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Is this a bad time to buy?

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ihy138

ihy138

Brilliant_Rock
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Jan 1, 2011
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I'm looking for an approximately 1 carat (higher if the finances allow) OEC, but I've been looking at the less traditional eBay avenue. I've seen a few seemingly good deals but I'm not overwhelmed at the selection. Is this a bad time to buy antique diamonds due to the recent holiday and Valentine's Day coming up? Just curious.
 
I have been watching the supply of OECs on ebay since last October and have bought twice in that time. Neither of my purchases was explicitly labeles an OEC, both were just "antique rings". There has not been much selection in all that time, in my opinion. Lots of really pricey stones that I think have been sitting a long time. Deals are hard to find, you have to be creative. No clue if the selection will get better in the coming months. Old cuts are not plentiful in general, so it makes sense they are not plentiful on ebay either. Thats why a lot of people buy from places that cost more, but have gone though the hassel of finding the darn things.
 
Yeah... and the fact that they're getting more popular isn't helping ;(

I bought last year too - August and November maybe? I'm glad I did - I got my stones for a *steal* compared to what I'm seeing for similar stones now!

I don't think this is a good time to buy OECs if you're looking for a good deal, I really don't. Higher prices, more competition, more cr*p on the market to weed through and fewer deals because the bigger vendors have already done their own weeding and picked out the good stuff, and the higher visibility of these stones means more people looking to sell know that what they have is valuable, and that they have more options than ebay, y'know?



I can't stand to pay retail prices for antique goods so I'm turning my attentions elsewhere, personally.
 
look on Ruby Lane and the preloved section of PS. make sure they have a return policy just in case. I think diamond prices in general are expensive. Maybe check out local pawn shops and jewelry stores, sometimes you can negotiate.
 
I wonder if it's a bad time to buy diamonds in general, not just OECs? I only ask because prices seem kind of high and I'm just new in the market. I'm feeling a little overwhelmed with the prices. Sorry to highjack!!
 
You may want to try Etsy also. I know you said 1 ct, but these are in antique settings if you're interested:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/83817501/victorian-platinum-on-yellow-gold
http://www.etsy.com/listing/87349457/antique-70-carat-diamond-engagement-ring
http://www.etsy.com/listing/83870614/vintage-55-carat-old-european-cut

I have no idea if this is a bad time or not, but if diamond prices continue to rise especially with the increasing popularity of old stones, it may be better now than later IMHO.
 
I just bought one in September that was 1.26 carats. My solution was to by a bright stone that I loved in person with a small chip. I had the stone recut and repolished-- it's now 1.25 carats and gorgeous. I know for some people small chips are deal breakers, but with a good return policy, I'd consider a stone that needs a little rehab. Plus most stones with chips are very Send it straight to BGD (who did my recut) and if they can recut it with minimal loss to fix it... bam, you've got a lovely stone. If they can't recut it with minimal loss (up to 10 points is fine for me as long as the spread loss is negligible) -- well, then you've got your return policy.
 
Gypsy|1326495507|3102429 said:
I just bought one in September that was 1.26 carats. My solution was to by a bright stone that I loved in person with a small chip. I had the stone recut and repolished-- it's now 1.25 carats and gorgeous. I know for some people small chips are deal breakers, but with a good return policy, I'd consider a stone that needs a little rehab. Plus most stones with chips are very discounted. Send it straight to BGD (who did my recut) and if they can recut it with minimal loss to fix it... bam, you've got a lovely stone. If they can't recut it with minimal loss (up to 10 points is fine for me as long as the spread loss is negligible) -- well, then you've got your return policy.
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Sorry needed to edit and the time to do so had expired.
 
mandasand|1326494448|3102415 said:
I wonder if it's a bad time to buy diamonds in general, not just OECs? I only ask because prices seem kind of high and I'm just new in the market. I'm feeling a little overwhelmed with the prices. Sorry to highjack!!
Click to expand...

Last year saw huge increases in the price of diamonds. The prices right now are crazy compared to just one year ago. Being overwhelmed is natural.

We'll help you find the best deal we can though. I would start a new thread for yourself and tell everyone what you are looking for, what your budget is, and whether you would consider a pre-owned piece or not.
 
Thanks Gypsy! I did ask about settings and one diamond I found but that was from a B&M store and I just get replies about buying online which makes me nervous. Basically, my bf told me to tell him my ring size and give him a couple settings I like and he will do the rest. Thing is, he doesn't have much knowledge about diamonds. So, I referred him to the knowledge center here. Obviously he is very interested in researching. I'm obsessing this week, but I'll probably calm down and let things happen naturally in the coming weeks!
 
mandasand|1326494448|3102415 said:
I wonder if it's a bad time to buy diamonds in general, not just OECs? I only ask because prices seem kind of high and I'm just new in the market. I'm feeling a little overwhelmed with the prices. Sorry to highjack!!
Click to expand...

I wish I had a crystal ball to know what prices will do, but yes, they are very high right now. I bought a diamond just 4 years ago, and diamonds with the same specs are currently 50% higher than what I paid (yes, 1 1/2 times the price from 4 years ago).
 
I think it is hard to determine the right time especially in the eBay market. Just keep looking and buy when you find the right diamond and right price. You never know what you will find. It is literally impossible to see every single OEC on sale simply because sellers describe their auctions in different ways.
 
The most irritating aspect of it all is that prices are solely controlled by DaBeers. As far as I understand, they even bought out a company that was growing their own diamonds in a factory that was set to create the perfect environmental conditions for diamond growth. Laws of supply and demand. Here is an interesting article on it:

**edited by moderator. please do not link to blogs per the forum policies**

*Something else to note, if the supply in the market stays about the same over time of course prices will go up. Mining and and other variable costs will most definitely increase over time, and of course there's always inflation.
 
There are definitely nice 1+ ct OECs on eBay -- just bought one a few days ago! BUT, searching was a nightmare because they're labelled old diamonds, old mine diamonds, antique diamonds, vintage diamonds, european diamonds, old europe cuts, etc., etc., etc.. It really is a matter of sitting down and weeding through all the listings and coming up with a solid watch list -- then send your questions to the sellers and hopefully narrow that list down a little bit more.

Also, definitely look at rings and not just loose stones -- you can scrap the settings -- AND men's rings as they seem to have larger stones in them any way (and you'll get more gold in that setting for scrap!). :))

Finally, make your sale contingent on an independent appraisal -- when I bought my stone I had it sent straight to Neil Beaty and the seller knew it was going straight back to him if I wasn't happy with the results.
 
I'm no expert-at all- in the diamond area... but being a company owner in manufacturing, I am guessing that the huge increase in the Middle East and Asia with purchasing diamonds and luxury goods, is/will have an impact, thus increasing diamond prices? Maybe just our industry and not fine jewelry. But in general, the middle and upper classes over there are growing and they are buying things like this more and more.
 
Online inventories seem to be low, I guess depleted from the holiday season.
 
Wow, you go away for a weekend and you get all these replies! Thanks everybody, you guys are a wealth of knowledge. Seems like the trick with eBay and the second-hand market is perseverance and patience...both of which I lack! :lol: I'm just going to continue until I find the right stone for the right price. I'm also kind of guessing that sooner rather than later is better, given that diamond prices continue to rise. I hope to buy within the next few months.

CharmyPoo said:
Gypsy is selling her OEC. Could that work for you?

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/forum/preloved-ps-jewels/gorgeous-1-25-carat-old-european-cut-oec-for-sale-t170636.html']https://www.pricescope.com/forum/preloved-ps-jewels/gorgeous-1-25-carat-old-european-cut-oec-for-sale-t170636.html[/URL]
Click to expand...


I stumbled upon that this morning. It's a gorgeous stone and the stats are perfect. It's a weeee bit out of my price range, but I am considering it. Thanks, Charmy!
 
What is your budget and desired specs? I will keep my eye out ::)
 
Dreamer_D|1326654342|3103522 said:
What is your budget and desired specs? I will keep my eye out ::)
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That would be great! You have such a good eye. I'm looking for around 1 carat, but I would be okay with a 90 point stone or over 1 carat. I like low on the color scale...I'm thinking Haven's O-P cushion right now. I prefer an appealing facet pattern. Not too worried about clarity as long as it's eye clean or doesn't have any chips that would danger the stone or that a good polish can't fix. I was thinking around 3,000 (or less would be better). How much do you think is reasonable to pay for such a stone? Thanks again!
 
I also recommend visiting pawn shops, antique shops (especially ones in small towns) and jewelers who have estate cases.
Sometimes prices are high there too, but with persistence good deals can still be found. I've bought some nice old stones recently this way at great prices. It is time-consuming, sometimes it seems like hunting for a needle in a haystack, but I've had very pleasing results.
I tend to look at places in small towns in non-highly populated states - oftentimes those items are priced quite low, still.
 
ihy138|1326658313|3103562 said:
Dreamer_D|1326654342|3103522 said:
What is your budget and desired specs? I will keep my eye out ::)
Click to expand...


That would be great! You have such a good eye. I'm looking for around 1 carat, but I would be okay with a 90 point stone or over 1 carat. I like low on the color scale...I'm thinking Haven's O-P cushion right now. I prefer an appealing facet pattern. Not too worried about clarity as long as it's eye clean or doesn't have any chips that would danger the stone or that a good polish can't fix. I was thinking around 3,000 (or less would be better). How much do you think is reasonable to pay for such a stone? Thanks again!
Click to expand...

I am posting this one but then you need to act fast ;)) Its proportions are very similar to my own OEC. Seller has 30 no questions asked return policy. I think the stone has really good potential and a GIA lab report to boot. Looks like an older OEC, almost like an OMC in faceting but round, the photo next to the coin is the one that really seals it for me. You would want to see it in person and make sure there is no over darkness in the middle because it is on the deeper side. Q-R color would be delicious IMO. Seller does not really provide additional information on the stones when contacted, he basically relies on his 30 day returns policy. Worth a risk. I would offer $1800. But even the full asking is fair, lower than you would pay retail but not a SUPER deal, but the GIA report is worth something IMO.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/loose-1-16ct-european-diamond-GIA-Certified-VS2-Q-R-/190430013170?pt=Loose_Diamonds&hash=item2c568366f2
 
Dreamer_D|1326662479|3103618 said:
ihy138|1326658313|3103562 said:
Dreamer_D|1326654342|3103522 said:
What is your budget and desired specs? I will keep my eye out ::)
Click to expand...


That would be great! You have such a good eye. I'm looking for around 1 carat, but I would be okay with a 90 point stone or over 1 carat. I like low on the color scale...I'm thinking Haven's O-P cushion right now. I prefer an appealing facet pattern. Not too worried about clarity as long as it's eye clean or doesn't have any chips that would danger the stone or that a good polish can't fix. I was thinking around 3,000 (or less would be better). How much do you think is reasonable to pay for such a stone? Thanks again!
Click to expand...

I am posting this one but then you need to act fast ;)) Its proportions are very similar to my own OEC. Seller has 30 no questions asked return policy. I think the stone has really good potential and a GIA lab report to boot. Looks like an older OEC, almost like an OMC in faceting but round, the photo next to the coin is the one that really seals it for me. You would want to see it in person and make sure there is no over darkness in the middle because it is on the deeper side. Q-R color would be delicious IMO. Seller does not really provide additional information on the stones when contacted, he basically relies on his 30 day returns policy. Worth a risk. I would offer $1800. But even the full asking is fair, lower than you would pay retail but not a SUPER deal, but the GIA report is worth something IMO.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/loose-1-16ct-european-diamond-GIA-Certified-VS2-Q-R-/190430013170?pt=Loose_Diamonds&hash=item2c568366f2
Click to expand...

If you look at the ebay auction the seller has their own little diamond quality chart and it states that K-Z is "horrible color"! Maybe you could use this to get an even better price since the stone is a Q-R! Oh ebay sellers!
 
Asscherhalo_lover|1326667227|3103671 said:
If you look at the ebay auction the seller has their own little diamond quality chart and it states that K-Z is "horrible color"! Maybe you could use this to get an even better price since the stone is a Q-R! Oh ebay sellers!
Click to expand...

hah!
 
distracts|1326670044|3103710 said:
Asscherhalo_lover|1326667227|3103671 said:
If you look at the ebay auction the seller has their own little diamond quality chart and it states that K-Z is "horrible color"! Maybe you could use this to get an even better price since the stone is a Q-R! Oh ebay sellers!
Click to expand...

hah!
Click to expand...

Indeed! The irony of course being that this seller appears to specialize in crappy diamonds, bad cut, bad clarity, but happes to have some ok looking old cuts that could be nice. Crappy photos though.

Skippy I watch that RL seller and her stuff is nice but IMO prices close to retail. I am pretty sure, for example, that the mount in that photo is a mount offered by another ebay seller, Diamond Zone for like $390, a repro, so really she is asking $4k for a .85ct diamond without a lab report. Robbery! There are 2-3 diamonds that size on ebay right now for about $1300.
 
OMG Dreamer how did you find the identical setting from RL on DZ?? Pictures on RB make that ring look stunning and it's only $335? I totally want it and a stone to go in it!
 
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