HELP! Choice between two engagment rings

[wadsquad]

Here is my dilemma!! I was all set to buy a very beautiful round solitaire that is a 1.01 carat F - SI2 with a GIA report.
This price is $4700 ($5000 with a simple white gold setting).

At the last minute, I have come across an opportunity to buy from a private party a ring that might be a great deal.
It is a 3 stone ring. Here are the details...

Platinum 2.39 carat engagement ring--Only 6 months old. Appraised at $14,700 retail and $9200 wholesale! Size 6. 1.64 brilliant cut center diamond surrounded by two diamonds on each side, at .75 total weight. Total carat weight of this beautiful platinum engagement ring is 2.39

Main Stone-1.64 total weight
Cut brilliant
Clarity-SI2
Color H

Mounting Diamonds-.75 total weight
Cut (30) Full (2) Brilliant
Clarity SI1
Color H

This ring comes with an EGL certificate...#73924112D.

I can get this ring for $6500.

I am looking for advice as to which one sounds like the best choice. The price difference is only $1500 but it might buy me much more ring for my investment. Any thoughts/comments would be greatly appreciated. thanks!

 

[Sashabella]

I think it really depends on what you are wanting in the ring. As well, there is some commentary on the board about EGL being a little lax so you may want to have the ring re-appraised.

A few things to consdier
* Which centre stone has the better cut? The cut gives it the sparkle. I would take a 1 carat ideal cut stone over a larger non-ideal cut stone any day.
* Is her eye colour sensitive? Is your eye colour sensitive? If so, the F colour may be the best.
* Do you really want a ring that has a history (or at least a history you know about)?
* Would her hand look best in a smaller stone or a larger stone? My hand is tiny so a 2.4 carat would be way too big?
* Would she like the setting of the bigger stone and, if not, would you be willing to have it re-set?

 

[valeria101]

It sounds like $6500 would be a good price for the 1.6cts H/Si1 alone - leaving aside the substantial setting.

However, from what you say several quality aspects remain unknown: how does this stone look ? Is it desirable (brilliant and clean, that is) ? Are the sidestones in the setting clean, well cut and matched ? How does the setting look ? Are there marks or wear or any damage ?

If the price is good, that doesn''t mean the product itself is automatically desirable. On the other hand, deep discount is not at all unusual on a private sale like that. If everything checks out, it''s a nice deal, of course.

Perhaps you might want to make use of an appraise''s services to see what exactly you have got there. This may help with the safety of the transaction as well, if not with bargaining