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Craiglist Find... What do you think?

KerriLynn

KerriLynn

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jan 29, 2010
Messages
68
So I''v been looking for a stone to make a bezel pendant out of, and I found a 1ct stone on craigslist, no cert, and the woman just sent me the appraisal report. It says nothing about cut, but it is G-H in color, SI-3 clarity, and its estimated replacement value is $5700. She has it priced at $1800 (old e-ring and wants to get rid of it) and I''m thinking of offering her $1500... What do you guys think??

Let it go, or pull the trigger??
 
Will she accept returns? If so you could have it appraised and see how it comes out. If not, not for an Ering or any other important piece of jewellery.


If it's just for a fun piece though, and you're prepared to potentially lose the $1500, maybe.
 
Well I asked what the cut, polish, and symmetry were, and the appraiser said that he couldn''t determine that because it is not certified. I also asked if it had any carbon spots, and whether or not it was an eye-clean stone (waiting to hear back now). I guess I''m figuring that its probably not an ideal cut stone but I could always have it recut later, but only if its eye-clean.

Sounds like your vote is for letting it go...
 
Date: 4/28/2010 6:32:56 PM
Author: KerriLynn
Well I asked what the cut, polish, and symmetry were, and the appraiser said that he couldn't determine that because it is not certified. I also asked if it had any carbon spots, and whether or not it was an eye-clean stone (waiting to hear back now). I guess I'm figuring that its probably not an ideal cut stone but I could always have it recut later, but only if its eye-clean.

Sounds like your vote is for letting it go...
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No, actually, for a fun piece I'd grab it
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I wouldn't be expecting a completely eyeclean ideally cut stone, but for a bracelet charm or something that's fine for me.


BUT I'm something of a risk-taker and losing $1500 wouldn't be an issue for us (though I wouldn't be happy about it, of course).
 
Date: 4/28/2010 5:16:09 PM
Author:KerriLynn
So I''v been looking for a stone to make a bezel pendant out of, and I found a 1ct stone on craigslist, no cert, and the woman just sent me the appraisal report. It says nothing about cut, but it is G-H in color, SI-3 clarity, and its estimated replacement value is $5700. She has it priced at $1800 (old e-ring and wants to get rid of it) and I''m thinking of offering her $1500... What do you guys think??

Let it go, or pull the trigger??
Click to expand...
i think you are asking for trouble buying a stone w/o a GIA report.
 
What about seeing it in person? I understand the value of the GIA report but seeing the stone in person and how it performs woud be the route I''d take. It might not perform ideally, but if its sparkely and looks nice you might be getting a great deal.
 
Date: 4/28/2010 6:47:06 PM
Author: winternight
What about seeing it in person? I understand the value of the GIA report but seeing the stone in person and how it performs woud be the route I''d take. It might not perform ideally, but if its sparkely and looks nice you might be getting a great deal.
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I was thinking that I might be getting a great deal too! I would also definitely wait to see it in person before making a final decision! But I was also thinking that my e-ring stone is an H SI-2 totally eyeclean (its almost an SI-1), and I can''t for the life of me find any inclusions. The appraiser said this stone is an SI-3, which I know is not a recognized grade from GIA, so by GIA standards it could be either an SI-2 or an I1 (and thats why I''m nervous about the gamble). This stone would be set in a bezel necklace, so it wouldn''t be like I am staring at it the way I do my e-ring...

I guess I''m just torn
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Date: 4/28/2010 6:32:56 PM
Author: KerriLynn
Well I asked what the cut, polish, and symmetry were, and the appraiser said that he couldn''t determine that because it is not certified.
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I think you need a new appraiser. If he/she has the stone in hand, they can make a judgement on cut!
 
Date: 4/28/2010 6:56:19 PM
Author: CharmyPoo
Date: 4/28/2010 6:32:56 PM

Author: KerriLynn

Well I asked what the cut, polish, and symmetry were, and the appraiser said that he couldn''t determine that because it is not certified.
Click to expand...

I think you need a new appraiser. If he/she has the stone in hand, they can make a judgement on cut!
Click to expand...


Thats what I thought!!! I also asked for an Idealscope image and he apparently didn''t know what that was!!
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But I didn''t choose the appraiser, she did... And I also asked if I could contact them myself to ask some questions, and he said that because he wasn''t going to be involved in the sale, he couldn''t speak with me??? I thought that was strange as well...
 
I don''t know enough about diamonds to give my opinion on the stone itself. But I bought a diamond on craigslist ( smaller) and didn''t regret it. I would probably buy a second hand diamond again. Everyone thats seen my stone says I got a great deal and I took it to a gemologist/ appraiser just to make sure I wasn''t getting ripped off.
 
I''m thinking about a S13 stone myself! I asked about where the inclusions were visible and it doesn''t seem to make that big of a difference to me. Sounds like this is a case where you''ll have to trust your eyes more than the appriasers in my opinion!
 
I''d buy it as long as I could see it in person first and/or had a return period.
 
Thanks Bella and Winternight I am definitely going to see the stone in person before making the final decision, and since it''s a Craiglist find, that will be pretty simple to do... I anticipate hearing back from the girl with more info from the appraiser at some point tonight, so hopefully I''ll have some more details.

I do have a few pictures, but they aren''t close ups, and I''m not sure if that would be helpful to everyone giving feedback, but I can post them if ya''ll are interested!
 
ditto Bella
 
I LOVE to buy secondhand diamonds. But I have my concerns. First off- and I mean this with all do respect - can you tell a good cut diamond from a poorly cut diamond? If so that is in your favor. If not then you could start looking at diamonds in jewelry stores, pawn shops, second hand jewelry stores and estate sales to get a good idea of what you think is beautiful. If you don''t buy a diamond with a cert. or a return policy you have to judge by your eyes. Buy a loupe (I use a 30x) and practice using it. Most jewelers will let you use their loupe, and if you ask nicely usually a pawn shop or second hand jewelry store will let you use yours. Also make sure you can measure the diamond and see if it spreads like most 1 carat diamonds. I am also kind of confused by the appraiser. My appraiser would tell me exactly what she thought and if It was a good deal for the money or not. Is this your appraiser or hers? Anyways, I would offer her less then negotiate up if I you really want the stone. Happy hunting!
 
My take is that $1500-1800 you should NOT be expecting an ideal cut diamond. The chance of being THAT lucky (getting a super cut diamond at that price)is so remote that it is unrealistic to even hope for. However if you just want a RHR to wear or enjoy collecting sizable diamond, $1500-1800 is a very good price given the stats on the diamond.

As long as you set realistic expectation I say go for it.
 
could work for bezel pendant - yes........
 
Date: 4/29/2010 12:53:26 AM
Author: LisaRN
I LOVE to buy secondhand diamonds. But I have my concerns. First off- and I mean this with all do respect - can you tell a good cut diamond from a poorly cut diamond? If so that is in your favor. If not then you could start looking at diamonds in jewelry stores, pawn shops, second hand jewelry stores and estate sales to get a good idea of what you think is beautiful. If you don''t buy a diamond with a cert. or a return policy you have to judge by your eyes. Buy a loupe (I use a 30x) and practice using it. Most jewelers will let you use their loupe, and if you ask nicely usually a pawn shop or second hand jewelry store will let you use yours. Also make sure you can measure the diamond and see if it spreads like most 1 carat diamonds. I am also kind of confused by the appraiser. My appraiser would tell me exactly what she thought and if It was a good deal for the money or not. Is this your appraiser or hers? Anyways, I would offer her less then negotiate up if I you really want the stone. Happy hunting!
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To answer your questions, Yes, I do know what an ideal cut diamond looks like, my e-ring stone is a triple ex GIA graded stone, so I plan on using that for comparison purposes when I see the stone in person. I also have a jewelers loupe that I plan on scoping the diamond with. The appraiser is her appraiser, and I wish I could speak with him directly, but apparently he won''t allow it... So I have asked her to ask him 1) If he could take either photos using a loupe, or Idealscope photos? 2) If any of the inclusions are carbon spots? And 3) At what distance intervals is the stone eye-clea 6", 8", 12"?

So hopefully those questions will help me determine what the stone looks like, and then I will make my final determination after seeing it in person, comparing it to my stone, and scoping it with my loupe... And I do plan on offering her less and negotiationg up, Thanks for the advice!
 
While I think for a non-ering stone you can relax a bit on the specs, I think an SI3 stone is awfully risky. It''s a non-existent grade after all, which you know, and without a report it''s a totally subjective grade. You don''t know who the appraiser was or what relationship s/he has to the seller. I would be very very wary about this stone...and this is coming from someone with a non-graded SI1. There are GORGEOUS non-certed stones out there, I just don''t want to see you taken advantage of.
 
Date: 4/29/2010 2:04:56 AM
Author: zhuzhu
My take is that $1500-1800 you should NOT be expecting an ideal cut diamond. The chance of being THAT lucky (getting a super cut diamond at that price)is so remote that it is unrealistic to even hope for. However if you just want a RHR to wear or enjoy collecting sizable diamond, $1500-1800 is a very good price given the stats on the diamond.

As long as you set realistic expectation I say go for it.
Click to expand...
To clarify.... I wasn''t hoping for an ideal cut diamond, rather I was trying to figure out what kind of cut it was (don''t want to buy a poorly cut one). Really what I''m expecting is a fair-well cut diamond, that will work for a bezel pendant. My biggest concern is that it is eye-clean from a 6"-12" distance, and that none of the inclusions are carbon spots. Also, considering that the appraiser said the replacement value was $5700, I''m thinking that it can''t be a complete frozen piece of spit.

Thanks for you input!
 
Can''t wait to hear what you think after you see it in person!

FYI-there are some gorgeous ideal cut I1 on this site (esp by Infinity)

even if it''s just a decent cut and is eye clean when you are wearing it, I think it could be a great pendant option!

Keep us posted:-)
 
Date: 4/29/2010 10:37:39 AM
Author: Hudson_Hawk
While I think for a non-ering stone you can relax a bit on the specs, I think an SI3 stone is awfully risky. It''s a non-existent grade after all, which you know, and without a report it''s a totally subjective grade. You don''t know who the appraiser was or what relationship s/he has to the seller. I would be very very wary about this stone...and this is coming from someone with a non-graded SI1. There are GORGEOUS non-certed stones out there, I just don''t want to see you taken advantage of.
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Thanks Hudson! I appreciate your thoughts on the subject, this is why I came to PS with questions, to get honest thoughts, and helpful advice!

I know that SI3 is not a recognized grade, but I guess I''m figuring that by GIA standards it could be EITHER a SI2 or an I1. I have a GIA certified 1ct, SI2, triple ex cut, that I plan on using for comparison purposes, for spread and cut. I plan on scoping the stone with a loupe to make my determinations on the inclusions. I will only be making my final decision AFTER I see the stone in person, not before, bc I know it''s a gamble (kind of a fun one though)
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No worries, I''m sure you have it under control. I have such a hard time parting with money, I don''t think I''ve personally ever spent that much on anything so I''m sure I''m overly cautious. I can''t wait to hear how you make out with this and I REALLY can''t wait to see your pendant when it''s complete!
 
Bump for an update...

Ok so I finally heard back from the seller last night and this is what she told me:

"3 inclusions, all are at points in the facet edges so they''re not noticeable. Eye clean unless you were in superb sunlight with someone who had fantastic vision and was looking for a flaw. Again, the inclusions are at the edges, one is carbon, one clear, the other looks like it was carbon and they lasered it out so there''s a slight surface mark. That inclusion is right near one of the prongs. They cleaned the ring and I can send another picture if you want but no scope pics, sorry. I do have the appraisal also."


What should I do.... Pass?
 
Date: 5/4/2010 11:46:43 AM
Author: KerriLynn
Bump for an update...

Ok so I finally heard back from the seller last night and this is what she told me:

''3 inclusions, all are at points in the facet edges so they''re not noticeable. Eye clean unless you were in superb sunlight with someone who had fantastic vision and was looking for a flaw. Again, the inclusions are at the edges, one is carbon, one clear, the other looks like it was carbon and they lasered it out so there''s a slight surface mark. That inclusion is right near one of the prongs. They cleaned the ring and I can send another picture if you want but no scope pics, sorry. I do have the appraisal also.''


What should I do.... Pass?
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Lasered out means it has had a clarity enhancement. I would pass...
 
A few questions if I might:

Is this appraiser working for you or the seller?

Your clarity sounds like a laser drilled I-1. This is importantly different from your original description and it gives me pause about your grader. For the record, I think laser drilling has gotten a bad rap as an 'enhancement' but it's an FTC ruling and it has a significant affect on the value of the stone. Surely your appraiser knows this, and this coupled with their refusal to answer a direct question about polish, symmetry and cutting makes me wonder if they missed it, didn't know what it was, or were concealing something. Are you confident on their determination of weight and color?

Are you buying this because it looks like a ‘deal’ or because it’s what you really want?

Neil Beaty
GG(GIA) ICGA(AGS) NAJA
Professional Appraisals in Denver
 
I really think you need to get this diamond to a good appraiser who can answer all these questions and advise you on your purchase. We don''t have all the facts here and nothing to judge on.

Where are you located? Perhaps someone can recommend a local appraiser because they sure aren''t made equal (even the ones on the PS list).
 
The laser would be a deal breaker for me...but what about these stones--they'd look AMAZING and the sparkle would porbably make them have as much neck presence (or more) than the craigslist diamond even though they are a little smaller...)

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamond/diamond-details/?product_id=17825744 (if size is your priority this would be gorgeous. My pendant is a K and it is white white white and sparkles like crazy)

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamond/diamond-details/?product_id=26010078

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamond/diamond-details/?product_id=24769111 (I'd get this one b/c I'm cheap and it will look like a really nice in a bezel:-)

FWIW-I have a .412 BGD K SI1 signature in a bezel and it is a great size. If budget were no option I'd probably go up to somewhere between a .6 and a .9 in a bezel, but I porbably won't ever change this pendant b/c I love it and the price difference is not worth it to me right now.
 
Date: 5/4/2010 12:22:19 PM
Author: denverappraiser
A few questions if I might:

Is this appraiser working for you or the seller?

Your clarity sounds like a laser drilled I-1. This is importantly different from your original description and it gives me pause about your grader. For the record, I think laser drilling has gotten a bad rap as an ''enhancement'' but it''s an FTC ruling and it has a significant affect on the value of the stone. Surely your appraiser knows this, and this coupled with their refusal to answer a direct question about polish, symmetry and cutting makes me wonder if they missed it, didn''t know what it was, or were concealing something. Are you confident on their determination of weight and color?

Are you buying this because it looks like a ‘deal’ or because it’s what you really want?

Neil Beaty
GG(GIA) ICGA(AGS) NAJA
Professional Appraisals in Denver
Click to expand...

The appraiser is her appraiser, and I agree with you that it sounds like a clarity enhanced diamond. Which I am NOT ok with, I think that that should have to be included in the appraisal report, which it was not. So I think that I am going to pass on this stone...

I was really just looking into it because I want to have a bezel pendant made, and it seemed like a good deal, I was just looking to the PS community for some help, and insight, so that I didn''t jump at a "good deal" and end up with a piece of junk!

Thanks!
 
if the clarity is okay - I''d go for it, you can always have it recut... though I''m not sure how much that will lower the value - tough call!
 
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