Vintage Ring Opinions

[morrison.jt]

I have found a vintage ring that really peaked my interest, but am having a hard time determining if this is anywhere close to a decent deal. The B&M store is really nice and family that owns it runs a tight ship, but I have no experience with consignment/vintage jewelry.

The ring is platinum.

Diamond they claim to be VVS2, Color H, and 1.27ct.

The roughly other 18 stones are 2 or 3pts each.

They are claiming it to be from mid 20''s to early 30''s which I feel from looking at similar rings to be approximately accurate. The diamond, as many older ones doesn''t have quite the fire that new cuts do, but it sits very low in the setting and gets very little light.

They are asking $6,750.00 for the ring. Does this appear to be reasonable. See picture below. I am in the Raleigh, NC area.

 

[neatfreak]

Personally, I think the workmanship doesn''t look great on the setting and there are better older cut diamonds out there for the price. But if you love it, that''s what matters.

 

[purrfectpear]

As a store I can see why they''d try to price it at high retail. If you purchased this on eBay (and they''re on there all the time if you look and are patient) or from a private party, this would be under $3K. Possibly well under.

 

[Lurchie]

Some of the experts on old cuts will know better than I, but how low the stone sits in the setting should not have a negative impact on its brightness or fire. It sounds from your description that you are maybe making excuses for the appearance of the stone? If that''s the case, I would keep looking. The right one should knock your socks off! Good luck no matter what you decide.

 

[morrison.jt]

Thanks guys, exactly what I needed. I kind of assumed well over priced, but wasn''t sure how far. Sounds like its pretty bad.

 

[neatfreak]

Date: 9/26/2008 2:39:07 PM
Author: morrison.jt
Thanks guys, exactly what I needed. I kind of assumed well over priced, but wasn''t sure how far. Sounds like its pretty bad.

You can do better.

 

[ericad]

My personal opinion is that antique diamonds which are well cut will have MORE fire than its modern counterpart, regardless of the way it''s set. I think you like the overall look of the ring, but perhaps the center diamond is not as pretty as it could be. I would keep looking until you see something that blows you away - and the right antique diamond will do that!

Also, looking at the pic and the fact that it''s estimated to be circa ''20s/''30s, you might be looking at a transitional or early RB, which will not necessarily have the same light performance as an Old Euro.

But ultimately you should let your eyes be the judge. When you lie awake at night thinking of it, you have found one worth pursuing

 

[morrison.jt]

If anyone has any recommendations of estate/vintage dealers. I am back and forth between NC and Charleston, SC on a regular basis. I am looking for that look, halo, not stuck on a round, but seems to be the preference. Been to Charlotte and walked through a half dozen consignment/antique jewelers and to no avail, this was the first vintage halo I''ve seen in person outside of some of the Charleston stores that just have them unbelievably inflated. Any suggestions is much appreciated.

j

 

[Rhea]

Are you opposed to buying on-line?

 

[morrison.jt]

Not at all.

 

[neatfreak]

Lang's Antique Jewelry in San Francisco is always a favorite. And Singlestone (out of LA) is another fabulous place to get antique pieces/stones. They both have large stocks and websites.

 

[Rhea]

Try The 3 Graces, Ruby Lane, and Erica and Grace (erica posted above, her website is in her link) as well!

 

[decolady]

To me it''s looks very transitional if even.. it''s possibly just a RB cut bad. You have many options and there have been some great ones posted. Also try antiqueengagementrings.com, not all the ring are reproductions. Diannes estate jewelry is nice as well.

 

[HeartingDiamonds]

I may be beating a dead horse here, but judging on this one photo that you posted, the setting does not appear to be a vintage piece.

Take your time - it is out there.

Good luck in your search!