Finding out more about a diamond

[The_Running_Realtor]

I have a friend that is possibly going to sell me a diamond that is a trillion shape. It is currently in a pendant and is gorgeous. It is from a divorce and he absolutely wants to get rid of it, most likely for MUCH less than he paid. He gave me the stone and said to get it looked at to find out color, clarity, cut, etc. I am getting engaged soon and if it is a great deal then I will most likely have a platinum setting custom made for it. Should I get an apprasial, certification or both? Also, can I go to a random jewelry store and ask them to take a look at it or are there specialty places that just specialize in certifying diamonds? It looks very, very nice and most likely I can buy it for well below what it is worth. I was really looking for a round stone but if this is a great deal then I may go with this one. Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[neatfreak]

Ummm, a trillion cut is a very unusual shape, so if you're the guy buying here, make SURE she likes it before making a purchase.

Otherwise, take it to an INDEPENDENT appraiser. This means that the person cannot work for or with a jewelry store and DOES NOT sell stones. It's not necessary to get it certed unless you might sell it later, but might be worth it for peace of mind in this case since you know NOTHING about it.

You can find a list of PS approved appraisers above under RESOURCES.

 

[The_Running_Realtor]

I realize the shape is different but the engagement is a complete surprise.....I am not sure how to find out without spoling it. I was hoping to pick out a really special setting that it would go good with. I am fairly sure she will love it....she is not the type to demand certain specs - size, shape, etc....thanks for the info....greatly appreciated.

 

[neatfreak]

Date: 6/7/2007 1:51:20 PM
Author: The_Running_Realtor
I realize the shape is different but the engagement is a complete surprise.....I am not sure how to find out without spoling it. I was hoping to pick out a really special setting that it would go good with. I am fairly sure she will love it....she is not the type to demand certain specs - size, shape, etc....thanks for the info....greatly appreciated.

Ok, but fair warning, it''s a little odd for the center of an engagement ring. You could try asking one of her best friends what THEY think, they would likely have some good insight into what she likes.

 

[Gypsy]

Ditto everything NF said with emphasis on the following:

I would not have wanted a Trillion center stone for my engagement ring, and I don''t know of ANYONE who has bought that cut or asked for the cut for an engagment ring. Be very sure she doesn''t want another shape.

Some people feel funny about divorced stones. While one cannot fully know the exact history of every single diamond... when it is known that the stone was acquired from a divorced person some have trouble with it.

For me, the ring isn''t about the price ... it''s the representation of your commitment to each other. What I love best about my stone is that my FI searched high and low to find what he thought was the perfect diamond for me. He took a lot of time and care to ensure that he knew my taste and made sure to keep that in his mind when he was looking at stones.

Finally, definitely use a PS appraiser. And independant appraiser.

 

[Finding_Neverland]

You can cruise jewelry counters with your Intended. Pay attention to what she's drawn to. Or ask one of her GF's to "go shopping" with her and report back to you what your lady liked. Then, you'll have a good idea of the shape stone that attracts her eye.

RB's are classic. By far the best performers. Square shapes are very "in" with younger women. Princesses particularly. Stepping out for something as unique as a trillion, no matter how good a deal the stone might be, could be a disaster in the making.

Since your friend is allowing you to get the stone checked out, check here:

https://www.pricescope.com/appr_list.aspx

to see if you live near a PS approved appraiser. If not, you may have to ship the stone to an appraiser for evaluation.

I know you're excited, but,.......... The time you spend learning about this stone, and what your gal really wants could be time well invested either way.

 

[iheartscience]

I have to echo Neatfreak on this. I HIGHLY recommend you do not propose to your girlfriend with a trillion engagement ring. It is a triangle shaped diamond and although she may not be the type to demand certain specs in an engagement ring, I am pretty much positive she wouldn''t want a trillion diamond for an engagement ring.

I like unique, modern and unusual things myself and I would not ever, ever want a trillion diamond engagement ring. If you want to surprise her, I recommend either proposing without a diamond ring (use a simple band, silly plastic ring or nothing at all) or surprising her with a round diamond in a simple solitaire setting.

Most women would be happy with a round diamond. I have a radiant cut (square) diamond myself, but if I were surprise proposed to with a round diamond solitaire, I still would have been happy with it.

Please rethink this idea! You can find a great diamond through a Pricescope vendor, no matter what your budget. Do more research before you get sucked into the idea of a "deal." It''s not a deal if she hates it!

 

[iheartscience]

I agree with Gypsy regarding the divorce diamond thing. I also did not want a divorce diamond, so I didn''t get an antique diamond ring even though I love them, and I also passed on his mother''s engagement ring diamonds from a previous marriage.

I really wouldn''t be stoked knowing my boyfriend got my diamond ring because some guy wanted to get rid of a diamond of his ex-wife''s.

 

[chrono]

Personally, I don''t mind the diamond being second hand, pawn shop, divorced or whatever but I DO mind having a trilliant for an engagement ring. Trilliant is fine for a RHR or side stones but make sure 100% the gal will like it as a trilliant. Your safest bet is to stick with a round if you want to surprise her without any input from her as to her likes/dislikes.

 

[The_Running_Realtor]

I definitely hear what everyone is saying and appreciate the feedback. I suppose what I am wondering is whether or not she would prefer to have a $7K or $8K diamond on her finger (that will cost me $2000) or one that I bought new that will most likely be about 60% as expensive. If I do not buy a new stone, then every diamond is going to have a story behind it, be it divorce or whatever. If it not my story then it does not bother me what the story was. She is the same way. I have been with her 4+ years so I guess I out to know. I am not a huge fan of the Trillion shape either but have seen a few really nice looking settings that this one would look very nice in. I am speculating, but I think this one is in the neighborhood of 1.75-2.00 carats, and E-F color with no inclusions that I can see. I am not trying to be overly frugal but was originally planning on spending $4k or so and that will simply not buy me this quality a stone. I guess I was assuming that down the road my soon to be fiance would be happier with this stone than a 1 carat, round H colored VS2. Maybe not, but I am assuming she will.

 

[chrono]

Yes you are ASSuming. But what if she hates the shape? She will be wearing and looking at this ring for the rest of her life.

Also, note that trilliants have a different kind of sparkle than rounds, just as a pear will sparkle differently from a marquise.

 

[The_Running_Realtor]

Well...if she absolutely hates it, I will just put it aside and let her pick out whatever she wants. I do not think I am going to lose money on this stone either way. I understand everyone''s thoughts and all of it is duly noted. I just need to give it some more thought. Perhaps I will have the stone looked at by an independant appraiser just so I will know more about it anyway. I am reluctant to tell anyone that she knows of my plans. I may just have to think of a creative way to get her opinion on different stone shapes without spoiling my surprise. Any advice on that is welcome also. I do not want to get her friends involved at all. Maybe I will show her a pic of a setting with a trillion as the center stone and see what she says about it..perhaps I can tell her a buddy is going to give it to his GF and asked my opinion. The proposal will be a complete surprise..hopefully. Just don''t want to give her any idea it is coming.

 

[Gypsy]

I would surprise her with a fake ring and a note attached asking for her help to find the ring of her dreams. Then present the trillion option, if you are right, you lose nothing: She is surprised, you get the good deal on this ring (after having it appraised) and you are engaged. If she doesn''t like the trillion and prefers a smaller different shaped stone-- you save money. You wouldn''t have spent $$ on a ring she doesn''t like, and you wouldn''t have paid for the appraiser. And she gets the ring of her dreams.

 

[mrssalvo]

I''m going to chime in with the other ladies and say please don''t do it. I would rather have a round that 2K would buy me than a 1 carat trillion shape triangle for an e-ring. If you wan''t the stone so much for her, buy it as the pendant and give her the pendant for a wedding gift or something. But I just wouldn''t go with it for an e-ring. there a threads on here from gals who recieved rings and didn''t want to tell their Fiance they didn''t like it, because they didn''t want to hurt his feeling, but they really hated the ring. If that''s the case with your gal, your 2K deal just went down the drain. Also, there are reasons we don''t see many trillion shaped engagement rings

Go with a vendor you can upgrade with and buy what you can afford now leaving room to go larger when budget permits.

Also, see my tag line below!!

 

[kcoursolle]

If the appraisal goes well for the trillion, I would buy it and give it to her for a one year marriage anniversary as a *PENDANT*. TRillions make great pendants.

Get her the ring that she wants rather than one with the stone that you made work because it was a great deal.

 

[mrssalvo]

Date: 6/7/2007 2:36:31 PM
Author: The_Running_Realtor
Well...if she absolutely hates it, I will just put it aside and let her pick out whatever she wants.

Only you know your gal, but a lot of women are not going to come right out and say they hate the ring they were just proposed to with. She probably is not going to want to hurt your feelings so she''ll pretend she likes it, even if she doesn''t. also, some gals are very sentimental and want to keep the ring their boyfriends propose with, so why not give her something you know she would love. If she were buying you a car or new computer, would you want her to find out exactly what you wanted or just take a chance on a deal she happened upon?

as for figuring out what she wants, does she read celebrity gossip magazines? there are usually celeb rings in them so maybe you could get her to comment on some and at least give you and idea of her style. I really think if you want this to be a complete surprise, I''d propose without a ring and go ring shopping together, even give her the option of the trillion at that point. that''s what my hubby did. he proposed no ring and we shopped later together.

 

[FireGoddess]

Date: 6/7/2007 2:46:55 PM
Author: kcoursolle
If the appraisal goes well for the trillion, I would buy it and give it to her for a one year marriage anniversary as a *PENDANT*. TRillions make great pendants.

Get her the ring that she wants rather than one with the stone that you made work because it was a great deal.

Great minds think alike. This is exactly what I was thinking (or give it to her as a wedding present instead of anniversary).

 

[neatfreak]

I would MUCH prefer a different shape stone even if it wasn''t as big to answer your question. I really don''t like trillions for erings. They do make great looking pendants however.

ALSO, if you buy this for her ering, you then have two options if she asks where you got it:

1. Tell her the truth and risk her being appalled at the fact that it is a "divorce" diamond and you bought it because it was "a good deal". Many women would NOT like to hear either or both of those things. The diamond is supposed to represent you as a couple and "I got a good deal" is NOT a good reason to buy a particular stone.

2. Lie to her. NOT a good way to start off the engagement or future marriage and also you risk her finding out in the future and being REALLLLLLY pissed.

Sooooo...I''m thinking that if you really want to buy it you save it for an anniversary and put it in a pendant.

 

[kcoursolle]

You might want to check out this thread about a gal who came here after she received an "unusual" e-ring: https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/unusual-e-ring-need-advice-please.39650/

 

[The_Running_Realtor]

I agree..this one was originally a pendant. I will give it more thought. I do think that while some of you ladies have expressed that you personally would not want this stone as a center stone, I think that everyone is different. I would also be willing to guess that while there are probably a few woman that received a trillion ring and did not like it, there are most likely quite a few that have absolutely gorgeous rings with trillion stones as their center stone. Everyone has different opinions as to what they like. I do think it is a good idea to try and attempt to find out what she likes without committing just yet. Fwiw, this is a setting that I thought the stone looked good in, but again, it is just my opinion:

 

[Dogmom]

Why would you chance her not liking the stone, and then have to pay for another that she DOES like? Why not cut to the chase and put your money on ONE stone that she loves?

An engagement ring is not about the $$ spent or the size of the diamond, but the sentiment behind it. Making a purchase of this significance simply because you perceive it to be a "good deal" is absolutely not worth it.

 

[mrssalvo]

Date: 6/7/2007 3:06:59 PM
Author: The_Running_Realtor
I would also be willing to guess that while there are probably a few woman that received a trillion ring and did not like it, there are most likely quite a few that have absolutely gorgeous rings with trillion stones as their center stone.

I have been on this site for 2 1/2 years and have never seen one trillion e-ring...not one. I agree, there very well may be someone out there who likes them, we''ve got a few pricescopers who stay clear of the trends and like less classic looks which is great. just make sure your gal feels this way. the ring you posted is not something you''d see in any bride magazine today. she may like that it is very unique or she may want a stone and setting that will be a timeless classic. Trillions centers in my opinion don''t do that. I''m all for a good deal, just to settle for anything less for your gal just to save money. if you weren''t getting a deal on this stone, would you even consider the shape for the ring she''s supposed to wear the rest of her life?

 

[Gypsy]

Aside for the whole trillion thing, I do not like that setting.


Please put it in a pile of other pics: One with a round stone, another with a square stone and tell her that your friend is proposing and he wants it to be an ABSOLUTE surprise, and whick diamond shape/ring does she think is nicer.

 

[neatfreak]

Date: 6/7/2007 3:15:46 PM
Author: Gypsy
Aside for the whole trillion thing, I do not like that setting.

Agreed...Why are you so reluctant to listen to a whole bunch of women who spend a TON of time on a diamond forum? We are trying to give you advice. You came and asked for it, and NOT ONE of us said we would want a trillion.

Go ask a bunch of other women in your office or something. I am willing to bet that almost all of them would not want a trillion.

Trust us...unless you ask her directly, it's best not to go there.

 

[pricescope]

You know what might help? if you can secretly take some pictures of the jewelry she has and show us, maybe she is very modern and we can design something hip with this trillion say bezel set?

 

[Gypsy]

Okay well, I looked up some trillion e-rings with settings, and first off it was hard. Most sites don''t do trillions as centers.

Here is a website that has brand name trillions. Is your stone a triangle or does it have bowed sides?

Here is one... I like the diamond accents on the band. Pave would work too. The setting above is dated which just adds to the whole problem.

 

[The_Running_Realtor]

Gypsy good idea....I think however it is important to put in the comparison pics the other 2 stones I was considering - Round and Princess, 1 carat, H-G color, SI2, then put a pic of the Trillion beside that I think is roughly almost two carats, E Color and much nicer clarity, most likely VS1-VS2 at least. The she could choose. I do also agree that I would not necessarily seek out a trillion center stone as my original choice. I am only considering because it is POSSIBLE that she will get a MUCH, MUCH nicer stone that I had originally planned. If she does not like it, then I can sell it easily and not lose money on it and then go buy her something that she can pick out herself. I disagree with the need to tell her everything behind the stone, nor would she even care. I am buying it directly from the guy that was divorced, but what if that guy sold it to a pawn shop or another person or store, and I was buying it from them? Then I would not even know about the divorce issue, nor would it even matter. I have no issue with telling her that I was able to buy the stone for a fraction of what it is worth. Given the choice of a round 1 carat, H color, SI2 or Trillion 2 Carat, E color VS2... I would be very surprised if she chose the lesser stone.

 

[The_Running_Realtor]

Gypsy that one is very pretty....

 

[Gypsy]

This is the one I liked the best (circled) its a small pic, and in yellow gold... which I would fix, but I like the fluidity of it and knox could do it affordably I''m thinking. A little pave on that center part of the shank would work for extra bling if you want it.

 

[neatfreak]

Date: 6/7/2007 3:28:07 PM
Author: The_Running_Realtor
Gypsy good idea....I think however it is important to put in the comparison pics the other 2 stones I was considering - Round and Princess, 1 carat, H-G color, SI2, then put a pic of the Trillion beside that I think is roughly almost two carats, E Color and much nicer clarity, most likely VS1-VS2 at least. The she could choose. I do also agree that I would not necessarily seek out a trillion center stone as my original choice. I am only considering because it is POSSIBLE that she will get a MUCH, MUCH nicer stone that I had originally planned. If she does not like it, then I can sell it easily and not lose money on it and then go buy her something that she can pick out herself. I disagree with the need to tell her everything behind the stone, nor would she even care. I am buying it directly from the guy that was divorced, but what if that guy sold it to a pawn shop or another person or store, and I was buying it from them? Then I would not even know about the divorce issue, nor would it even matter. I have no issue with telling her that I was able to buy the stone for a fraction of what it is worth. Given the choice of a round 1 carat, H color, SI2 or Trillion 2 Carat, E color VS2... I would be very surprised if she chose the lesser stone.

I''d be cautious about this. Your friend is desperate to sell it because I don''t think it''s as easy as you think. Especially with a non-certed, odd shape stone. Just so you''re aware...