European cut help

[dogluvr]

I have come across a stone that really interests me. The appraisal is totally off based on the research I have done on this forum. Could you give me some direction on whether this ring is worth pursuing?

I would be happy with a VS and M color but pricing would then reflect that. I have done comparisions to modern brilliants and subtracted 35% to get an estimated price. But of course there are none that meet the exact specs. Soooo, I am unsure.

Measurements are 7.24 x 7.08 x 4.88mm, 1.58 ct, supposedly VVS1, color L, good cut, no % given So off round, but is it a significant amount? It is averaging 7.16, what does it compare to modern looking top down? Could it be Old European vs European cut? How do I figure out % to see the estimated cut quality for the chart in the tools section? TIA!

 

[LGK]

Hm. European cut is typically a sort of transitional cut (characteristics of OEC + RB together) but this looks very OEC like, and early OEC at that. I don''t like the lack of return policy but the seller has decent feedback at least. Don''t like the GLA cert... usually EGL USA is what OECs have at best. It doesn''t look like an L, too yellow. I''d guess (from pics, which is hard) M or N. I don''t love the patterning, it seems kinda off, but then, they don''t really have a great head on shot so it might just be cruddy pics doing that.

I would probably go through a vendor with a return policy... I''ve bought OECs off ebay before but I don''t do it unless I can return it for any reason, because you HAVE to see old cuts in person or have a really trusted vendor evaluate them, because some are total dogs and the measurements tell you nada really.

I''d recommend Old World Diamonds or Single Stone, or Jewels by Erica Grace, personally.

 

[glitterata]

That looks attractive. Can you get the seller to work with you through an independent appraiser? Have her send/take it to an independent appraiser whom you hire to tell you whether it''s a good diamond & a good price. If it is, buy it. If it isn''t, don''t.

As for the angles etc, it''s an OEC, so the HCA won''t work--the HCA was designed for modern round brilliants.

The out-of-roundness doesn''t look significant to me, plus it''s part of an OEC''s antique charm.

 

[dogluvr]

Thanks for your help. I emailed the seller and she has gotten quite snarky that I have questioned the appraisal. Not gonna touch it.

Is there a way for a mod to remove the aution link for me?

 

[glitterata]

Use the "report concern" button to request the moderator to remove it.

 

[panda08]

Date: 9/22/2008 5:37:38 PM
Author: dogluvr
Thanks for your help. I emailed the seller and she has gotten quite snarky that I have questioned the appraisal. Not gonna touch it.

Is there a way for a mod to remove the aution link for me?

Sorry that didn''t work out. Could have been good but you never know unless you see it in person. I''ve looked on eBay for antique and estate pieces as well. I stay away from the sellers who have an "all sales are final unless significant misrepresentation" policy. What exactly constitutes a "significant" misrepresentation? And I especially stay away from those who get snarky when questions are asked about an item they''re selling. I looked at a OEC pendant that was for auction last week. The seller, despite good feedback, had that all sales are final unless significant misrepresentation policy. But because I was interested, I asked a LOT of questions. He got snarky real quick and basically said I was jerking him around and that if I''m not just falling all over myself to fork several thousands dollars sight unseen, I wasn''t really interested. Whatever. If someone''s willing to hand over that kind of cash no questions asked, who am I to stand in the way?

 

[dogluvr]

Ha, sellers who don''t like questions usually have something to hide. This one sounded like she was offended that "I" was questioning the appraisal. Helllo, this is Ebay. *smacks head*

 

[LGK]

That''s a great test, asking questions... I''d definitely pass if the seller got irritated. The larger OEC I bought on eBay, I asked for extra pics, an extended return period, special shipping and for a contact phone #. The seller was totally nice and helpful. If the seller balks at answering, it''s a huge red flag. I think you decided wisely!

 

[neatfreak]

Date: 9/22/2008 6:51:32 PM
Author: LittleGreyKitten
That''s a great test, asking questions... I''d definitely pass if the seller got irritated. The larger OEC I bought on eBay, I asked for extra pics, an extended return period, special shipping and for a contact phone #. The seller was totally nice and helpful. If the seller balks at answering, it''s a huge red flag. I think you decided wisely!

Ditto! Smart move...if the seller is shady something is usually off...

 

[ericad]

Any seller who is being honest about the specs of a stone will allow a return period and will be thrilled to answer your questions, send more pics, etc. Glad you passed on it - there can be some great antique finds on ebay, but very risky too.

 

[2Artists]

There are some very wonderful honest sellers and some very dishonest sellers too. It is very possible for someone to answer questions in a dishonest way and refuse to accept returns even if they claimed that they would.

Namely if someone is dishonest to begin with they might answer the questions dishonestly and refuse to honor their return policy. So again as others have pointed out do everything in your power to protect yourself. Best luck.

Mrs.2Artists