what''s your opinion on this eBay item?

[crowmama]

My shank on my e-ring solitaire is getting pretty thin, and I''m shopping for a replacement setting to upgrade (there''s a previous thread on this, BTW). I''ve been online window shopping with our Pricescope vendors to see what they have, plus I''m looking at a budget of under $1K if I''m going to do this in the next year or so, which is not much for the upgrade to a semi mount as I had envisioned. I was shooting for side diamonds in the 3/4 tcw range, and my diamond solitaire is a .93 J SI2 pear.

Then I came across this: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180038769179

ebay item number: 180038769179
PLATINUM Engagement Semi Mount Princess Diamond Setting
Appraised $4692 - 1CTW G VS1 Princess - 9.2 Grams


After asking the vendor about the appraisers and the appraisal, I received this answer:

"The appraisal was done by DeAngelis Jewelers in Germantown, TN a suburb of Memphis, on September 9, 2006. It reads as follows: Lady''s platinum and diamond semi-mount ring. Across the top are 4--25ptr VS1, ''G'' princess diamonds set with prongs. The ring weighs 9.20 grams. Appraised Value.....$4,692.00. This appraisal will be given to the buyer of this ring. If there are any other questions please let me know, and Thank You for your interest."

What would be considered a fair price range for a plat 1ctw (4 princess stones), even if the diamonds turn out to be crappe? Anyone care to venture a guess?

Also, does anyone have any information or experience related to the jewelers mentioned?

I''ve made an offer, and so far my counter offer is $900... I figured that if this does end up in my hands, and I decide to upgrade my pear at some point, I can always throw a princess cut into the ring and wear as a band...

Thoughts?

 

[belle]

the price is definitely fair but depending on what it would cost to change the head to fit the pear, it might not end up being such a great deal. if you plan on setting a square stone in it that is exactly the right size, then i think you found a good deal.

 

[crowmama]

Thanks, Belle. That''s a very good point... I haven''t priced out how much it would cost to swap out a setting in platinum, but that certainly is an added cost I hadn''t considered.

 

[diane5006]

HI I would be wary of that ring on e-Bay...the seller has more experience as a buyer than a seller...and has only sold low end jewelery, bras and shoes...and stuff...

I would be very suspicious of the appraisal as well...it seems overly inflated...

If you do decide to purchse the ring...maek sure you do it through eBay (to get what little protection they offer) and not an off eBay transaction

Best of Luck

 

[crowmama]

Hi gang. I think I''ve decided to pass on this one, and let someone else bid on it. I did some double checking, and I can get matching GIA certed side stones from at least one Pricescope vendor for just a little bit more $$$ than this setting.

You guys are like sponsors in AA -- except with diamonds. Thanks for helping me stay the course!

 

[belle]

it could end up being rather pricey. jewelers don''t give any pricing breaks when they work on outside pieces.
also, as with any purchase on ebay, you are taking a risk. even if it''s a ''good deal'', it''s still $900. that''s a good chunk of change.
i don''t spend more on ebay than i can stand to lose because it''s such a risk.
best of luck with whatever you decide!

 

[belle]

Date: 10/18/2006 12:36:20 PM
Author: crowmama
Hi gang. I think I''ve decided to pass on this one, and let someone else bid on it. I did some double checking, and I can get matching GIA certed side stones from at least one Pricescope vendor for just a little bit more $$$ than this setting.

You guys are like sponsors in AA -- except with diamonds. Thanks for helping me stay the course!

wise decision crowmama.

with a little patience, you will be able to find something even better without the risk.

best of luck to you.

 

[diane5006]

Glad you decided to pass...there are good sellers on eBay...but they are getting harder to find...you will do better with a PS vendor...

In regard to the seller you were looking at on eBay...I took a peek at some of their listings...and in addition to the NOT being a high volume seller (of fine jewelry or anything else) almost every one of their listings has at least one listing violation...eBay is starting to crack down of some of this stuff...this is not to say that they are bad...but maybe not someone you want to make an expensive gamble with

Best of Luck