Returning to my original thinking - What do you think of this antique ring?

[Loves Vintage]

http://www.antiquejewelryforsale.com/viewProduct-140-Platinum_Art_Deco_Engagement_Ring.html

Ok, I appear to have come full circle again. The first estate ring that I tried on was handmade and had such a lovely quality about it. This is one of the things that I like about vintage/antique/estate rings.

I did a search on PS and found more antique ring sites. This ring is lovely. I've asked for additional photos. I will have a better idea how I feel about the stone when/if I see it in person, however, what do you think of the description -- white colored I? VS clarity? (i.e, VS 1 or 2, and what is a white colored I? does this mean it "faces up" white?) It seems like a vague description. Would an appraisal provide a more detailed description? I can let go of specific descriptions, but how much should I let go? And, then, how do I assess price?

I ask these questions at the risk of sounding annoying (b/c I've asked similar, but different) questions in the past. I really am new at all of this and I do appreciate your input.

 

[NeverEndingUpgrade]

I love vintage too!!! The price sounds good for the center diamond alone, having it already set is an extra bonus, especially in platinum. Yes, white should mean that it faces up white. Near colorless diamonds show their color more when viewed through the pavilion turned upside down, or near the pointy ends of pears, marquises, etc.

Ask the vendor if the diamond is certified, and if you can return the ring if you don''t like it. Then you can have an independent appraiser look at it. The most important quality in my opinion is light return and cut quality, and of course if you like the look of the diamond.

Happy vintage ring shopping!

 

[tberube]

I love how that vintage ring has little marquise accents on the side! I have never thought of that before and I think it''s GENIUS!! It''s so pretty - you should get it if you love it!

 

[Nicrez]

Just to make sure you are paying for the right thing, ask if it''s an original Art Deco piece. I don''t know why, but just looking at the amount of metal in the setting and the height of the diamond, I have a feeling this piece is reproduction, and not Art Deco original... Not that it matters, it''s just sort of a point of clarification. Lovely though....

 

[surfgirl]

I also dont think that''s an original, based on the photo. And I dont think those are marquise sides...they look like rounds in a marquise shaped setting. I have little rounds on the shank of my ring and they are set into pear shaped settings. If you look closely, they look round in that photo. I''d be wary of the grading as well. Ask if they have a cert for the stone. Just because someone says it''s a "white I" doesn''t mean it is. If you love this one, be sure that there is a good return/refund policy.

 

[Rhea]

It''s quite pretty! I also think the sides are rounds. It''s hard to tell from the photos. Does the vendor have more photos of it?

 

[Nicrez]

It''s no hard and fast rule, but when one has a 47th Street address, the larger number, like 78 (as this company is), generally tends to have mostly reproduction and i would further check. As some would tell you, the closer you are the 5th Avenue, the higher end the address, the higher end the items often sold. Again not a hard and fast rule, but good general rule of thumb... the lower the number, the closer to 5th Avenue. (5th Avenue is the beginning number point for most numbered side streets in NY that go East and West, FYI)

Hence 78 West 47th does not bode so well... Those are the smaller, shops (or malls), which I don''t trust too often, with rare exceptions.

They may not be bad, they may just require further investigation into their policies and ALWAYS pay with a good credit card like an Amex, to get a refund immediately should anything go wrong. Good luck!!

 

[Diamond*Dana]

It is a very pretty ring, but I agree that the sidestones look round (could be the picture, though). Regardless, it is pretty!

 

[Loves Vintage]

Here''s another picture of a similar setting:

http://www.antiquejewelryforsale.com/viewProduct-310-PLATINUM_ART_DECO_ENGAGMENT_RING.html

Maybe the first one I posted is a reproduction (even though the "history" section of this site seems to imply that everyone else says they have reproductions, but not him.

) Oh well, in any event, I would be visiting the ring in person. I can probably make it to the city next Saturday.

So, Nicrez - are there any specific shops that you might recommend? I''m also curious what you think of this setting:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=290139086305&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=019

I do realize it is a reproduction, but it''s so pretty, isn''t it? I asked how much the setting alone would be -- for a platinium setting with side stones (F VVS) for $ 1,275. Have you seen any similar antique pieces? And, do you think my diamond could easily disconnect from the rest of the ring?

In the interest of full disclosure, this is the felicity setting I keep referring to:

http://www.lussori.com/hearts-on-fire-felicity-engagement-ring-split-shank-wedding-ring-set.html

Have you seen any similar settings?

Thank you all for your help and feedback!

 

[surfgirl]

Can I ask two questions...

1. What''s your budget

2. Have you been proposed to, or are you having discussions with your BF
about actively looking at rings, or are you looking because you think a proposal is coming soon? I ask because if you are indeed looking at antique rings, you have to be ready to buy right away, it''s not like finding the setting you want and being able to buy it whenever your BF proposes.

I''m just curious since I haven''t seen other posts from you so I dont know the history...and a budget would be nice to know before we look further because the ring you showed in your most recent post is $17K and the other one was like $7.5K or thereabouts...big diff...

 

[Loves Vintage]

Date: 12/5/2007 2:43:44 AM
Author: surfgirl
Can I ask two questions...


1. What's your budget


2. Have you been proposed to, or are you having discussions with your BF

about actively looking at rings, or are you looking because you think a proposal is coming soon? I ask because if you are indeed looking at antique rings, you have to be ready to buy right away, it's not like finding the setting you want and being able to buy it whenever your BF proposes.


I'm just curious since I haven't seen other posts from you so I dont know the history...and a budget would be nice to know before we look further because the ring you showed in your most recent post is $17K and the other one was like $7.5K or thereabouts...big diff...

Hi Surf Girl,

There is no specific budget. BF is willing to go 15k or higher. I personally feel that anything over 10k is too much, and I would be pleased to go well under that amount. So, that is a spread, however, I only posted the 17k ring to show a different view of a similar ring and perhaps also to support the theory that my 7.5k ring is not an antique at all. (I am still waiting to hear back from the vendor.) So, I guess the budget is under 10k, however, if we find a ring that is a little more, then I might be willing to bend my rule. With that said, I don't want a center stone any larger than 1.3. My original thinking on size was .95.

My boyfriend and I are actively looking together, however, it is more me coming up with suggestions and him telling me which ones he likes. So far he likes the ebay ring I posted above, the 7.5k ring and Felicity. He seems rather exhausted by the process and is willing to buy whatever I approve when I approve it. We've really only started looking too!!

He told me that he was planning to propose w/o a ring in hand, and I told him that I didn't think that would be a good idea . . . do people do that? And, then get the ring later?