HELP!! Online seller recommendations

[Sigtoy]

I want to ask the woman I love to marry me. This will be a second marriage for both of us and we are both very practical. She is tiny and prefers "dainty" rings. She also loves all things vintage including old mine diamonds. Any suggestions for a very reputable online seller for a vintage ring? I have a budget of about $3,500. I have looked at Ivy & Rose and My Diamond Zone and although I have seen rings on there I like, I am turned off as they have the same exact rings for the same exact price which leads me to believe they are the same exact company operating under two names. Just seems shady but I have an open mind. Looking for recommendations!! Thank you!

 

[SparkleFest]

Okay, why would you think it's shady? Those of us who know that company are quite aware they operate on both Etsy and Ebay. This is the norm. Maybe when they started selling, they had the Ebay name already, and wanted a different name for their Etsy shop, why would that bother you? Some businesses have a website, an Ebay and an Etsy shop, all different names.

 

[foxinsox]

Ivy & Rose aren’t shady But I can see how it might look like that. There’s a lot of their happy customers who’ve posted on here. Ilya is very helpful and accomodating.
What style does she like? Any preference for shape/size/halo etc?
Do you want a stone that’s already set or diamond and setting separately?

 

[Sigtoy]

Ivy & Rose aren’t shady But I can see how it might look like that. There’s a lot of their happy customers who’ve posted on here. Ilya is very helpful and accomodating.
What style does she like? Any preference for shape/size/halo etc?
Do you want a stone that’s already set or diamond and setting separately?

Sorry if this doesn't work well but I am new to forums so I hope this reply works. She is bery practical, nothing too fancy or show offish. She wants dainty, vintage, solitaire in a vintage band, or a solitaire with some small diamonds on each side in the band. I attached one I saw on both of those sites that I think she would like as an example.

 

[Sigtoy]

Okay, why would you think it's shady? Those of us who know that company are quite aware they operate on both Etsy and Ebay. This is the norm. Maybe when they started selling, they had the Ebay name already, and wanted a different name for their Etsy shop, why would that bother you? Some businesses have a website, an Ebay and an Etsy shop, all different names.

I have had bad experiences with other companies outside of the jewelry business that structured this way. I am also an accountant and it raises my natural red flags. This is exactly why I asked and I do have an open mind. Looking for people with experience with those sites. I posted a picture of a ring on their sites that I like just want to be careful.

 

[Sigtoy]

The diamond I posted is definitely not the cleanest diamond for color. However, without any other diamonds in the setting it looks cleaner than it is. It is 1.09ct old European Cut at $2,695. So there is room in the budget. I would go cleaner if I can and stay within my budget. She is a simple girl that does not really put a lot of value on material things. Thoughts on that ring as a vintage old cut diamond anyone? Good and bad, just be honest. That's why I am here.

 

[SparkleFest]

I have had bad experiences with other companies outside of the jewelry business that structured this way. I am also an accountant and it raises my natural red flags. This is exactly why I asked and I do have an open mind. Looking for people with experience with those sites. I posted a picture of a ring on their sites that I like just want to be careful.

I am sorry you had some bad sellers....that is always so unsettling. Ivy and Rose Vintage are very well thought of here.
Here is one I think you might like often called the Leigh Jay Naught site.
https://www.antiqueengagementrings.com/
Also, there is a thread going now on the Show Me The Bling forum with folks showing their rings from Ivy & Rose and Diamond Zone:

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/show-me-your-ivy-rose-mdz-filigree-room-jewels.244302/

Jewels by Grace and Love Affair Diamonds:
jewelsbygrace.com and loveaffairdiamonds.com (LAD has a sale on)

 

[Sigtoy]

I am sorry you had some bad sellers....that is always so unsettling. Ivy and Rose Vintage are very well thought of here.
Here is one I think you might like often called the Leigh Jay Naught site.
https://www.antiqueengagementrings.com/
Also, there is a thread going now on the Show Me The Bling forum with folks showing their rings from Ivy & Rose and Diamond Zone:

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/show-me-your-ivy-rose-mdz-filigree-room-jewels.244302/

Jewels by Grace and Love Affair Diamonds:
jewelsbygrace.com and loveaffairdiamonds.com (LAD has a sale on)

Awesome! Thank you for the additional site suggestions as well as the other thread. I appreciate it!
My first go around was easy because my ex was easy, large solitaire. I didn't realize that simple would be harder......

 

[OoohShiny]

Casey Van Bueren (CVB) (spelling? lol), Old World Diamonds or Love Affair Diamonds might be worth looking at

Also look at Gemconcepts - Yoram/diagem on here cuts some great vintage stones - and also August Vintage Inc., who is Rhino on here

 

[SparkleFest]

just to be helpful......it's Caysie van Bebber

 

[MollyMalone]

Hi, @Sigtoy
Do you know your wife-to-be's ring size? That information would help us help you; it's not always feasible (or financially practical) to size a ring up or down.

 

[Sigtoy]

Hi, @Sigtoy
Do you know your wife-to-be's ring size? That information would help us help you; it's not always feasible (or financially practical) to size a ring up or down.

Yes, she wears a size 5. She is very petite, 5'1'' 100 pounds. So anything too large will be overwhelming for her. I am looking for a complete ring as opposed to a diamond and separate setting. Thank you!

 

[MollyMalone]

A little medley of what I think might be possibilities for you two. But if you don't much care for any or some of these, let us know what you do and don't like about them so we can make more informed suggestions.

All these listings include hand shots to convey perspective, so you don't have to imagine what it might look like on her finger & are readily susceptible to re-sizing to a 5. The millegrain (tiny metal beading) on some of these is pretty worn, but that can be refreshed if you like; similarly, if the shank has worn thin at the bottom of the band, that isn't a deal breaker in my book as making the shank sturdier, now or in the future, doesn't cost mega bucks.

* Lang Antique & Estate Jewelry
$2250 - the center diamond is the smallest of the rings I'm listing, but it has a sweet presence on the finger imo
https://www.langantiques.com/vintag...5-carat-platinum-diamond-engagement-ring.html

$ 2875 - I really like the cuffed "stirrup" shoulders on this one -- distinctive without being "flashy"
https://www.langantiques.com/vintag...8-carat-diamond-platinum-engagement-ring.html

$3450 - more diamonds on the shoulder than the 2 rings above, so is sparklier
https://www.langantiques.com/vintag...d-and-platinum-vintage-engagement-ring-1.html

* Jewels by Grace
$3495 - vintage Tiffany solitaire, with GIA lab report for diamond (graded as F in color, VS2 in clarity); Tiffany & Co stamp is up by the head of the ring, so re-sizing (it's now a 6) will not affect its identity as a Tiffany ring
https://www.jewelsbygrace.com/61ct-old-european-cut-diamond-vintage-solitaire-tiffany-co

* Love Affair Diamonds
http://www.loveaffairdiamonds.com/0-73ct-old-european-cut-diamond-ring-egl-f-vs2/

 

[Sigtoy]

A little medley of what I think might be possibilities for you two. But if you don't much care for any or some of these, let us know what you do and don't like about them so we can make more informed suggestions.

All these listings include hand shots to convey perspective, so you don't have to imagine what it might look like on her finger & are readily susceptible to re-sizing to a 5. The millegrain (tiny metal beading) on some of these is pretty worn, but that can be refreshed if you like; similarly, if the shank has worn thin at the bottom of the band, that isn't a deal breaker in my book as making the shank sturdier, now or in the future, doesn't cost mega bucks.

* Lang Antique & Estate Jewelry
$2250 - the center diamond is the smallest of the rings I'm listing, but it has a sweet presence on the finger imo
https://www.langantiques.com/vintag...5-carat-platinum-diamond-engagement-ring.html

$ 2875 - I really like the cuffed "stirrup" shoulders on this one -- distinctive without being "flashy"
https://www.langantiques.com/vintag...8-carat-diamond-platinum-engagement-ring.html

$3450 - more diamonds on the shoulder than the 2 rings above, so is sparklier
https://www.langantiques.com/vintag...d-and-platinum-vintage-engagement-ring-1.html

* Jewels by Grace
$3495 - vintage Tiffany solitaire, with GIA lab report for diamond (graded as F in color, VS2 in clarity); Tiffany & Co stamp is up by the head of the ring, so re-sizing (it's now a 6) will not affect its identity as a Tiffany ring
https://www.jewelsbygrace.com/61ct-old-european-cut-diamond-vintage-solitaire-tiffany-co

* Love Affair Diamonds
http://www.loveaffairdiamonds.com/0-73ct-old-european-cut-diamond-ring-egl-f-vs2/

Wow, above and beyond with specific recommendations. I will look through these and comment as you asked. I truly appreciate your time to shop around and find these for me. Thank you.

 

[Sigtoy]

I also want to thank everyone that has posted suggestions and links to help a guy out! I know your help will help me find the perfect ring for my perfect partner. Now I have some fun research to do on all of these items and sites!!

 

[caf]

I normally wouldn't post something above your budget but this ring and stone are gorgeous. It's a consignment and has been up for sale for more than a month. So maybe they'd negotiate down if you could stretch your budget up a bit. I have 3 or 4 of Caysie's bands and her work is beautiful.

http://www.loveaffairdiamonds.com/o...-cut-diamond-in-cvb-dahlia-solitaire-l-m-vs1/

I 'll search around for some more! Good luck.

 

[caf]

https://loupetroop.com/listings/rin.../van-craeynest-1ct-oec-size-4-platinum-and-yg
I'm not sure this is the style you a re after but well made ring,pretty stone and a good bench could enlarge it and try and match the engraving. Van craeynest makes gorgeous jewelry. The gal who is selling it has beautiful qua!ity jewelry from what I have aeen.

here's one way under budget. I've bought some stuff from Fortekitty the seller before. She has a good eye and will be straight with you about the piece.
https://loupetroop.com/listings/rin...mond-in-platinum-baguette-mount-size-5-dot-25

 

[caf]

https://www.jewelsbygrace.com/90ct-georgian-revival-collet-set-solitaire
you might also check this one our.

 

[Sigtoy]

I normally wouldn't post something above your budget but this ring and stone are gorgeous. It's a consignment and has been up for sale for more than a month. So maybe they'd negotiate down if you could stretch your budget up a bit. I have 3 or 4 of Caysie's bands and her work is beautiful.

http://www.loveaffairdiamonds.com/o...-cut-diamond-in-cvb-dahlia-solitaire-l-m-vs1/

I 'll search around for some more! Good luck.

Wow that ring is stunning. It is on hold and definitely more ring than my future wife would want. But it is absolutely gorgeous. Thank you.

 

[Sigtoy]

A little medley of what I think might be possibilities for you two. But if you don't much care for any or some of these, let us know what you do and don't like about them so we can make more informed suggestions.

All these listings include hand shots to convey perspective, so you don't have to imagine what it might look like on her finger & are readily susceptible to re-sizing to a 5. The millegrain (tiny metal beading) on some of these is pretty worn, but that can be refreshed if you like; similarly, if the shank has worn thin at the bottom of the band, that isn't a deal breaker in my book as making the shank sturdier, now or in the future, doesn't cost mega bucks.

* Lang Antique & Estate Jewelry
$2250 - the center diamond is the smallest of the rings I'm listing, but it has a sweet presence on the finger imo
https://www.langantiques.com/vintag...5-carat-platinum-diamond-engagement-ring.html

$ 2875 - I really like the cuffed "stirrup" shoulders on this one -- distinctive without being "flashy"
https://www.langantiques.com/vintag...8-carat-diamond-platinum-engagement-ring.html

$3450 - more diamonds on the shoulder than the 2 rings above, so is sparklier
https://www.langantiques.com/vintag...d-and-platinum-vintage-engagement-ring-1.html

* Jewels by Grace
$3495 - vintage Tiffany solitaire, with GIA lab report for diamond (graded as F in color, VS2 in clarity); Tiffany & Co stamp is up by the head of the ring, so re-sizing (it's now a 6) will not affect its identity as a Tiffany ring
https://www.jewelsbygrace.com/61ct-old-european-cut-diamond-vintage-solitaire-tiffany-co

* Love Affair Diamonds
http://www.loveaffairdiamonds.com/0-73ct-old-european-cut-diamond-ring-egl-f-vs2/

 

[Sigtoy]

The first and third rings are probably most inline with what I think she would like. The second one seems a little too squared off in the band for her. The fourth ring is beautiful but I know she doesn't want just a solitaire in a plain band. Maybe a solitaire in more of a vintage decorative band. Definitely not yellow gold. She will prefer white gold. I do really like those two at Lang. She knows at some point that I will be proposing but she does not want to be part of the ring buying process. She is kind of old school and wants that to be a surprise. Over the weekend I am going to have a conversation with her to get more details as to what her number 1 and 2 preference would be. I love the look of 3 stone rings. Thank you again for all your time and suggestions, very helpful.

 

[Sigtoy]

https://loupetroop.com/listings/rin.../van-craeynest-1ct-oec-size-4-platinum-and-yg
I'm not sure this is the style you a re after but well made ring,pretty stone and a good bench could enlarge it and try and match the engraving. Van craeynest makes gorgeous jewelry. The gal who is selling it has beautiful qua!ity jewelry from what I have aeen.

here's one way under budget. I've bought some stuff from Fortekitty the seller before. She has a good eye and will be straight with you about the piece.
https://loupetroop.com/listings/rin...mond-in-platinum-baguette-mount-size-5-dot-25

caf, so the second one from Fortekitty is beautiful. Simple design, I just replied to someone else about liking 3 stone designs. I love the baguette side mount diamonds. It seems to be underpriced?!?? Looks like a nice diamond, good specs and size for the price. She does not accept returns at all which is a little odd to me. I don't doubt you that she makes quality pieces but a 30 day return would be a nice option if I miss the boat on the ring if you know what I mean. Although she will love any ring I pick out so I am making this more difficult..... Do you think this is underpriced or just priced right? Or am I missing something....

 

[MollyMalone]

caf, so the second one from Fortekitty is beautiful. Simple design, I just replied to someone else about liking 3 stone designs. I love the baguette side mount diamonds. It seems to be underpriced?!?? Looks like a nice diamond, good specs and size for the price. She does not accept returns at all which is a little odd to me. I don't doubt you that she makes quality pieces but a 30 day return would be a nice option if I miss the boat on the ring if you know what I mean.

ForteKitty is a highly regarded, longtime member of PriceScope (altho' she hasn't posted here on any of the forums in over a year) with a good eye for vintage-antique rings & I'd consider her very trustworthy. Most people who sell items on LoupeTroop are not commercial jewelers/dealers and do not offer returns, so there's nothing eyebrow-raising per se about that. But your reservations about a final sale are certainly understandable, and I'm reluctant to encourage you to go ahead with the purchase since you don't know how sensitive to diamond color your SO is & the diamond is described as being I-J in color.

 

[MollyMalone]

P.S. Lang does not have a 30-day return policy. Internet purchasers have 10 days to return the piece for a full refund (Lang even provides the FedEx label for return, insured shipping at no cost to the customer). But you get a store credit, not a refund, for returns made 10 - 30 days after you receive it. No returns accepted after 30 days; sale deemed final at that point.
https://www.langantiques.com/policies/returns

 

[Sigtoy]

ForteKitty is a highly regarded, longtime member of PriceScope (altho' she hasn't posted here on any of the forums in over a year) with a good eye for vintage-antique rings & I'd consider her very trustworthy. Most people who sell items on LoupeTroop are not commercial jewelers/dealers and do not offer returns, so there's nothing eyebrow-raising per se about that. But your reservations about a final sale are certainly understandable, and I'm reluctant to encourage you to go ahead with the purchase since you don't know how sensitive to diamond color your SO is & the diamond is described as being I-J in color.

She is not going to be concerned about the I-J color, I am sure of that. I am amazed at how little she is concerned about things like that. One of those little things that make her special to me. I am getting hung up on this one as it is something she would probably love and the price is way below my budget. Maybe the rest of my budget will go towards a trip somewhere very cool to propose. I will keep you updated....... Thank you so much for your time and efforts.

 

[caf]

You know I’d reach out to forte kitty & see if you could come to some accommodation re a return window. Most sellers are accommodating. The other thing you could do is have it shipped to a trusted apppraiser to hold for your review. If it works she pays shipping
If not you pay shipping. - make sense? Provides protection for all parties. Doesn’t hurt to ask!

 

[caf]

Oh one more thing - Forte Kitty is in LA and will go meet people so they can examine jewelry before buying .so if you’re in SoCal you could meet up with her

 

[foxinsox]

@Sigtoy that ring from Fortekitty is such a pretty OEC. She’s a reputable private seller.
I’d be all over it - nice size without being too big, beautiful beautiful facet pattern and a really good price. Classic style but if your fiancée to be doesn’t like it, you’ve got lots in the budget to do a reset with.

 

[MollyMalone]

Here's a new listing from ForteKitty, @Sigtoy ! It's a ring freshly created by David Klass (excellent workmanship) with a .80 OEC as the center stone & priced at $1450. Don't know if you two would consider its yellow and white gold combination to be the best of both worlds or whether a platinum setting and diamond halo are must-haves, but I wanted to let you know about this, in case you've not already seen it:
https://loupetroop.com/listings/rin...set-0-dot-80ct-o-p-vs-oec-diamond-ring-size-6