Preloved Jewellery

[bliss_cathy]

I was hoping to get some advice on buying designer pre loved jewellery.

How likely is it that a stamped piece coming with certification and is authentic? Is it possible to be able to confirm if something is authentic after purchasing? I know we can determine whether the metal and diamond are real, but is it possible to confirm the designer?

 

[bliss_cathy]

Anyone

 

[heididdl]

As you said Being stamped 575 14K 18K or platinum is one thing they can be acid tested. Certification from GIA, or AGS the stone might be laser inscribed But you didn't tell us what type of piece are you talking about a solitaire????? Does it simple have an appraisal. Remember an appraisal is generally for insurance purposes and is usually bumped up for replacement value. So I hope anything you look at might have a GIA certificate or you would need to have an independant appraisal look at it. Regarding designer more recent designers stamp their pieces but many do not.

 

[SB621]

exactly what designer and where are you purchasing it pre loved from?

Yes you can buy designer on the 2nd market but you need to be careful. For example Cartier and Tiffanys won't authenticate the piece. You really have to trust your source and ask the right questions.

 

[bliss_cathy]

I was looking at a Tiffany & Co solitaire on ebay. I also looked at a Tiffany and co solitaire on a local advertising site that came with receipts, the certificate, and the box, but was a bit more expensive.

The particular one I am looking at comes with a certificate and is stamped but no receipt. I also read that Tiffany doesn't authenticate and that concerned me. It comes with a return policy. However what raised my suspicion is that they also sold a lot of pre loved cartier and Bulgari jewellery too.

 

[ruby59]

With ebay, you need to look carefully at the feedback of the seller.

Could you post the auction? Maybe someone is familiar with that seller.

 

[bliss_cathy]

The feedback was 100% positive with 342 comments.

I'll try and post the link when I get home, just on my phone atm.

 

[SB621]

On the "other" jewelry forum that is more high end they seem to be better at letting you know what sellers are for real or not. If they have a bunch of brand name I would do a search over there or post looking for feedback.

 

[Gypsy]

Depends on where you buy it.

A good INDEPENDENT appraiser (not affiliated with any retail establishment) is your friend.

As for designer. Only the designer could tell you for sure unless its something like a branded diamond cut, that an appraiser could tell you.

 

[bliss_cathy]

It sold

I was watching it for two days, and it just sold shortly after I posted my last post.

Is the other forum TPF?

 

[bliss_cathy]

www.ebay.com.au/itm/TIFFANY-CO-Pt950-Platinum-Engagement-Ring-with-0-45ct-Diamond-Size6-5-9968-/321285155580?pt=US_Fine_Rings&hash=item4ace166afc&_uhb=1

This isn't the one I was looking at but has similar certification and pictures. It is the amount of designer jeweller they have in good condition that does make me suspicious.

Hi Gypsy, an appraiser can determine if the metal and the diamond are what they claim to be correct, but if Tiffany doesn't authenticate jeweller is there really no way of knowing then if pre loved Tiffany is Tiffany, unless I only purchase a pre loved piece with the receipts as well.

 

[ruby59]

I do not know how a receipt could absolutely prove the diamond is original to the setting.

Does Tiffany laser inscribe their diamonds? If so, you could check to make sure the number on the diamond matches the report to make sure all is original.

I see you are not in the US. There is one seller I can recommend diamonddr16. He sells a lot of T&C and designer jewelry. I have followed his auctions forever and he seems to be 100% legit.

 

[bliss_cathy]

Yes, Tiffany does laser inscribe their diamonds.

I have to admit, my first thought was to ensure that there is a Tiffany certification, then to ensure that the ring was stamped correctly and as you mention have the laser inscription match the certificate, that would be fine. My second thought was... would a jeweller go as far as to counterfeit jewellery and also fake the stamping and the laser inscription in the diamond?

It would have to be a very elaborate scheme passing off counterfeit pre loved tiffany jewellery correct?

Ruby59 how do you know where I am based? But no, I am not based in the US, I am based in Australia. This particular seller posts to Australia with no fee which is why I started looking at them. There was one seller who was US based where I think the item looked quite legitimate, but he didn't send to Australia.

 

[ruby59]

Yes, Tiffany does laser inscribe their diamonds.

I have to admit, my first thought was to ensure that there is a Tiffany certification, then to ensure that the ring was stamped correctly and as you mention have the laser inscription match the certificate, that would be fine. My second thought was... would a jeweller go as far as to counterfeit jewellery and also fake the stamping and the laser inscription in the diamond?

It would have to be a very elaborate scheme passing off counterfeit pre loved tiffany jewellery correct?

Ruby59 how do you know where I am based? But no, I am not based in the US, I am based in Australia. This particular seller posts to Australia with no fee which is why I started looking at them. There was one seller who was US based where I think the item looked quite legitimate, but he didn't send to Australia.

The way you spelled "jewellery" gave you away.

 

[bliss_cathy]

 

[bliss_cathy]

I decided to go with the local advertiser. It didn't raise the red flags like the ebay account. The ring has the tiffany certification, the letter from tiffany and co, is stamped, laser engraved, and has the receipts. They are also happy with me having an independent appraisal.

So I've made an offer and they have accepted.

However, they live on the other side of Australia! Does anyone have any advice how I can complete this transaction remotely?

Can I get them to drop it off at an appraiser, have the appraiser hold the item and then I wire the appraiser money?

Does anyone have any ideas??