Deal of a life time? Novice here seeking help please

[04diamond<3]

I agree .. only take it to an independent appraiser to get some basic specs like weight, color, clarity, etc.

From the photo, I think the ring looks lovely and it sounds like a great price. Are there any visible inclusions?

Thanks Christina and CharmyPoo. I'm still awaiting a response from the seller to see if they will allow it. The center stone is not "eye clean". I believe my novice eye saw two inclusions. one on the table and another by the crown angle.

You can also ask Jonathan at GOG about having the stone polished. Sometimes if there are inclusions on top of the table, they can be polished out. You should ask him for specifications though.

 

[Christina...]

I actual have never heard of an inclusion being polished out of a stone before. Most inclusions are not surface reaching meaning that they are located within the stone. Weight would have to be removed to remove the inclusion, which would mean a re-cut. I know that it's possible for surface scratches, small chips etc. to be polished out often times, but I'm not sure about an inclusion.

Re-cutting the stone has been tossed out as a possibility as well, but typically the cutter needs to see the diamond to determine if a re-cut is an option. If your friend is hesitant about allowing you to have the stone appraised, then she will probably be even more reluctant to have the stone shipped off to a cutter. I would however make sure that the sale is contingent upon the results of an appraisal. You do not want to purchase this ring to find out that the center stone has a crack, or some durability issue that puts the stone at risk. If you can see inclusions with your eyes and aren't able to determine the nature then you absolutely want the stone appraised.

 

[orbaya]

To be honest, I'd probably walk away from this ring. There are too many red flags. She's reluctant to have it appraised, she chose this one out of her several rings and she's willing to sell a 2ct for $5000. Makes me wonder if she knows something about this stone that she's not telling you.

 

[fcruz420]

Thanks all for the input thus far. I've obtained some further details and pics I will post soon.

 

[fcruz420]

Ok so the seller received a Certified Gemological Appraisal from a store in Paramus NJ (not sure if I can mention the name), but the information is in the pics.
Details:
Diamond Engagement Ring

Description:
Solitaire
One round brilliant cut diamond weighing approximately 2.00 carats
Color J-K
Clarity SI2

Side stones
Two round brilliant cut diamonds weighing a total of approximately 0.42 carats
Color I
Clarity SI

All set in a custom made 14 karat white gold mounting

Appraised value 10,000.00 plus tax

Appraised on 2/27/2013

 

[fcruz420]

Pictures of Appriasal

Please excuse my lack of knowledge, but is this good or bad news all? Again, thanks all. The advice and prompt replies of this site are priceless.

Ohhh and the same store offered $6,000.00 to purchase the entire ring last night, but she held onto it and advised she a woman of her word so my offer for $5,000.00 still stands.

 

[LibbyLA]

If it's like many appraisals, it's overvalued by 50-100%, which makes replacement cost $5000-7500 or so. That probably means the diamond isn't very well cut, so you get one that's large, but maybe not especially good. That appraisal doesn't give you enough info to make an informed decision. I don't think this is the deal of a lifetime.

liz

 

[Niel]

I know everyone is saying it can be recut, but im just concerned that youll buy it, send it to get recut, and itll be a poor candidate. then you have a large stone but nothing that impressive. know what i mean?

 

[heididdl]

You can always sell the side stones and put the center stone in a simple tiffany setting so its a new ring with a vintage stone

 

[fcruz420]

If it's like many appraisals, it's overvalued by 50-100%, which makes replacement cost $5000-7500 or so. That probably means the diamond isn't very well cut, so you get one that's large, but maybe not especially good. That appraisal doesn't give you enough info to make an informed decision. I don't think this is the deal of a lifetime.

liz

Sadly I'm starting to feel the same way LibbyLA. I need to learn my measurements and probably read Renee Newmans book lol - to continue my search. I guess this current 2 carat pre-loved stone would only be a deal at 3-4k?

 

[fcruz420]

I know everyone is saying it can be recut, but im just concerned that youll buy it, send it to get recut, and itll be a poor candidate. then you have a large stone but nothing that impressive. know what i mean?

I understand Nielseel. In my mind im like "gosh... who would have thought all of these options existed" lol