Could I find a 0.25 RB/OEC K-O on a very small budget?

[Kalliope]

Hi guys,

I've got a nice heirloom ring with some synthetic stone in the center. I would like to replace that stone with a RB/OEC, color K-O (I don't mind a warm color since the ring is YG), clarity SI1-SI2, maybe even an eye-clean I1. The SA at my jeweler/goldsmith said the stone would be replaced with "a diamond in the 0.25ct range" (~4mm) and it would cost about 400€ (~520$). This would be for an uncertified stone, they do have HRD/IGI stones but just a small selection and at exorbitant prices.

I am on a very tight budget (maximum is 200$ since I have to pay VAT for the stone AND the shipping costs) and just want a really nice sparkling stone for the ring. It doesn't have to come with a certificate as long as I could find a trustworthy, experienced vendor (or private seller) who tells me the stone would meet my requirements.

Could I (or more precisely you ) find a stone within my budget?

 

[Enerchi]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/330913038228?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649

Was watching it for a friend... Friend has decided not to go for it....

 

[Cluless]

Nice find enerchi!

I would ask for more pictures of this one, don't know vendor.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/152807103/antique-art-deco-c1920s-15ct-gold-old?ref=sr_gallery_40&ga_search_query=old+diamond&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=CA&ga_page=4&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=old+diamond

 

[Kalliope]

Very nice finds, thanks !

Enerchi,

Looks like a great stone but I really don't want to exceed my budget .

Cluless,

I'll have a look into this one. Not sure if it is sparkly enough but at least I could save some bucks by selling the gold .

 

[LibbyLA]

Kalliope,

I don't know whether you have gold buying places or pawn shops handy, but maybe one of them would have a scrapped ring with a diamond that size that they'd sell at a reasonable price.

It might be difficult to find an OEC and/or something in your desired color range, but still might be worth a try.

liz

 

[Kalliope]

Thanks for your input, Libby !

We do have a small pawn shop here and I have been visiting them on a regular basis for the last couple of months. Unfortunately the quality of the stones is very bad, visible inclusions, chipped diamonds, etc. but still at relatively high prices. Most people over here just want to buy a diamond, regardless of color, cut or clarity ("Well, it doesn't sparkle much but it is still a diamond, right?" ).

But I'll keep my eyes open .

Regarding the color, I wouldn't mind a whiter stone but I thought with my budget I should be aiming for warmer colors.

 

[SB621]

I have an OEC that is around .25 but it is higher in color then K- however still lovely. If you are interested you can contact me through LT.

Another option is placing a WTB ad on the Pre-loved forum. I'm sure you will get a response there too from people interested in selling their collection.

 

[Efriede]

Hi! I completely umderstand what you are saying about juwelry/diamonds here in Europe..
I myself is very interested in stones around 4mm to create a matching DBTY bracelet and add some stones to necklace I already have. I am watching usual suspects often, and out of all places already collected 3 BGD signature stones in FG colors just a bit more than your budget. They dont come often in my price limit, but when they do...
If I were to buy such a stone today I would do a vendor, who ships to Europe for free, its about 80$ savings..vendors are JA, Wf, Bluenile and B2C. There are couple of excellent GIA stones in higher D-F colors and Sl1 clarities in 0.23 range(4mm) in sub 250$ range on B2C website...i would just pick one and have garanteed beautiful sparckly stone, confirmed by GIA, for your heirloom setting. If you have any relatives, friends in a neighbour Alpin neutral land, ship to them, they have only 8% VAT..just a thought...

 

[Kalliope]

Sb621,

Thanks for your reply! I may take you up on that later .

Efriede,

Hi! I completely umderstand what you are saying about juwelry/diamonds here in Europe..

I myself is very interested in stones around 4mm to create a matching DBTY bracelet and add some stones to necklace I already have. I am watching usual suspects often, and out of all places already collected 3 BGD signature stones in FG colors just a bit more than your budget.

I read that you're into a DBTY project, can't wait to see pictures of the result (I love your pieces, it seems we've got similar taste in jewelry - btw, did you sell your gorgeous three-stone setting?)!

If I were to buy such a stone today I would do a vendor, who ships to Europe for free, its about 80$ savings..vendors are JA, Wf, Bluenile and B2C.

I also considered IDJ and GOG, though I'm not sure if they offer free shipping. Have you ever had problems with that whole shipping/custom duty process? I'm a little hesistant since I've never ordered something (not to mention jewelry) from overseas.

There are couple of excellent GIA stones in higher D-F colors and Sl1 clarities in 0.23 range(4mm) in sub 250$ range on B2C website...i would just pick one and have garanteed beautiful sparckly stone, confirmed by GIA, for your heirloom setting. If you have any relatives, friends in a neighbour Alpin neutral land, ship to them, they have only 8% VAT..just a thought...

So, you think regarding sparkle I could rely on GIA? To be honest, that's all I want- a nicee bright, sparkling stone with no visible inclusions. Unfortunately I don't have any experience with excellent/ideal cut stones so I guess I have never seen a REALLY sparkly diamond .

 

[distracts]

http://loupetroop.com/listings/rings-natural-diamond-center/dot-33ct-omc-diamond
http://loupetroop.com/listings/rings-natural-diamond-center/dot-24-oec-diamond

 

[Efriede]

I got a bit side tracked with my DBTY plans as I just unexpectedely purchased a yellow diamond... but I will finish it eventually, hopefully by the end Of the year

My three stone is locked in my safe, I do not wear it..well, I just dont like big rings it seems. I cant however bring myslf to sell it..had couple of buyers, but decided to just leave it and see how I feel later..

As for the stones purchase, well I have couple super ideal cut and GIA excellents and HA great score , all in higher colors, and they are all beautiful! I would not hesitate to buy SL1 clarity in this size if its graded by GIA. I however would not purchase uncerted stones from any vendor, as if there is some case of dispute over clarity, returning and customs is nightmare. So, I think it is possible to find a beautiful stone with GIA certifcate +-250$, you just need to look often...

 

[pandabee]

What about this one from FrekeChild's local jeweler? It looks like a great deal, otherwise it'll be sent to be recut into a modern RB!!!! http://loupetroop.com/listings/rings-natural-diamond-center/dot-24-oec-diamond

 

[Hera]

I found one on ebay but it's an auction. If you want to start a wtb on loupe troop then I can send it to you.

 

[Hera]

Otherwise, I'll keep and eye out for any buy it nows and post them here

 

[Kalliope]

Thank you guys so much for your effort, you're amazing !

That 0.33OEC FrekeChild was offering would have been very nice, but it's already sold.

Anyway, it seems my project will have to be delayed- I went to my jeweler/goldsmith today and they told me they wouldn't set a loose stone that hasn't been bought from them . So I will have to find another jeweler and until then will put this project on hold- but let me say how awesome this community is, giving advice even to people with such small budget like me!