What do you think of this ring?

[unaware]

Hi, my budget is only $4500. My fiance wants a ring with a lot of finger coverage and it has to be "bright and sparkly".

So a halo design seems to be the way to go. She has no objections to a used or "preloved" ring so I've been looking on CL, ebay and at pawn shops. I've run across this ebay one. http://www.ebay.com/itm/vatche-grace-diamond-engagement-ring-w-custom-flower-bands-set-ideal-cut-1c/271922737853

It's a Whiteflash A Cut Above .83ct center I SI1 in a 18k WG Vatche Grace setting. It's also size 6 so it seems kinda like the ring was meant to be for us. I would prefer if it were platinum but aside from that it has nice specs. My fiance likes the cushion halo with a round center and she like the cathedral band. Does this seem like a good deal or do you think if I wait longer I can find something better? The ebay item # is 271922737853 just in case the link doesn't work.

 

[solgen]

That seems like a very good price. But have you verified it is actually an ACA diamond? Do you have the AGS report? Also is it eye clean?

I'm not sure all SI1 ACAs are eye clean. Though being WF's premier line it would make sense that they would be eye clean.

 

[unaware]

Here is link to AGS report
http://www.agslab.com/pdf_sync_reports/104058719044-PGRH.PDF

If that link won't work AGS number is 104058719044 and carat weight is .83

 

[rubybeth]

Could the seller offer you a short viewing/return period? Or could they take more macro photos of the stone from the top, zoomed in as close as possible so you can see if it's eye clean? You could also try e-mailing Whiteflash (just send them the certificate) to ask if it met their standard of eye-clean: http://www.whiteflash.com/about-diamonds/news/clarity-the-whiteflash-definition-of.htm I'm totally guessing, but it seems the inclusions along the edges wouldn't be all that noticeable with the setting the ring is in, and the only issue may be the inclusion right on the table, but it may be obscured by an arrow or just the general sparkliness (technical term) of the ACA.

I love finding deals like this on eBay so I understand the temptation if you love the ring. And the wedding band set to make it look like a flower is actually really cool! The only concern I'd have with this is if the diamond has been worn for a while, it could have been damaged in some way, which a short viewing/return period would allow you to assess.

If you do buy it, be sure to use PayPal and your credit card via PayPal--PayPal offers some protections to buyers, and your credit card also offers protection in case the item isn't as described. Get the item appraised by someone reputable ASAP once you get it, just to verify it is what they described. You'll want to insure it, too, so getting an appraisal done will be needed, anyway, but it will give you peace of mind that you got what you paid for.

 

[unaware]

I'll request more pics to see if it truly is eye clean. The AGS report is from 2012 so it's reasonable to assume the ring is around 3 years old. How much damage could it amass in that time? Damage would mostly likely occur to the crown since the girdle is protected by the halo design, right?

Does it matter if I get it appraised by a GIA gemologist? Should I withhold the AGS cert from the appraiser to see how closely their appraisal matches the AGS report?

 

[liaerfbv]

ACAs are eye clean.

 

[JDDN]

Not all ACA's are eye clean. See a non eye clean ACA below.

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3428946.htm

As an example, this one is eye clean, noted by the insignia.

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3483182.htm


Another way to tell is if you do a diamond search and hold your cursor over the "details" label of a stone, it gives you a run down of the specs and the very last category is "eye clean" and it will say Yes or No.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I love the Vatche Grace and cannot fathom wearing those bands with it. The first thing I'd do is sell them for scrap! The diamond is worth maybe $3000-3200 (WF just has a VS2's at the moment), so the setting is costing around $1300+, depending on the final price. The setting retails for $2500 in white gold new. So max cost new would be around $5700. Just keep that in mind as you bid. I'd want it for at least $1000 less than that since it is used.

What bothers me most about the seller is that they have grossly exaggerated the value of the ring and diamond. Plus, the diamond looks weird in the photo when enlarged. I am hoping it is just really dirty as most people don't keep their diamonds clean. But by all means pay through Paypal by your credit card just in case there is any problem.

I also don't like it that the AGS report number is not on the listing, as that could be a problem if you find that the stone is not as represented.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Just as a FYI....Ritani makes settings that I would consider equal in quality to Vatche, and they have a nice halo for $2190 in platinum (only $200 less for 18k wg):

https://www.ritani.com/engagement-rings/french-set-halo-diamond-band-engagement-ring-in-platinum/4973 (WF carries them but this has a pretty good picture)

http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/diamond-settings/ritani-french-set-cushion-halo-diamond-band-engagement-ring-3376.htm

Get a diamond like this and you'd be at $5200 brand new and with platinum:

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3461765.htm