less_confused
Rough_Rock
- Joined
- Jul 13, 2009
- Messages
- 72
I'm trying to get as much diamond as I can on a limited budget.
Turns out that my timing is good - a lot of folks are having to sell jewelry on Craigslist.
You might think that there are scams. Like using a legitimate certificate or report but trying to pass off a CZ. And that may be happening, except for the fact that very few people selling their rocks know enough to get it certified or appraised.
One lady wants me to drive 40 miles to see her stone. It's G-I, 1ct, and VVS2~VS2. It could be the find of the century, but I doubt it.
And then there are the multitudes who are asking prices based on appraiser values ("my 0.50 ct K I-1 appraised for $5K, willing to sacrifice for $2K"). Or comparing to Costco prices. Or the price at the mall.
One guy was priced so silly and had a sob story, that I played Good Samaritan and pointed him to Bluenile for a more reasonable price comparison. I figured that it's hard enough to have to sell an engagement ring, it'll be worse when he accuses folks of low-balling when in fact they are offering fair prices. Needless to say, he shot the messenger and blew up on me. It was funny getting emails from him asking me if I was going to take the word of 'some' small online place like Bluenile. I wished him well.
But there have been a few prepared sellers. They have the right certification. And the right price. I figure Craigslist isn't the only place they've tried. They probably found out that a pawn shop will offer 40% of Bluenile retail price.
I met one guy today at a jewelers in the mall. 0.91ct, F VS2. EGL certificate says Excellent cut. (Doesn't say EGL USA) And it was sparkly and such. The mall jeweler even looked at it and said that it was consistent with F VS2 (not moissanite or CZ either).
Depth 62.6%
Table 54%
Crown 15%
Pavilion 43%
Girdle Medium
Polish/Symmetry VG, VG
The search continues.
Turns out that my timing is good - a lot of folks are having to sell jewelry on Craigslist.
You might think that there are scams. Like using a legitimate certificate or report but trying to pass off a CZ. And that may be happening, except for the fact that very few people selling their rocks know enough to get it certified or appraised.
One lady wants me to drive 40 miles to see her stone. It's G-I, 1ct, and VVS2~VS2. It could be the find of the century, but I doubt it.
And then there are the multitudes who are asking prices based on appraiser values ("my 0.50 ct K I-1 appraised for $5K, willing to sacrifice for $2K"). Or comparing to Costco prices. Or the price at the mall.
One guy was priced so silly and had a sob story, that I played Good Samaritan and pointed him to Bluenile for a more reasonable price comparison. I figured that it's hard enough to have to sell an engagement ring, it'll be worse when he accuses folks of low-balling when in fact they are offering fair prices. Needless to say, he shot the messenger and blew up on me. It was funny getting emails from him asking me if I was going to take the word of 'some' small online place like Bluenile. I wished him well.
But there have been a few prepared sellers. They have the right certification. And the right price. I figure Craigslist isn't the only place they've tried. They probably found out that a pawn shop will offer 40% of Bluenile retail price.
I met one guy today at a jewelers in the mall. 0.91ct, F VS2. EGL certificate says Excellent cut. (Doesn't say EGL USA) And it was sparkly and such. The mall jeweler even looked at it and said that it was consistent with F VS2 (not moissanite or CZ either).
Depth 62.6%
Table 54%
Crown 15%
Pavilion 43%
Girdle Medium
Polish/Symmetry VG, VG
The search continues.
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