What would be a fair price to sell this OEC ring for?

[Logan Sapphire]

I'm thinking about selling this ring, which is an OEC ring that is estimated to be between .51ct and .60ct, G color and I believe VS2. The spread is about 5.3mm with good polish and symmetry. The ring is new and is 18kt white gold with an estimated .20ct in the shank.

I've looked at Old World Diamonds to get an idea about pricing and have no clue what a fair price for this ring would be. The prices on OWD seem to be all over the map.

Can anyone help?

 

[Dreamer_D]

Hmmm. Pricing is hard. The setting is pretty. If truly a G color, that adds value. I'd say somewhere around $1000 give or take $200 depending on buyer motivation and evidence you can provide about the stone specs and cut quality.

I believe MTG sold an OEC/tranny of similar specs last fall, but in a different style mount that was in worse condition, for $950 in about 10 seconds flat. She had really high quality macro photography.

 

[iluvdiamonds2]

I don't know for sure, but would guess around $2500 min. - the diamond looks white and pretty and the setting is pretty too.
Do a poll - ask what would you pay for this and give them different price ranges. That's a great way to see the results at a glance....
Pretty ring!!

 

[Rhea]

I think it depends on how you sell it. If you consign it, I'd guess around $2,500 - $2,700. If you sell it on your own, around $1,000 - $1,500.

 

[Dreamer_D]

If you are selling on DB you need to look at the comps that have sold there. If consigning, the vendor can help with pricing.

 

[denverappraiser]

We’re missing two very important components here. Firstly, you must know what you have. I would never recommend a customer buy something based on an unattributed description that weak. You’re undercutting your own marketing efforts but also you’re wiping out your ability to price it properly. Any buyer with sense is going to assume the worst (and the worst is pretty bad I’ll warn you). Equally importantly, you need to specify a marketplace that you’re going to use. Things don’t sell for the same prices under all circumstances. Consignment sales at stores usually bring the highest prices but they come with commissions and there are a few pitfalls to watch out for. Direct dealer sales area easy and fast but produce the least money. There are other choices in between and the selection depends on your own temperament and risk tolerance, you willingness to pay fees and work with partners, your time requirements and a bit of just plain luck. These details make a huge differences. Prices will range from as low as a few hundred, mostly for the scrap metal, to upwards of $1500.

Start with an appraisal from a real appraiser. You need to know what you have. Without that you’re flying blind. There’s a list of appraisers at the top of the page under the resources tab.

Looking for comparable items online is a decent enough way to start a pricing plan if you know what you have but as you point out, prices vary a lot based on other things. You will not be able to command OWD's prices because, well, they're OWD and you're not. My understanding is that they do take consignments under the right circumstances if you would like to work with them. I can't say I know the details or if this is the sort of thing that they'll take but I'm sure they would be happy to talk with you about it. They, of course, have tons of competitors and it might benefit you to shop around. Frankly, I think this is going to be a difficult item to sell but the right selling partner will help a lot.

 

[Logan Sapphire]

We’re missing two very important components here. Firstly, you must know what you have. I would never recommend a customer buy something based on an unattributed description that weak. You’re undercutting your own marketing efforts but also you’re wiping out your ability to price it properly. Any buyer with sense is going to assume the worst (and the worst is pretty bad I’ll warn you). Equally importantly, you need to specify a marketplace that you’re going to use. Things don’t sell for the same prices under all circumstances. Consignment sales at stores usually bring the highest prices but they come with commissions and there are a few pitfalls to watch out for. Direct dealer sales area easy and fast but produce the least money. There are other choices in between and the selection depends on your own temperament and risk tolerance, you willingness to pay fees and work with partners, your time requirements and a bit of just plain luck. These details make a huge differences. Prices will range from as low as a few hundred, mostly for the scrap metal, to upwards of $1500.

Start with an appraisal from a real appraiser. You need to know what you have. Without that you’re flying blind. There’s a list of appraisers at the top of the page under the resources tab.

Looking for comparable items online is a decent enough way to start a pricing plan if you know what you have but as you point out, prices vary a lot based on other things. You will not be able to command OWD's prices because, well, they're OWD and you're not. My understanding is that they do take consignments under the right circumstances if you would like to work with them. I can't say I know the details or if this is the sort of thing that they'll take but I'm sure they would be happy to talk with you about it. They, of course, have tons of competitors and it might benefit you to shop around. Frankly, I think this is going to be a difficult item to sell but the right selling partner will help a lot.

Thanks for a thorough response! The ring in its current incarnation was just appraised a few weeks ago, and the stone (in a different, no longer existing setting) was appraised by Martin Fuller a few years ago (I was at work when I posted my original post and didn't have access to the appraisal paperwork). To be frank, there are some discrepancies btwn appraisals, both graded as mounted. Martin graded this as a G, which is also what it was intially sold to me as, while the 2nd appraiser (a former associate of his) graded it as an I. I don't believe this is an I, though. If I hold the stone up to my H stones, it is noticeably whiter than they are, and not much different than my E stone. But obviously I'm no gemologist. Martin also said this was a .51ct while the 2nd appraiser said .60 (IIRC), but both said about 5.3mm spread and VS2. So these discrepancies leave it hard to price.

What makes you say this will be difficult to sell? I know it's not the most well-cut OEC out there. I would not try to consign it but would try to sell it privately.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Do you have any close ups of the stone? I ask because from the side view it doesn't look like it has a high crown or small table like an OEC. But maybe the picture is deceiving.

Just FYI, I bought a pretty antique ring with .55 G VS transitional center in white gold for $1200.

 

[Dreamer_D]

I don't think it is difficult to sell a ring like that if you price it reasonably for the pricescope secondary market. You can sell it on DB. You just need better pictures, disclose all the information you have, and be reaslistic. DS provided another good comparable, but her ring was bought from a reputable vendor on ebay with a 14 day return policy. Based on what I see sell on DB and on ebay, I think my original estimate is a good one to start, then the market will tell you what it is worth by the offers you get.

 

[denverappraiser]

Thanks for a thorough response! The ring in its current incarnation was just appraised a few weeks ago, and the stone (in a different, no longer existing setting) was appraised by Martin Fuller a few years ago (I was at work when I posted my original post and didn't have access to the appraisal paperwork). To be frank, there are some discrepancies btwn appraisals, both graded as mounted. Martin graded this as a G, which is also what it was intially sold to me as, while the 2nd appraiser (a former associate of his) graded it as an I. I don't believe this is an I, though. If I hold the stone up to my H stones, it is noticeably whiter than they are, and not much different than my E stone. But obviously I'm no gemologist. Martin also said this was a .51ct while the 2nd appraiser said .60 (IIRC), but both said about 5.3mm spread and VS2. So these discrepancies leave it hard to price.

What makes you say this will be difficult to sell? I know it's not the most well-cut OEC out there. I would not try to consign it but would try to sell it privately.

By sell privately, I'm assuming we mean ebay/craigslist/newspaper etc. but it's slightly different if we're talking about a personal network of clients. I think it's going to be a difficult sell because of lack of documentation and because of your proximity to some boundaries that clients find important (ex +/- 0.50cts. I/J color, SI2/I1 clarity). 'Used' engagement rings have trouble and OEC's in 'new' style moutings have trouble. It's not clear to me what pricing structure you have in mind but the craigslist buyers are generally looking for price.

Of course, none of this means that YOU will have trouble with yours. It only takes one buyer after all.

 

[MichelleCarmen]

I think the high-end would be $1500 and with that asking price, you'll end up receiving offers for less and will have to be flexible. Buyers looking for pre-owned are wanting great prices and many are willing to take extra time seeking out a beautiful stone for a bargain price. Keeping a watch on DB pre-owned is an excellent way of gauging the market.

ETA - and I've sold some stuff and wanted to mention that when I tried CL, the low-ball offers flooded in, so I'd recommend staying clear from there because it's a waste of time.

 

[Gypsy]

It looks warmer than a G from the side and some OEC's face up very white for their color.

If it were me selling on DB, I'd price it at max 900-1000 for the stone and that's with an appraisal of the stone unset and against GIA masters if I wanted it to move. That price is based on I color and SI clarity totally eyeclean on the appraisal. If it's better than that in color... up to 1200. But you NEED an appraisal. With what you have listed, as it is listed right now, I wouldn't pay you more than 700 for it cause it could be an SI2 and M. Which is worth significantly less.

The faceting is beautiful though. So it's TOTALLY worth the price of getting a good appraisal.

Unfortunately, most money spent on settings is wasted. Settings typically don't add anything to the price unless it's something designer with broad appeal. There was an 18K Benchmark setting on Diamond Bistro for WEEKS at 250. It was a very solid deal and pretty setting but... used settings usually recap next to nothing. So I wouldn't expect anything for the setting. Honestly you might be better off unsetting it and selling it lose (and that way the grading is more reliable) and then listing the setting for like 150- 200 bucks.

If you are planning to re-sell, IMO, and you have to chose between buying a setting or an appraisal, the appraisal wins every time because it is what adds value of the listing and it lowers the buyer's risk (which means they will be more comfortable paying more). Settings are money wasted on re-sell.

 

[Octavia]

LS, I will be watching closely to see what you end up doing with this ring, as I might be very interested...

 

[Rhea]

This ring is a similar size OEC. 5-5.5 mm, not sure of colour but states it's buttery, in a heavily diamond encrusted setting. It's been listed for weeks and the price was lowered to $600 before it sold. Of course we can't assume that the buyer paid $600 for it, they may have bargained. http://diamondbistro.com/category/216/Natural-Diamond-Center/listings/26597/*reduced*-three-stone-halo-with-OEC-centre.html

 

[melave]

This ring is a similar size OEC. 5-5.5 mm, not sure of colour but states it's buttery, in a heavily diamond encrusted setting. It's been listed for weeks and the price was lowered to $600 before it sold. Of course we can't assume that the buyer paid $600 for it, they may have bargained. http://diamondbistro.com/category/216/Natural-Diamond-Center/listings/26597/*reduced*-three-stone-halo-with-OEC-centre.html

I didn't bargain i was happy with the price. But from the photos the seller sent me, the centre diamond looks a lot more yellow than this one

 

[Logan Sapphire]

Thanks to everyone who responded! If I do decide to sell it, I will definitely take better pics (and clean it). I was able to crop the ones I've posted, which might show the faceting better.

Some more info:

From the Martin Fuller appraisal (appraised in a trellis setting:
Shape: Old European Cut
Max diameter: 5.33mm
Min diameter: 5.26mm
Depth 2.97mm
Depth %: 56.1%
Table %: 51%
Girdle: Extremely thin to thick, rough
Clarity: VS2
Color: G
Symmetry: Fair
Culet: Slightly large
Polish: Good
Fluorescence: None
Internal inclusions: Feather
External inclusions: Cavity, chip, or nick; natural
Estimated weight: .51ct

From the Sherline Bradbury appraisal (appraised in the current setting):
Shape: Old European Cut
Max diameter: 5.39mm
Min diameter: 5.34mm
Depth: 3.2mm
Depth %: 59.6%
Table %: 54%
Girdle: Very thin to slightly thick
Culet: Medium
Clarity: VS2
Color: I
Symmetry: Good
Polish: Good
Internal inclusions: Feather
Estimated weight: .60ct

If it would help it sell, I would consider unmounting it and selling it loose.

 

[Logan Sapphire]

Finger hair is gross

 

[Mayk]

The diamond and the setting are beautiful I am sure there would be a lot of interest... Together or apart...

 

[Dreamer_D]

The mount is nice, I don't see a reason to unset it. You could offer to sell it loose and let people make offers.

The disparity between the appraisals is an issue for pricing.

The three stone is not really a good comp IMO, the photos were poor and there was not an appraisal with it (was there?), and "buttery" suggests MN color to me, not JK. Not saying that the three stone is unattractive, it was very pretty, but as Gypsy said, mounts matter little for resale and the seller did not have good information to provide about the diamond. You already have much more information for buyers, and it looks like your stone is indeed near colorless.

 

[melave]

I agree with Dreamer. I bought the 3 stone and your stone is much whiter (going by the photos) and probably a better cut than the 3 stone. And there was no appraisal with the 3 stone. It is definately not wise to compare with this.

 

[Gypsy]

With the disparity in Clarity... Cavity and Feathers and chips. Plus the weight the difference. PLUS the color difference. I would absolutely do an unset appraisal. All those things are huge question marks. Any of them on their own, okay. But all three? It doesn't sound like the same stone from one appraisal to another.

I would do an unset appraisal. And I would want one as a buyer if you wanted top price.

 

[Dreamer_D]

With the disparity in Clarity... Cavity and Feathers and chips. Plus the weight the difference. PLUS the color difference. I would absolutely do an unset appraisal. All those things are huge question marks. Any of them on their own, okay. But all three? It doesn't sound like the same stone from one appraisal to another.

I would do an unset appraisal. And I would want one as a buyer if you wanted top price.

I agree. If you want to sell for $500, you can basically draw the diamond and someone might buy it But if you want $1200+ you'd want an accurate weight and unset appraisal. It only costs such a small amount to unset a diamonds, it is worth it. Plus, I personally find it really fun to learn the real truth about these old mystery stones! That alone is sort of worth the money. Costs the same as a night to a movie and is as much fun. Hmmm. Or does that sound lame?

 

[Rhea]

Maybe not the best comparison by me, but it can be a bit of a shock to learn what any item sells for on the 2nd hand market! Is there anything that's recently sold that is a closer comparison. I know that if I consider a price to be on the high side I won't inquire at all as I don't want to insult the seller or embarrass myself.

LS - the two appraisals are very different, I'm surprised!

 

[Logan Sapphire]

Maybe not the best comparison by me, but it can be a bit of a shock to learn what any item sells for on the 2nd hand market! Is there anything that's recently sold that is a closer comparison. I know that if I consider a price to be on the high side I won't inquire at all as I don't want to insult the seller or embarrass myself.

LS - the two appraisals are very different, I'm surprised!

I was shocked myself! To be fair, the Martin Fuller one was done when the stone was in a trellis setting, so the culet could be seen. In this ring, the culet can't be, although one would assume that appraisers have different methods for dealing with situations like that.

I also had 14 pieces appraised- not sure if she rushed through them and made mistakes. Honestly, as a side note, I wasn't that happy with her appraisals. She appraised my Facets eternity ring for less than what it sells for now, which didn't make me happy. I really think she's off with the color of the OEC; I would be very surprised if it really is an I- it really looks much whiter than my H stones.

I probably will have it unset and graded just to try to square away the discrepancies in appraisals. Hopefully that will help with selling it, if I go that route.

 

[Bella_mezzo]

Hi Logan-I think an unset appraisal sounds like the way to go. it's a pretty stone and if it is G VS2 I think you'll get a much higher price for it with the appraisal...

 

[Logan Sapphire]

Hi Logan-I think an unset appraisal sounds like the way to go. it's a pretty stone and if it is G VS2 I think you'll get a much higher price for it with the appraisal...

Thanks, Bella...I'm desperately looking around the DC area to see who would be a thorough, but not so pricey appraiser. As this would be the 3rd appraisal with the other two costing around $150 each, my husband would KILL me if I spent that much again!