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How does this transitional look?

YadaYadaYada

YadaYadaYada

Super_Ideal_Rock
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Feb 2, 2016
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I popped into my local gold and coin place and spotted this beauty. I was told she is an F SI1 .48 carat transitional. Louped it and didn't see any chips but I'm not great at evaluating cut or clarity so I have no idea if it is indeed transitional and how good the cut is. I got the best pictures I could, the first two are next to a window, trying to get away from the store lighting.

To make things a little more complicated it is missing a diamond next to the main diamond. Safe to say I probably would have a hard time finding a replacement? I do have a platinum setting that is original Art Deco that currently has an approximately 1/2 pink sapphire and could possibly accommodate this diamond.

The numbers are $650 for the whole ring, it's set in white 14k weighs about three grams or buy just the diamond and they would keep the setting for $575. I am really loving this diamond.

Thanks in advance for any thoughts!

IMG_7810.JPG IMG_7811.JPG IMG_7812.JPG IMG_7813.JPG IMG_7815.JPG
 
Thank you @LorettaB and @the_mother_thing She is super sparkly and I actually saw her a while ago but the missing diamond was a sticking point but then she is still there and they are working with me on the price so maybe she will have a new home soon!
 
You got to see it in real life and loved it, so I think it’s a cinch. The real decision is whether to take the setting or not. I probably wouldn’t unless you feel like a project to replace the diamond.
 
@peacechick, see and that's the thing is I have no idea how difficult and costly that might prove so if anyone has thoughts about that, I'm all ears. Those smaller ones around the diamond can't be more than a point or two but finding one.....:confused:
 
She is very pretty! Love the setting too!! I would check with a local jeweler to see how much they would charge to replace the small diamond. I have had that size replaced for about $60.00.
 
Thank you @Luce, that's good to know about the price of a replacement diamond.

@natasha-cupcake, I believe they are singles although I don't remember, thanks for that link!
 
Replacing that missing stone might take some time, but won't be too hard. On my phone they look like single cuts. David Klass and OldWorldDiamonds could both get them and check the setting for you.
 
If you love the diamond and feel good about the price, I would buy the whole ring, not just the diamond. I think the diamond is very pretty. I also like the setting.

Replacing a single cut diamond will be relatively easy. You need to factor in cost, however. The price of the stone might be $60, and the cost of resetting/sizing it might be $75-100 to unset and reset two stones. Call around for costs in your area. Shipping and insuring it might be $80 total there and back (I actually have no idea of cost of shipping).

If you like the setting, I still think it’s worth replacing the missing stone and wearing the Transitional in the existing setting. Honestly, you could probably wear “as is” for a while...)

I would not give up the setting. Basic antique white gold rings will run $400 or more on eBay, and more than that on boutique sites. Finding an antique setting that will actually fit your stone and look good will be difficult. A custom setting for this stone will cost you more than the stone itself. Also, the reality is: you will have a fantastic loose diamond that you will only be able to peek at in a box for months until you figure out your setting. Take it from me, it is a TOTAL DRAG to not buy a stone set so you can immediately wear it.

To find a single cut diamond, you could call Caysie at CVB Jewelry, Adam at Old World Diamonds, Erica at Love Affaire Diamonds, or Grace at Jewels by Grace. All might have something on hand. David Klass has access to single cuts and would also be likely be willing to set the stone for you. Everyone else I mentioned could also set the stone, it’s a matter of cost and wililingness.

Good luck, it’s a pretty stone.
 
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@rockysalamander, thank you for your thoughts, that is very reassuring, I just had no idea if it would be a huge ordeal to find a diamond that little.

@LightBright, you are right that I could get away with wearing it as is, it's not super noticeable. You make a lot of good points about the setting too and I couldn't imagine having a loose diamond in a box that couldn't be worn, talk about a downer.

I've been doing tons of looking for comps for a transitional around this size and not really coming up with a whole lot, so I think the price is very good.
 
Offer them $550 "as is" with the missing stone. Many times they'll do it, or work their way back toward their original asking price, then you jump to the "diamond only" price "with tax included". Be prepared to walk and come back in a week. I usually offer them 30% off their ask. Surprisingly, they sometimes say yes. More often I'm happy to get 15-20% off.
 
Thanks @ringo865, they are currently selling this ring for $750 so they have come down $100. Do I still try to negotiate down and if so by how much?

ETA: DH would say $600 which is 20%.
 
One other nice thing about your ring is the basket is an “illusion” setting, which visually extends the diameter of your diamond and makes it look bigger. The four little diamonds under the set stone do the same. It’s ingenious and you would likely give that up if you went to another setting.
 
@LightBright, you have me convinced keeping the setting is the only way to go! My mother's engagement ring was set with the same illusion setting except her diamond was probably 10 points but it was a sparkle monster.
 
I love the settings. Its a true genius of an illusion setting. I would have just wanted the setting with the missing diamond and if the main stone was dodgy (and its not...its lovely). Did I say I love that setting and PS should steal that design to help with our posters that want more visual spread without a halo.
 
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Ah you are too sweet @rockysalamander, I agree too that it's a great design. Really gives a lot of presence without the price tag of the bigger diamond.
 
At pawn stores, I always offer 30% off knowing they will probably go up from there - their bump is still less than their original ask. Doesn't cost anything to try. And if you end up get it for $600 , hubby will be happy. Maybe since they've already lowered their ask, see if they'd take $600 including tax.
 
Eeeeee!! @StephanieLynn--wowza!
You have a way of finding these cool things!
If it was me, I would buy it and replace the small diamond.
You can probably buy a nice match on Ebay for cheap. Take it to your local jeweler and ask them to set it. Easy!
Then, because you are a good person, $600 will fall into your lap to recover the loss....... good things happen to good people, you know.
 
@ringo865, thank you for the tips on negotiating, I stink at it but I'm going in with my $600 cash and an optimistic mindset!

@stracci2000, You know I was actually thinking I might have to post in Vintage because I wasn't sure if you check RT! So I have your blessing on this one then? Oh and I am listing stuff like crazy in my shop to recoup this money I haven't spent yet lol! Getting those gold watch chains for free was the universe telling me to go buy myself something :dance:
 
StephanieLynn said:
@ringo865, thank you for the tips on negotiating, I stink at it but I'm going in with my $600 cash and an optimistic mindset!

@stracci2000, You know I was actually thinking I might have to post in Vintage because I wasn't sure if you check RT! So I have your blessing on this one then? Oh and I am listing stuff like crazy in my shop to recoup this money I haven't spent yet lol! Getting those gold watch chains for free was the universe telling me to go buy myself something :dance:
Click to expand...

Yes, the gold chains.......funny how things work out!
I check "New Posts" at the top of the page, so I look at all the Forum topics. I don't wanna miss any fabulous bling posts, like this one!
 
rockysalamander said:
I love the settings. Its a true genius of an illusion setting. I would have just wanted the setting with the missing diamond and if the main stone was dodgy (and its not...its lovely). Did I say I love that setting and PS should steal that design to help with our posters that want more visual spread without a halo.
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I would happily wear this with a bigger stone to give that oomph without haloing. It’s a lovely look
 
Tomorrow is the day! DH is going with me because he knows I am too nice and he is a better negotiator (true but don't tell him I said that). He is going to offer him $500, they have had the ring at least five months and it is missing a stone which will cost money to make whole so those are the negotiation points. Wish me luck!

Thank you to everyone who shared thoughts, I really do appreciate it!
 
StephanieLynn said:
Tomorrow is the day! DH is going with me because he knows I am too nice and he is a better negotiator (true but don't tell him I said that). He is going to offer him $500, they have had the ring at least five months and it is missing a stone which will cost money to make whole so those are the negotiation points. Wish me luck!

Thank you to everyone who shared thoughts, I really do appreciate it!
Click to expand...

You’ve got this! Good luck!!!
 
StephanieLynn said:
Tomorrow is the day! DH is going with me because he knows I am too nice and he is a better negotiator (true but don't tell him I said that). He is going to offer him $500, they have had the ring at least five months and it is missing a stone which will cost money to make whole so those are the negotiation points. Wish me luck!

Thank you to everyone who shared thoughts, I really do appreciate it!
Click to expand...
Good luck @StephanieLynn! Stick to your guns and get that ring for $500! Pawn shops should give 20% off, at least. Maybe more if you pay cash. Sending diamond dust your way!
 
Today did not bring good news. Here is the deal, it is listed online through an auction site so when DH went in cash in hand they told him he would have to buy the auction and they would give him the money back for $650 plus the listing fees which would bring us close to $680. The auction doesn't end until the end of July.

So now what? Is this a crazy good price on this transitional at $680 where I should buy it before someone else does or do I wait until the end of July when the auction expires and take my chances of it selling? They have had the ring over a year. Talk about disappointing :(2

@ringo865, what are your thoughts?
 
Honestly, if it were me, I could walk away from it, check back at the end of July, and think about renegotiating the deal.

Here is a similar ring in a platinum setting:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Retro-Vint...843260?hash=item3b12e191bc:g:dqgAAOSw98ZZ1TVF

Another one:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-14...wcAAOSwi7RZNcDZ:sc:USPSFirstClass!39577!US!-1

These are not exactly the same, but close. Both rings are less than what they are wanting for the one you like. I would think they could end the auction and let you buy it. I have seen ebay do it and the listing would no longer be available. I have dealt mainly with pawn shops and have always had really good luck. The one I visit the most will even discount a layaway for me and they don't do that a lot. It's nice for people to want and value your business. For eBay, I have missed bidding on ending auctions and have checked to see if the item would be relisted and 99% of the time, the seller would send me an email telling me yes and when.

I always say: if it's meant to be, it will be. That is a very pretty ring, but for me, it wouldn't be THAT pretty. I could leave it and go look for another ring. Trust me, there is always another ring out there!! And another!!

I bet you a dollar that it won't sell....probably due to the price they want for it.

Loretta
 
Thanks @LorettaB, you know I think I got emotionally attached to the ring which is probably silly BUT I am really unhappy they wouldn't work with us. Considering I have given them business before and come in frequently you would think they would consider that, so yeah part of me is so ticked off that I almost hope to find something else so I don't have to give them the business! Thank you for that link, it puts the financials into perspective a bit. I know My Diamond Zone has some pretty old cuts...

And I am looking and open to suggestions :read:
 
I know exactly how you feel. I have been there before too. You see it, you fall in love, and that's it, you want it. There is one pawn shop on the coast that I deal with a LOT and they are always extremely decent to me when I come in and see something I want, so I would get really ticked off if they wouldn't give me their "friendliest" price---which is what I always ask for and yes, we do negotiate and from the sounds of it, there was no negotiation going on this morning. I still think the chances of you getting it are pretty fair, you just may have to wait on it a little longer. Please keep us posted!!!
 
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