Martin Flyer Setting..cannot use..what do I do with it?

[The_Running_Realtor]

Hello everyone! I have a Martin Flyer Platinum Setting that I bought from a well known local retailer here in Atlanta in 2003 but the engagement broke off before I could even give the setting to the girl. Now, 4 years later, I am about to ask my girlfriend of 3.5 years to marry me but I am fairly certain that she will not want this setting as it was originally intended for someone else, which I totally understand. It has basically been sitting in the ring box in a drawer with no stone ever set into it and still has the tag on it. It appraised when I bought it for $3695. It was listed at $2995 but I paid a little less because I bought a large stone for it. When the engagement broke off the store was willing to take the stone back for a refund but not the setting. I have attempted to sell it on ebay but don''t want to give it away. I have been told that platinum is actually worth a little more so I would think this setting would be worth at least....at least $1900-$2000 even though I paid more than that 4 years ago. Here is the setting description:


Lady''s Platinum Martin Flyer Designer Diamond Semi-Mounting
A wonderful hand-made Martin Flyer Platinum mounting that will accomodate a 1.50-2.20 Carat Princess, Radiant or Asscher Cut Diamond.

Ring Size: 6 (Can be Resized to Fit Most Any Finger.)

Contains:

Two Natural Princess Cut Diamonds.
Weight Approx: .60cttw, Color: E, Clarity: VS.

Complete with Complimentary Hand-Rubbed Rosewood Presentation Box & Solomon Brother''s Retail Appraisal.


I have attached a pic.

I am interested in trading this setting in towards another diamond ring purchase...will most retailers allow me to trade this unused setting towards another purchase? If not, do I have any other options, short of giving it away?

Thank you in advance for any suggestions.


The Running Realtor

 

[Hudson_Hawk]

Wow, that''s a lot for a setting (the original price I mean). Have you tried Craigslist.com? Make it clear that you''re not a vendor selling this setting. There are a lot of shady vendors trying to pass of sub-standard jewelry on CL.

 

[neatfreak]

If I were you I would contact Pearlmans. They have a large section of consigned settings and other jewelry and I''ve heard that they only take a 15% commission.

Short of that, no I don''t think many retailers would take it in as a trade, but it''s always worth an ask. You''d have more luck if you try to deal with a dealer that sells MF, as they might actually be willing to take it and resell it.

As a last resort I would try craigslist or ebay.

Congrats and best of luck!

 

[kcoursolle]

Ditto, call Bill Pearlman and pearlmansjewelers. He is really friendly to work with and takes pieces to consign. I consigned some rings with him and he took 15% of the sale, which I think is fair. Since this ring is designer and platinum, you should be able to sell it. However, I''m not sure about getting $1900 for it...but Bill will figure out a good price to list it for.

 

[dfb]

I would try again with Solomon Brothers - try to set up an appt with Howard Solomon (one of the brothers) to look at new settings - take all the paper work with you along with the setting - I bet he would be willing to work something out with you in terms of trade in - especially if it is like new and never had a stone set - dont work with one of the commission sales people - they would not be interested - but Howard as an owner can do whatever he wants - and at least you would not get the line ''I would love to help you but our policy....'' - since he sets the policy - I have to believe they could do something - especially if you are starting over on a stone as well - he would not want to lose a sale over what accounts to no money lost on his side to work with you on that original setting

 

[oldminer]

Once you have established the center diamond for the new engagement I would try to trade in the mounting toward the mounting you select for the new relationship. The side princess cuts in the old ring are very nice stones so maybe you could use them in a new design. If you want to just trade out, then a retailer who wants your business should have no real problem in making something happen. You must face the fact that you will not get a full cost, retail trade up for a retail trade-in. These are different type events and a loss is built into purchasing a specific mounting. You were very lucky on getting out of the diamond from the first engagement in a reasonably whole way.

Best of luck.