Tiffany ring with photocopy of certificate. Worthwhile?

[ThatBrah]

Hello friends, I have recently come across a 0.99ct, F, VS2 engagement ring set on platinum at a local jewler. For around the $8k mark, it seems like a very good price considering the name/quality. Now, the catch: it was brought in by a lady from a failed engagement and all there is accompanying it is a PHOTOCOPY of the original certificate.

The gentleman i have been working with is a former Tiffany employee. There is the serial number inside the setting, but of course Tiffany will not reissue an original certificate. He has called to verify this cannot be done.

I'm a diamond novice, so thoughts and opinions expressed here would be greatly appreciated about what courses of action i could/should take from this point. I don't need a ring until 2 months from now, so there is no immediate rush.

 

[ruby59]

You also need to make sure the diamond is original to the setting. I have seen cases on ebay where the diamond has been swapped out. Does Tiffany inscribe a serial number on the diamond as well?

 

[maplefemme]

Do you have a Tiffany store nearby? They can verify if it's authentic if it's taken in. Your vendor shouldn't have issue with that request.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Yes, I would want a third party to verify that the diamond is the one on the copy of the certificate. The will mean Tiffany or an independent appraiser. They should easily be able to tell if the inclusions match up with those on the certificate. Is it a Tiffany grading certificate or a GIA? If it turns out to be the real thing, you have found a great deal!

 

[ThatBrah]

Thank you very much for the replies, thus far. I have not seen the copy, yet, as the jewler called me back twice to tell me he found the photocopy and then again after calling Tiffany to inquire about getting an official cert. I do believe it is the Tiffany cert, though. Closest tiffany store is Atlanta, and that's a solid 3 hours away.

So, my next step should be to ask the jewler if they are able to get Tiffany or an independent 3rd party to verify both the setting and stone match, yes? Of course I should request them to take care of that for me. If they don't want to, then split the cost?

What kind of warranty guarantees should I try to negotiate since this will be a second owner, and i'm sure it's limited, if any, in this case.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I don't see that there is any need for a warranty. Nothing is going to be wrong with a Tiffany setting. You'd get an appraisal and simply insure the ring in case of damage or loss. It would be nice to get the Tiffany verification, but the ring could be sent to an independent appraiser and you could agree to pay for the appraisal subject to the diamond matching that certificate. You'd need the appraisal anyway for insurance. What is your nearest large city? There are a few recommended independent appraisers that we could suggest. But YOU choose the appraiser, not the seller.

 

[heather2012]

Tiffany started laser inscribing their diamonds around 2003, I think. If it is a true Tiffany's diamond, purchased after this time you should be able to see the inscription under the loupe.

 

[ThatBrah]

The jeweler with the ring in question is listed as an NAJA appraiser. There is also an AGS/NAJA in the area that is not associated with the ring. would/should the inscription on the diamond match the inside of the setting if they were originally paired together?

 

[ThatBrah]

i ended up going with it. $7400 out the door. was able to verify inscription on the crown at the 60x level and it matched the tiffany cert photocopy. setting matched it's respective number, as well. thanks to all those that replied!

 

[sna77]

i ended up going with it. $7400 out the door. was able to verify inscription on the crown at the 60x level and it matched the tiffany cert photocopy. setting matched it's respective number, as well. thanks to all those that replied!

Nice--good deal. Now take that thing directly to Tiffany to have it appraised.