Don't Know What To Do- Need Advice

[KMD]

I need advice. I currently have a 2ct stone that I picked out about 6 months ago. My now husband basically gave me a budget and said go to town. The stone I picked is beautiful but I am finding that I wish I got a stone that was bigger (maybe by a 1/2 carat or so). I initially only used 1/2 my given budget (including the setting). I mentioned that maybe I wanted a bigger stone to my husband last week and he said that he was a little disappointed that I wasn't completely happy with my stone so I backed off of the subject immediately. Now I can't stop thinking about it. I want to bring it up again but am nervous that I am going to open a can of worms that I will regret. I've done a little research and there is a possibility that we will lose some money on reselling it as the price was set based on a better appraisal and I did not try to negociate after my appraiser said it was a lower color and clarity . While I didn't necessarily overpay, I definitely did not get a deal and paid top dollar for what it was worth. I know that an easy solution is to wait and upgrade years from now, but I do not want a new ring in 10 years, I want the same ring that has lived with us for 10 years. I feel like this stone does not have a lot of sentimental value but in 10 years it will. Another solution would be to change the setting by adding side stones or a halo, but that is not really my style. I love my basic solitaire. Anyone ever been in a situation like this? What did you do? Not sure what I should do .

 

[Circe]

Oh, ugh - buyer's remorse is the worst.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but reselling typically only gets you back some ridiculously low percentage of the "retail" value of jewelry (unless we're talking a signed piece of some sort, which may be the only justification for the markup). We're talking 30-50%.

Is there any chance whatsoever that you bought from a dealer with an upgrade policy? If so, that would probably be your best bet, practically speaking. If not, I would, a) look into consignment, which can take a while, but which can usually net you more profit than selling directly to a jewelry store, and b) I would ask the husband if it would be okay to use the OTHER half of the allotted budget to buy another stone from a dealer with a trade-up policy ... and when you manage to sell the first one, upgrade the second to what your heart desires. It's like a shell game, but hopefully with you as the winner: you'll have a ring approximately close to what you have now, but with the option of upgrading, and of hopefully recouping some of the original funds.

Now, as for how to broach the subject with your husband ... that's a good question. I'd probably say something like, "I'm so sorry you were disappointed with what I said about the ring last week: I'm disappointed, too. Not in the ring per se, but because I tried to settle for "good enough" instead of getting exactly the right thing. It was a mistake, and I'd like to fix it ...." - and then I'd lay out the above. Good luck, and keep up updated ....

P.S. - What are the specs of your stone, what did you pay, and who did you pay it to?

 

[KMD]

It is an I SI2 cushion modified brilliant that I paid 9500 for. The seller does not have an upgrade policy but offered to sell the ring for me at a low consignment fee.

 

[SandyCheeks]

Hi KMD I went through a similar situation. I bought a 2.5 J SI 2 oval from Blue Nile for around $12,300 and then I found pricescope and immediately wished I had gone higher in ct weight and lower in color. After living with my oval for 7 days I wasn't crazy about the shape on my hand. Luckily I was in my 30 return period so it went back and I found my 3.0 N SI 1 RB for about $13,100 which was in my budget. It sounds like the seller will work with you which is great now you just have to get your husband on board. Mine thought the first ring was beautiful but he went along with me and can't believe how nice this new one is. I'm sure once your hubby sees the new one he'll fine, plus you only spent half of your ring budget for this ring. Good luck!!!