Newbie needs help with Tiffany Ribbon ring/band on eBay!

[shesparkles]

Hi all, this is my first post and I'm hoping to get some advice from all the diamond experts and aficionados around here!

My fiance just won this auction for a Tiffany Ribbon ring and channel-set wedding band, the listing is here:

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Tiffany-Co-Platinum-Ribbon-Diamond-Engagement-Ring-F-VS1-Wedding-Band-Set-/131046821619?_trksid=p2047675.l2557&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEWNX%3AIT&nma=true&si=Up1HLJovnYkFO97FzLmN8ctqJBM%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc

I've copied the description, specs, photos and also the certificate he sent through (plus receipts).

Does it all look okay? Would you take the risk? Is it a good deal? Appreciate any opinions!

Auction description:

One Tiffany & Co. platinum and diamond wedding band, containing 17 round brilliant cut diamonds, channel set going approx. half way around band weighing .34 total weight, F-G color range, VS2 clarity grade. Finger Size 6.

Stamped inside with Tiffany & Co. and valued at $3100

Set of diamond ring and wedding band recently (Nov 21, 2011) valued at $8500, T&Co Certificate + Appraisal included. No boxes.

 

[CharmyPoo]

I would get the center stone checked out to make sure it matches the certificate. T&CO usually has H&A even for the tiny stones so the seller may have switched out the T&CO diamond for another diamond. These can also just be very bad photos.

 

[heididdl]

Yes just make sure the papers match the stone....

 

[shesparkles]

I'm a bit worried about it now. It didn't even occur to me that the seller could potentially have switched the stone. I've asked for me photos, clearer pictures of the certification and receipts...but I guess that only goes so far. I wonder what my chances of getting a refund from Paypal is, if the rings turn out to be dodgy?

Are you guys mostly concerned because of how coloured the center stone looks in one of the photos, or because of the pattern/cut? Sorry, not good with the technical terms!

If it does all check out - would you say it's a good deal? It seems like it from my perspective, but that could be because T&C is vastly marked up in Asia...

Thanks again!

 

[JulieN]

The diamond looks funny. What are the numbers off of the Tiffany report? But seems weird that someone who can afford a Tiffany ring would bother switching out a diamond that only costs about $1000, and then replacing it with another diamond. It isn't a really cost effective scam.

 

[Bailey_Lou]

Paypal is pretty good about protecting sellers now, but to protect myself I would pay with my credit card as back up. You should find a good appraiser to check it out for you. I believe that there is a list of reputable appraisers here on PS?

 

[shesparkles]

The seller has gotten back to me with some more photos, but they're still not in daylight.

I've taken some pics in the kitchen; the light is pretty good but it's 10pm here so no natural light. Pics attached and I've also taken pics of the original receipts etc. You should be able to see the Tiffany's stamps on the rings - these were the best photo's I could take with my iPhone.

My girlfriend doesn't remember them ever being resized but the stones haven't been changed or replaced. She's is selling them as she's now divorced from her husband.

We had them valued in 2011 - the engagement ring was valued at $5400 and the wedding band at $3100. All certificate and valuations are included.

I am not a shop - this is a private sales - so all sales are final / no return policy.

What do you think?

 

[D&T]

Pictures are really deceiving... could just be the angle and whether it was cleaned thoroughly. I bought many items on ebay where some seller didn't bother cleaning. Got it and cleaned it myself, got it checked at the jeweler and all good.

its not really that difficult to make even an H&A diamond look like a dud with the camera especially if its an individual not skilled in photography. I find jewelry extremely difficult to photograph.