Newbie Question: Great price? Fair? Terrible? No Idea!

[upperleftsparkle]

Hi everyone,

I am looking at buying an antique diamond engagement ring, and need to know if the price is reasonable. It''s hard to comparison shop because it''s an old ring with an OEC diamond. Wish I had a picture to accompany.

Anyway, the diamond is 2.5ct, H, VS1, Old European Cut, set it a very lowkey but pretty art deco setting. I love the simplicity. The stone is a good size (maybe actually a little too big). Very nice colors. No (or very, very subtle) fluorescence. The price is US$ 20K.

Good price? Bad price? As noted, it''s hard to comparison shop with old rings, and I really like the look, so I may go for it unless it''s just an unbelievable ripoff. It is a very reputable jeweler....

Any insight you pros can share is much appreciated in making this very important decision. Thanks!

 

[Gypsy]

Is the stone certified and if so, by whom? Will they let you take it to an appraiser before buying it?

 

[upperleftsparkle]

Thanks for the reply, and those are good questions. The answer to the first, is that I''m not 100% sure, but the woman who owns the store is a trained gemologist and fairly well known in the Pacific Northwest. I doubt that it''s GIA (or similar) certified.

As for taking it for appraisals, I''m not sure. I can return it, but I imagine that I''d have to pay for it before it left the store. As noted, the store is reputable, so no real concern that they''d pack up and leave town before I could return the ring.

I am really just wondering if this is even in the right ballpark. And thanks again for the reply.

 

[chrono]

To know whether the stone is even in the ballpark will depend on the appraisal. As of now, how do you (and us) know it''s really a H VS1? How do we know the condition of the stone (minor girdle chipping, or abraision of facets), cut, or even the value of the setting? Many store owners are GIA trained but that doesn''t mean he/she''ll be impartial when it comes to grading their own goods to make a sale. I''d rely on someone who has no ties to the store and isn''t in the business of selling/buying jewellery.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 1/3/2008 8:33:34 AM
Author: Chrono
To know whether the stone is even in the ballpark will depend on the appraisal. As of now, how do you (and us) know it's really a H VS1? How do we know the condition of the stone (minor girdle chipping, or abraision of facets), cut, or even the value of the setting? Many store owners are GIA trained but that doesn't mean he/she'll be impartial when it comes to grading their own goods to make a sale. I'd rely on someone who has no ties to the store and isn't in the business of selling/buying jewellery.

Absolutely, I personally wouldn't consider a ring of that price without a good independant appraisal.

Here is a tool which can help you find an appraiser in your area - https://www.pricescope.com/appr_list.aspx

 

[Shay37]

I have to chime in on the appraisal first without a cert. I would not be willing to plunk down 20k no matter how lovely if I wasn''t sure what it was purchasing. If you get it checked and it is reasonable, then you don''t end up with buyer''s remorse.

shay

 

[surfgirl]

It all depends on whether or not the stone is what they say it is, and whether or not the setting is really antique or a reproduction. I have an antique ering and I shopped quite a lot before purchasing it and IF your ring is in excellent condition, excellent cut, great performance, then that price seems on target. That said, I too fell for an uncert''d stone so after much discussion with the shop owners, they allowed me to sign out the stone on consignment for 24 hours, to get it appraised independently with no money down. However, that is a really unusual way to do it and I''m guessing you can ask about this sort of arrangement but dont expect it. You have to figure that from her perspective, you might ding the ring/stone while it''s in your possession and then bring back a damaged ring to her. I''d see if you can line up an appraisal appointment with an independent appraiser, then go to her and see if she''ll let you take it out for appraisal on deposit, or see if you can pay by credit card (so you have recourse to stop payments if need be, but dont tell her that) and take it for appraisal with the understanding that it''s out for approval pending appraisal.

If you can take a good photo of it that would help us see any obvious flaws or workmanship issues. Good luck.

If you want to read my story, my ring thread is here:

https://www.pricescope.com/forum/op-requested/at-last-my-antique-ering-t61580.html

https://www.pricescope.com/forum/op-requested/opinions-needed-on-antique-ering-t60438.html

 

[upperleftsparkle]

Thanks for the help everyone! My gut was that I should get it independently appraised, and I think I''ll do that. Good to get a reality check.

And surfgirl, thanks for the info. Your ring is beautiful, and looks similar to the ring I''m considering. Glad to know that the price is in line. It really is a very nice ring.

Thanks again.