Opinions on this diamond engagement ring?

[CheshireCat]

I am looking for your opinions on this diamond marquise cut ring. What do you guys think about the cut, clarity, and carat size? It measures out at 3 carats according to an online site but I am not sure yet. My Grandmother is going to get it appraised soon because she has forgotten the details so we are waiting on that. It has been insured. I am also looking for suggestions on settings since I am going to have it reset. Again, I am looking for opinions on the cut, clarity, and size of how it appears on my finger. I am looking for suggestions on settings and such. I was considering a halo but I am not sure if it would flatter this solitaire.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

It looks really nice but it would be hard to guess about the specs. I would guess maybe between 1 to 2 carats? No way to tell about clarity just from these pictures. Color doesn't look tinted. You definitely need to get an updated appraisal for insurance especially after you have it reset.

 

[CheshireCat]

Thank you. It has been insured for $52,725. This ring is over one carat. I was assuming it could be a 2 or a 2.5 but according to the online website, it says it is 3 carats.

 

[Christina...]

I thought that you already knew it was 3cts? Why do you keep asking our thoughts if you already know?

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/how-many-carats-is-this-ring-about-can-someone-help-me.180161/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/how-many-carats-is-this-ring-about-can-someone-help-me.180161/[/URL]

 

[CheshireCat]

I thought that you already knew it was 3cts? Why do you keep asking our thoughts if you already know?

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/how-many-carats-is-this-ring-about-can-someone-help-me.180161/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/how-many-carats-is-this-ring-about-can-someone-help-me.180161/[/URL]

That was not the question of this topic since I was not asking how many carats this ring is. Christina, I am simply adding how many carats I measured this as to include more detail on my ring for others who choose to suggest their ideas. I have asked this question here since I have never asked about the cut or clarity before. Also Christina, if you take a look at that topic you have linked, I was asking how many carats the ring was in the title. The title of this post is the opinion on the ring. Furthermore, I have posted this question in the diamond grading forum asking about the diamond's grading. If we take a look at my question in this topic, I have added that I am seeking advice not only on how the carat size appears on my finger, but also advice on the cut, clarity, and settings of the ring. I have bolded where I asked what others think about the cut, clarity, and carat size of the ring. I have underlined what the size of the ring is. I also have, in bold, where I am looking for suggestions on the setting of the ring. Nowhere did I ask what the carat size of the ring is. I am taking advantage of the wealth of knowledge there is in the PriceScope databases as well as valuing the opinions of the many experienced members here by asking for opinions on my ring, which is what is great about PriceScope as well.

I am looking for your opinions on this diamond marquise cut ring. What do you guys think about the cut, clarity, and carat size? It measures out at 3 carats according to an online site but I am not sure yet. I don't know if it looks like 3 carats on me though. My Grandmother is going to get it appraised soon because she has forgotten the details. This ring has been insured. I am also looking for suggestions on settings since I am going to have it reset.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

It could be 3 cts. but how much it is worth may be very different depending on who valued it. You probably should have an independent appraiser appraise it for you. You don't want it overvalued because you'd overpay for insurance premiums, and you don't want it undervalued so it can be replaced if lost, stolen, or damaged.

Where did the $52,000 value come from?

 

[CheshireCat]

It could be 3 cts. but how much it is worth may be very different depending on who valued it. You probably should have an independent appraiser appraise it for you. You don't want it overvalued because you'd overpay for insurance premiums, and you don't want it undervalued so it can be replaced if lost, stolen, or damaged.

Where did the $52,000 value come from?

This ring was purchased from C.D. Peacock 25 years ago. At that time, C.D. Peacock gave the appraisal and the appraisal was given to the insurance company who insured the ring.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I see. That is amazing they have insured it all that time based on an appraisal that old! Diamonds have fluctuated in value over time. There was a period back then where I had a diamond appraised very high, and it is really not worth more than that now. But you really can't have any idea how much it is worth without an unbiased appraisal as jeweler valuations are almost always inflated to make the buyer thing they got a good deal. But it certainly could be worth that much or even more now if it is the right size, color, and clarity. Looks like it needs to be 3 cts. and F or G VS1 to be over $50k. I'll be interested to see what you find out!

 

[kenny]

Value varies tremendously with color and clarity.
To prove this I just went to www.bluenile.com because they have a huge database.
I searched for GIA-graded 3 ct. marquise of all their grades of color and clarity.

Prices varied from $21,467 for a 3.02 ct J SI1 to $338,607 for a 3.01 D IF.
Nobody can guess color and clarity from any picture so get it removed from the setting and send it to GIA to determine the weight, color and clarity grades.

Bluenile only lists diamonds down to J SI2.
GIA's scale goes to Z I3 so there are also 3 ct marquise MUCH cheaper than $21K.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I agree that it would be great to send it to GIA, but I was hesitant to recommend that since the value was uncertain and it might not be properly insured or it might not even be covered if removed from the mounting. I feel like she could go to an independent appraiser first if she lives near a city with a good one.

 

[LibbyLA]

It matters not what anyone here thinks because our opinions are worth exactly what you pay for them. The only way to get your questions answered is to have your diamond appraised and/or send it to GIA for grading.

liz

 

[Niel]

I wouldnt want to guess the price, your idea to get it appraised is a good idea.

As for settings, these are my two favorite settings



[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-great-grandmothers-e-ring.149351/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-great-grandmothers-e-ring.149351/[/URL]



also, IMHO a halo on that shape is beautiful

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/new-to-me.51154/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/new-to-me.51154/[/URL]

 

[CheshireCat]

It matters not what anyone here thinks because our opinions are worth exactly what you pay for them. The only way to get your questions answered is to have your diamond appraised and/or send it to GIA for grading.

liz

Actually, I do value and have genuine interest in opinions and ideas of others and that is why I have posted this question. I will not be sending the diamond to GIA because my family does not trust that the diamond leaving our sight. My grandmother just told me that it is important that a diamond never leaves one's eye when getting it appraised. Yes, as I have already previously indicated in my topic post, we will be getting the ring appraised.

I wouldnt want to guess the price, your idea to get it appraised is a good idea.

As for settings, these are my two favorite settings



[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-great-grandmothers-e-ring.149351/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-great-grandmothers-e-ring.149351/[/URL]



also, IMHO a halo on that shape is beautiful

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/new-to-me.51154/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/new-to-me.51154/[/URL]

Those are lovely ideas! I do really like that halo you posted! I also love the first setting that you showed. Thank you so much for sharing such awesome ideas; I really appreciate it!

 

[kenny]

If you like the pear or oval shape better than marquise you can get it recut, though obviously it would drop in weight.

Many here have said they are happy with Briangavindiamonds' recutting.

When Brian is finished with it, it will almost certainly have much better light performance - which makes a diamond look larger than one of the same size with poor light performance.

 

[Niel]

oh not a problem. I am not an expert on diamonds like a lot of these ladies and gents are, but I find settings very interesting. That halo is a ritani. I just set my pear in that type of setting, its over in the SMTB forum. My pear isnt even a ct and it provides a LOT of finger coverage with a very dainty halo. Plus, it brings a modern twist to an older cut.
but with that said I dont know if i could choose between that and the 3 stone setting either.
And that solitaire has that great graduated shank like your original setting does

Good luck Whatever the ct weight its got a lot of finger presents and will be very unique ( in a good way!)

 

[AprilBaby]

lOVE that first 3-stone setting! Your diamond would be stunning in that!!!

 

[kenny]

Value varies tremendously with color and clarity.
To prove this I just went to www.bluenile.com because they have a huge database.
I searched for GIA-graded 3 ct. marquise of all their grades of color and clarity.

Prices varied from $21,467 for a 3.02 ct J SI1 to $338,607 for a 3.01 D IF.
Nobody can guess color and clarity from any picture so get it removed from the setting and send it to GIA to determine the weight, color and clarity grades.

Bluenile only lists diamonds down to J SI2.
GIA's scale goes to Z I3 so there are also 3 ct marquise MUCH cheaper than $21K.

My apologies.
The comp on the right in my above comparison chart is a round.
I forgot to unclick Bluenile's round button.

Below is what the price range should be.
Less dramatic, but still the point is ... get it graded by GIA because the value varies tremendously based on grades and grading by GIA is the most trusted and authoritative.

 

[CheshireCat]

So if I find out that it is worth more than the value of what it was insured at of $52,000 would it be in our family's best interest to sell it and purchase it for a larger carat or different diamond? What are your opinions on that? I am looking for all options and ideas.

 

[kenny]

So if I find out that it is worth more than the value of what it was insured at of $52,000 would it be in our family's best interest to sell it and purchase it for a larger carat or different diamond?

NO!
If it "appraises" at $52,000 you are NOT going to get anywhere near $52,000 for it.

We in the public must buy at retail prices but sell at wholesale prices, which are MUCH less - perhaps 30% or more.
Unlike gold, diamonds are not a commodity that can be bought and sold at very near a universally agreed-to price.

Tell grandma insisting the diamond never leaves your sight is a sure way to never be certain what the color and clarity grades are and therefore what the value is.
Even an appraisal from the most trusted and competent appraiser in the world does not carry the weight of a GIA report.
I personally would NEVER buy a diamond over say $500 without a GIA or AGS report, especially from a private party.
(Keep in mind that, unlike an "appraisal", GIA does not provide a value guess.

You can hand deliver the diamond to GIA in NY or Carlsbad CA if you don't trust a jeweler to ship it or the shipper itself.
(BTW, Malca Amit is the shipper I trust since they are a leader in shipping diamonds around the world for the diamond industry.)

GIA will deal directly with the public.
Just look up their phone number and call them.
A full grading report on a 3 ct diamond costs $217.

GIA is not going to steal/swap your 3 ct diamond.
They are trusted to grade 300+ carat diamonds.

http://www.gia.edu/lab-reports-services/fees_payment/lab_fees/LAB_feeschedule_Diamond_07012012_USD.pdf

 

[Christina...]

Diamonds are typically poor investments. Simply because a stone is appraised at X amount does not necessarily mean that another person would purchase it for that amount. Typically diamonds on the secondary market sell for 30%-50% below their estimated market value. One of the reasons is that a person buying in this market is giving up certain policies that are available when purchasing through a vendor, such a buy backs and upgrades. They also often don't have a return period or a very limited one and there is a fair amount of risk involved, particularly with you stone since it doesn't appear to have a grading report from GIA or AGS, and it sounds as though that isn't a consideration for you, so the purchaser must have faith that the appraisal your are providing is accurate. Though it's possible that your diamond was accurately appraised for fair market value, it's more often typical that appraisals are over inflated to give the consumer the feeling of having gotten a good deal.

EDIT: I was posting as Kenny was, so DITTO everything that he said!

 

[kenny]

Another reason to not sell it is marquise shape is very out of style now.
Many associate the shape with . . . well . . . grandma's ring since marquise was all the rage in the 1950s and 60s, much like halo settings are now.
The sentimental value it may hold for you means nothing to a buyer.

There is very little demand for them so regardless of what you see them listed for and what an appraisal says you may get much less than you'd get for a 3 ct round, and it may take forever to sell a marquise - especially with no GIA report.
Unless you price it very low, selling any diamond is not easy or quick even for the most popular shapes WITH a GIA report.

I'm sorry if I sound mean.
I'm just trying to get your head out of the clouds, and down to reality.

If you want to sell it I'd recommend getting it recut into a pear and get a GIA report.
The pear shape will sacrifice the least weight.

 

[Niel]

The appraisal is for replacement cost not actual cash value in a second hand marketplace.
If your grandmother is that concerned about the diamond why would you be selling it anyways? And sure kenny is right marquise are not the most fashionable and common stone - But personally who wants to be like everybody else

If you like it and set it in a halo or three stone I think it would look very modern and people would be very jealous of your finger coverage
(or even an EW setting if you wanted something completely different).
If you dont like it dont try and force yourself to love it.


and if it doenst have the best cut I would send it to BG to cut it but just still keep the shape

 

[CheshireCat]

Another reason to not sell it is marquise shape is very out of style now.
Many associate the shape with . . . well . . . grandma's ring since marquise was all the rage in the 1950s and 60s, much like halo settings are now.
The sentimental value it may hold for you means nothing to a buyer.

There is very little demand for them so regardless of what you see them listed for and what an appraisal says you may get much less than you'd get for a 3 ct round, and it may take forever to sell a marquise - especially with no GIA report.
Unless you price it very low, selling any diamond is not easy or quick even for the most popular shapes WITH a GIA report.

I'm sorry if I sound mean.
I'm just trying to get your head out of the clouds, and down to reality.

If you want to sell it I'd recommend getting it recut into a pear and get a GIA report.
The pear shape will sacrifice the least weight.

This was an amusing read. This was not my Grandmother's engagement ring at all. She purchased it from one of her friends in business. My Grandmother owner her own company buying and selling aluminum. Kenny nowhere did I mention that I believe sentimental value will mean more value to a buyer so that statement of yours was quite unnecessary. Obviously I am aware that the appraisal will mean less if it was sold and that marquises are not as in demands as round. This doesn't mean that it makes a marquise any less of a beautiful gem, by the way . Clearly, money to me is not an issue in this case Kenny and I would have no problem selling a gem and buying a larger stone if that is what I choose to do. Also, Kenny, I am sorry if my message comes off as very matter of fact but I am quite appalled at the way you have given me advice... it was not as professional as I would've expected. Also, I hope to get your head out of the clouds and down to reality of my unique situation as well. If you don't want to provide genuine advice then please leave no comment. Thank you.

 

[kenny]

I forgot to mention if you recut it into a pear it may be worth more and/or sell faster, even after the weight loss.

Sure a marquise is beautiful to those who love the shape, but you are talking about selling so I'm letting you know the effects of the marquise being in low demand.

Don't shoot the messenger.
BTW, I'm not a professional.

 

[CheshireCat]

I forgot to mention if you recut it into a pear it may be worth more and/or sell faster, even after the weight loss.

Don't shoot the messenger.
BTW, I'm not a professional.

Thank you, I appreciate that suggestion and I always take opinions of interest into consideration. Obviously the marquise is low in demand compared to classic round and that was not something I indicated that I was worried about at all. In fact, I never even stated that I was set on selling it. I was only considering and contemplating all options.

 

[Haven]

I think the best way to figure out all your options for this stone is to get it appraised by an independent appraiser. PS is a great resource for reputable appraisers. You'll only be able to know what it actually is, in terms of specs, once you do that.

Once you find out what you have, then the real fun can begin--do you want to recut it? Do you want to reset it for yourself? Take it apart and sell just the stone? Set it as a pendant? The opportunities are endless. Once you know the stone's real specs, you can check out the secondary market and see what comparable stones are selling for, and then decide if it would be worth it to part with it.

You asked "So if I find out that it is worth more than the value of what it was insured at of $52,000 would it be in our family's best interest to sell it and purchase it for a larger carat or different diamond?"
Unfortunately, I don't think this is a likely scenario, considering you won't get anywhere near the stone's retail value when you sell it. But again, impossible to tell since you don't really know what you have there.

You asked for opinions on cut, clarity, and size. These things are hard to tell from pictures, but I would guess it's around 1.5 to 2 cts in size. Clarity is impossible to guess at, and the cut doesn't look great from the pictures, but that could just be the pictures. Either way, I'm not expert, just someone who spends way too much time looking at diamonds. However, the real experts are all going to tell you the same thing: No way to tell unless you bring it to an appraiser!

I look forward to hearing what you learn about this stone, and to seeing what you decide to do with it. This is a fun project to have!

 

[CheshireCat]

I think the best way to figure out all your options for this stone is to get it appraised by an independent appraiser. PS is a great resource for reputable appraisers. You'll only be able to know what it actually is, in terms of specs, once you do that.

Once you find out what you have, then the real fun can begin--do you want to recut it? Do you want to reset it for yourself? Take it apart and sell just the stone? Set it as a pendant? The opportunities are endless. Once you know the stone's real specs, you can check out the secondary market and see what comparable stones are selling for, and then decide if it would be worth it to part with it.

You asked "So if I find out that it is worth more than the value of what it was insured at of $52,000 would it be in our family's best interest to sell it and purchase it for a larger carat or different diamond?"
Unfortunately, I don't think this is a likely scenario, considering you won't get anywhere near the stone's retail value when you sell it. But again, impossible to tell since you don't really know what you have there.

You asked for opinions on cut, clarity, and size. These things are hard to tell from pictures, but I would guess it's around 1.5 to 2 cts in size. Clarity is impossible to guess at, and the cut doesn't look great from the pictures, but that could just be the pictures. Either way, I'm not expert, just someone who spends way too much time looking at diamonds. However, the real experts are all going to tell you the same thing: No way to tell unless you bring it to an appraiser!

I look forward to hearing what you learn about this stone, and to seeing what you decide to do with it. This is a fun project to have!

Thank you I appreciate your insight. I will be reporting back once I find out the details on the ring including the exact carat size, cut, clarity, and value.

 

[TC1987]

I personally would NEVER buy a diamond over say $500 without a GIA or AGS report, especially from a private party.

Let's see, I have done this, ahhhh... 6 times now. I don't believe I overpaid buy much more that $1000 at worst, in all. If I ever lose money on a resale, I'll just look at it philosophically as a rental fee for owning and wearing the diamond(s) a while. After all, the vendors will dock you at least 25% to buy your diamond back.

That marquise could be a shallow cut, and that would make it measure big for its weight. That might still be okay, but in that case I'd opt for the pave' setting but probably with a high peg head, to let light as much light as possible in through the back of the stone. And that way, you wouldn't have to worry about finding two sidestones that don't beat the pants off the marquise for fire and scintillation. (I hope I used the right terms, there.)

eta: The '80s prices were really overinflated for the quality, compared to today. '80s were the days of huge markups on diamonds. Plus as others said, the marquise was at the height of popularity. Definitely have it appraised and adjust that insurance coverage down. They are probably thrilled to have you overpaying on it. If it got lost, stolen, or damaged, the insurance (depending what you have) would just replace it with whatever they deem is appropriate, or pay probably only what they value the diamond at today. You'd have to read the policy and see how it's worded.

 

[kenny]

I personally would NEVER buy a diamond over say $500 without a GIA or AGS report, especially from a private party.

Let's see, I have done this, ahhhh... 6 times now. I don't believe I overpaid buy much more that $1000 at worst, in all. If I ever lose money on a resale, I'll just look at it philosophically as a rental fee for owning and wearing the diamond(s) a while. After all, the vendors will dock you at least 25% to buy your diamond back.

That marquise could be a shallow cut, and that would make it measure big for its weight. That might still be okay, but in that case I'd opt for the pave' setting but probably with a high peg head, to let light as much light as possible in through the back of the stone. And that way, you wouldn't have to worry about finding two sidestones that don't beat the pants off the marquise for fire and scintillation. (I hope I used the right terms, there.)

eta: The '80s prices were really overinflated for the quality, compared to today. '80s were the days of huge markups on diamonds. Plus as others said, the marquise was at the height of popularity. Definitely have it appraised and adjust that insurance coverage down. They are probably thrilled to have you overpaying on it. If it got lost, stolen, or damaged, the insurance (depending what you have) would just replace it with whatever they deem is appropriate, or pay probably only what they value the diamond at today. You'd have to read the policy and see how it's worded.

No problem.
People vary.

I need to be certain of what I spend big bucks on.

Others love a "deal" and take a risk.
Sometimes they do get a killer deal, other times they get ripped off.
I avoid both.

Would you buy this 3 ct $52,000 marquise without a GIA or AGS report from a private party?
Few informed people would.

 

[LibbyLA]

Again, I'll reiterate. It doesn't matter what anyone's opinion is of the size, color, clarity, or cut. Opinions don't make it so, and you can't tell any of that from looking at pictures. Only someone who is trained to measure and grade can give you that information. You can have people guessing all day long at the color or clarity and even taken an average of all the guesses, but that won't make your diamond be anything but what it is, and only someone who actually looks at it and measures it can tell you what you have.

Get it appraised and/or send it to GIA. A reputable appraiser will NOT swap out your diamond, nor will GIA. They can't afford to endanger their reputations. Until you have it appraised and/or graded, you will have absolutely no idea what you have.

liz