What to do with two diamond sets?

[MarionC]

I inherited my Mom's wedding rings and they've been sitting in a vault for two years. Now I'm on this forum and and getting ideas.

Set 1). I am not fond of Marquise diamonds, so I will probably sell that set eventually to get the Asscher of my dreams. The question on that set is - do I get a GIA appraisal first? [it has been appraised by a certified gemologist at my local independent jeweler].

Set 2). the RB- has emotional value for me. I remember when Dad bought it at Tiffany's and how excited he and Mom were. She wore that diamond every day of her life and let me wear it for a few minutes every so often So that's a keeper.
The question has to do with the setting. The set is from 1980. The diamond is not inscribed. The paperwork is lost. There is a serial number on the band, but TIffany said it doesn't mean anything that they know of.
Once I reset the stone my understanding is that it will be less valuable because it is no longer identifiable as Tiffany. If I had it redone by Tiffany maybe that would work - but I'll bet they are 'way overpriced.
I work with my hands [artist] and live in a rural community where a stone looking like this probably came from the bubble gum machine at Walmart, so I would like to reset the stone in a less glam way/more utilitarian, perhaps in a lower profile wire basket setting. I want it to be very secure...but now that I've taken the photos I can see that I could only go maybe a mm lower.

Any thoughts or suggestions?

 

[dk168]

I prefer ECs and hearts for rings myself, and if I had those two sets to do as I please, I would probably turn them into something that I can wear around my neck and/or wrist.

I especially like the current setting for the Marquise, which is unusual as I am generally not a fan of this shape. Perhaps it has something to do with the shape of the diamond itself, being more rounded than it is narrow and lean, if you know what I mean. I could probably wear it as it is.

As for the RB, if I were to re-set it as a ring, it would be a simple bezel set as low as possible, with two ? pear/trillion/RB side stones also bezel set, in a cigar band.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

DK

 

[insured]

I work with my hands [artist] and live in a rural community where a stone looking like this probably came from the bubble gum machine at Walmart, so I would like to reset the stone in a less glam way/more utilitarian, perhaps in a lower profile wire basket setting. I want it to be very secure...but now that I've taken the photos I can see that I could only go maybe a mm lower.

Any thoughts or suggestions?

Your town sounds like mine, lol.

If I had a stone that size I wanted to wear, I would put it in a Sholdt semi-bezel. http://www.sholdtdesign.com/Vashon/R379.htm

 

[diamondseeker2006]

In order to have the marquise graded by GIA, it would have to be removed from the setting and I really hate to see that happen. The problem is, most appraisals are really inflated, so you may have trouble selling it with just that. I absolutely love that ring as it is. I think it would be a beautiful right hand ring. What specs did they tell you it had in the appraisal?

I'd leave the Tiffany ring just as it is! I think it is beautiful and can be worn with many bands. But if you don't like it, reset. As it is, with no Tiffany inscription, it wouldn't really hold value as a Tiffany piece.

 

[MarionC]

In order to have the marquise graded by GIA, it would have to be removed from the setting and I really hate to see that happen. The problem is, most appraisals are really inflated, so you may have trouble selling it with just that. I absolutely love that ring as it is. I think it would be a beautiful right hand ring. What specs did they tell you it had in the appraisal?

I'd leave the Tiffany ring just as it is! I think it is beautiful and can be worn with many bands. But if you don't like it, reset. As it is, with no Tiffany inscription, it wouldn't really hold value as a Tiffany piece.

Diamondseeker, I thank you for your thoughts on this. It makes me realize that I should relax a little about getting everything sold and remade, etc., etc. I suppose part of where the diamond obsession comes from is wanting to have everything "just-so".
I could just have them sized first and see if I end up wearing them. The marquise, however, is too much bling for my taste, but maybe if I stay on Pricescope long enough I will grow into it!

The marquise is 2.33 ct, ex cut w/no bow tie, I/ VS1 ex pol, vg sym with two 0.40 trillions G/SI-1 ex cut

The Tiffany setting has my parents' initials in it, so perhaps you are right about keeping the setting.
They are fairly expensive to keep insured out of the vault,
but maybe it would be worth it to at least have the round at home to enjoy. I do worry about loosing the stone.

 

[TC1987]

Just wanna say: That marquise ring has always been one of my favorite styles, ever since the early '80s.

 

[sweet_blossom]

Just wanted to say that both sets are gorgeous.

 

[canuk-gal]

In order to have the marquise graded by GIA, it would have to be removed from the setting and I really hate to see that happen. The problem is, most appraisals are really inflated, so you may have trouble selling it with just that. I absolutely love that ring as it is. I think it would be a beautiful right hand ring. What specs did they tell you it had in the appraisal?

I'd leave the Tiffany ring just as it is! I think it is beautiful and can be worn with many bands. But if you don't like it, reset. As it is, with no Tiffany inscription, it wouldn't really hold value as a Tiffany piece.

+1. Especially about the Tiffany ring--I might try Tiffany's head office for information about the number you do see which I would think would be a serial number of at least part of it since in my experience the only other information posted on the shank is the metal content, diamond weight and the logo. What else could it be? If you could get it authenticated, then perhaps they would reset for you, in a different lower setting (bezel) and it would still be Tiffany. But not an inexpensive option but potentially worth it since branded pieces hold their value.

The other option would not be inexpensive either, but if you were to reset the marquise ring--I suggest perhaps changing the side stones instead of the center diamond since it looks pretty and well made--from diamonds to colored stones. That said, colored stones in this exact size and shape would be a challenge to find. But you could reset the diamonds into earrings and have both earrings and a ring. If not, you could contact some of the Estate vendors that can be found on the "antique" forum here on PS, and email them for
a price/interest. You could also contact once of the excellent appraisers that frequent PS and go from there.

I acknowledge you stated the rings have been in a "vault" for a extended period, does that mean you have not had the time to enjoy wearing them? They are both very beautiful and not the least "bubble gum/WallMart". I would not be in any hurry to change either ring, since they might hold sentimental value and once amended.....well.....

cheers--Sharon

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I totally understand and empathize on the cost of insurance. But I really urge you to get insurance on both rings if they are not going to be kept out of the vault. They are too valuable to risk loss. Just make sure your appraisals are not too inflated or you will be paying higher premiums than you should.

And yes, if you stay here, you'll have no problem wearing the marquise ring! (This is coming from someone who wore a 1 ct diamond for many years, came here when looking for anniversary new diamond 1.6 cts., then upgraded that to 2.3 cts!!! This can be a dangerous place, but you are most fortunate to have two special and gorgeous diamond rings!)

 

[AprilBaby]

Wow! I don't like marquise but that one is gorgeous, I wouldn't part with it. Maybe keep the round as is and get some cool bands to wear with it.

 

[MarionC]

"+1. Especially about the Tiffany ring--I might try Tiffany's head office for information about the number you do see which I would think would be a serial number of at least part of it since in my experience the only other information posted on the shank is the metal content, diamond weight and the logo. What else could it be?"

thanks, I may try again. I did call Tiffany's NY when I first received the rings. The people I spoke with were not helpful at all. Perhaps another call might have different results. The date that the rings were purchased was before Tiffany's current, more modern record keeping and they charge an amazing fee to research a piece of their jewelry. I may be wrong, but I think I recall something in the $1000 range. I guess they have to wade through microfiche records in some dusty bat-filled attic and the fee discourages too many requests.

 

[CharmyPoo]

I think both rings are gorgeous.

 

[marcy]

I think both rings are gorgeous.

 

[canadagirl]

I agree - I am not generally a fan of marquise but I think it is beautiful and would be a gorgeous RHR. I also think that you need to wear/ enjoy them for a while just as they are! I remember that I always thought that I wanted to re-set my mother's jewelry but waited quite some time to make a decision. In the end, I decided to keep them as they were, and really love the sentimental feeling! Good luck with your decision.

 

[MarionC]

Thank you to everyone for your input!
I've gone from thinking - "these things are HUGE! I would never wear them!" to realizing how lucky I am. Also, coming back to this forum every few hours and seeing the photos & comments is making me see the rings differently...they are beautiful and don't need to be "fixed". By posting about them I started to "own" them. Before they were my Mother's rings in my safe deposit box. I've never worn them; even my best friends have never seen them. This was sort of a "bling coming out party".

I've ordered some ring noodles so I can experiment with wearing the rings, and will contact someone tomorrow to get a "second opinion" appraisal - there is a GIA gemologist not too far from here.

As several of you said, best to go slowly. I can always do something with them later, but if I do something now I may regret it.
And thanks for the comment on the shape of the marquise. I'm liking it better now that I'm really looking at instead of seeing a problem to be solved. And maybe too much bling is a good thing! [ah-the things you learn on Pricescope ]
Thanks again!

 

[dk168]

A woman can never have too much bling!!!

I am glad that OP is warming to the Marquise ring, as it is a very beautiful ring.

DK

 

[Acinom]

Your Tiffany ring is gorgeous and very wearable!!!
Your Marquise ring is a dream ring!!! I love it
Just stay on PS for a while and it will become more wearable by the day
Both rings are beautifully made. You are a lucky girl. And it has a huge sentimental value as well so I would keep it like this.

Would love to have a Marquise ring like yours one day. Swoon

 

[Farleysmom]

Gorgeous rings. It's sad that they've been locked away. I'm glad you're going to wear and enjoy them. Take your time before you make any changes. I love the marquis ring and agree it would be a beautiful RHR. You are a very lucky lady.

 

[MarionC]

You are a very lucky lady.

Thank you. Maybe I will name the marquise "lucky lady".

I've had these stones for 2 years and never even looked at them under the loupe. My 0.60 solitaire gets loved and appreciated for her unique personality on a regular basis. It's time I got to know these stones "up close & personal"!

I appreciate all the compliments. Yes, I've been very lucky. When I look at the beautiful diamonds on the beautiful hands in this forum I would say that we have all been blessed.

 

[swingirl]

I am typically not a lover of thin marquise but yours has a beautiful proportion and is gorgeous in that setting! I would have a hard time parting with either of these.

How large of an asscher are you interested in? It sounds like you wouldn't be comfortable with a big one but that's what you could get if you sold both of these.

 

[AnnaH]

Nice problem to have. Both are beautiful, but that marquise and its setting--wow!

 

[wakingdreams53]

I definitely agree with everyone, except if you're super utilitarian and it would look like a bauble, I'd use the gorgeous Marquise for an awesome pendant, like ForteKitty's: [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/1-35ct-j-v1-old-marquise-in-oec-and-pearl-necklace.196365/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/1-35ct-j-v1-old-marquise-in-oec-and-pearl-necklace.196365/[/URL]

And in the same vein, for utilitarian purposes, I +1 to the Sholdt setting, it's low profile and would showcase your stone.

 

[MarionC]

I definitely agree with everyone, except if you're super utilitarian and it would look like a bauble, I'd use the gorgeous Marquise for an awesome pendant, like ForteKitty's: [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/1-35ct-j-v1-old-marquise-in-oec-and-pearl-necklace.196365/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/1-35ct-j-v1-old-marquise-in-oec-and-pearl-necklace.196365/[/URL]

And in the same vein, for utilitarian purposes, I +1 to the Sholdt setting, it's low profile and would showcase your stone.

stunning photos of that pendant - thanks for the link!

 

[Niel]

Where is the picture of the marquise? i feel like you guys are talking like theres a marquise pic too but i can only see the round. am i going crazy?

 

[Tourmaline]

I, too, can only see the round. I think it's lovely, and what a wonderful memory! By all means, keep it as is and wear it proudly. I live in a small rural town, too, and I bet most people assume my ring is fake. That's ok, because I know it isn't.

 

[MarionC]

Where is the picture of the marquise? i feel like you guys are talking like theres a marquise pic too but i can only see the round. am i going crazy?

I'm sure you are just as sane as anyone else on Pricescope!
[I hope that's reassuring].

 

[Niel]

Where is the picture of the marquise? i feel like you guys are talking like theres a marquise pic too but i can only see the round. am i going crazy?

I'm sure you are just as sane as anyone else on Pricescope!
[I hope that's reassuring].

Oh good gracious that's spectacular.

Don't sell it

If you do, wait a bit. Their coming back around. You'd probably get more in a few years.

 

[misssoph]

That Marquise ring is fabulous! I'm not generally keen on Marquises but that ring is amazing.

 

[MarionC]

I love the positive comments - and thanks. I am not at all keen on the Marquise cut, but seeing this one through other people's eyes is a great help to warming up to it.

 

[MissGotRocks]

I would keep everything exactly as it is! I probably wouldn't say that about many inherited pieces I've seen but these are both spectacular! The Tiffany ring I absolutely would leave intact - what could be safer than a six prong mounting?

Beautiful - just beautiful! I love it all! If you're ever so inclined, please take some pictures of these rings outside - would love to see them in sunlight! Do you have any idea how big either of the center stones are?