Michael B. or more for the money?

[dgk]

Asking all Pricescopers: what would you do?

I''ve been married 8 years, husband is now offering an upgrade. He''s letting me choose whatever I want within a budget. I''ve always wanted a Michael B Crown Lace set, so I found a pre-owned set (with CZ center) in my size on Ebay. We ended up buying it (still $$$). I was told the set was in excellent condition; it isn''t. When hubby saw it, he said, "It looks old." I had it appraised. There''s a broken diamond in the band, the prongs are worn, and the platinum looks matte. I immediately consulted Pearlman''s and Michael B. They both told me it could be refurbished to look good as new. This will probably cost anywhere from $400 - $1000. I contacted the seller who seemed shocked that I found the condition to be anything but excellent. I asked him to refund part of the costs since it needed refurb work. He considered it, then came back and said no, because he could still sell the set for more than I paid. Pearlman''s said I got a good deal on the set too, and that the refurb cost is minimal compared to the value of the pieces. On principle, it just doesn''t sit well with me that we bid on an item that isn''t as described.

So here''s my dilemma: do I suck it up and refurb my dream set? Should I demand the seller refund some part of the costs? Or should I return it and start fresh?

For the price we paid for the Michael B set, I could get a new wedding set with a nice diamond. If I keep the Michael B set, we''d have to invest more time and money to restore the pieces, but realistically this is the only way we could afford the settings. I''d have to wait a while longer to get a center diamond too. I don''t mind the waiting so much, as I''d be happy wearing the band with a couple eternity bands. My husband just wants me to be happy. I''m torn. I''ve loved this setting for years but am just not sure it''s worth the money. I have to make a decision soon. What you would do?

I should mention that I''m not interested in having someone try to make a custom copy of the Michael B rings, and that my original e-ring diamond isn''t worth resetting. Thanks guys!

 

[Gypsy]

Date: 8/23/2009 11:29:47 AM
Author:dgk
Asking all Pricescopers: what would you do?

I''ve been married 8 years, husband is now offering an upgrade. He''s letting me choose whatever I want within a budget. I''ve always wanted a Michael B Crown Lace set, so I found a pre-owned set (with CZ center) in my size on Ebay. We ended up buying it (still $$$). I was told the set was in excellent condition; it isn''t. When hubby saw it, he said, ''It looks old.'' I had it appraised. There''s a broken diamond in the band, the prongs are worn, and the platinum looks matte. I immediately consulted Pearlman''s and Michael B. They both told me it could be refurbished to look good as new. This will probably cost anywhere from $400 - $1000. I contacted the seller who seemed shocked that I found the condition to be anything but excellent. I asked him to refund part of the costs since it needed refurb work. He considered it, then came back and said no, because he could still sell the set for more than I paid. Pearlman''s said I got a good deal on the set too, and that the refurb cost is minimal compared to the value of the pieces. On principle, it just doesn''t sit well with me that we bid on an item that isn''t as described.

So here''s my dilemma: do I suck it up and refurb my dream set? Should I demand the seller refund some part of the costs? Or should I return it and start fresh?

For the price we paid for the Michael B set, I could get a new wedding set with a nice diamond. If I keep the Michael B set, we''d have to invest more time and money to restore the pieces, but realistically this is the only way we could afford the settings. I''d have to wait a while longer to get a center diamond too. I don''t mind the waiting so much, as I''d be happy wearing the band with a couple eternity bands. My husband just wants me to be happy. I''m torn. I''ve loved this setting for years but am just not sure it''s worth the money. I have to make a decision soon. What you would do?

I should mention that I''m not interested in having someone try to make a custom copy of the Michael B rings, and that my original e-ring diamond isn''t worth resetting. Thanks guys!

I adore that set. And 400-1000 to get that sucker where you want it to be isn''t really that much, if it is your dream setting. Doesn''t Pearlmans have a couple of pre-owned ones, and maybe they are in better shape?

I wouldn''t even suggest to copy the rings, they are very unique and a definite case of stock is best. I would demand that the seller refund part of the costs. Especially if it wasn''t as advertised (If he said the condition is excellent and it''s got a busted diamond and prong damage, that''s not excellent).

As for settings now with CZ, or new set now with diamond and settings later... that''s up to you. I''d take the settings now and get the diamond later, but that''s just what I would do. Like I said, I ADORE that set. It was my dream set for years.

 

[CharmyPoo]

I know it doesn''t feel right but the truth is you will not likely be able to find the set second hand in your size. I would suck it up and make it your dream set.

 

[frillylace]

Hi dgk.

I think you bought the set on ebay I was watching. The seller had it listed higher than what you bought it for when I was asking him about it and they didn't want to go down on the price. I had been watching it for months and suddenly noticed it was reduced so I went back to see it and think about it at the new price and it was already sold! Apparently bought by you!

Of course I am not sure I would have bought it at the new price either. I really just want the band anyway, wanna sell yours?

Remembering the photos he had up and the ones he sent, it DID look like it wasn't in the best of condition. And, he had it listed for like FOREVER and NO ONE was biting. I know I asked him about it, but there was no way I was going to pay for his original asking price. I don't think he could sell it for more like he has told you. I think he is just one of those sellers that will tell you whatever he needs to make sure the sale sticks.

That said, if the ring isn't as described you can fight it on ebay and request part of your money back. I would request the amount needed to fix it and include information on your appraisal to your dispute. Or, I would return it and start fresh. It would bother me a lot wearing something where every time I looked down I thought I had been taken for.

That is what I would do.

By the way, any chance you would email me photos of how it looks on your hand? Both the two together and just the wedding band? I've been wondering what it looks like on someone. I'm thinking this set might be too wide for my finger and I might be looking for the smaller version instead. I really want the band more than a full set I think. I just don't know if I like the domed version or the one that is more squared, petite or regular. So any photos you have will help.

 

[makemepretty]

I feel for you. That''s a gorgeous set, if only it was as described! I don''t care if you did get a good deal, the item should be as described no matter what. My advice is to keep the set and file a paypal complaint for "item not as described". Returning it for a full refund shouldn''t be your only option IMHO. That''s ridiculous. A broken diamond is NOT part of an excellent condition setting. You tried dealing with the seller, next do a Paypal dispute and after that if nothing happens then I think you should keep the set anyway(and save up for the repairs, maybe a local jeweler could fix it for less?) Then definitely leave negative feedback, a seller CAN''T leave retaliatory negatives anymore, saying that there was a broken diamond and damaged prongs.

 

[dgk]

Thanks everyone for your input so far. I forgot to tell you guys that previously Pearlman''s had this set for sale on their website. That lent some credibility in my mind, but I don''t see how they could have missed the broken diamond. My husband was able to see it without me pointing out where it was.

Frillylace - I bet you''re right-- you were probably looking at the same set. He had it posted since May I believe. Could you tell me what the original asking price was? He told me he had some serious offers but I didn''t see any listed on ebay. I got the impression no one was biting either. At this point I don''t know what to believe! So far the seller has been very kind but I would feel so much better about things if he knocked a few hundred off the price.

I''d be happy to post some pictures of just the band. I''ll see if I can do that tonight. In the meantime, someone else on ebay was selling just the petite lace band and has pictures you might be interested in:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160356053448&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

I e-mailed back and forth with the seller and she sent more photos. She''s selling the petite lace band, eternity bands, and a modified lace e-ring. I can put you in touch with her if you''re interested.

And I know I said I wasn''t looking for a custom copy, but I cam across this similar band on ebay that made me take a second look:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=350235677674&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

Thanks again, ladies. Still thinking and taking all your thoughts into consideration ...

 

[mrssalvo]

I would probably keep the set and pay to have it refurbished but I'd demand a partial refund from the seller. I adore that set and Michael b is just an amazing craftsman so I wouldn't suggest having it copied, it would never come close to the original IMO. Pearlmans does have couple of second hand lace rings on their site. Is the price anywhere close to what you paid for the ebay set? If so, return the ebay set for a full refund and buy one of the second hand sets from Pearlmans. If you've dreamed of this set for years you should have it!!

 

[CharmyPoo]

I am an experienced ebay and paypal user. You can file a dispute through paypal to show the seller you are serious. However, ebay will accept a full refund and return of the items as the resolution. They have no way and will not force the seller to provide a partial refund. However, a dispute may show the seller that you are serious about this and cause them to reconsider providing you with a partial refund.

 

[decodelighted]

I''d refurb or return. The seller isn''t obligated to give you a price break based on a difference of opinion about condition if he''s willing to accept the return. He probably CAN get more than you paid. Why shouldn''t he have the option?

However ... if its your dream set I''d say go for it ... get it refurbished & enjoy! About a year ago I paid $300 to repolish a Tiffany watch that was only $750 to begin with. Now they go for $1750+ ... so it was worth it to me to *keep* my same watch ... just spruce it up.

The matte finish of platinum is to be expected BTW. Even if you do refurb it will become matte again eventually. Just so you know.

 

[frillylace]

DGK,

The ring had been listed on and off since October of 2008 at least. I'd have to check again, but I think it was listed at at least $3000 more than what you bought it for. I have no idea if he had any serious offers. When I was talking to him I asked if he would think about going down on the price but he didn't want to go down at all, so I never did make an offer.

What's your email? Maybe you could email me the photos? snow angel pop at hotmail . com Yes, please put me in contact with the other seller. It's the wrong size for me, but maybe she can help.

 

[Circe]

DGK - if you got the set for below market value even second-hand, and the price of refurbishing *still* leaves them costing less than you''d pay elsewhere ... I''d say go with it! I love the Crown Lace set, and would think it''s well worth it.

Look at it like this: even if it''s in poor condition, you''re the clever one for refurbishing it and having value added, and the seller is an ass for having lacked the foresight to invest in, a) the ring, and b) his reputation. Can you change your feedback to warn others/repay him for his perfidy? If so, do it, fix your lovely ring, and call it a day.

If you find yourself not loving it once that''s done, well ... you now have a like-new Crown Lace set that you can sell at a price that reflects it to go towards your upgrade.

 

[dgk]

Thanks everyone! The consensus seems to be that this set is worth restoring. I appreciate the perspective.

I emailed the seller and asked him [again] to knock some money off. I quoted makemepretty who said "a broken diamond wasn''t part of a setting in excellent condition". Great point, BTW. We can agree to disagree about the amount and cost of refurb work needing to be done, but the fact remains that there''s a broken diamond and this wasn''t disclosed pre-sale.

We''ll see what he says. He''s been a nice guy so far, and yes, I did get a deal on these pieces (less than what Pearlman''s would sell them for). Could he have sold for more? Maybe, but he tried for over a year - both at Pearlman''s and on Ebay - and my offer was no chump change ... so I don''t feel he''s being slighted in any way.

I should mention this isn''t about the money. These pieces are definitely much older and more worn than what was described ... so I''m hoping we can meet in the middle. I could go to a less expensive jeweler for the refurb (as seller recommended). But I''d only feel comfortable with Michael B''s craftmanship. I would''ve returned the set already if I weren''t banking on their ability to restore the rings to their original glory.

I''ll keep you posted. I have until next week to decide on returning them. Crown Lace is my dream set, but heck, I''ve waited 8 years. If this doesn''t pan out I''ll either acquire new Michael B pieces over time or go another direction and get something custom. I''d rather be patient and get something quality than jump the gun and get something I may not like a couple years down the road. LOL - at least I''m ''older and wiser'' now to have this outlook!

Frillylace- I''ll email you. Sorry, I have two kids under 2 so my response time is delayed! I think the Crown Lace band would look so pretty worn with one or two thin eternity bands. Have you seen the photo of Tiffani Thiessen wearing that combo? It''s on PS somewhere. Also shown on the Michael B website, though not on someone''s hand. That''s actually what I plan to do. The Crown Lace band doesn''t really seem thick to me, but I''m used to wearing a wide wedding band. I can tell you these rings have a heavy weight to them but appear feminine and not clunky. That said, I do have bigger hands.

I too have wondered about the flat and petite versions of lace, but ultimately lean towards the rounded b/c it seems more classic. I so wish I had a Michael B dealer nearby so I could try them all on. Do you? I love the flat one that has ten groupings of pave ...