Help! Bought a Tiffany Ribbon Ring but the setting looks off

[shesparkles]

Hi guys,

A while back, I posted about potentially buying a preowned Tiffany Ribbon Ring from an eBay seller. Well, we ended up chickening out of that one, because I just didn't feel comfortable buying from a private seller with no feedback...even though he was very nice and accommodating.

Anyway, fast-forward to this month and it's three months out from our wedding...and my fiance decided Valentine's Day would be a nice time to upgrade my ring. We found this auction, from a very legit-looking seller:

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=181304905352

Here is the description:

Tiffnay & Co. //0.70cts VS2 G// Platinum Diamond Ribbon Ring, Size 6.25

Tiffany & Co.
Solitaire Diamond Band
-- with diamond accents
T&Co. Reference # D65551
PT950 Platinum
Diamond--
-- 0.70ct apx. Weight
-- VS2 clarity
-- G color
Ring Size 6.25 US
Total Weight 4.6 grams
Hallmarks, D65551 ©Tiffany & Co. PT950
Condition:

This ring is previously owned but being offered in mint, like-new condition.

Physically this ring does not show any scratches or scuffs from previous ownership; this ring has been very well kept and well taken care of.

On inner band, T&Co. style number is just little bit faded, please see picture.

T&Co. hallmarks and platinum purity mark are completely intact and very clearly visible.

There are no missing diamonds. All diamonds are very clean and have typical T&Co. high quality. No physical fractures are visible on any of the diamonds.

Please see photos for more accurate assessment of item’s condition.

I emailed back and forth with him, and he wasn't able to provide much more info. He didn't know what the total carat weight was, just that the center stone was 0.70 carat. They are an actual bricks and mortar store, this is the address:

The Cash Store II Inc. d/b/a Tyson's Art & Jewelry Exchange
8150 Leesburg
Suite A3
Vienna, VA 22182, United States

Anyway, we received the ring today and immediately I noticed - even to my naked and untrained eye - that something was weird with the setting. The inside section of the ribbon setting - ie the bit closest to the center stone - is uneven, one side is wider than the other. And in comparison to other Ribbon rings I've seen, the edges of the setting are not sharp and slightly elevated like they should be, but instead almost melted/warped. Does it look like this when the diamond has been switched out, and re-set?

T&Co says they would need to send the ring back to New York, which takes 5-8 weeks...by which time my Paypal buyer protection would be void. What should I do? Take it to another jeweller? Would they be able to tell me if the ring has been re-set? Is it simply a fake? Tiffany here in Singapore acknowledged the serial number, but says it's an old format that they don't use anymore which is why they'd have to look into their data archives to learn more.

Would really appreciate any expert opinions!

Here are the seller's photos, which are better than mine for detail:

 

[shesparkles]

Re: Help! Bought a Tiffany Ribbon Ring but the setting looks

 

[Rhea]

Re: Help! Bought a Tiffany Ribbon Ring but the setting looks

Well something has happened to one side of the ribbon! Honestly, I'd just return it and start over even if you take a loss on the shipping. Something doesn't look right and no matter how many people and appraisers assure you that it's real you'll still be able to see the wonkiness in the setting.

 

[ame]

Re: Help! Bought a Tiffany Ribbon Ring but the setting looks

That doesn't look real. The markings don't look legit, the setting doesn't look legit. I'd get my money back.

 

[shesparkles]

Re: Help! Bought a Tiffany Ribbon Ring but the setting looks

I know...it's so disappointing. Because it was purchased in the US and we live in Singapore, we'd be out about $500 in shipping and customs taxes.

 

[ame]

Re: Help! Bought a Tiffany Ribbon Ring but the setting looks

I know...it's so disappointing. Because it was purchased in the US and we live in Singapore, we'd be out about $500 in shipping and customs taxes.

That's unfortunate. I hate to say it but this is a risk you take buying things like this on ebay.

 

[shesparkles]

Re: Help! Bought a Tiffany Ribbon Ring but the setting looks

That's unfortunate. I hate to say it but this is a risk you take buying things like this on ebay.

I've always had a pretty good track record on eBay...I do my due diligence, and only purchase off reputable sellers. This seller has been operating a retail shop for 20 years...and they have GIA-accredited staff assessing all their jewellery. Their feedback is immaculate, and they have sold high-value items before (Rolex, T&Co etc). I just don't get it.

Could it really be counterfeit? The girl at T&Co was quite happy to accept it for resizing and cleaning, but just said that the ring must have been purchased some time ago because they've since changed their numbering system...What a nightmare!

 

[MarionC]

Re: Help! Bought a Tiffany Ribbon Ring but the setting looks

That's unfortunate. I hate to say it but this is a risk you take buying things like this on ebay.

I've always had a pretty good track record on eBay...I do my due diligence, and only purchase off reputable sellers. This seller has been operating a retail shop for 20 years...and they have GIA-accredited staff assessing all their jewellery. Their feedback is immaculate, and they have sold high-value items before (Rolex, T&Co etc). I just don't get it.

Could it really be counterfeit? The girl at T&Co was quite happy to accept it for resizing and cleaning, but just said that the ring must have been purchased some time ago because they've since changed their numbering system...What a nightmare!

The hallmark looks completely real. It looks as though the setting was damaged - perhaps when the diamond was switched out.
I had a similar problem with Tiffany when researching my Mom's ring. They said the number no longer meant anything to them - and I know the ring came from TIffany.

Perhaps your best bets are to have the diamond appraised to see if it's the same one [quality], and then have the setting laser repaired. This all could cost less than sending it back.

and, it could well be that your seller was not the one who did the switching - they bought a "bad ring". Maybe they noticed the damage or maybe they didn't. Seems like they would have. If you can stand to have the ring as is and have it repaired, the seller should pay repairs, give a big discount or if not - they should pay the return costs. You can go through eBay arbitration. I am so sorry this happened to you. Not fun.

 

[ame]

Re: Help! Bought a Tiffany Ribbon Ring but the setting looks

The reason I don't think it looks real is the stone setting style doesn't look right, especially on the ribbon. And if they switched the stone out -- just for the record Tiffany's doesn't usually do that, they tend to keep those intact and remake a ring around a stone, so if a stone was extracted, the setting is typically scrapped -- that ring is no longer intact. Either way, I'd return it and keep looking for one that is an intact and legit piece. That store might have great feedback but this piece does not look like the real deal to me. And if it is, it's been tampered with.

 

[RockOnReen]

Re: Help! Bought a Tiffany Ribbon Ring but the setting looks

For whatever it's worth, I live around the corner from this store and they have been here for at least 15 years.

 

[MarionC]

Re: Help! Bought a Tiffany Ribbon Ring but the setting looks

The reason I don't think it looks real is the stone setting style doesn't look right, especially on the ribbon. And if they switched the stone out -- just for the record Tiffany's doesn't usually do that, they tend to keep those intact and remake a ring around a stone, so if a stone was extracted, the setting is typically scrapped -- that ring is no longer intact. Either way, I'd return it and keep looking for one that is an intact and legit piece. That store might have great feedback but this piece does not look like the real deal to me. And if it is, it's been tampered with.

i've changed my mind. It all looks off.
I think it should look like this:

 

[ame]

Re: Help! Bought a Tiffany Ribbon Ring but the setting looks

Exactly. Return it. Get your money back.

 

[Laila619]

Re: Help! Bought a Tiffany Ribbon Ring but the setting looks

Sorry this happened. It's very disappointing.

 

[AprilBaby]

Re: Help! Bought a Tiffany Ribbon Ring but the setting looks

The ribbons don't look at all like the one in the real photo. Was the ribbon ring even made at the time of the old numbering system?

 

[shesparkles]

Re: Help! Bought a Tiffany Ribbon Ring but the setting looks

A bit of an update. I sent a couple of very firm emails to the seller last night, and he got back to me this morning. Apparently his jeweler confirmed that the ring was worked on, because the center stone was loose and they had to hammer the sides of the ribbon to tighten the setting. Does that sound right? He's given us the option of returning, and he's also going to see if they have another ribbon ring in their inventory that they can exchange for.

In the meantime - after a restless night stressing about this - we took the ring to a diamond wholesaler today. He's the Secretary of the Diamond Federation of Singapore, and did e-rings for some friends of ours. He said it's a beautiful diamond (so at least the center stone is legit) but that, in addition to the setting being messed with, one of the smaller stones in the band has been switched out for a lesser quality stone. I'm guessing a stone came out and they replaced it with a crappy one?! Why would a T&Co engagement ring have so many issues with loose and missing stones, I'm wondering what on earth did the original owner did to it?

On the upside, he said it's a beautiful ring and we got it for a good deal (we paid $3200 for it, plus 7% tax). He said if we decided to keep it, we should replace the bad stone and also find someone to try and fix the setting. No idea at this stage whether this is even possible, or how much it would cost.

I'm hoping the seller can come up with another ring, but otherwise - at a loss as to what to do.

Arghhh...such a debacle. On Valentine's Day no less!

 

[braga123]

Re: Help! Bought a Tiffany Ribbon Ring but the setting looks

Can you show us your actual pictures? Maybe an outsider's perspective can help. IOW, maybe the actual pictures will not magnify the imperfections and if you feel you got a good deal, it might be worth keeping.

Also, you can open a case against the seller so that they can cover return shipping because they did not sell the item as described. You should not be out 500 bucks, period, if they advertised the item deceptively, which they admitted to doing when they told you that their jeweler had to do work on it.

If that doesn't work, add 500 bucks to any other diamond that you would buy, and if you still have a good deal...then it's still a good deal.
Also,I don't understand how returning this ring and exchanging for another one of theirs will save you the shipping cost

 

[shesparkles]

Re: Help! Bought a Tiffany Ribbon Ring but the setting looks

Can you show us your actual pictures? Maybe an outsider's perspective can help. IOW, maybe the actual pictures will not magnify the imperfections and if you feel you got a good deal, it might be worth keeping.

Also, you can open a case against the seller so that they can cover return shipping because they did not sell the item as described. You should not be out 500 bucks, period, if they advertised the item deceptively, which they admitted to doing when they told you that their jeweler had to do work on it.

If that doesn't work, add 500 bucks to any other diamond that you would buy, and if you still have a good deal...then it's still a good deal.
Also,I don't understand how returning this ring and exchanging for another one of theirs will save you the shipping cost

I don't think returning the ring would help with the shipping costs...but because we're less than three months out from our wedding, we've got very little time to find another ring. It would be nice if we could sort it out in the way that means I can still have the ring.

Here are some iPhone photos, just quickly snapped before I lost daylight:

 

[Rhea]

Re: Help! Bought a Tiffany Ribbon Ring but the setting looks

I don't think returning the ring would help with the shipping costs...but because we're less than three months out from our wedding, we've got very little time to find another ring. It would be nice if we could sort it out in the way that means I can still have the ring.

If you return it you might be able to claim back the tax that you paid when it arrived.

I understand that you want a ring for your wedding, but I would think that it's better to get the right ring, even if it takes a bit longer, than to settle just to have something for your wedding. In your photos you are wearing a ring on your ring finger, can you not use that one?

 

[ame]

Re: Help! Bought a Tiffany Ribbon Ring but the setting looks

Yknow, because that was NOT disclosed prior to purchase, I'd return it, and personally, i wouldn't deal with this vendor any longer. No chances, no nothing. They were dishonest about it up front--that should've been disclosed.

We can help you find something through an online vendor, or you can work with your local guy. But I think Stuller makes a setting very similar that many jewelers can get, and then set their own melee diamonds into, plus your new stone.

I am pretty sure the ribbon design has been around since like the 60s--I think it's a Schlumberger design. But I am not at all convinced this particular item is real, worked on or not. Nothing about it looks right.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: Help! Bought a Tiffany Ribbon Ring but the setting looks

I don't have any problem with believing it is authentic, but they totally overpolished the details on it and I wouldn't consider keeping it. To be honest, I would not have ordered it in the first place because their pictures clearly show the ribbons were polished down and do not look anything like a new one should. It doesn't show scratches because they were all polished out! Hopefully you have a good return policy and can easily return!

One other thing. When the price is too good to be true, it probably is a red flag. Here's one that appears to be in better shape with a return policy at .43 cts. with a best offer. Rarely do you get good condition platinum Tiffany pieces for less than 30-40% off retail. So even at 50% off, this .43 will cost $3000-3500. Let's face it, you'd be paying $3500 to get this setting made by a competent vendor.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/TIFFANY-CO-ROUND-BRILLIANT-DIAMOND-0-43-CT-H-VVS2-RIBBON-RING-PLAT-APP-CER-/201002466829?pt=US_Fine_Rings&hash=item2eccae3e0d

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: Help! Bought a Tiffany Ribbon Ring but the setting looks

This is a good seller and the ring looks like it is in great condition. Also, the size may be closer to your size, and I would not buy any ring with pave on the shank that was not very close to my size. The center stone is .50. I hate it when they use the tcw in the title.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Tiffany-Co-PLAT-Ribbon-Diamond-Engagement-Ring-80CT-F-VVS1-XXX-/321200282101?pt=US_Fine_Rings&hash=item4ac90759f5

 

[motownmama]

Re: Help! Bought a Tiffany Ribbon Ring but the setting looks

I've always been a fan of the Ribbon ring! I hope you work this out to your satisfaction. If it was misrepresented can he give you a partial refund? It does look beautiful on your hand - I'm torn.

 

[msop04]

Re: Help! Bought a Tiffany Ribbon Ring but the setting looks

Why not make an offer on this one, OP? Center stone is 0.67 ct F/VS2.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/TIFFANY-CO-..._Fine_Rings&hash=item25897d7740#ht_584wt_1097

 

[Roxy]

Re: Help! Bought a Tiffany Ribbon Ring but the setting looks

OP I'm so sorry you're going through this, and on Valentine's Day no less ! I can tell that although you have questions/concerns about the ring, you really like it and want to move forward in some way that allows you to keep it.

I get it, and I know it's hard, but the folks here are giving you excellent advice about returning the ring and getting something that you really love. In the long run, while you might be "okay" w/ it now, after the excitement of the wedding and honeymoon dies down and you're living w/ the ring day-to-day, you're going to begin noticing the problems even more and it will drive you crazy (just read some of the threads on PS to see examples). I'd hate for you to have to go through all of that, given how much this means to you.

 

[shesparkles]

Re: Help! Bought a Tiffany Ribbon Ring but the setting looks

Thanks for all your help guys, it's been really useful. I took the ring yesterday to a well-known restoration specialist here in Singapore, to get his views. He said one of the smaller stones had definitely been switched out for a crappier one, and the setting issue was due to overpolishing. He said it would cost over $1000 to get the setting fixed (he would have to remove it and start from scratch, from what I understand) and a couple of hundred bucks to change out the small stone.

The seller has offered to pay for half of that, because he thinks the quote is too high...in your experience, how much would it cost for the setting to be re-done? I'm thinking it's not really worth it...I would only keep the ring, fix up the dodgy stone if at the end of the day, for $3200 minus whatever they refund for repairs, it's still a good deal.

Are there any other online merchants that might offer a pre-owned ribbon ring, other than eBay?

 

[yssie]

Re: Help! Bought a Tiffany Ribbon Ring but the setting looks

Remember that
1. If the setting is refurbished and it isn't to your liking (a definite possibility when rehabbing settings) you're still stuck with it unless you work something out with this seller beforehand
2. If the setting is damaged or destroyed in this process you're still stuck with it unless you work something out with this seller beforehand
3. At some point enough re-working and rehabbing erodes authenticity. A ring that started out life in a Tiffany workshop that has had significant repair/replacement work done by a non-Tiffany jeweller... May not qualify as "authentic" by Tiffany, or by a future buyer. This is my biggest objection to having signed pieces serviced by other vendors.

ETA: it's no wonder this vendor thinks the rehab quote is too high - good workmanship costs more than poor workmanship, and obviously workmanship doesn't even make the radar for this seller, let alone merit some priority, given that he was apparently perfectly happy letting whatever buffoon bench cost the least do the initial repairs!! A good bench would never have signed off on a ring in that condition. And IMO a seller worth negotiating with would never have put a signed piece up for sale in that condition, leaving aside the issue of omission of disclosure.

This is a no-hesitation return situation for me.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: Help! Bought a Tiffany Ribbon Ring but the setting looks

Ditto Yssie. Return it and get one in excellent condition. As we said before, there are reputable vendors on ebay and rings that appear to be in much better condition.

(msop, that ring sounds great, but I personally do not buy anything in the thousands of dollars from a new seller with only 7 feedback and no return policy.)

 

[shesparkles]

Re: Help! Bought a Tiffany Ribbon Ring but the setting looks

Thanks everyone. After momentarily blinded by panic, we have decided to return the ring. Hopefully the returns process is painless and speedy.

So, I'm now on the hunt for another ring...can I get opinions on how this one looks to you guys?

http://bit.ly/1gYBSEM

 

[MarionC]

Re: Help! Bought a Tiffany Ribbon Ring but the setting looks

Thanks everyone. After momentarily blinded by panic, we have decided to return the ring. Hopefully the returns process is painless and speedy.

So, I'm now on the hunt for another ring...can I get opinions on how this one looks to you guys?

http://bit.ly/1gYBSEM

These look like stock photos. I would ask for more photos.

 

[shesparkles]

Re: Help! Bought a Tiffany Ribbon Ring but the setting looks

I just can't believe how bad our luck is (or how foolish we were to try our luck after the first eBay disaster). After successfully returning the first ribbon ring (resulting in profuse apologies from the seller once he saw how bad it was), we went ahead and purchased this ring:

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/331132340551?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649

from this seemingly-reputable seller in New York:

http://stores.ebay.com.sg/MALIDANI-JEWELRY

It's purported to be:

0.73 carats (center stone)
0.30 carat side stones
F colour
VS1 clarity

It came with a Tiffany and Co. Retail Price update of $8900.

Everything looked good when it arrived, the setting was perfect and the diamond looked good to my eyes. Just to be sure, I took it to Singapore's most reputable gemologist this afternoon.

He tells me the stone is an H/F colour, and definitely not an F. His weight also came out at 0.71 carats, not 0.73 (not sure whether this is an allowable discrepancy). He says it's indeed a VS1 though. He also noticed an engraving on the diamond which reads T&Co H 01190005.

I've emailed the seller for an explanation, but I thought I would once again turn to you knowledgeable folks for some advice:

- How could this have happened? I thought Tiffany & Co tends to grade their stones conservatively? Could the center stone have been switched (the setting looks pristine, btw)?
- Does the etching on the diamond indicate it's a genuine T&Co stone? Does the H stand for the colour or is something entirely arbitrary?
- Should I keep the ring, if the seller can offer a discount? Obviously I can't tell looking at the stone that it's a lower colour grade...but would it bother you? If I were to try and work out a partial refund, what would be a fair amount? Looking at Blue Nile at stones with similar specs (VS1, 0.73 carats, good to very good cut) the difference between F and I seems to be around $1000. Although I'm guessing it's more for a Tiffany ring...

Thanks in advance. I just can't believe this has happened again.