Did I get a good deal? (Tiffany eBay e-ring)

[lowprofile]

Hi Pricescopers! Love this site.

I just purchased a 0.54ct D VS1 Tiffany Harmony platinum e-ring on eBay for $2400. It is listed on the Tiffany cert as EX/EX/EX, although I plugged the measurements into HCA and got a 3.1. I think it's a tiny bit deep, but HCA says it is Average in size (looks like its carat weight). I know it's not an ideal cut, but not bad either. The Tiffany cert does state that the diamond shows "medium blue fluorescence," which I hope does not create a milky/hazy effect... from what I've read, it is rare to get this effect with medium blue (vs strong), and I would think that Tiffany wouldn't sell a milky/hazy stone. I've read that they're willing to sell less than ideal cuts, but that they're pretty obsessed with color and clarity.

Knowing just that information, what do you guys think??

I am so excited (and a little nervous) to see the ring in person! It's still making its way to me.

Stock photos of .5 Harmony:


Long backstory for anyone interested: My fiance proposed to me with a gorgeous, amazing heirloom ring from his side of the family. Large 3 stone OEC (.25-1.0-.25 ct), well cut, great clarity, in an intricately hand-engraved 10% irid platinum setting. I love it so much. BUT it is terrible for my lifestyle. I'm in healthcare and am changing gloves all day, and I can't wear it at work as it's set too high and feels uncomfortable under the glove. Also, I just seem to whack my hands on things a lot. So every time I accidentally hit this ring on something, I have a mini heart attack and stare at it for 5 minutes looking for any damage. I think his great-grandmother wore this ring only for special occasions (holidays, church, cocktail parties, etc.) because it is in such great condition, and I would hate to ruin it. So my fiance and I agreed that I should shop around for another more "everyday" ring, and I wanted something very low profile. I came across the Tiffany Harmony setting and fell in love with the contours of the cathedral and how low the diamond sits. I tried it on in the Tiffany store and the culet of the diamond sits about 1mm off the finger -- perfect. It is so clean and classic looking and feels so buttery. I looked for similar settings from other jewelers and couldn't find anything with the same lines. Also, once I found this listing on eBay (my size too!), I figured I couldn't get a similar ring made new without paying at least as much, so I jumped on it. Hopefully it works out!

EDIT: Sorry the photos are so big!! I didn't realize, and idk how to make them smaller...

 

[kmoro]

Before I say anything, the only thing that matters is if you love it!

A super ideal .5 carat is around $2,400-$2,800. A .6 D VS1 with a 3.1 HCA score (very good) is going for around $1,800 ... and then there would be the setting cost ... I guess you could have a similar custom ring made for about the same price if you use a similar diamond ... it would probably cost around $4,000 to do it with a super-ideal. I checked the Tiffany site ... the closest I could find was the Tiffany Harmony with a .71 D VS1 for $10,600 USD. If we take a relative guess, the ring you bought would cost about $7,000 USD if you bought it new from Tiffany. So ... if the Tiffany name means much to you, as it does for lots of people, I would say you got a good deal if the ring is in new condition. If you are looking for a beautiful diamond, I’m sorry to say that I would not buy it - from my personal perspective only - not because of the price itself, but because I would not spend money on a diamond that scores 3.1 on HCA. Unless I was really hooked on the Tiffany name, I would look for a similar setting or have one made and set it with a super-ideal ... all of which would cost more than you paid, lol. (I wish I could just say that you got a great deal and move on, but this is my honest opinion). All of this is said without any views of the diamond in real life, and it could very well still be beautiful ... or at least, beautiful enough!

The bottom line, imo, is: I think you did well if a genuine Tiffany ring was on your “want list”! Again, the important thing is that YOU love it! I hope the diamond turns out to be lovely and that you are happy! Congratulations on your engagement! (Maybe you can share some pictures of the heirloom ring! Haha ... spoken like a true jewelry junkie)

I do love the low profile .. the design is perfect for someone with a lifestyle such as yours, and I love the top view as well! Super pretty! Let us know what you think when you get it and please include lots of pictures!!!

 

[diamondnewbieny]

I also think it is a good deal for a genuine tiffany ring. The setting will suit your life style very well. As long as you love the it when you see it, I say go for it!

I also see someone selling this tiffany ring but with side diamond, you can ask her for the certificate and check on HcA to see what it score. The only thins is this ring is in Japan and there is import tax if you want to buy it.
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/173860005659

 

[lovedogs]

I think that's a good price for an authentic Tiffany piece, especially if you tried that style on in person and loved it. Is it a super ideal cut stone? No. But I don't think you overpaid, and if you love it in person then that's all that matters. I think it's a great classic setting, especially for someone in healthcare with all the concerns you said above. Please come back with pics once it comes!

 

[yssie]

There is zero possibility Tiffany would sell a diamond that was not transparent! So as long as the stone is the original from Tiffany - no worries there.

How important it is to you that this ring be an authentic, intact (mount and stone) Tiffany piece? Authentication can be a bit of a song and dance.

 

[yssie]

Replied in your other thread.

 

[lowprofile]

Before I say anything, the only thing that matters is if you love it!

A super ideal .5 carat is around $2,400-$2,800. A .6 D VS1 with a 3.1 HCA score (very good) is going for around $1,800 ... and then there would be the setting cost ... I guess you could have a similar custom ring made for about the same price if you use a similar diamond ... it would probably cost around $4,000 to do it with a super-ideal. I checked the Tiffany site ... the closest I could find was the Tiffany Harmony with a .71 D VS1 for $10,600 USD. If we take a relative guess, the ring you bought would cost about $7,000 USD if you bought it new from Tiffany. So ... if the Tiffany name means much to you, as it does for lots of people, I would say you got a good deal if the ring is in new condition. If you are looking for a beautiful diamond, I’m sorry to say that I would not buy it - from my personal perspective only - not because of the price itself, but because I would not spend money on a diamond that scores 3.1 on HCA. Unless I was really hooked on the Tiffany name, I would look for a similar setting or have one made and set it with a super-ideal ... all of which would cost more than you paid, lol. (I wish I could just say that you got a great deal and move on, but this is my honest opinion). All of this is said without any views of the diamond in real life, and it could very well still be beautiful ... or at least, beautiful enough!

The bottom line, imo, is: I think you did well if a genuine Tiffany ring was on your “want list”! Again, the important thing is that YOU love it! I hope the diamond turns out to be lovely and that you are happy! Congratulations on your engagement! (Maybe you can share some pictures of the heirloom ring! Haha ... spoken like a true jewelry junkie)

I do love the low profile .. the design is perfect for someone with a lifestyle such as yours, and I love the top view as well! Super pretty! Let us know what you think when you get it and please include lots of pictures!!!

How important it is to you that this ring be an authentic, intact (mount and stone) Tiffany piece? Authentication can be a bit of a song and dance.

Thank you both for your honest replies! Well, it is important to me that the ring is authentic only because if it's not authentic, who knows what it is -- is it even Pt950/Ru, is it a .54 D VS1 diamond, etc. Also, no one likes to be duped. But when I began my search, Tiffany wasn't even on my radar. The budget was to get something for less than $3k. (That was my self-imposed budget. Fiance said up to $5k.) I originally was looking for a low profile antique OEC solitaire or 5 stone, then finally a cleaner contemporary setting, and that's when I ran across the Tiffany Harmony. I looked at other similar settings like BG Melissa and WF Fine Line, but they actually all appeared to set the diamond slightly higher than the Harmony, and that was one aspect I didn't want to compromise on if I was going with a different setting. I also didn't really want to fuss with contacting someone and going completely custom. Then this ring came up on eBay right after I had started getting tired of looking, so it seemed meant to be. It's my size, and I also am very color sensitive, so I thought the D aspect was a neat little bonus.

I actually just got the ring a few hours ago and it looks to be the real deal! It needs a full polish, you can definitely tell it's pre-loved, but I really think the ring is what it seems. The seller was also fantastic with communication. It may not be super ideal, but I believe it is 'beautiful enough' as kmoro said. I think my standards are higher than those of the general population, but lower than those of the average Pricescoper. I will post pictures of both rings asap!

 

[SimoneDi]

Sounds like a lovely find and exactly that you were looking for! Looking forward to seeing pics! (Would also love to see pictures of your actual engagement ring. Based on your description, it seems to be gorgeous!)

Just to say that you definitely don’t need a receipt or other proof of purchase to get the ring serviced by T&Co. Cleaning and basic polish is free of charge. I would start there before getting their paid service which practically restores the ring to a like-new condition.

 

[lowprofile]

Sounds like a lovely find and exactly that you were looking for! Looking forward to seeing pics! (Would also love to see pictures of your actual engagement ring. Based on your description, it seems to be gorgeous!)

Just to say that you definitely don’t need a receipt or other proof of purchase to get the ring serviced by T&Co. Cleaning and basic polish is free of charge. I would start there before getting their paid service which practically restores the ring to a like-new condition.

Thank you! Yes, pics of both coming soon! Just to clarify, are you saying the paid service restores the ring to like-new condition, or the in-store clean/polish? I think I will probably bite the bullet and do the paid service so that I can feel like it's a fresh new ring. I want that mirror finish lol.

 

[SimoneDi]

Thank you! Yes, pics of both coming soon! Just to clarify, are you saying the paid service restores the ring to like-new condition, or the in-store clean/polish? I think I will probably bite the bullet and do the paid service so that I can feel like it's a fresh new ring. I want that mirror finish lol.

The paid service restores to like-new condition, but I would definitely recommend that you start with the free service. T&Co. does an excellent job. My rings always look like new every time they get serviced.

Looking forward to seeing the rings!

 

[kmoro]

Thank you both for your honest replies! Well, it is important to me that the ring is authentic only because if it's not authentic, who knows what it is -- is it even Pt950/Ru, is it a .54 D VS1 diamond, etc. Also, no one likes to be duped. But when I began my search, Tiffany wasn't even on my radar. The budget was to get something for less than $3k. (That was my self-imposed budget. Fiance said up to $5k.) I originally was looking for a low profile antique OEC solitaire or 5 stone, then finally a cleaner contemporary setting, and that's when I ran across the Tiffany Harmony. I looked at other similar settings like BG Melissa and WF Fine Line, but they actually all appeared to set the diamond slightly higher than the Harmony, and that was one aspect I didn't want to compromise on if I was going with a different setting. I also didn't really want to fuss with contacting someone and going completely custom. Then this ring came up on eBay right after I had started getting tired of looking, so it seemed meant to be. It's my size, and I also am very color sensitive, so I thought the D aspect was a neat little bonus.

I actually just got the ring a few hours ago and it looks to be the real deal! It needs a full polish, you can definitely tell it's pre-loved, but I really think the ring is what it seems. The seller was also fantastic with communication. It may not be super ideal, but I believe it is 'beautiful enough' as kmoro said. I think my standards are higher than those of the general population, but lower than those of the average Pricescoper. I will post pictures of both rings asap!

At one time I searched high and low for a beautiful low set ... I did not see the Harmony, but it really is perfect! It is wonderful to “hear” such a happy tone in your message! Congratulations on a find that gives you joy - and for sharing it with us! PS people are probably sick of my love for D color, but I’m with you on that one ... love the bright white, lol. I bet once that ring is polished, it will be even more beautiful!

Looking forward to the pictures!

 

[lowprofile]

For anyone interested, I posted photos of both rings in a new thread here: https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-downgrade-pics.248935/