Is this possibly a good deal?

[Martini]

I've been looking for diamond engagement rings on Craigslist, though I'm interested in only the stone to put in a new setting. I found someone selling the following ring that was originally bought for $3500 from Helzberg Diamonds.



She is willing to let the stone go for $900. She says there is a black speck in it that is visible to the naked eye, but you have to look for it. She is willing to meet me at a jewelry store where I thought it would be a good idea to see if a jeweler could tell me if it can safely be put in another setting (I know next to nothing about making a purchase like this). Is there anything else I should ask the jeweler? Does this look like this may be a good purchase? I'm looking for a princess cut in the 1 carat area.

 

[rubybeth]

A few things to note: Helzberg sells these pre-set diamond rings and they list the average color as I-J, and average clarity as I1-I2 (typically means visible inclusions, as the private seller has noted). Now, what's tricky about this is that Helzberg doesn't give you a reliable certificate for these gradings, so it's not like you're getting a GIA or AGS certified I color I1 stone, you're just getting what an in-house Helzberg diamond grader decides to call an I color I1 stone. And that's not to even begin mentioning how well cut the diamond is--which plays a larger role in how sparkly it will be. A poorly cut stone can also sometimes appear smaller, because it can be cut deep to maintain weight vs. face up size. Only AGS does cut gradings on princess cuts, so that would be my top choice for a princess cut, if that's what you're looking for.

Now, as for whether or not it's a "good deal," it's hard to say--because you don't really know what you're getting. It's not an apples to apples comparison with a stone like this from James Allen, which is a GIA certified K I1: http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.03-carat-k-color-i1-clarity-sku-525521 and it's priced at $2,230.

But if you're trying to get a 1 carat princess cut out of a budget around $1,000, this may not be a bad idea to purchased a pre-owned stone, but just be sure you understand that you don't really know what you're getting, and it may not even be worth the $900 she is willing to take for it.

If I may ask, what is the actual budget? We might be able to find you something that fits your budget and is also good quality.

Edited to add: I say this as someone who has purchased most of my jewelry pre-owned (on Pricescope, we call it "Pre-loved"), but I usually make sure I'm getting a reliable certificate, or the items are from vendors I would trust (kind of like knowing the provenance of a piece of art). I also love getting a good "deal" on things, but I don't think something is a "deal" unless it's exactly what you want at a great price.

 

[Martini]

If I may ask, what is the actual budget? We might be able to find you something that fits your budget and is also good quality.

I don't really have one. I was just hoping to find a Pre-loved stone (Princess, 1 c.) for the best price possible that a gal would think looked great in a nice setting. I guess I would spend around the $2230 in the James Allen link you posted, but of course I'd rather spend less.

Edited to add: I say this as someone who has purchased most of my jewelry pre-owned (on Pricescope, we call it "Pre-loved"), but I usually make sure I'm getting a reliable certificate, or the items are from vendors I would trust (kind of like knowing the provenance of a piece of art).

Do you have any vendor recommendations?

 

[Tourmaline]

That is a really, really bad diamond. Run.

 

[Martini]

How do you know, Tourmaline?

 

[Texas Leaguer]

If you do pursue this I would suggest that you arrange it so that the stone is inspected loose before you are committed. Damage could have happened to one or more of the points during original setting or during wear. The prongs often conceal small damage, but it can increase the risk of the re-set. Bear in mind that your jeweler will probably not assume any setting risks since he is not selling you the stone.

 

[16ocean]

That is a really, really bad diamond. Run.

ditto
to answer your question I doubt it.

 

[16ocean]

How do you know, Tourmaline?[/q

it might just be horrid photography but to me it looks cloudy and poorly cut.

 

[Rockinruby]

Since you said you were possibly open to preloved. Here are some random threads to look at, compare, etc. I think you are better off skipping the one you found. It might be better to buy new with the help of the knowledgeable PSers. Or look through some of these links to get an idea of what's out there in preloved.

https://www.pricescope.com/forum/pr...rincess-cut-halo-engagement-ring-t215949.html
https://www.pricescope.com/forum/pr...cut-ring-custom-made-by-michaele-t215511.html
https://www.pricescope.com/forum/pr...-carat-cushion-with-halo-setting-t215059.html
https://www.pricescope.com/forum/pr...morrell-85-f-vs1-engagement-ring-t213775.html
http://loupetroop.com/listings/ring...-ring-14kt-w-slash-g-gia-looks-like-neil-lane
http://diamondbistro.com/category/2...ings/43220/78ct-loose-princess-GIA-L-VS1.html
http://diamondbistro.com/category/2...m-Princess-Cut-Diamond-Solitaire-72-GVS1.html

 

[rubybeth]

Vendors I would trust would include any of the regular Pricescope recommended vendors (Whiteflash, Brian Gavin Diamonds, Good Old Gold, James Allen, Diamonds by Lauren, etc.). With a fancy cut like a princess, being able to see pictures or video, and some kind of analysis on the light return like an ASET image is especially helpful. I am not a fancy cut expert, but others around here know what to look for.

A few stones you might like, and just to give you an idea of pricing for AGS/GIA certified stones of various carat weights:

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.737-k-si1-princess-diamond-ags-104080595016
http://www.goodoldgold.com/ecommerce/0-72ct-i-vs1-signature-ideal-princess-cut-diamond.html
http://www.diamondsbylauren.com/index.php/jewelry/loose-colorless-diamond-101ct-j-si2-princess-cut-diamond-gia-r6257
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/0.91-carat-k-color-vs1-clarity-sku-551063

Couldn't find anything in inventory at Whiteflash but I may not be searching correctly.

I also like that pre-loved ring that rockinruby posted: [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/forum/preloved-ps-jewels/1-16cttw-14k-princess-cut-halo-engagement-ring-t215949.html']https://www.pricescope.com/forum/preloved-ps-jewels/1-16cttw-14k-princess-cut-halo-engagement-ring-t215949.html[/URL] The updated listing on LT: http://loupetroop.com/listings/rings-natural-diamond-center/1-dot-16cttw-14k-princess-cut-halo-engagement-ring;7162

 

[tyty333]

Is it a diamond? Yea, but is is a pretty diamond...not from your pictures. You need to find a princess cut that has a lovely
faceting pattern and that has good light return.

This stone/setting posted by rockinruby has a beautiful faceting pattern, that is clear and crisp usually indicating good light
return (bright stone.) Also, has a very nice gaberial & Co setting.
http://loupetroop.com/listings/rings-natural-diamond-center/1-dot-16cttw-14k-princess-cut-halo-engagement-ring;7162

This is also a beautiful emerald ring that I would think any girl would be proud to wear. (also posted by rockinruby)
http://loupetroop.com/listings/rings/1-dot-00ctw-emerald-cut-diamond-halo-ring-14kt-w-slash-g-gia-looks-like-neil-lane

The princess you are looking at looks dull and mushy. Is it a diamond? Yep, but not something to be thrilled about. Dont waste
your $900.

 

[Martini]

Thank you so much for all of the input, folks. I've learned a little and will continue to learn while shopping. I'll definitely start a new thread when I think I've found the one. Thanks again.