HELP! Advice on Diamond - Pictures Included

[ab10]

Hello -

What do you think of this Diamond? I took a few pictures on my hand (male) and on the counter.

[Link edited by moderator] See forum policies


It is:
- 2.51 carat
- F Color
- VS2 Clarity
- HRD Certificate

2 Pear Diamonds
- .50 carat each side
- I Color
- SI1

I don't have the certificate to show you with any of the other specs. My friend is selling it to me for 15K. I took it to a local jeweler for a 'free appraisal'. He said that the 2.51c diamond is an H instead of a F as the certificate states and VS2 to SI1 clarity. He also said it is 'Ideal Cut'. He said her would buy it for 8K but for an insurance quote 33K.

1. Do you think this is a good deal?
2. Do you think this is a good ring?
3. Should I buy this ring?
4. Anything other advice? Thanks!

I was thinking about taking the 2.51 carat diamond and mounting it on a different setting. I am not sure if he was giving me different specs because he wanted to sell me a ring.

Thanks for your help and look forward to your response. I appreciate your help!

 

[Tuckins1]

Can you try to post some pics? The link was removed...

 

[ab10]

Picture 1

 

[ab10]

Picture 2

 

[ab10]

Picture 3

 

[ab10]

Picture 4

 

[ab10]

Last one! Thanks ... .

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I''ll just have to say, wow, what an opportunity, if the free appraisal is close to accurate! That would be a fabulous deal if the diamond is at least very good cut and H VS2/Si1. It probably isn''t at the top cut level we frequently see here, but hey, it is hard to pass up a deal like that!

I adore that setting, so I beg you to please leave that diamond in the setting if you buy it! Just have the jeweler polish and clean it and make it look like new!

 

[ab10]

Thanks.

The cost paid in April 2008 was $45,000 USD in London at Cool Diamonds. The owner has been showing it around to potential jewelry stores. With a lot of people handling it probably picked up some dirt. The ring has been stored at a london bank since it was purchased. One reason I am getting a better deal is because it one of my brothers good friends, and I think he would rather give it to someone he knows for a lesser price than to a wholesaler for a little more.

Do you think 15K is good for this ring?

My other alternative is a 1.33 Tiffany Novo. Both rings are great - I kind of can''t justify spending more for a 1.33 e-ring when I have the opportunity to get a pretty good that is 3.5c total for only 15K.

What do you think?

Also .... Why would you not take the ring apart and remount it?

Thanks!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I wouldn't take it apart because that is a very classy and classic setting! In fact, it is a style setting that Tiffany's sells here. The setting is brand new, so I would not just discard it. If it was ugly, I promise I'd be honest and tell you! But I'd love to have that ring! Seriously, I think most women here would love to have that ring at that price!

$15k is a steal. $45k was a little too much, obviously.

The plain shank should allow the ring to be sized. Do you know what her ring size is compared to this ring?

(ETA: the setting looks to be high quality. Nice prongs, etc.)

 

[ab10]

Thanks!! ..... She wears a size 6 ring (approximate). I think the ring might be around a 7 or so because I put a size 6 ring on my finger before and couldn''t get it down that low.

Do you think it is relatively easy to have it resized? Any major issues with doing so? I appreciate your help as I know very little about any of this.


The setting looks and feels pretty sturdy. It is platinum if that makes any difference with the resizing. Like you said - it does look very similar to the tiffany setting.

She will be pretty happy being 27 with a 3.5 ct ring ..... I like the novo the best, but she likes 3 stone rings so I guess this is a great opportunity to buy what she wants, a large diamond and a good price.


Thanks again!

 

[arjunajane]

I agree with DS, this is a lovely setting, you should keep it like that.
I also agree its not "the best" cut quality (from what can tell from pics), but definately not bad either.

If its only a size or 2, should have no issue at all resizing, a decent jeweller will be able to due it in a jiffy.
What a great find (as long as what the jeweller has said is correct).

may I suggest an independent appraisal just to be sure of the specs..?

 

[diamondseeker2006]

A 7 down to a 6 should be fine! Sometimes people buy rings wanting to size them down two or more sizes and sometimes it doesn't work well. But one size should be fine.

I think she is going to be absolutely amazed! I do love the Novo, but gosh, you'd pay twice what that ring would sell for second-hand, whereas with this ring, you're paying less than half of it's retail!

I am saying all of this assuming your appraiser was reputable. And are there sales receipts from the original seller by chance? Was there a lab certificate for that center stone or was it just graded by Cool Diamonds? (I feel I have to ask you these questions to be a good Pricescoper, but seriously, this appears to be one of those very rare amazing deals!)

ETA:Nevermind, I looked back and saw it had a HRD cert.

 

[ab10]

The original owner is going to give me the HRD Certificate.

My only concern is what the certificate and receipt says vs. what the appraiser told me today. I am not sure if he told me something else so that I might consider purchasing one of his diamonds instead of this one or what? Any ideas? This is the store that did the appraisal - cgdeinc.com

Even so, The appraisal he gave me is still a pretty good diamond right? And especially for 15K right. I will likely take to one more place and have it checked out before making a decision.

Please let me know your honest opinions.


THANKS! You guys are great.

 

[ab10]

Yes, I have the original sales receipt. It says from Cool Diamonds (London, England)

Here is what it says:

"Round 2.51 ct diamond of F color and VS2 clarity. This diamond is accompanied by a certificate issued by the HRD set in"

Price paid in April 2007: $44,807.00

 

[kcoursolle]

It''s a beautiful ring!! I''d take it to an independent appraiser before buying it just to make sure everything checks out. If so, then you got a great deal on a gorgeous ring! I love the side pears and wouldn''t change them, but if she doesn''t like pears than you could make them earrings or something.

 

[fdaay]

she will love it for sure!!!!!!! and that ring is worth it............. I am 27 and I''ll be lucky to find a 1.5 ct ring even for that price with lesser quality!! obviously I don''t know anyone lol

 

[EricaR]

I think it is a beautiful ring!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Date: 1/16/2009 12:31:40 AM
Author: ab10
The original owner is going to give me the HRD Certificate.

My only concern is what the certificate and receipt says vs. what the appraiser told me today. I am not sure if he told me something else so that I might consider purchasing one of his diamonds instead of this one or what? Any ideas? This is the store that did the appraisal - cgdeinc.com

Even so, The appraisal he gave me is still a pretty good diamond right? And especially for 15K right. I will likely take to one more place and have it checked out before making a decision.

Please let me know your honest opinions.


THANKS! You guys are great.

Well, first of all, high end stores have incredible mark-up. So there is the possibility that a more normal new retail value is $33,000. However, you do have a point that the appraising jeweler also sees a potential customer, which is why we usually recommend an independent appraiser. However, in this case, you are dealing with a high quality ring from a reputable source, a graded stone, an obviously high quality setting judging from the photos.

The fact that you are getting positive responses here is a very good sign, because we are a very picky bunch! This stone is not super-ideal cut, but I think a lot of us here would jump at the chance to buy that ring at that price. Just as a comparison, my 1.63 H VS1 super ideal cut stone alone was $14,000 two years ago.

I''d get a written appraisal and so that ring can be insured the moment it is purchased and in your possession. I would not insure it for the $45,000, but a more realistic replacement amount would be good. That is one very lucky girl! Please come back after you propose with more pictures!!!!!

 

[Ellen]

Date: 1/15/2009 11:08:16 PM
Author: diamondseeker2006
I''ll just have to say, wow, what an opportunity, if the free appraisal is close to accurate! That would be a fabulous deal if the diamond is at least very good cut and H VS2/Si1. It probably isn''t at the top cut level we frequently see here, but hey, it is hard to pass up a deal like that!

I adore that setting, so I beg you to please leave that diamond in the setting if you buy it! Just have the jeweler polish and clean it and make it look like new!

ds, the top grade for HRD is Very Good, so Good would be equal to a GIA grade of Very Good.