Ebay OEC with chipped girdle...opinions please

[anners11]

Hello pricescopers! I have been on the hunt for a nice piece of jewelry to reward myself for a few milestones I've achieved this past year. Initially I was thinking a sapphire and diamond ring, but I have since been bitten by the OEC bug thanks to all the lovely pieces I've seen here! So now my plan is to find a smallish OEC and have it set in the BGD Barbara with milligrain. So here's where I need help. I've been trolling eBay constantly on the hunt for something good. I came across this listing and it's for a solitaire ring OEC center approximately 0.65 ct 5.51 x 5.46mm I SI1 (non-cert). It's priced really well, except there's a chip in the girdle. I've asked the seller about it and they have stated that it does not affect the durability of the diamond and would be willing to have the chip polished out for no cost.

I have a few questions...

1. Does the chip look like something that could easily be polished out?

2. Would you have the seller do the polishing or buy the stone have it inspected to make sure there's no durability issue and have it polished yourself?

3. Does it even need to be polished since I'm putting it in a bezel setting?

4. And finally, overall what do you think of the diamond? It's listed at $975 with a make an offer option. Do you think that's reasonable?

Thanks for all your help! Hopefully this works out so I can have something to share on here! I'm itching for some bling!

 

[yssie]

Hello pricescopers! I have been on the hunt for a nice piece of jewelry to reward myself for a few milestones I've achieved this past year. Initially I was thinking a sapphire and diamond ring, but I have since been bitten by the OEC bug thanks to all the lovely pieces I've seen here! So now my plan is to find a smallish OEC and have it set in the BGD Barbara with milligrain. So here's where I need help. I've been trolling eBay constantly on the hunt for something good. I came across this listing and it's for a solitaire ring OEC center approximately 0.65 ct 5.51 x 5.46mm I SI1 (non-cert). It's priced really well, except there's a chip in the girdle. I've asked the seller about it and they have stated that it does not affect the durability of the diamond and would be willing to have the chip polished out for no cost.

I have a few questions...

1. Does the chip look like something that could easily be polished out?

2. Would you have the seller do the polishing or buy the stone have it inspected to make sure there's no durability issue and have it polished yourself?

3. Does it even need to be polished since I'm putting it in a bezel setting?

4. And finally, overall what do you think of the diamond? It's listed at $975 with a make an offer option. Do you think that's reasonable?

Thanks for all your help! Hopefully this works out so I can have something to share on here! I'm itching for some bling!

My 2c -
If it's going into a bezel and I had to pay for the polishing I wouldn't bother, but you've got it easy since BGD does work like this in-house, so you could just ask them! BUT, if they're willing to do it for free (and assume the risks), definitely take 'em up on it if you go ahead. It looks like a pretty stone - I would guess that the beauty is more in the faceting than in the amount of light return.

I haven't looked at OEC pricing in a while, I'll leave that question to others who can offer better advice..

 

[distracts]

That pricing does seem fair for what it is, judging by what I've seen things selling for on ebay recently. But I wouldn't pay that much. If I really wanted it, I'd offer $800. Buuuuut that's just me, and I don't get so attached to diamonds that I couldn't walk if the price wasn't right. (And for reference, I recently bought an approx 0.55 ct OEC that the seller said was E/F VS2 and my jeweler said was G/H VS2, with no chips, for $600. But it was from a seller who I do not think usually sells diamonds. The listed price was higher.) But even with all my disclaimers, the pricing is reasonable if it is the one you really want.

 

[Enerchi]

I would give BGD a call and get their input on whether a chip on the girdle would be an issue, to set in the Barbara pendant. As for pricing, I had help guiding me with my recent OEC purchase and if you feel you could counter with your seller - say offer 10 - 15% less - then go for it. Worst they do is say no, right? And as I also observed during this search, there will be other diamonds so don't 'settle' if it does not feel right.

(that said, I was all over the place and totally relied on the calm and reassuring advice of Dreamer to keep me focused!)

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I really think $975 is high for that stone with a chip. I think if you wait you can get a stone that is in better condition. I would also encourage you to consider going a little larger because I think you'll see the OEC faceting much better in a larger stone and also since you want to put it in a semi-custom setting.

 

[Mara]

Ditto it being too high for a 5.5mm stone esp with a chip. I also wouldn't worry about it in a bezel setting if you were to get it. It looks fiery, more an old mine cut early OEC than a later OEC.

 

[anners11]

Thanks ladies! I appreciate the advice. I'm not thrilled with the idea of it having a chip, so I think I'll take your advice and hold off for a while. I'll save up a few more pennies and keep on the lookout for a bigger stone. It'll be worth the wait. In the meantime, I'll just keep looking at all the eye candy on here!