Would you restore or restart?

[braga123]

OK, so since PS, I have become quite an OEC fan. Although I am a novice, I have found a few treasures that I am content with. In my excitement, I have bought these fixer-uppers and now I'm second-guessing myself, wondering if I should have just saved all of my money and splurged on one piece instead of on several, which need repair. So here are my 3 treasures. Would you invest more money in restoring, or would you sell all 3 to buy 1 big one? Appreciate your honesty.

First one: .91 carat OEC that has been reset so many times that I have lost count. It is finally in its forever home, but it needs $200 worth of milgrain.


Second one: This halo OEC ring. My estimates range from $250 to $500 for restoration


Finally, this pendant is fine as is, but could use milgrain on the sides to spruce it up. I would consider parting with it just because it would help to fund the big one.I love it, but I could part with it because I have a few pendants.

 

[arkieb1]

I am not sure adding millegrain unless it has worn off is a restoration. Although I love it as well, a lot of true deco pieces don't have it because they are meant to have that sleeker look to them.

What do you really want to do??? I would always go for the the biggest stone that I can get at the time personally unless the setting is something special and I can't live without it so I would probably consider selling all 3 and buying one statement ring but that is just me, some people want a bigger ring, others are happy with lots of smaller pieces..... I like your top ring the best of the 3.....

 

[junebug17]

This is a tough one! I guess it really does depend on whether you'd wear and enjoy these pieces, or be happier with a one larger piece. You already have your upgrade, so what bigger piece do you have in mind? For myself, I really can't think of any larger piece I want, so I would probably keep smaller pieces like this and just enjoy them.

I actually think the first ring and pendant look great as is! I think I read in another post that the second ring needs some rehab work, so if I was keeping it I'd definitely do that.

 

[braga123]

I am not sure adding millegrain unless it has worn off is a restoration. Although I love it as well, a lot of true deco pieces don't have it because they are meant to have that sleeker look to them.

What do you really want to do??? I would always go for the the biggest stone that I can get at the time personally unless the setting is something special and I can't live without it so I would probably consider selling all 3 and buying one statement ring but that is just me, some people want a bigger ring, others are happy with lots of smaller pieces..... I like your top ring the best of the 3.....

I guess that I am kind of putting the brakes on restoring because I don't know if I am really in love. But, when I shop around for that big statement piece, even after selling all of these, my proceeds from the sale will not enable me to go bigger! I might just end up with the same carat weight in a new setting!

 

[braga123]

This is a tough one! I guess it really does depend on whether you'd wear and enjoy these pieces, or be happier with a one larger piece. You already have your upgrade, so what bigger piece do you have in mind? For myself, I really can't think of any larger piece I want, so I would probably keep smaller pieces like this and just enjoy them.

I actually think the first ring and pendant look great as is! I think I read in another post that the second ring needs some rehab work, so if I was keeping it I'd definitely do that.

I think I agree with you on those! I will leave those as is.
The second one needs rehab, but I think I see the potential in it to look like this (except for the shank), which is where the rehab quotes vary.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/371048146564?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

 

[missy]

That is a tough question. It depends on the piece(s).

For my ER I wanted the best ring I could afford so I was willing to forgo other less important pieces at that time. That is my normal preference- I prefer quality over quantity (however that is defined by each individual) and one statement piece over a few lovely ones. However in your case you have beautiful pieces that just might or might not need a bit of work so win win. Quality and quantity with a bit of work. It's like house hunting. If you are willing to put in some elbow grease (and money) you can afford a better home that needs some work.

 

[arkieb1]

I am not sure adding millegrain unless it has worn off is a restoration. Although I love it as well, a lot of true deco pieces don't have it because they are meant to have that sleeker look to them.

What do you really want to do??? I would always go for the the biggest stone that I can get at the time personally unless the setting is something special and I can't live without it so I would probably consider selling all 3 and buying one statement ring but that is just me, some people want a bigger ring, others are happy with lots of smaller pieces..... I like your top ring the best of the 3.....

I guess that I am kind of putting the brakes on restoring because I don't know if I am really in love. But, when I shop around for that big statement piece, even after selling all of these, my proceeds from the sale will not enable me to go bigger! I might just end up with the same carat weight in a new setting!

O.K in that case if you are not upgrading to either something you love and can't live without that is the same size or better then YES I would rehab the pieces so that you are 100% happy with them. What you need to ask yourself is, will rehabbing them make you happy? If the answer is no then I suspect you need to be honest with yourself and go either yes I really do love these things or no I don't and trade them for something that you do love and can't comprehend getting rid of. We all have things that we don't wear, in my case I have no issue getting rid of them, (even if it is a continual process) and finding something I like better. My hope is at the end I am left with pieces that I cannot live without.... I think that it is better to have a handful of really nice statement pieces that I love to bits and wear than a large number of things that sit in a box unloved and unworn.

 

[EstateDiamondJewelry]

They are beautiful pieces. I think you should keep them and repair them... Especially the 0.91 OEC ring. It is so unique!

 

[JulieKae]

The first ring is stunning as is, and I like the mildly worn look - I would keep it and wear as is.
the second I would sell and the third you should sell to me