Silly antique stone question...

[ihy138]

Does anyone know where vendors find their OECs, OMBs, and transitionals? Do they just go to pawn shops and estate sales? Probably a silly question...but I haven't seen any threads on it.

 

[Dreamer_D]

Off the hands of lovely old ladies who have passed

I am curious too.

 

[yssie]

Interesting question! Especially vendors who specialise in these - is there some database/shared inventory for them?

 

[ihy138]

Off the hands of lovely old ladies who have passed

I am curious too.

Perhaps that explains why it's such a mystery...!

Interesting question! Especially vendors who specialise in these - is there some database/shared inventory for them?

I wondered this myself...for example, OWD or JbEG.


I always ponder the history of my (now two) antique stones. It would be interesting to know where these are coming from! My guess is the OEC's, etc. that we see on eBay are from estate sales or are family-owned pieces.

 

[SparklyOEC]

I've been wondering about this as well. I think Dreamer has a good point.

 

[anne_h]

You know, I once asked an antiques dealer this. I said "Antique jewelry is so beautiful, why would anyone sell it??" and she said that when someone dies, the (grown) kids don't always want the pieces. Or they can't decide who should get what, so they just sell it all and split the proceeds. I can totally believe that accounts for at least some of it.

Anne

 

[anne_h]

Oh yeah, also - vendor-only antique jewelry shows! I found out about at least a few of these while I was doing my stone hunt last year. Some vendors go there to buy and sell pieces or stones.

However, where *those* pieces originally come from I don't know.

Although I do note there's a ton of antique jewelry in Florida, I presume from the retirement community (estates).

The other meccas I know of are NYC (of course) and LA.

Anne

 

[MrsM]

When I was at Langs Antiques last month, I asked them if they traveled to get their pieces and they told me that most of their stuff is brought to them from people who live locally and want to sell their jewelry!

 

[Dreamer_D]

My first OEC I bought from a small time antique jeweler who told me the diamond came from the estate of a 90 year old woman in kentucky. Likely the antique dealer got it in a large box of stuff, sometimes they buy like that. She did not know anything about diamonds and sold it for too little.

My second OEC I bought from a woman around my age, the daimond had belonger to her MIL. I think she had an idea of the value since she had an appraisal but still sold it for so little.

I just bought another one from a small antique jeweler, I don't think she knows where it came from but she also did not know anything about diamonds. She sold it for so little I can only assume she got it in a larger parcel of items. Dealers will sometime buy from estates boxes of things and not know what is in them!

 

[Dreamer_D]

I live in a town with a lot of retirees. There have got to be some good antiques here.

 

[maplefemme]

It seems when someone passes, and belongings get divided, that many people assume antique jewelry has a lower value, this includes diamonds. They are quite happy to get 'something' for it.
When you consider that there's a finite amount of these pieces kicking around and they are all preowned, a large majority of pieces I see are just from regular people selling what they'd never wear themselves due to style preferences or because of economic needs.
In turn, there's a lot of people out there looking to swoop it up to make a profit off of it (or keep it, some pieces I can never let go of once they arrive!) and that includes vendors and private buyers. Vendors have the luxury of people coming to them with their pieces, were as privately you have to get out there looking.
My hobby is flipping antiques, pre 1900's, mostly jewelry, and not specifically diamonds.
Every day there's a list of searches and places I look for pieces to come to up, it usually takes a couple of hours to go through.
I rely on people mislabeling their jewelry with general terms. Like lots of other PSers who stalk ebay for old cuts, rarely are they listed as "old european" etc, you have to dig a bit deeper and get creative in searches.

 

[Gypsy]

Well, one of the ebay sellers that has the nicest (and unfortunately most expensive) selection of old cuts is in the middle of retirement central Florida. So... ya know?

Also pawn shops. I know that one of the pawn shops near me said they had what they called an H VS old cut and when I tried to negotiate the price they said, "Nope, I know I can get this for it to a retailer."

 

[ihy138]

You know, I once asked an antiques dealer this. I said "Antique jewelry is so beautiful, why would anyone sell it??" and she said that when someone dies, the (grown) kids don't always want the pieces. Or they can't decide who should get what, so they just sell it all and split the proceeds. I can totally believe that accounts for at least some of it.

Anne

That makes a lot of sense. Then again, who wouldn't want a free diamond or piece of jewelry?!? I get it...not everyone has the same priorities as us PSers...

I live in a town with a lot of retirees. There have got to be some good antiques here.

Lucky you! It is a RARITY to find quality antique items where I live.

It seems when someone passes, and belongings get divided, that many people assume antique jewelry has a lower value, this includes diamonds. They are quite happy to get 'something' for it.
When you consider that there's a finite amount of these pieces kicking around and they are all preowned, a large majority of pieces I see are just from regular people selling what they'd never wear themselves due to style preferences or because of economic needs.
In turn, there's a lot of people out there looking to swoop it up to make a profit off of it (or keep it, some pieces I can never let go of once they arrive!) and that includes vendors and private buyers. Vendors have the luxury of people coming to them with their pieces, were as privately you have to get out there looking.
My hobby is flipping antiques, pre 1900's, mostly jewelry, and not specifically diamonds.
Every day there's a list of searches and places I look for pieces to come to up, it usually takes a couple of hours to go through.
I rely on people mislabeling their jewelry with general terms. Like lots of other PSers who stalk ebay for old cuts, rarely are they listed as "old european" etc, you have to dig a bit deeper and get creative in searches.

That's just what does it for me. I feel like in owning antiques, I have a piece of history. These things are valuable to me, so I'll pay for them. I suppose not everyone who inherits an antique feels that same way. I'm not complaining! I've gotten some lovely pieces because people don't attribute as much value to them as I do (or, rather, they value money more).

This question came up because I just purchased an antique wedding band with the original initials and engraving in it. It made me think of where this ring came from, how it got to the vendor, etc.

 

[ihy138]

Well, one of the ebay sellers that has the nicest (and unfortunately most expensive) selection of old cuts is in the middle of retirement central Florida. So... ya know?

Also pawn shops. I know that one of the pawn shops near me said they had what they called an H VS old cut and when I tried to negotiate the price they said, "Nope, I know I can get this for it to a retailer."

This particular seller must be known in the community as someone who is willing to purchase estate pieces and families of deceased retirees will go to him/her? Otherwise, is there some "sell your deceased family member's jewelry" convention that I don't know about??

 

[maplefemme]

You know, I once asked an antiques dealer this. I said "Antique jewelry is so beautiful, why would anyone sell it??" and she said that when someone dies, the (grown) kids don't always want the pieces. Or they can't decide who should get what, so they just sell it all and split the proceeds. I can totally believe that accounts for at least some of it.

Anne

That makes a lot of sense. Then again, who wouldn't want a free diamond or piece of jewelry?!? I get it...not everyone has the same priorities as us PSers...

I live in a town with a lot of retirees. There have got to be some good antiques here.

Lucky you! It is a RARITY to find quality antique items where I live.

It seems when someone passes, and belongings get divided, that many people assume antique jewelry has a lower value, this includes diamonds. They are quite happy to get 'something' for it.
When you consider that there's a finite amount of these pieces kicking around and they are all preowned, a large majority of pieces I see are just from regular people selling what they'd never wear themselves due to style preferences or because of economic needs.
In turn, there's a lot of people out there looking to swoop it up to make a profit off of it (or keep it, some pieces I can never let go of once they arrive!) and that includes vendors and private buyers. Vendors have the luxury of people coming to them with their pieces, were as privately you have to get out there looking.
My hobby is flipping antiques, pre 1900's, mostly jewelry, and not specifically diamonds.
Every day there's a list of searches and places I look for pieces to come to up, it usually takes a couple of hours to go through.
I rely on people mislabeling their jewelry with general terms. Like lots of other PSers who stalk ebay for old cuts, rarely are they listed as "old european" etc, you have to dig a bit deeper and get creative in searches.

That's just what does it for me. I feel like in owning antiques, I have a piece of history. These things are valuable to me, so I'll pay for them. I suppose not everyone who inherits an antique feels that same way. I'm not complaining! I've gotten some lovely pieces because people don't attribute as much value to them as I do (or, rather, they value money more).

This question came up because I just purchased an antique wedding band with the original initials and engraving in it. It made me think of where this ring came from, how it got to the vendor, etc.

Absolutely, I love sentimental pieces, but not everyone has the same association. For example, I was quite flawed as to why none of Liz Taylor's children kept any of her most sentimental pieces, but maybe they didn't have a say in the matter? I don't know...
I was eyeing her theatre token necklace, it was so sentimental and historic by it's very nature, long before she owned it. I knew it would go for WAY more than the $1,500-$2,000 estimate, I can't find a single token for $2,000 - actually I can't find any that aren't already sold...hens teeth!
I see things like Lover's Eyes and memorial jewelry and I wonder how it ever got out of the family. But like you, I'm not complaining, more spoils for us!

 

[Gypsy]

Well, one of the ebay sellers that has the nicest (and unfortunately most expensive) selection of old cuts is in the middle of retirement central Florida. So... ya know?

Also pawn shops. I know that one of the pawn shops near me said they had what they called an H VS old cut and when I tried to negotiate the price they said, "Nope, I know I can get this for it to a retailer."

This particular seller must be known in the community as someone who is willing to purchase estate pieces and families of deceased retirees will go to him/her? Otherwise, is there some "sell your deceased family member's jewelry" convention that I don't know about??

It all starts with location, location, location.

They could buy their pieces from "estate liquidator' companies who kinda ambulance chase obituaries and buy estates whole then turn around and resell the pieces to retailers.

They could have good relationships with clientele and get lots of referrals through word of mouth.

They could offer 'free appraisals' at communities. A table and a few hours or laughs and coffee buys a lot of good will. Fixed income people need cash not bling. So... they set up a table and give out values. And if people ask or look interested in selling they offer them a low cash on the spot price. Or some thing comes up and someone needs cash they remember that 'nice appraiser person... what was his name?"

Who knows. Could be all of them, or none of them. Point it. It all starts with location.

 

[Dreamer_D]

I found it There is an auction house in my town. Speciality auctions a few times a year. Kicking myself I did not look sooner they just had an auction in December with a whack of old cuts!!

 

[maplefemme]

I found it There is an auction house in my town. Speciality auctions a few times a year. Kicking myself I did not look sooner they just had an auction in December with a whack of old cuts!!

Score! Were the realized prices good?

Edited for spelling, it's time for bed, what can I say

 

[Dreamer_D]

I found it There is an auction house in my town. Speciality auctions a few times a year. Kicking myself I did not look sooner they just had an auction in December with a whack of old cuts!!

Score! Were the realized prices good?

Edited for spelling, it's time for bed, what can I say

Not wild good, but good enough. 2.96ct J OEC for $10k. 1.4ct OEC for $5500. Some others.

 

[maplefemme]

I found it There is an auction house in my town. Speciality auctions a few times a year. Kicking myself I did not look sooner they just had an auction in December with a whack of old cuts!!

Score! Were the realized prices good?

Edited for spelling, it's time for bed, what can I say

Not wild good, but good enough. 2.96ct J OEC for $10k. 1.4ct OEC for $5500. Some others.

Good enough! That's the specs I'm looking for...

 

[Dreamer_D]

I found it There is an auction house in my town. Speciality auctions a few times a year. Kicking myself I did not look sooner they just had an auction in December with a whack of old cuts!!

Score! Were the realized prices good?

Edited for spelling, it's time for bed, what can I say

Not wild good, but good enough. 2.96ct J OEC for $10k. 1.4ct OEC for $5500. Some others.

Good enough! That's the specs I'm looking for...

I know Fingers crossed there are nice things at this one.

 

[Sky56]

I see so many antique and vintage old cut rings in antique and pawn shops. When I've asked about the kind of people they get them from the vendors always tell me that either it is the very elderly who bring them in for cash or people who inherit them who don't care for the old styles or don't wear jewelry. More often it is the latter. I have pieces I am shocked that people would have let them go...they are now appreciated in their new home.

 

[ihy138]

I felt the same way about Liz Taylor's jewelry. Perhaps it was not willed to them, but it saddens me to think they chose to sell those pieces. However, I see the lure of a few million dollars as well .

I found it There is an auction house in my town. Speciality auctions a few times a year. Kicking myself I did not look sooner they just had an auction in December with a whack of old cuts!!

Yaaaay! That's great news! Perhaps you'll find your 7 mm OEC that you've been talking about....could be the right place!


Thank you Sky and Gypsy for chiming in! You've been so helpful. Seems like I should either move to central Florida or start hitting up pawn shops. But my wallet says no....

 

[CharmyPoo]

My Guess ..
1. Estate Sales
2. Antique / Estate Shows/Sales
3. Auction Houses
4. Individuals
5. eBay (I bet smaller operations do this)

 

[Bella_mezzo]

Ooohhhh, DD maybe now your 7mm dream can become an 8mm dream

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Add to the list..jewelry stores. I think that and the pawn shops are the first places people go when they end up with a ring they don't want. Look at GOG, for example, they have a whole section with estate pieces in their store and they have a few beautiful things posted on their site. Our nearby big city has a well known estate jeweler and they have an extra office with appraisers and you make an appt. or wait and go in and they will tell you how much your pieces are worth and offer you a crazy low price for them, and depending on quality, they will sell in their showroom or by auction.

I think a lot of younger people (in general, not necessarily here at PS so much) aren't interested in antique furniture because they'd rather have modern and the same with jewelry.

My understanding is that a major amount of higher color old diamonds have been recut over the years because they were out of favor and more money could be gained by turning them into modern cuts. How ironic that now those cuts are in demand and have to be newly cut!!

 

[Mara]

I bought an old stone off an antiquer in S. CA... he said that he often gets large estate parcels ... so think things like silver, paintings, jewelry etc...he buys a giant parcel of the stuff or wins it in an auction and then goes through each piece to sell. Sometimes he sells to consumers or on eBay but he said most of his stuff goes to dealers so he's essentially like the wholesaler, selling a piece to a dealer or a retail store who then sells it to the customer. I think that'd be such a fun job, like buried treasure! Of course I'm sure it's risky too because in a big parcel you might have some wins and some losses too.

One of my antique rings, I know the history on and love that I know it. I often wonder who owned these pieces and what the history is behind them.

And yes I've also asked vendors or retailers where they get their pieces and oftentimes it's someone just bringing it in after a family member has passed. Half the time they don't even know what it is.

 

[carmine7]

You are right on the money!!. When I first decided to sell my Late fathers 3.07 ct. OEC pinky ring I went to the diamond district in N.Y.C. The best offer I got was less then $4,000.00 a ct. and when I told him that they had a 3.09 ct. m color listed on their website for over $25,000.00 his reply to that was since he had to lay out $12,000.00 and it may take some time to sell therefore he has to make that kind of profit.After that experiance I decided to go the consignment route. I really felt that he tried to take advantage . He most likely would list the stone for about $21,000-$22,000.since my stones color is Q.That is almost double to what he was willing to pay. I still have the stone but I know I made the right call.Thank goodness for this site and the PS community!

 

[winternight]

.[/quote]

Absolutely, I love sentimental pieces, but not everyone has the same association. For example, I was quite flawed as to why none of Liz Taylor's children kept any of her most sentimental pieces, but maybe they didn't have a say in the matter? I don't know...
I was eyeing her theatre token necklace, it was so sentimental and historic by it's very nature, long before she owned it. I knew it would go for WAY more than the $1,500-$2,000 estimate, I can't find a single token for $2,000 - actually I can't find any that aren't already sold...hens teeth!
I see things like Lover's Eyes and memorial jewelry and I wonder how it ever got out of the family. But like you, I'm not complaining, more spoils for us! [/quote]

Oh wow thanks for posting that! I hadn't seen that amazing necklace. What a cool piece! I bet opera lovers go nuts for those.

I adore lover's eyes and memorial jewelry and am also very sentimental.

 

[winternight]

The problem with buying at auction is that you rarely have a graded stone so that you're basically on your own as far as that goes. I think you could also have some unexpected costs, like what if the stone needs a repolish or the setting is wonky. We've bought furniture at auction and while I love it, it has always cost us more than we thought after repairs etc.