Help - Antique loose diamond, no cert, no returns

[kgizo]

Hi,

I took my antique ring to be repaired b/c the CZ fell out (I mined the original diamond for a different ring 10 yrs ago). The jeweler specializes in antique jewelry and is reputable (belongs to 4 organizes, in biz for 40 yrs). He just bought a european cut diamond, 1.03 carat, G/H, SI-1/VS-2. Since he hadn''t had it long he offered to sell it to me for $2.2K. It perfectly fits my ring. The price sounds great if it is what he says it is, but there isn''t a certificate and I can''t tell by looking. I asked about a return policy so I could get it appraised, but he said since he only sells antiques "all sales are final". I''m just concerned I could buy this as a final sale, and later find out it is a I/J and SI-2 - and thus not a great deal. Thoughts, recommendations, advise?

Thanks in advance!

 

[stone-cold11]

Ask him if he would send it to an appraiser of you choosing and if the stone is as he described, you will buy it.

Else no deal. If he has nothing to hide why did he have such a policy?

 

[ericad]

Perhaps ask to make the sale contingent upon a GIA report. If the stone comes back within 1 grade of his description, you buy the stone and pay for the report (since the report follows the stone and adds value) but if it comes back more than 1 grade off you walk away from the deal and he foots the bill to GIA.

 

[ct-appr]

I would be a little suspicious of the color grading. Most stones of that age were lower color. They also seem to look better than they are. If it truly were G-H color the wholesale is about double what he is selling it for but even if it is J-K you are getting a good price.

I like the idea of a lab report and/or independent appraisal.

 

[kgizo]

Thank you all so much for the help. Your points helped me have a successful discussion with the owner about getting an independent appraisal in advance. At least this way I''ll know for sure if I''m getting a great deal or avoiding a bad one. Have a great day!

 

[denverappraiser]

Date: 12/15/2009 5:09:40 PM
Author: kgizo
Thank you all so much for the help. Your points helped me have a successful discussion with the owner about getting an independent appraisal in advance. At least this way I'll know for sure if I'm getting a great deal or avoiding a bad one. Have a great day!

An important concept here:

YOU pick the appraiser, not him.



Neil Beaty
GG(GIA) ICGA(AGS) NAJA
Professional Appraisals in Denver

 

[kgizo]

I just got the independent appraisal (I picked the appraiser) and the color came back, as ct-appr suspected, at J/K. The clarity came back better than expected at VS1. So I''m thinking this is a good deal. Any contradictory thoughts? It will go in a platinum setting so I am concerned it may show a little yellow. The jeweler said he didn''t think that it would so he will set it and if I don''t like it he can easily put the CZ back in. Fingers crossed as I am really excited about having a natural stone.

 

[Dreamer_D]

Date: 12/18/2009 5:32:53 PM
Author: kgizo
I just got the independent appraisal (I picked the appraiser) and the color came back, as ct-appr suspected, at J/K. The clarity came back better than expected at VS1. So I''m thinking this is a good deal. Any contradictory thoughts? It will go in a platinum setting so I am concerned it may show a little yellow. The jeweler said he didn''t think that it would so he will set it and if I don''t like it he can easily put the CZ back in. Fingers crossed as I am really excited about having a natural stone.

There is a big price difference between an H and a JéK. Make sure you are paying a JK price. Searching on oldworlddiamond.com an jewelsbyericagrace.com should help give you an idea of an appropriate price.

 

[LGK]

Price sounds good for an uncerted antique cut of those specs. If it performs well. Have you looked at it in other lighting other than jewelry store? You want to be sure the stone sparkles from edge to edge. A lot of the time if an older cut is going to be not so great, it''s the center of the stone that suffers- either darkish, or just not enough sparkle from the facets under the table. There are a lot of old cuts that aren''t good performers, but when you find a good one it is fantastic.

 

[diagem]

Date: 12/19/2009 3:18:25 AM
Author: LittleGreyKitten
Price sounds good for an uncerted antique cut of those specs. If it performs well. Have you looked at it in other lighting other than jewelry store? You want to be sure the stone sparkles from edge to edge. A lot of the time if an older cut is going to be not so great, it''s the center of the stone that suffers- either darkish, or just not enough sparkle from the facets under the table. There are a lot of old cuts that aren''t good performers, but when you find a good one it is fantastic.

Just a reminder..., when talking Antiques..., beauty & character relates more than just performance (IMO of course

).