- Joined
- Oct 5, 2006
- Messages
- 9,975
I've decided (finally!!) that I'd really like a bigger and better upgraded e-ring. I have several choices, and sub-choices, available:
(1) return it to the original vendor in Hong Kong, but I'd incur a re-stocking fee of 5% (originally it was supposed to be 10% but I've negotiated with them). I'd get my money back (well, 95% of the originally cost) straight away. They've confirmed they will do this. Then: I have either choices 1a), 1b) or 1c):
1a) I can use this cash and top it up to purchase a stone on line from a vendor like ERD or Diamond Source of Virginia (I've contacted both WF and GOG before but they didn't respond with any infor on the kind of stone I'm looking for);
1b) buy a really amazing Tiffany Lucida from Signed Pieces; or
1c) buy from a reputable auction house like Christies or Skinner (or any others you'd like to recommend)
(2) trade it in and buy a bigger stone from a local vendor in S'pore. I've asked for them to offer me a better price and theoretically i'd be able to do this but they've not committed to any price yet. They do have some really amazing stones, totally eye-popping!
Ideally, I'd like something a little unusual and less *mainstream*. I reckon the main reason I've been *struggling* with the decision whether to keep my current stone (a RB, 3.02ct, F VS2) is because, despite the fact that it is a beautiful stone, I personally don't find it extraordinary enough (pls don't throw eggs at me, I know I'm rather spoilt!
). I think my best bet would be to return it to the original vendor (and accept the 5% loss) as this would give me more freedom as to what to do with the money. I'd prefer something like a secondhand Tiffany's Lucida or Cartier's or HW . I've always liked the quality of their stones. If I can't find anything from either Signed Pieces or the auction houses within the next couple of months, I might go to a local/ regional vendor/ dealer. So really option 2 is not an option, but the 5% loss is so painful. As far as on-line vendors, both ERD and DSV have offered me several stones inclg some cushions but I have no idea if I'd like a cushion as they are not widely available here and I've not had a chance to try on many, so don't want to take this kind of risk. Not sure what these vendors are like with other cuts.
My total budget (inclg the money I'd get back from my current stone) will be around USD80-100k though I'd prefer to spend less than more! As far as carat weight, something in the region of 3.5-4ct or larger if possible. Shape and style-wise, I'd like, again a Tiffany's Lucida, or a Cartier's or HW's emerald or a pear. My style - meaning my clothes (more Armani, Gucci and Valentino) and accessories - is more what I'd call elegant and sleek, perhaps a little glamorous (but not over the top, ie. not gaudy) but I do dress down, ie. jeans and t-shirts on lots of days. And I wear my e-ring practically everyday. Funnily enough, the Lucida is rather funky (you might think more suitable for someone who wears things like Prada and Marc Jacobs) but looks really really nice on my finger (have always liked it). Btw, I don't think 4ct and above are too big, not unless your're talking 10ct and above and trust me, we don't have that kind of money anyway, LOL! Oh, colour and clarity-wise, I'd still like an F VS2.
So, what shall I do? What would YOU do? Where should I best concentrate my effort? TIA.
(1) return it to the original vendor in Hong Kong, but I'd incur a re-stocking fee of 5% (originally it was supposed to be 10% but I've negotiated with them). I'd get my money back (well, 95% of the originally cost) straight away. They've confirmed they will do this. Then: I have either choices 1a), 1b) or 1c):
1a) I can use this cash and top it up to purchase a stone on line from a vendor like ERD or Diamond Source of Virginia (I've contacted both WF and GOG before but they didn't respond with any infor on the kind of stone I'm looking for);
1b) buy a really amazing Tiffany Lucida from Signed Pieces; or
1c) buy from a reputable auction house like Christies or Skinner (or any others you'd like to recommend)
(2) trade it in and buy a bigger stone from a local vendor in S'pore. I've asked for them to offer me a better price and theoretically i'd be able to do this but they've not committed to any price yet. They do have some really amazing stones, totally eye-popping!
Ideally, I'd like something a little unusual and less *mainstream*. I reckon the main reason I've been *struggling* with the decision whether to keep my current stone (a RB, 3.02ct, F VS2) is because, despite the fact that it is a beautiful stone, I personally don't find it extraordinary enough (pls don't throw eggs at me, I know I'm rather spoilt!
My total budget (inclg the money I'd get back from my current stone) will be around USD80-100k though I'd prefer to spend less than more! As far as carat weight, something in the region of 3.5-4ct or larger if possible. Shape and style-wise, I'd like, again a Tiffany's Lucida, or a Cartier's or HW's emerald or a pear. My style - meaning my clothes (more Armani, Gucci and Valentino) and accessories - is more what I'd call elegant and sleek, perhaps a little glamorous (but not over the top, ie. not gaudy) but I do dress down, ie. jeans and t-shirts on lots of days. And I wear my e-ring practically everyday. Funnily enough, the Lucida is rather funky (you might think more suitable for someone who wears things like Prada and Marc Jacobs) but looks really really nice on my finger (have always liked it). Btw, I don't think 4ct and above are too big, not unless your're talking 10ct and above and trust me, we don't have that kind of money anyway, LOL! Oh, colour and clarity-wise, I'd still like an F VS2.
So, what shall I do? What would YOU do? Where should I best concentrate my effort? TIA.
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