you going in the right direction is all. Honestly if you like the ring thats what matters. But you already know what people here think. Just use what you have learned on this thread and go with what you think is best.

I know that but "right" is subjective........that's why I only wanted a dollar valuation discussion, not egoist knowledge forced upon me.

 

[drillsgtsgem]

I would get an appraisal as was suggested and go from there. But if your saying that your girlfriend isnt into the sparkly diamonds than you prolly have some feeling that this is the ring you should go with.

 

[Haven]

PLEASE DON'T BE MAD THAT I'M TALKING ABOUT SOMETHING OTHER THAN YOUR ORIGINAL QUESTION, I really think this might be a good option for you and that's why I'm including it:

Since your girlfriend isn't into really fiery diamonds, have you considered a white sapphire? White sapphires are beautiful, and they don't have the same fire that you'll see in an ideal cut stone. (Of course, if you ask for feedback on sapphire stones, we're still going to recommend an excellent cut stone, but that can't be helped!) I think a white sapphire might be wonderful for her because it still has the look of a traditional engagement ring (which I'm assuming she likes since you're considering your friend's ring,) but it lacks the fire that she dislikes.

Here are some visuals of white sapphires engagement rings:
https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/white-sapphire-engagement-ring.73828/
https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/new-white-sapphire-ring.147798/
https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/check-out-white-sapphire-e-ring.132235/
https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/emerald-cut-white-sapphire-pics-finally.75480/

Back to your original question:
If you're interested in buying that ring I would consider how much it is worth *to you*, and contact a trusted local appraiser. Based on the information in this thread, it looks like a fair price would be somewhere between $4,500 and $7,000 for this ring. I'd offer $4,500 if I were you. See how your friend responds, and go from there.

 

[Dancing Fire]

Everyone was only trying to get you going in the right direction is all. Honestly if you like the ring thats what matters. But you already know what people here think. Just use what you have learned on this thread and go with what you think is best.

I know that but "right" is subjective........that's why I only wanted a dollar valuation discussion, not egoist knowledge forced upon me.

i told you 2 weeks ago to offer her $7000-$7500,do a recut,then sent the stone to GIA or AGS for a new lab report.

 

[jstarfireb]

Since your girlfriend isn't into really fiery diamonds, have you considered a white sapphire?

Or a BIC (brilliant ideal cut) - still within ideal cut parameters, but a stone that has improved brilliance at the expense of fire.

ETA: Regarding your comments about "egoist knowledge forced on you" and the like...this is a consumer advocate forum. That means we're all here to help each other and steer each other away from potentially bad decisions. 99.99999% of people on this forum would say that buying a poorly cut diamond is a BAD DECISION. It's not egotistical or elitist. It's a way of helping people be informed consumers so they can get the best possible diamond for the money. Clearly none of us believe this is the best you can do. I think your perception may be skewed by the fact that the diamond belongs to your friend, and maybe you don't want to hear us criticize a diamond that belongs to a friend. Or who knows, perhaps you ARE the "friend" and you're trying to figure out how much you can sell it for, and you're taking our critiques of the stone as a personal insult? It's the Interwebz...stranger things have happened.

 

[slg47]

if she prefers a less fiery stone I would look for stones with proportions that fall under 'brilliant ideal cut' on the HCA.

 

[fmzip]

Back to your original question:
If you're interested in buying that ring I would consider how much it is worth *to you*, and contact a trusted local appraiser. Based on the information in this thread, it looks like a fair price would be somewhere between $4,500 and $7,000 for this ring. I'd offer $4,500 if I were you. See how your friend responds, and go from there.

Thank you for providing an answer to my question, I really appreciate it.

 

[fmzip]

ETA: Regarding your comments about "egoist knowledge forced on you" and the like...this is a consumer advocate forum. That means we're all here to help each other and steer each other away from potentially bad decisions. 99.99999% of people on this forum would say that buying a poorly cut diamond is a BAD DECISION.......... I think your perception may be skewed by the fact that the diamond belongs to your friend, and maybe you don't want to hear us criticize a diamond that belongs to a friend. Or who knows, perhaps you ARE the "friend" and you're trying to figure out how much you can sell it for, and you're taking our critiques of the stone as a personal insult? It's the Interwebz...stranger things have happened.

1) I didn't realize a diamond with a cut rating of "good" is in fact poorly cut . Thanks for clarifying that for me. I will contact GIA and suggest they revise their website http://www.gia.edu/diamondcut/04_the_system.html . I take issue with this why? Because it is completely WRONG. It's not for any other reason as you and many others infer which again I need to convey......
2) For the umpteenth time, I have NO attachment to my friends diamond or any diamond at this point
3) Is it that hard to read my posts which I have clearly stated this is NOT my diamond, and I am not asking what is the "right " thing to buy?

And once again the lack of another opinion on the dollar value of the stone corrupts this thread. Would you be frustrated if this was your thread? Of course not...I bet you'd appreciate the assumptions that are completely off-base

i told you 2 weeks ago to offer her $7000-$7500,do a recut,then sent the stone to GIA or AGS for a new lab report.

The thread suggested I get an appraisal. I didn't have an appraisal two weeks ago.....I am sorry I didn't follow your advice to make an offer without a recent appraisal.

I do appreciate that you were one of the few who contributed with a dollar value...thank you again

 

[fmzip]

I'm going to also explore the possibility of having a re-cut done to her good/poorly cut stone.............

Here's the GIA report



And yes, I completely understand the risks if I were to do go this route, hence the discussion on price

 

[CushionCutie]

Wow, you have very asocial behavior.

Right now your motivation is to prove everyone wrong and insult others, not at all seeking advice.

 

[fmzip]

Wow, you have very asocial behavior.

Right now your motivation is to prove everyone wrong and insult others, not at all seeking advice.

What exactly are you inferring? What do you think I am trying to prove exactly?

I am seeking advice, the advise as to what i may or may not offer for this stone if I decide to do so, what the cost of a recut would be to make it a better stone.

Please link my insults and I will gladly link all the off-topic comments and insults that exceed anything I've posted.......

Thing is, people want to engage with completely inaccurate innuendo, I will call them out. For example, pointing out to me that buying a poorly cut stone is BAD decision? Is this a poorly cut stone we are discussing? Not addressing points like this leaves everyone else vulnerable that anything short of an excellent cut is poor. Are we discussing buying a poorly cut stone? No we are not so why refer to this particular diamond as such? Am i getting tired all this type of posts, yes I am and they just keep coming.

An excellent cut stone does not have to be the only option. Hopefully some readers will grasp this concept in my posts. There is also a value associated with everything Maybe it holds no value to some, then why say anything? Did i not get that message after page 1 of this thread, then page 2, page 3 and page 4?

If people have followed along, it was suggested that an appraisal be done. Without it, nothing could be said. With that advice, I told her to get one done which was forwarded to me yesterday. People said don't do anything without an appraisal, then I get partially chastised for not making an offer two weeks ago? It's getting old hearing, i wouldn't buy a blob of spit, if you are eating kraft cheese you are in the wrong forum, my GF get's insulted, asocial behavior etc etc.

 

[Ella]

Enough everyone. Please consider this your one and only warning. This thread will be closed if personal insults are thrown around again.

Stay on track.

 

[fmzip]

reply form Brain Gavin Diamonds

That diamond is totally worth re-cutting. Without seeing it first we are unable to determine what the prognosis will be until we receive it here at our facilities for inspection and evaluation.

1. The charge to recut is $350 per carat based on the starting weight of the diamond + FEDEX priority overnight round trip shipping/insurance.
2. You will need to send in your diamond first to be evaluated by Brian. There is no charge for the evaluation.
3. He will provide you with feedback and reports to substantiate his predictions.
4. If you decide you do not want to proceed all you pay is the return shipping.


If she is comfortable sending her diamond out to have Brian evaluate it, I am going to explore this as a viable option.

 

[Haven]

That's great news! I look forward to hearing what Brian has to say.

 

[OCgirl]

reply form Brain Gavin Diamonds

That diamond is totally worth re-cutting. Without seeing it first we are unable to determine what the prognosis will be until we receive it here at our facilities for inspection and evaluation.

1. The charge to recut is $350 per carat based on the starting weight of the diamond + FEDEX priority overnight round trip shipping/insurance.
2. You will need to send in your diamond first to be evaluated by Brian. There is no charge for the evaluation.
3. He will provide you with feedback and reports to substantiate his predictions.
4. If you decide you do not want to proceed all you pay is the return shipping.


If she is comfortable sending her diamond out to have Brian evaluate it, I am going to explore this as a viable option.

That's great. You are potentially getting a 1.50-1.60 carat diamond (assuming 85% retention) F SI1 stone for under $8000 (again, assuming you can get the diamond for $7000 and recut done for ~$600-800). I think the recut is definitely worth doing if Brian says it can be done. It'll add so much more brilliance to the stone, not to mention sometimes the color/clarity improves after a recut. You should check out Brian's blog. He wrote about some of the recuts he did and they were simply amazing. Let me know if you want the link. Good luck.

 

[fmzip]

reply form Brain Gavin Diamonds

That diamond is totally worth re-cutting. Without seeing it first we are unable to determine what the prognosis will be until we receive it here at our facilities for inspection and evaluation.

1. The charge to recut is $350 per carat based on the starting weight of the diamond + FEDEX priority overnight round trip shipping/insurance.
2. You will need to send in your diamond first to be evaluated by Brian. There is no charge for the evaluation.
3. He will provide you with feedback and reports to substantiate his predictions.
4. If you decide you do not want to proceed all you pay is the return shipping.


If she is comfortable sending her diamond out to have Brian evaluate it, I am going to explore this as a viable option.

That's great. You are potentially getting a 1.50-1.60 carat diamond (assuming 85% retention) F SI1 stone for under $8000 (again, assuming you can get the diamond for $7000 and recut done for ~$600-800). I think the recut is definitely worth doing if Brian says it can be done. It'll add so much more brilliance to the stone, not to mention sometimes the color/clarity improves after a recut. You should check out Brian's blog. He wrote about some of the recuts he did and they were simply amazing. Let me know if you want the link. Good luck.

Yes, a link would be great.

Is it definitive that this particular stone would remain an SI1 based on what is already shown as inclusions on the GIA report?

 

[OCgirl]

reply form Brain Gavin Diamonds

That diamond is totally worth re-cutting. Without seeing it first we are unable to determine what the prognosis will be until we receive it here at our facilities for inspection and evaluation.

1. The charge to recut is $350 per carat based on the starting weight of the diamond + FEDEX priority overnight round trip shipping/insurance.
2. You will need to send in your diamond first to be evaluated by Brian. There is no charge for the evaluation.
3. He will provide you with feedback and reports to substantiate his predictions.
4. If you decide you do not want to proceed all you pay is the return shipping.


If she is comfortable sending her diamond out to have Brian evaluate it, I am going to explore this as a viable option.

That's great. You are potentially getting a 1.50-1.60 carat diamond (assuming 85% retention) F SI1 stone for under $8000 (again, assuming you can get the diamond for $7000 and recut done for ~$600-800). I think the recut is definitely worth doing if Brian says it can be done. It'll add so much more brilliance to the stone, not to mention sometimes the color/clarity improves after a recut. You should check out Brian's blog. He wrote about some of the recuts he did and they were simply amazing. Let me know if you want the link. Good luck.

Yes, a link would be great.

Is it definitive that this particular stone would remain an SI1 based on what is already shown as inclusions on the GIA report?

Here's a post on his recut. You can also check out more posts on the right, click on Diamond Recut under Categories.
http://blog.brianthecutter.com/2011/03/22/another-brian-gavin-customer-thrilled-with-her-diamond-recut%e2%80%a6/

It seems like most of the inclusions are on the side so the clarity may improve after the recut but it's hard to say. Maybe that's a question you can ask Brian. Also you would have to send it to GIA/AGS again to get a re-cert if you want to know the actual gradings. The report isn't too expensive so I think it's worth doing for a stone this size.

 

[fmzip]

Thanks for the link.

Can I make any assumptions as to what a bare minimum outcome of a recut would be? Like does it take the cut from good to ideal, excellent,signature, etc.etc.

I think it would be important for me to know what I would potentially expect to pay retail on this stone (after a recut) and compare it to how much I am investing. Again a question of value versus risk/reward.

For example, when looking for a similar outcome, would it likely become something like this?

http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-search?track=bbt#diamonds_pid=LD02111528

 

[nfowife]

I think this is something you'd ask Brian after he looks at your particular stone.

 

[suchende]

So exciting. I love a good re-cut.

 

[slg47]

Thanks for the link.

Can I make any assumptions as to what a bare minimum outcome of a recut would be? Like does it take the cut from good to ideal, excellent,signature, etc.etc.

I think it would be important for me to know what I would potentially expect to pay retail on this stone (after a recut) and compare it to how much I am investing. Again a question of value versus risk/reward.

For example, when looking for a similar outcome, would it likely become something like this?

http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-search?track=bbt#diamonds_pid=LD02111528

from what I have read, Brian will try to maximize size while improving optics. This means that not every stone will turn into a H&A (although I am sure if this is what you want, he could remove more size to do so?). As far as final cut, would definitely be in the excellent/ideal range. Also, with the clarity-it could improve, it depends on the inclusions. As the previous posters said, definitely send to GIA or AGS after a recut for regrading if you want to know.

 

[fmzip]

So if Brian says it could be in the 1.55-1.6 range after the cut, is $7000 the max I should be willing to offer her? Will he provide any input on the stones current value as it stands right now? I sent him an email asking these questions but thought someone may already know.

 

[Haven]

Will you be orchestrating the recut, or will your friend have the stone recut before she sells it to you?

If you are the one organizing and paying for the recut, I'd still offer somewhere between $4,500 and $7,000 for the stone. You are taking on the risk of the recut if you do it yourself, and IMO should only pay for the stone you are getting, not the potential that the stone has.

If your friend is going to take care of the recut before she sells it, then I'd wait and see how it turns out and get it appraised after the recut, and go from there. I'd also want a new GIA report after the recut. (Brian may provide a lab report after the recut, if he does then ignore that last bit.)

 

[Christina...]

Will you be orchestrating the recut, or will your friend have the stone recut before she sells it to you?

If you are the one organizing and paying for the recut, I'd still offer somewhere between $4,500 and $7,000 for the stone. You are taking on the risk of the recut if you do it yourself, and IMO should only pay for the stone you are getting, not the potential that the stone has.

If your friend is going to take care of the recut before she sells it, then I'd wait and see how it turns out and get it appraised after the recut, and go from there. I'd also want a new GIA report after the recut. (Brian may provide a lab report after the recut, if he does then ignore that last bit.)

I totally agree with Haven here. If you were buying a car, you were base the sale price on the cars performance at the time of sale, not what you potentially thought the cars performance would be after you had a tune up and oil change.

I think this is a great route for you, however, you had mentioned that your g/f doesn't like real firey stones, should you discuss this with her and or Brian before the recut?

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I had Brian recut a stone for me a couple of months ago. I will tell you that he will not guarantee that the stone ends up signature level or even ideal. It will be improved over what it was. He balances out improving the stone with retaining as much size as possible. I was extremely pleased with my recut. It did lose 20% of it's weight and that was pretty much his limit. I did not send it for regrading because it was a smaller stone and I had enough information on it and had no intent of ever selling it.

Here is my thread in case you are interested:

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/brian-gavin-re-cut-and-milgrain-bezel-pendant-redesign.160887/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/brian-gavin-re-cut-and-milgrain-bezel-pendant-redesign.160887/[/URL]

Somewhere else I posted before and after idealscope pictures and I will try to find that thread, too.

Found it:

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/details-on-a-diamond-re-cut.160957/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/details-on-a-diamond-re-cut.160957/[/URL]

Note: This is an excellent example of a stone that was appraised as "good" cut and improved extremely by BGD!