Looking to sell a loose stone. Please help!

[Piglet9j7]

I have a 4ct antique cushion cut diamond that I am looking to sell. I'm in NYC. Where should I go and how much should I be looking for for the stone?

 

[antelope1]

Price depends on the color, clarity, and cut -- in addition to the carat weight. Use the PS search function to see what 4ct cushions are going for these days with whatever specs you have. (And select the lab that did the grading too in the advanced search features.)

You might be able to get 25-50% of the current value if you can find a dealer who will buy it.

You might be able to sell it on consignment at Pearlman's or someplace like that, but this takes a long time, and the consignment % is also appreciable.

 

[Piglet9j7]

I did a search with my clarity and cut, but there are too many other variables and the range is so great - anywhere from 30,000 to 60,000. So hard to tell.

Would I really only get 25% of the original cost??? That is crazy!

 

[tyty333]

You might talk to Jewels by Erica Grace...they sell old stones...
http://www.jewelsbyericagrace.com/

 

[antelope1]

The reason why I say 25-50% is the buy back % is usually based on the Rap sheet and what prices are right now. And the % the merchant would give you varies from store to store as well. I'd try more than one place.

Consignment % may be something like 40% -- but to get the extra % back, you would have to wait until the diamond sold. This could be a long time, who knows?

 

[Rockdiamond]

Hi Piglet9j7,
There's no way for anyone to estimate market value without seeing the stone- or a GIA report.
But such stones are enjoying fairly strong demand nowadays.
I will advise, in the strongest terms, to be very careful if you take the stone to 47th street.
Although there are some honest dealers there, the most aggressive ones ( with barkers out on the street) are best avoided.

A stone of that size might be best sent to GIA prior to you selling it. A few grades difference can make a big difference in value.

Good luck!!

 

[oldminer]

Please post the color and clarity specs you have. It sure sounds interesting.

 

[antelope1]

Yeah, post a pix! I want to see a 4ct cushion! Please please?!

 

[slg47]

yes, pictures? is it an actual antique? how did you acquire it?

but yeah, maybe contact JbEG (jewels by erica grace), they sell antique and antique-inspired jewelry and sell items on consignment.

 

[Gypsy]

Please post the color and clarity specs you have. It sure sounds interesting.

You might want to call Oldminer. His information is provided at the bottom of his post. You are probably best of NOT walking the streets of NY trying to sell this diamond. I believe Oldminer does buy jeweler and consign and he has a good reputation on here.

http://datlasestates.com/

 

[Piglet9j7]

It is an Old Miner cut with an GIA cert. It is 4.01 carats, J VS2.

If anyone had suggestions of where to go, or what you think I could command for it, please let me know.

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

Auction Houses--Sotheby's? You have a cert, perhaps they can give you an estimate based on past like items that have sold...

cheers--Sharon

 

[Piglet9j7]

Thanks, Sharon. I may look into this...

 

[Piglet9j7]

I looked on the DiamondsbyErica site. Her prices seem quite low - is this just me?

 

[Gypsy]

I looked on the DiamondsbyErica site. Her prices seem quite low - is this just me?

Not really, I was looking to buy an older cut and it seemed like they raised their prices to me.

You can only sell things for the amount people will pay for them.

Oldworlddiamonds has a ton of old cuts, and I was on there... and my eyes popped out of my head at the prices they wanted. But if you are looking for a vendor that might buy an old cut for you and seems to price high, they would get my vote. They are pricing really high. Of course, that doesn't mean they are selling anything. I certainly didn't wait before looking elsewhere.

Oh, LangsAntiques might be a really good place for you. High-end boutique in the heart of San Francisco. Google them and see if they are buying or consigning... or who they recommend you go to.

 

[LGK]

Piglet, even when a diamond is antique, it's still considered 2nd hand/ used merchandise. As such they usually sell much cheaper than a comparable modern piece would. Honestly JbEG is a bit higher than some places selling antique pieces, probably because they provide services which most other sellers of antique jewelry do not, like upgrade policies and such. Colorless (D, E, & F) antique cuts are an exception- such stones are relatively rare, and the demand is high, so they sell at a bit of a premium. The size of your stone is a bit of a help and that you have a GIA cert, and that the color is pretty high for an antique cut.

But unfortunately unless you're a retailer with brand new merchandise, you're at a disadvantage selling a diamond. For the average consumer, selling a diamond can be quite difficult and you often take a considerable price hit.

If you're not in a rush, consigning it is probably the best way to go. Slower, but you would get more $. I'd second (or third) JbEG for consignment.

And yeah- pics please

 

[MyDiamondSparkles]

Okay I am drooling all over my screen waiting to see a photo of this diamond....please post photos...it's sounds just like what I've been looking for.

MyDiamondSparkles

 

[denverappraiser]

Get it appraised by a capable appraiser who is working for YOU, not the buyer, be very clear about your plans and objectives and ask their advice on a selling strategy. As you've discovered, it makes a huge difference both what you have and how you market it and tiny details are everything in this business.

In particular, I"m recommending AGAINST basing your grading opinion on either what was told to you buy the person who sold it or what is told to you by someone who is trying to buy it from you.