Deciding whether to sell or reset Paraiba ring

[newtojewels]

I purchased this lovely Paraiba ring on LT. Unfortunately as much as I love the stone and as pretty as the completed piece is, the ring as-is just doesn't feel like me.

The ring I really want (and have wanted since a rose cut version was on JbEG back when it was JbEG!) is inspired by this setting from Leon Mege, though without the side stones (so just the one east-west oval Paraiba between two pave bands). I got a quote from David Klass a couple of months ago for the setting and it was $2800 then. He said he would "only use his best bench" for this project. That amount is a lot for me right now and is more than I spent on this completed ring. I could probably swing it in the next year or so, though, if I don't buy anything else!

So now I'm a little stuck on what to do. I'm new to purchasing fine jewelry and have never had a setting made. I have really only purchased a few secondhand pieces from LT, JbG, TRR, etc. Paraiba has gone up so much in price that even just a new stone from Yvonne without the setting would cost more than what I paid for this completed ring. The potential options I see are:

1) sell the completed ring and give up on on having a Paraiba ring for the time-being (so basically just trying to recoup what I paid)
2) sell the completed ring and find a new stone for the DK setting (which seems a little silly financially given the current price of Paraiba...)
3) get a new setting from DK for my current stone, try to sell the current setting to help fund it
4) get a new setting from DK for my current stone, find something cheap and cheerful to put in this setting
5) wear the ring more and see if it feels more like me over time

From people who have been through the setting and resetting game, what advice do you have for me?

Thank you so much

 

[JackTrick]

Well, goodness. If you do become interested in re-homing the current ring, please send me a hello. As I’d been eyeing it for a while

How set are you on a paraiba center stone? Have you fallen in love with that?

 

[newtojewels]

Well, goodness. If you do become interested in re-homing the current ring, please send me a hello. As I’d been eyeing it for a while

How set are you on a paraiba center stone? Have you fallen in love with that?

I know several people admire this ring, which is part of my hesitation to break it up! I'll definitely tag you if I do decide to sell

I'm not 100% set on paraiba but call it 95%. I'm looking for a bright cool color with some glow, and I do love how this stone just lights up from across the room. Emeralds seem to be no cheaper than paraiba and cobalt spinel seems even pricier. While I'm sure I could find a sapphire that would fit the brief, I'm in discussions with my partner about an engagement ring and that's almost certainly going to be a sapphire...

Editing to add that I know several people here have multiple sapphires, etc., and I really admire that! It's just that my jewelry collection is small and is likely to stay that way, so I want to have my pieces be very different in both gem and setting from each other.

 

[Avondale]

One thing's for certain, I wouldn't sell. The second hand market takes a significant price hit due to the risks involved. It just wouldn't make sense, financially, to let go of a stone you already have and already like.

If you can't afford to reset it now (and honestly, no wonder - those prices are eye-watering, I could have that same setting made locally for half the money), just keep it as it is for the time being. You stand to lose nothing if you wait. Wear the ring, see how you feel about it in time.

Besides, there's a difference between "the design isn't me" and "I don't like the design". I have rings that definitely aren't me, but they're beautiful and feel like treasures that I get to own and wear. The stuff that I don't like - now that's something I won't wear no matter what. So, is it just that it doesn't feel like you, or do you actually simply not like it?

That will also answer the question what to do with the current setting and whether to keep it or sell it. Selling it might be a bit tricky, though. It's not a stock setting, it was made for this stone, and finding a good fit in another stone won't be easy.

 

[Mrs_Strizzle]

Does the DK price include the side diamonds? Can you consider other side stones that may be cheaper? Lab diamonds?

I'm a girl who has a jewelry box with several rings that just really aren't me but I can't replace the main stone today for a fraction of the price. I am slowly having them reset and it's exciting to do when they are finished. Many have belonged to me for years. So I say keep it and save your pennies. Paraibas of decent size are quite pricy. The paraiba melee can be sold separately to help fund/reimburse the project when the time comes too

I would also wait it out if a sapphire engagement ring is on the horizon! That would be enough to distract me for awhile. Congrats

 

[gingercurls]

I think you have been given some wonderful advice. If I were in this situation and I really loved the center stone, I would remove the center stone and sell the setting. To me, this gives you money to put toward resetting the center stone exactly as you’d like with David Klass and will result in a ring that really feels like you. David is wonderful to work with and makes the process of creating a custom setting very easy and pleasant.

 

[Mreader]

Does the DK price include the side diamonds? Can you consider other side stones that may be cheaper? Lab diamonds?

I'm a girl who has a jewelry box with several rings that just really aren't me but I can't replace the main stone today for a fraction of the price. I am slowly having them reset and it's exciting to do when they are finished. Many have belonged to me for years. So I say keep it and save your pennies. Paraibas of decent size are quite pricy. The paraiba melee can be sold separately to help fund/reimburse the project when the time comes too

I would also wait it out if a sapphire engagement ring is on the horizon! That would be enough to distract me for awhile. Congrats

Different topic @Mrs_Strizzle but since it’s about resetting - know that I just love the greenish diamond/pink melee you have and hope to see that as a ring one day…

 

[newtojewels]

One thing's for certain, I wouldn't sell. The second hand market takes a significant price hit due to the risks involved. It just wouldn't make sense, financially, to let go of a stone you already have and already like.

If you can't afford to reset it now (and honestly, no wonder - those prices are eye-watering, I could have that same setting made locally for half the money), just keep it as it is for the time being. You stand to lose nothing if you wait. Wear the ring, see how you feel about it in time.

Besides, there's a difference between "the design isn't me" and "I don't like the design". I have rings that definitely aren't me, but they're beautiful and feel like treasures that I get to own and wear. The stuff that I don't like - now that's something I won't wear no matter what. So, is it just that it doesn't feel like you, or do you actually simply not like it?

That will also answer the question what to do with the current setting and whether to keep it or sell it. Selling it might be a bit tricky, though. It's not a stock setting, it was made for this stone, and finding a good fit in another stone won't be easy.

I bought it secondhand on LT and expect to be able to sell it for roughly what I purchased it for because I know there was other interest. It certainly won't be as big of a hit as if I had bought new!

It's definitely more that it feels like it isn't me. It's very pretty, that's why I jumped on it! But it feels a little traditional and formal for me, a bit like I'm playing dress-up. That also may change over time, hence my hesitation. The rubellite ring in my avatar feels much more me and did from the beginning.

I think it actually is Yvonne's stock 7mmx5mm setting, though perhaps @lovedogs (the original owner) can confirm that? But I don't even know where to begin on choosing a selling price for a secondhand setting like this.

My worry with going cheaper on the setting is that I fell in love with a Leon Mege look. I have lurked long enough to read horror stories from people who attempted to have a pave piece made locally and the whole thing was just not up to par. If someone knows another option to consider than DK, though, please let me know! I'm in the San Francisco bay area. From lurking, I have always considered DK to be the cost-effective custom setting option.

Does the DK price include the side diamonds? Can you consider other side stones that may be cheaper? Lab diamonds?

I'm a girl who has a jewelry box with several rings that just really aren't me but I can't replace the main stone today for a fraction of the price. I am slowly having them reset and it's exciting to do when they are finished. Many have belonged to me for years. So I say keep it and save your pennies. Paraibas of decent size are quite pricy. The paraiba melee can be sold separately to help fund/reimburse the project when the time comes too

I would also wait it out if a sapphire engagement ring is on the horizon! That would be enough to distract me for awhile. Congrats

That quote includes everything and I expect that the cost of the diamonds isn't a substantial portion of the price since they're so small, but I'll definitely ask!

And the engagement ring is not immediately on the horizon. We were in a cross-country relationship for the first couple of years so I'm not in any rush, we're just loosely discussing. We'll call it a little beyond the horizon but maybe there are shore birds in view giving us hope of hitting land eventually

I think you have been given some wonderful advice. If I were in this situation and I really loved the center stone, I would remove the center stone and sell the setting. To me, this gives you money to put toward resetting the center stone exactly as you’d like with David Klass and will result in a ring that really feels like you. David is wonderful to work with and makes the process of creating a custom setting very easy and pleasant.

Vote noted, and thank you for the reassurance about DK!

 

[Avondale]

I bought it secondhand on LT and expect to be able to sell it for roughly what I purchased it for because I know there was other interest. It certainly won't be as big of a hit as if I had bought new!

I know, I remember the listing. Some pieces just make an impression, you know...

What I mean is, right now the stone itself, were you to buy it from a vendor, would cost more than what you paid for the whole ring. If you were to sell, you'd have to buy a new stone, and then you have the setting on top of it...

And speaking of setting cost, I don't know if you'll be able to find cheaper in the US for good quality. From what I've heard here, DK is already considered to have reasonable prices for that part of the world. I'm just glad I live in a place with more reasonable prices, else I wouldn't be able to afford anything.

Oh, one more thing - consider, if you sell now, how long it will take you to find another paraiba with good size, colour, glow... You already have it. And if the setting it's in is a stock size, that's one more reason to keep the ring and possibly either replace the stone or sell the setting.

 

[newtojewels]

I know, I remember the listing. Some pieces just make an impression, you know...

What I mean is, right now the stone itself, were you to buy it from a vendor, would cost more than what you paid for the whole ring. If you were to sell, you'd have to buy a new stone, and then you have the setting on top of it...

And speaking of setting cost, I don't know if you'll be able to find cheaper in the US for good quality. From what I've heard here, DK is already considered to have reasonable prices for that part of the world. I'm just glad I live in a place with more reasonable prices, else I wouldn't be able to afford anything.

Oh, one more thing - consider, if you sell now, how long it will take you to find another paraiba with good size, colour, glow... You already have it. And if the setting it's in is a stock size, that's one more reason to keep the ring and possibly either replace the stone or sell the setting.

Oh, now I understand what you meant! And yes, that makes sense. I do think that the only reasonable options are to sell the whole ring and drop the project altogether, keep it as is (as you said, there's no rush!), or plan to reset. Selling the ring to rebuy a paraiba doesn't really make sense, as you said -- I looked at the usual vendors for paraiba and didn't see anything that would work in the setting I like for a reasonable price, though that may of course change after the Tucson gem show.

You're lucky that you have more reasonable setting prices!

 

[ShinyPink]

Just an fyi, I have a custom paraiba ring and pendant from Yvonne. I asked her about resetting them because I wasn't feeling the love after a year or so. She told me there was a good chance they would be damaged in a re-set and she wouldn't be comfortable with it. I haven't thought about it since. SO disappointed though.

 

[newtojewels]

Just an fyi, I have a custom paraiba ring and pendant from Yvonne. I asked her about resetting them because I wasn't feeling the love after a year or so. She told me there was a good chance they would be damaged in a re-set and she wouldn't be comfortable with it. I haven't thought about it since. SO disappointed though.

Wow, really? DK didn't mention any concerns with it and I told him it's set currently.... Is yours in a bezel or just a regular prong setting? I'm sorry you don't love your pieces

 

[LilAlex]

Been around the block a few times on this sort of thing. Purchased a number of vintage rings to break up and cannibalize the center colored stone -- but, after seeing them in person, we were never able to take that step. Ever. (Granted, they were all pretty well-made pieces -- just not to a particular taste.) Spouse ended up wearing lots of things that I would not identify as "her style" -- which is more contemporary and tailored-looking -- but that are beautiful in their own right like Deco and Edwardian and I-don't-even-know-what.

Jewelry is not at all like clothes. It is OK if it is just pretty and matches nothing in your outfit, life, or even design sensibility. You may inherit a piece or two that makes you smile. You may grow to love this beautiful ring and Paraiba -- and I suspect you will. If you posted that you disliked this center stone, then I would urge you act on that. But it's an objectively lovely ring, and well-made around an attractive and rare gem. It will be noticed. I would give it a little time. Maybe it feels a little "traditional" or "old-fashioned-looking" for your youthful hands -- if you are new to the finer jewelry scene. One DD with hands like yours and eclectic taste wears a (genuine) jade navette in an ornate century-old high-karat YG mounting, along with a five-dollar arts fair probably-plastic jade look-alike, sentimentally-precious copper-wire ring from her wilderness-loving BF, and a decent-sized sapphire in platinum. She chooses her outfits with incredible care -- but wears the jewelry she likes.

Not my business but be careful if you are choosing an e-ring for 24/7 wear and are targeting sapphire. I love sapphire and for many years I wished that I had known enough to propose with one three decades ago. But that diamond is still perfect (well, as perfect as I could afford) while the more recent sapphire RHR didn't last a decade. So: sapphire should be a perfect choice for a five-year marriage (!) but if you have higher aspirations, I would go diamond and rotate a few RHRs (like sapphire and your lovely Paraiba). That said, some folks seem to be able to keep all stones chip- and abrasion-free forever -- but no one in our household can including me.

 

[dk168]

A glowy Paraiba cabochon is still on my bling wish list, however, the chances of getting one in the size and colour that I would like is as remote as winning big money playing the lottery.

If I had this ring, I would take out the centre stone and reset it in a setting that I like to wear if I like the stone enough on its own.

The price quoted by DK does not seem unreasonable to me personally. I would go ahead after asking for assurance that the reset is unlikely to damage the centre stone.

When I went to Tucson for the gem shows last year, there were some Paraibas available at eye-watering prices. Hence I am resigned to the fact that I might never get one unless I win big on the lottery.

DK

 

[Asscherhalo_lover]

When you're ready to have the ring made have DK unset the stone (with him knowing you'll resell the setting), then he can take care and polish it up like new. It'll sell, that setting alone is stunning.

 

[qubitasaurus]

No don't sell. The stone will cost too much to replace in a couple of years time.

Hold and put it in the cupboard until you are ready to reset in a few years time.

Use a bench that specialises in softer coloured stones. I would not like to see a bench that specialised in daimonds reset that stone.

 

[Rfisher]

I agree with prior comment ‘setting doesn’t feel like me’ is totally different than ‘don’t like the setting’.

I’d give it longer to find out which way you lean and go from there. You do wear it beautifully

My feelings on resetting a Paraiba is similar to wearing a Paraiba. It’s a gamble and we own the results. Not the jeweler/bench. Any stone can chip/be damaged on unsetting/setting. (I no longer own any Paraiba because of the worry of damage while wearing - dang it’s beautiful tho!!)

If you are happy with the stone as it is - and there’s no longing feelings of a different one for whatever different parameter- I’d keep it. Navigating the current market

If I chose to unset:
(I also agree the quote you rec’d isn’t horrible- unless you are looking for LM nuance, and that’s a different subject)
I’d ask DK to obliterate the current setting’s prongs in favor of protecting the stone. I’m no expert - but I seem to think those existing prongs would be tricky if not impossible to re-use securely on the next stone. The girdle is high enough that I imagine they can access the prong below it enough to protect the stone. I’d be ok putting money into the setting in rebuilding the prongs. And setting the (smaller footprint?) new stone’s girdle lower. Not an expert - I don’t know- but I’d definitely be asking these questions/suggestions to see if applicable. I love this setting!

Custom setting like your inspiration picture (built to the footprint shape of your stone) might also be a less conscious of damage wear than the current setting in protecting the girdle.
I’d think so - at least.

 

[Mrsz1ppy]

Just an fyi, I have a custom paraiba ring and pendant from Yvonne. I asked her about resetting them because I wasn't feeling the love after a year or so. She told me there was a good chance they would be damaged in a re-set and she wouldn't be comfortable with it. I haven't thought about it since. SO disappointed though.

This. It’s a very soft stone. I would leave it alone.