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[MakingTheGrade]

I have a 2k budget for a special project, this is the biggest budget I've ever had for a jewelery project so I was really excited to do some shopping! I was mostly thinking of getting a nice blue spinel in a 3 stone setting with diamond sides, or a nice classic diamond solitaire pendant. My pendants often have to be diamond because I often fall asleep without remembering to take them off first!

Anyways, I found a local person selling off their old Ering (I was keeping an eye on craigslist/ebay for a possible good diamond deal), and I'm really tempted to get it even though it would eat my entire budget.

It's a .72ct AGS0 G SI2 diamond, Lazare brand (which I had never heard of before, any info?)
And what's even better, it's set in a Platinum Van Craeynest setting in my size! Which is lucky because it's the 812 model and not sizeable. I've always drooled over the Van Craeynest pieces I've seen here, I just love the delicacy and artistry, but have always balked at the price tag. But this ring is basically priced for the diamond loose, with the setting thrown in as a bonus, hehe.

So what do you think? Should I go for it? I could wear it as a RHR until I had funds to reset the diamond as a pendant, and eventually find a colored stone for the setting or maybe even reset my current ering diamond into it. Or should I just pass on this offer and get a complete pendant or CS ring for graduation? There is no real issue of return policy etc since I'll be picking it up in person before I pay for it.

If you had 2k, what would you do for a special occasion present?

Here are some fuzzy vendor photos. I appreciate the input!

 

[MakingTheGrade]

Here's a photo of the #812 model from the VC thread, hope they mind my borrowing the photo!

 

[MakingTheGrade]

I didn't think much of the photos, and was going to dismiss the listing entirely, but out of curiosity I looked at the photo of the appraisal and was surprised to see the words "Van Crayenest"! That detail hadn't been mentioned anywhere else in the listing, probably because it's not a well known brand in the North East.

 

[LtlFirecracker]

A VC setting in your size . And that one is totally your style too.

I would go for that setting, but I would want to know if the head could be modified for another stone without ruining the ring. I think it would be very difficult to find a stone in the shape and color you wanted that would fit perfectly into that setting. I think resetting your e-ring diamond into that stone would be a fabulous idea. Of course the right colored stone would be beautiful as well.

How far is graduation for you? I think you need to ask yourself are you ok with having the ring as is until you can afford to do what you want with it. The center stone is very similar to your e-ring, but a bit smaller, so as a RHR it is not going to have a ton of contrast from your e-ring. Are you OK with that?

I just want to give you somethings to consider before you make your decision. As I said, that is a wonderful heirloom quality setting. But I have noticed that I tend to hold my stones loose for a long time, and you tend to complete a project before moving on. Would you be ok with allowing the project to be dormant for a bit?

 

[MakingTheGrade]

Haha, I know right? It really is my style, and a sz 4 too, which isn't that common.

I do tend to finish my projects super fast, but I'm also ok sitting on it. I actually do have some colored stones that have been sitting around unset, with no immediate plans. I"m getting better at waiting, really! And I probably wouldn't have to wait too long since I just want a simple solitaire setting, not very expensive. It would take longer to try to find a colored stone to fit in there if I were to go that route.

Also, I could also wear it as my "alternative" ering. Sometimes I wear my colored stone rings in place on my Ering, especially when
travelling or if I'm working in an area of the city where I worry about the crime rate, lol.

 

[LtlFirecracker]

Haha, I know right? It really is my style, and a sz 4 too, which isn't that common.

I do tend to finish my projects super fast, but I'm also ok sitting on it. I actually do have some colored stones that have been sitting around unset, with no immediate plans. I"m getting better at waiting, really! And I probably wouldn't have to wait too long since I just want a simple solitaire setting, not very expensive. It would take longer to try to find a colored stone to fit in there if I were to go that route.

Also, I could also wear it as my "alternative" ering. Sometimes I wear my colored stone rings in place on my Ering, especially when
travelling or if I'm working in an area of the city where I worry about the crime rate, lol.

Oh you don't have to convince me. If that baby was in a size 6, I would be salivating over it. An alternate e-ring would be a great idea. I just don't see you wearing 2 solitaries on each hand. Especially since Philly can transition to a to an unsafe area in a matter of blocks.

I guess the question to ask yourself is, if this ring was freely available at this price, would you still want it?

Can't wait to see what you end up deciding.

 

[stci]

Seem you adore this ring... I say : GO FOR IT!!!!!!!

 

[Miss Sparkly]

I would buy it! That's just another branded ideal cut diamond. They are stunning. One of our local jewelers carries them and charges quite the markup too ...

 

[slg47]

ok...I think it's gorgeous I love that setting and think it would look great with a gemstone someday (not that it doesn't look great with the diamond!)

 

[Haven]

DO IT! DO EEEEEEET!

Seriously, that setting is gorgeous!

 

[jhoshopgirl]

I love that setting. You should totally go for it.

 

[Dreamer_D]

My only concern would be the eye cleanliness of the stone and also ensuring that as an SI2, the grade making inclusions were not a threa tto the integrity of the stone. I would also like to ensure that the head of the setting could be replaced (perhaps VC would do it himself??) to make sure that there was the versatility I wanted. Other than that, provided I could ensure those things prior to the sale being final, I don't really see a reason not to go ahead.

I will say, though, that I think it is important to get what you want when you make a purchase like this, and not simply get something because it is a deal. So make sure this is what you want.

 

[kelpie]

That is a steal! You totally need that...or else I'm a size 4 too *heh heh*

 

[lulu]

It's your size so it was meant to be!

 

[Circe]

I would be all over that like white on rice if it was my size - I LOVE VC, and I think that's one of their prettiest settings.

 

[mrswahs]

It's pretty amazing! I can't see why not!

 

[natascha]

Is it the diamond size that you want for your pendant? If so DO IT! Of course after taking into account what others have said above.

 

[MakingTheGrade]

In terms of size, I initially was just thinking anything .5ct or above, whiter than H, and AGS0. I figured I wouldn't be able to go much higher in size while still keeping the ideal cut and color I prefer. I think .72 would be a great size!

Hmm...I don't know who I would ask in terms of whether the head could be changed out. Does anyone know the best way to ask VC these questions? If it means talking to Larry, I might be too chicken! Haha.

I also think this is one of their prettier settings, does anyone know if there is a thread on this setting or if anyone on PS owns it? I think the price is fair since other branded AGS0 cut stones of these stats sell for about 2500$, so I'd basically be getting the setting free. Although I have no idea how much the setting would actually cost since VC doesn't post prices, and I've always been too afraid to ask!

I guess the only reason I'm hedging is because I'm wondering if I should keep looking for a better deal or keep my options open in case I fall in love with something else (like a unique colored stone, or awesome OEC), although I do really love the VC setting and I don't often see them being sold second hand. Hmm.

 

[Dreamer_D]

I think that setting from VC is the in $2005 - $2500 range, that is my memory from when they used to be offered on Clay Pot (seems they are not anymore). I think the price is fair for the secondary markey, about 30% -50% of the full retail.

 

[AprilBaby]

It would seem it was meant for you...GO FOR IT!!!

 

[Amys Bling]

Well, I think that the stone + the setting is a great buy for the price. BUT it's only a great by for YOU if you, actually really want that stone- the specs and all- and if you are using or selling the setting. That way all of it is usable and won't go to waste, or you can recoup money on the parts that you do not want.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I would SO do that! I'd use the setting for your e-ring and then make a pendant out of the .72 stone. What a great opportunity! And let us know if you decide against it!!!!

 

[decodelighted]

I'd probably only get it if ...

a) I was going to set my engagement stone in it and wear it everyday
b) If the diamond currently in the setting is the size/quality I'd want for a future pendant

The setting seems very POSH for a sometimes RHR. Yanno? But the heart wants what the heart wants. What's Mrssalvo's saying ... a deal is only a deal if you're getting exactly what you want. Otherwise, you'll be back on the hunt and spending even more $$$ trying to scratch the SAME itch.

(On the other hand ... it does seem like a good value & might be able to be resold for almost what you paid ... or one or the other for 1/2) LOL!!! I'm no help!!!

 

[MakingTheGrade]

A VC is definitely something I've always wanted after seeing all the gorgeous pieces here by them!
And of course, so is an AGS0 diamond.

Hopefully I'll be able to see the ring in person in the next week or two (the seller and I both have hectic schedules) but I'll come back with updates (and maybe even pics if all things go smoothly!).

 

[baby nurse]

BUY IT! If you don't, I think you'll regret it. It's gorgeous and an amazing value, AND it's your size.
If you do get it, please post a lot of pics; I'd love to get a closer look at it.

 

[MakingTheGrade]

BUY IT! If you don't, I think you'll regret it. It's gorgeous and an amazing value, AND it's your size.
If you do get it, please post a lot of pics; I'd love to get a closer look at it.

I'd like to get a closer look too! Do you know if there's a PS thread about it elsewhere if anyone else owns one?

I'm still waiting for the seller to get back to me about meeting up, ugh. They've always been a bit slow to email back, it kills me! But fingers crossed and PS dust that everything goes smoothly, and soon!

 

[nicolita]

I think fate is urging you to buy this beautiful ring. It's your size! Come on! Then again, I am not always the voice of reason with such things.

It's beautiful. It's a great price. It's something you love. It's your size. Buy it!

 

[baby nurse]

BUY IT! If you don't, I think you'll regret it. It's gorgeous and an amazing value, AND it's your size.
If you do get it, please post a lot of pics; I'd love to get a closer look at it.

I'd like to get a closer look too! Do you know if there's a PS thread about it elsewhere if anyone else owns one?

I'm still waiting for the seller to get back to me about meeting up, ugh. They've always been a bit slow to email back, it kills me! But fingers crossed and PS dust that everything goes smoothly, and soon!

It would be really helpful if there was a PS thread about this ring, but if there is one out there, I haven't seen it . The only other picture I've seen of it is the one that you posted (from the VC thread, which I've been through twice!).

If it were in my size, I'd buy it. Heck, if you end up dissatisfied with the diamond in it, you could get a CS cut to put in it.

Best of luck!

 

[Andelain]

Hey Making the Grade, if you don't, I will. Just give me the contact info.

Seriously, that looks like a really nice RHR.

 

[mrssalvo]

I would email Larry to see if the head can be changed if needed to be but I would totally do it if this is something you really want. There are a bunch of us who would jump on this, add me to that list But, 2K is till a lot of money so you do want to be sure you'll wear it and not just being seduced by the great deal.