Secondhand ring advice?

[RockOnABudget]

Hi! I'm new here and new to the world of ring shopping! I'm learning a lot from the pricescope community but have some questions if people think it's worth buying/risking a ring secondhand? I'm in the market for a platinum ring to match my engagement ring, but since my ring finger is quite tiny (<4) I'm finding that the cheaper big box jewelers don't really sell anything in my size. I went to a boutique shop in person recently and everything was so out of budget, so I thought that buying secondhand might make sense. I think I like traditional eternity band look and I found this Tiffany ring. The seller seems to have a great ratings but I rarely purchase secondhand and feel a little hesitant. I also learned recently that Tiffany doesn't really authenticate rings anymore in their stores.

I'm not sure what's the best way to make a educated purchase or once purchasing, how to authenticate the ring at all. Seeking any advice on second hand shopping or rings on a budget!


Thanks so much

 

[Dreamer_D]

You might want to remove the eBay link if you are serious about it because lurkers often snipe things that get PS approval!

I like buying on eBay and you can get some good stuff there. I don’t know about branded pieces though, maybe someone will come along to help with that.

 

[RockOnABudget]

You might want to remove the eBay link if you are serious about it because lurkers often snipe things that get PS approval!

I like buying on eBay and you can get some good stuff there. I don’t know about branded pieces though, maybe someone will come along to help with that.

Oh wow I didn't know oops. Thanks so much I just took off the link

 

[MissGotRocks]

I think that some branded pieces sold on eBay go (or can go) through an authentication process. You would probably have to ask the seller if this piece qualifies. Also, make sure the seller has a rock solid return policy in case you don’t like the ring.
I think several members here have bought preloved, branded pieces on eBay. If they are authenticate, you can surely get some good deals.

 

[RockOnABudget]

I think that some branded pieces sold on eBay go (or can go) through an authentication process. You would probably have to ask the seller if this piece qualifies. Also, make sure the seller has a rock solid return policy in case you don’t like the ring.
I think several members here have bought preloved, branded pieces on eBay. If they are authenticate, you can surely get some good deals.

That's a really good point. I'm going to reach out to see if they can give me some more info. Thank you!!

 

[newtojewels]

For comparison, here's a size 4.25 in what looks to be the same ring from a vendor who specializes in secondhand Tiffany which may help you compare the hallmarks. I have never purchased from them personally, but have seen them recommended on PS before and if a 4.25 is doable for you it may feel more secure than eBay.

Pre-Loved Jewelry Tiffany Channel Set 2 mm Diamond 1/2 Eternity $2800 NEW 2596

BLUECHIPJEWELRY SPECIAL! You are viewing a Stunning Tiffany & Co 2 mm Channel Set HALF ETERNITY .17 ct Diamond Wedding Band set in platinum. The fire and quality of this ring is absolutely over the top. THIS SPECIFIC RING is in incredible condition and has been professionally cleaned and...

www.bluechipjewelry.com

 

[RockOnABudget]

For comparison, here's a size 4.25 in what looks to be the same ring from a vendor who specializes in secondhand Tiffany which may help you compare the hallmarks. I have never purchased from them personally, but have seen them recommended on PS before and if a 4.25 is doable for you it may feel more secure than eBay.

Pre-Loved Jewelry Tiffany Channel Set 2 mm Diamond 1/2 Eternity $2800 NEW 2596

BLUECHIPJEWELRY SPECIAL! You are viewing a Stunning Tiffany & Co 2 mm Channel Set HALF ETERNITY .17 ct Diamond Wedding Band set in platinum. The fire and quality of this ring is absolutely over the top. THIS SPECIFIC RING is in incredible condition and has been professionally cleaned and...

www.bluechipjewelry.com

Wow, this is insanely helpful. Thanks for finding this!! I compared the two and some of the specs are different (carat weight was different and missing the 'FS' engraving next to the PT 950), so I think the product I was looking at might be a fake

I'm on a tight budget (500 - 1k) and I don't really care for brand names, but just thought it was a good deal and fit the type of style I was going for. Back to researching haha. Thanks so much for your help!!

 

[newtojewels]

Wow, this is insanely helpful. Thanks for finding this!! I compared the two and some of the specs are different (carat weight was different and missing the 'FS' engraving next to the PT 950), so I think the product I was looking at might be a fake

I'm on a tight budget (500 - 1k) and I don't really care for brand names, but just thought it was a good deal and fit the type of style I was going for. Back to researching haha. Thanks so much for your help!!

Engravings have changed over time so it might still be okay. I really don't know anything about authenticating with them, tbh, I was just thinking that it might be helpful. Hopefully someone who really knows can weigh in!

 

[MMtwo]

A second hand ring makes great sense. Do you want a wedding band or an engagement ring?

 

[newtojewels]

Wow, this is insanely helpful. Thanks for finding this!! I compared the two and some of the specs are different (carat weight was different and missing the 'FS' engraving next to the PT 950), so I think the product I was looking at might be a fake

I'm on a tight budget (500 - 1k) and I don't really care for brand names, but just thought it was a good deal and fit the type of style I was going for. Back to researching haha. Thanks so much for your help!!

Here's another one in size 4 on TheRealReal: https://www.therealreal.com/product...iffany-co-platinum-diamond-wedding-band-gymnk

 

[RockOnABudget]

A second hand ring makes great sense. Do you want a wedding band or a ring?

I'm looking for a wedding band! My partner surprised me with a lab grown engagement ring he bought at Frank Darling which I love a lot but I feel like it was kind of expensive (he won't tell me the price haha), so now I'm trying to get the rest of our wedding expenses together based on a budget we put together.

 

[RockOnABudget]

Here's another one in size 4 on TheRealReal: https://www.therealreal.com/product...iffany-co-platinum-diamond-wedding-band-gymnk

Aw thanks so much. I think this ring looks a little bit too worn around the band so I might look a bit more for other options. Also secretly in my head I am hoping to somehow find a magical ring in my size (3.25) lol even though I know it's common to resize rings haha.

Thank you so much though - so incredibly kind of you to look!!

 

[newtojewels]

Aw thanks so much. I think this ring looks a little bit too worn around the band so I might look a bit more for other options. Also secretly in my head I am hoping to somehow find a magical ring in my size (3.25) lol even though I know it's common to resize rings haha.

Thank you so much though - so incredibly kind of you to look!!

I'm off to bed now and am definitely not an expert, but here's what I quickly found on TRR in a 3.25 or 3.5 within or close-ish to your stated budget. Again, we'll wait for real experts and deal hunters to weigh in

https://www.therealreal.com/products/jewelry/rings/band/platinum-diamond-contoured-band-jvoj5

https://www.therealreal.com/products/jewelry/rings/band/van-cleef-arpels-tendrement-etoiles-wedding-band-k8ptn

https://www.therealreal.com/products/jewelry/rings/band/ring-14k-diamond-wedding-band-ring-kdde6 -- note that this one is 14k

https://www.therealreal.com/products/jewelry/rings/band/tiffany-co-platinum-diamond-half-eternity-ring-kgxbf

https://www.therealreal.com/products/jewelry/rings/band/tiffany-co-platinum-diamond-band-k8dzx

 

[MMtwo]

It's rather fun to hunt! I would keep an eye on eBay. I would also consider Etsy. Jewelers will often do a custom ring for a very economical price, especially if you are open to lab diamonds. Keep an eye on construction.

Oh yeah @newtojewels has a great idea on The RealReal too.

 

[0515vision]

Since you have a lab engagement ring, are you open to a lab wedding band? With your budget, you might be able to get a custom ring in your size from Alex Park. You can reach him on Instagram. He has a great eye. If you really want a mined band, he might be able to do that within your budget, too. @parksantiquelab and @parksfinegroupinc

Before warned, though. He is straightforward and to the point. He is not someone to necessarily hold your hand through the whole process.

As a 3.25, I feel for you! I had Jann Paul make me a custom band and love it.

(I know I completely strayed from your 2nd hand original idea, but I leaned toward some of your other parameters. Hope you don’t mind!)

 

[RockOnABudget]

I'm off to bed now and am definitely not an expert, but here's what I quickly found on TRR in a 3.25 or 3.5 within or close-ish to your stated budget. Again, we'll wait for real experts and deal hunters to weigh in

https://www.therealreal.com/products/jewelry/rings/band/platinum-diamond-contoured-band-jvoj5

https://www.therealreal.com/products/jewelry/rings/band/van-cleef-arpels-tendrement-etoiles-wedding-band-k8ptn

https://www.therealreal.com/products/jewelry/rings/band/ring-14k-diamond-wedding-band-ring-kdde6 -- note that this one is 14k

https://www.therealreal.com/products/jewelry/rings/band/tiffany-co-platinum-diamond-half-eternity-ring-kgxbf

https://www.therealreal.com/products/jewelry/rings/band/tiffany-co-platinum-diamond-band-k8dzx

Haha now I am back to questioning if the original ring I posted about is legit because there seems to be no consistency in some of these Tiffany engravings . THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THESE LINKS!! Seriously so fun to see what's out there and I'll be adding the Real Real to my checklist now. Hope you have a good night

 

[RockOnABudget]

It's rather fun to hunt! I would keep an eye on eBay. I would also consider Etsy. Jewelers will often do a custom ring for a very economical price, especially if you are open to lab diamonds. Keep an eye on construction.

Haha, yes I'm thinking of it more as a fun hunt and I'm really hoping to buy a piece for life too

I was literally just looking at Etsy!! I found this piece that looks good I think (to my very newbie eyes). Do you have any pointers for what might be good to look for in terms of ring construction?

 

[RockOnABudget]

Since you have a lab engagement ring, are you open to a lab wedding band? With your budget, you might be able to get a custom ring in your size from Alex Park. You can reach him on Instagram. He has a great eye. If you really want a mined band, he might be able to do that within your budget, too. @parksantiquelab and @parksfinegroupinc

Before warned, though. He is straightforward and to the point. He is not someone to necessarily hold your hand through the whole process.

As a 3.25, I feel for you! I had Jann Paul make me a custom band and love it.

(I know I completely strayed from your 2nd hand original idea, but I leaned toward some of your other parameters. Hope you don’t mind!)

Wow hello fellow 3.25!! It's really such a pain lol but I'm also hoping this mean there will be a fewer market for people trying to buy secondhand rings of this size (but I guess also fewer people selling it too by that logic haha).

I don't mind at all and definitely open to lab grown. Originally I wanted to buy my band at Costco LOL but they don't have our size. I'm going to look into both of them that's really nice of you to share these recomendations and appreciate the warning too haha.

 

[0515vision]

Jann Paul can do both mined and lab, but your need several months lead time. They’re in Singapore. Alex Park is in LA. 3.25 has LIMITED secondhand choices haha

 

[MMtwo]

Wow hello fellow 3.25!! It's really such a pain lol but I'm also hoping this mean there will be a fewer market for people trying to buy secondhand rings of this size (but I guess also fewer people selling it too by that logic haha).

I don't mind at all and definitely open to lab grown. Originally I wanted to buy my band at Costco LOL but they don't have our size. I'm going to look into both of them that's really nice of you to share these recomendations and appreciate the warning too haha.

I was going to suggest Costco (my original band is from there) but then saw the smallest size is a five. It must be tough!

The band is very pretty but does look very delicate. I would make sure what you buy has plenty of metal under the stones.

 

[Engrgrl1]

Jann Paul can do both mined and lab, but your need several months lead time. They’re in Singapore. Alex Park is in LA. 3.25 has LIMITED secondhand choices haha

I think Alex is in NYC--David Klass is in LA

 

[Dreamer_D]

If you don’t care about branding as the price is not so high, maybe just buy what you like? I suppose the brand means nice workmanship and quality diamonds and you won’t know that with a replica.

 

[0515vision]

I think Alex is in NYC--David Klass is in LA

I get all our PS Favs mixed up!

And definitely David Klass could do a custom. Here's the thing, 3.25 is SO RARE!

For your wedding band, I'd explore both secondhand and custom. You just don't have that many choices. Take one look at TheRealReal, and see how few options are out there for our teeny fingers!

 

[RockOnABudget]

If you don’t care about branding as the price is not so high, maybe just buy what you like? I suppose the brand means nice workmanship and quality diamonds and you won’t know that with a replica.

Haha right this is exactly my conundrum! I found some custom made rings on Etsy that I like in my price point, but have no idea how to tell if the craftsmanship is good whereas if I buy a brand, I'm assuming there is a level of reputation that proceeds them. But then my budget, it brings me to the used secondhand market, which I think can be a bit dangerous for potential counterfeits.

The seller that I reached out to said they have an their own appraisal sources, but don't provide certificates and also wouldn't provide a 360 video and since they're shipping internationally, it would be a bit of gamble for me.

 

[RockOnABudget]

I get all our PS Favs mixed up!

And definitely David Klass could do a custom. Here's the thing, 3.25 is SO RARE!

For your wedding band, I'd explore both secondhand and custom. You just don't have that many choices. Take one look at TheRealReal, and see how few options are out there for our teeny fingers!

True!! Haha thank you for re-adjusting some of my expectations. There really aren't that many options on the secondhand market but I've only started looking so was feeling kind of optimistic lol.

It seems like I should definitely look into custom-fit rings as a backup! I'm based in NYC so I think I'll start first with Alex Park Thanks again!!

 

[RockOnABudget]

I was going to suggest Costco (my original band is from there) but then saw the smallest size is a five. It must be tough!

The band is very pretty but does look very delicate. I would make sure what you buy has plenty of metal under the stones.

Wow yeah the Costco bands are really beautiful and they even have a promo going on right now so I was excited originally.

I see! Regarding support, do you think that I should just be looking to make sure that the ring is a certain width? I saw a lot of 1.5 mm bands on Etsy but they seem very fragile. So I was thinking at a minimum I would look for bands around 1.8mm - 2.3 mm. Or do you mean it should be a certain thickness underneath the diamond part itself?

 

[Pomelo]

@RockOnABudget eBay has lots of rings in smaller sizes from Japanese sellers who are famous for having authentic items. Have you considered buying internationally from eBay? Note that you’ll have to pay import tax on top though! (Just to say, I don’t know what the import tax rules are in the US as I don’t live there)

 

[Dreamer_D]

Haha right this is exactly my conundrum! I found some custom made rings on Etsy that I like in my price point, but have no idea how to tell if the craftsmanship is good whereas if I buy a brand, I'm assuming there is a level of reputation that proceeds them. But then my budget, it brings me to the used secondhand market, which I think can be a bit dangerous for potential counterfeits.

The seller that I reached out to said they have an their own appraisal sources, but don't provide certificates and also wouldn't provide a 360 video and since they're shipping internationally, it would be a bit of gamble for me.

That’s too many red flags for me. There are other brands that are commonly on eBay but are not often counterfeited. Scott Kay comes to mind.

 

[MMtwo]

Wow yeah the Costco bands are really beautiful and they even have a promo going on right now so I was excited originally.

I see! Regarding support, do you think that I should just be looking to make sure that the ring is a certain width? I saw a lot of 1.5 mm bands on Etsy but they seem very fragile. So I was thinking at a minimum I would look for bands around 1.8mm - 2.3 mm. Or do you mean it should be a certain thickness underneath the diamond part itself?

I mean on the band itself, I like the idea of reaching out to Alex for that reason. Years ago, I was told by the appraiser working with my (Ritani) engagement ring, that she loved to see the metal underneath the stone. She said it was very well made (one reason I have always worked with Ritani). Her jewelry store spent a great deal of time fixing lost diamonds from mall jewelers because they skimped on the foundational metal and diamonds dropped out quite often.

How much is enough? I am not sure, but I am concerned about lightweight construction on a daily-wear pave ring. The ring is the one in my avatar, along with my Costco band.

 

[RockOnABudget]

@RockOnABudget eBay has lots of rings in smaller sizes from Japanese sellers who are famous for having authentic items. Have you considered buying internationally from eBay? Note that you’ll have to pay import tax on top though! (Just to say, I don’t know what the import tax rules are in the US as I don’t live there)

Oh wow, yeah the buyer I was looking at is a Japanese seller. When I asked they said the ring doesn't come with a certificate or a box, but they guarantee authenticity based on their specialist. Wasn't sure If I should just trust them? Are sellers from Japan known to be more reputable?