Buying a Verragio setting on ebay a good idea?

[Jwo]

I was looking to reset my 0.8 RB and came across some heavily discounted Verragio halo settings on ebay. The settings appear to be new with tag attached and priced at a significant discount. I looked at the seller and they 100% feedback and also a B&M store in NY.

Would it be a good idea to buy the setting and have a jeweler do it? I was thinking of asking James Allen if they would do it since my ring was originally from there. I would also need it resized from 6.25 to a 4. Would that be too drastic of an adjustment?

One that I was considering or maybe a platinum version:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/390995679959?_trksid=p2060778.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

http://www.ebay.com/itm/391013355266?_trksid=p2060778.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Any advice appreciated as I have never reset a diamond before!! Thanks a lot!

 

[elle_chris]

No, I wouldn't do it.

First, who knows if it's a real Verragio setting. Second, I doubt any jeweler would take responsibility for the the setting work if something should go wrong since they didn't sell it to you. So if anything should happen, you'd be SOL.

I just wouldn't chance it.

 

[maccers]

Similar to what elle_chris suggested, you should ask: what happens to the Verragio warranty? Will you be able to take the setting to an authorized Verragio dealer and have things adjusted/fixed if needed?

 

[Jwo]

thank you very much Elle and maccers. I'll probably won't do it and just save a little more to get it reset by an authorized seller.

 

[SparklySoprano]

So, I have some recent ebay buying experience. It was not a verragio but another very popular designer brand. I took it to an appraiser and they were doubtful it was authentic. I was able to return it at the end of the day, but for different reasons. I was actually planning on keeping it but I won't get into the story of what happened. The appraiser was planning on listing on the appraisal as a non-designer ring.

My suggestion is to really look carefully at the ring online, ask for up close photos of the prongs, i.e. Look for structural integrity, former cutting/seating to see if the ring appears to be able to withstand another mounting. Most of the time the centers have a cz in them. How easy would it be to take it out and remount another stone?

I would be a little worried for you to size down so far, 6.25 to 4. I've been told that usually two sizes max is ok, and that depends on the ring. Warranties do not get extended when customers buy on eBay. I believe this to be true for any manufacturer.

What I decided to do is purchase a setting through James Allen. I have not gotten it yet, but I will in a few weeks. I was attracted to their setting options, price points, and they still offer great benefits like lifetime warranty services, 30 day returns, with three setting options for this benefit (meaning you could end up trying 3 looks). I'm hoping I love the one I chose initially, though so I don't have to go back to the selection process again. I've tried on quite a lot of rings so I feel confident I'll be happy. They also seems to have a fairly good turn around time. The customer service so far has been outstanding, as well.

Anyway, best of luck to you! Please post what you end up doing/getting. Would love to see!

 

[Gypsy]

Have you seen Verragio settings in person? I was very disappointed by them when I saw them in person. They are much nicer in photos.

I have bought branded merchandise on ebay and had it turn out fine. But... there is a huge risk involved and you have to know what you are doing AND make sure you have a bullet proof no questions asked, return for any reason return policy from the vendor.

 

[SparklySoprano]

And to add to what Gypsy said, take pictures of the purchase as you get it out of the box to verify condition it arrived. Sometimes they try to say you "wore" it to the point of no return when in fact you did not. I'm to the point of almost being overly cautious but when you are talking thousands of dollars, it pays!

 

[WillyDiamond]

No
I seem to remember the age old expression that "if it is too good to be true, it usually is"

 

[Jwo]

So, I have some recent ebay buying experience. It was not a verragio but another very popular designer brand. I took it to an appraiser and they were doubtful it was authentic. I was able to return it at the end of the day, but for different reasons. I was actually planning on keeping it but I won't get into the story of what happened. The appraiser was planning on listing on the appraisal as a non-designer ring.

My suggestion is to really look carefully at the ring online, ask for up close photos of the prongs, i.e. Look for structural integrity, former cutting/seating to see if the ring appears to be able to withstand another mounting. Most of the time the centers have a cz in them. How easy would it be to take it out and remount another stone?

I would be a little worried for you to size down so far, 6.25 to 4. I've been told that usually two sizes max is ok, and that depends on the ring. Warranties do not get extended when customers buy on eBay. I believe this to be true for any manufacturer.

What I decided to do is purchase a setting through James Allen. I have not gotten it yet, but I will in a few weeks. I was attracted to their setting options, price points, and they still offer great benefits like lifetime warranty services, 30 day returns, with three setting options for this benefit (meaning you could end up trying 3 looks). I'm hoping I love the one I chose initially, though so I don't have to go back to the selection process again. I've tried on quite a lot of rings so I feel confident I'll be happy. They also seems to have a fairly good turn around time. The customer service so far has been outstanding, as well.

Anyway, best of luck to you! Please post what you end up doing/getting. Would love to see!

Thanks for your input! I'm glad you were able to return it!

I ended up not buying the setting. It seemed like a hassle.

My current engagement ring is from James Allen. It is the plain shank halo in platinum. I've gotten a little bored of it and wanted to eventually upgrade my current stone and to a more bolder setting. I think I may go with Whiteflash with this one, but it won't be for a while.

I'm looking forward to seeing what you got as well! I agree, we also had a great experience with JA.

 

[Jwo]

Have you seen Verragio settings in person? I was very disappointed by them when I saw them in person. They are much nicer in photos.

I have bought branded merchandise on ebay and had it turn out fine. But... there is a huge risk involved and you have to know what you are doing AND make sure you have a bullet proof no questions asked, return for any reason return policy from the vendor.

Thank you Gypsy. No, I haven't seen them in person. I thought they look amazing on the Whiteflash website, but it may be just their stunning photography skills. When I get a chance, I will have to check out a local dealer.

I haven't purchased big-ticket jewelry items on ebay before, so I'm a little wary.

I did end up asking the seller a few more questions and he said he could resize it and set it for me. I definitely don't want to ship my ring out. He also said once its resized, all sales are final. He does have a 14 day return policy. Also, the ring will not come with the original box or warranty card. So that's a risk there. It's a shame since the price is amazing.

The seller seemed nice but I think I will pass.

 

[SparklySoprano]

Good to hear you were happy with JA, JWO. I will for sure post. And btw, I tried on a verragio and thought it was so comfortable and beautiful. But, it was the simple round halo with plain band so I don't think you would be interpreted. The others I saw didn't apoeal to me. I loved the detail underneath with the beading showing through. If I were not so darn practical, I probably would have purchased it.

At the end of my searching though, I returned to JA for a little more detailed setting. Like you said, you ended up a little bored with your plain halo setting and I think I would have fallen into that line of thinking eventually, too. But let's see.... The one I'm getting I have not quite seen anywhere else so it's exciting and nerve wracking at the same time.