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1ct + ring for circa €2000? Impossible?

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weemie

Shiny_Rock
Joined
Feb 13, 2021
Messages
320
Hello everyone,
I’m currently looking for a vintage/second hand ring with a 1ct minimum diamond for €2000 ish ($2400) is this impossible? I’ve found a few that were not the best colour or clarity but I’m looking for no less than an i colour and clarity of SI 1/2. I’m in Europe, but I’m afraid that import taxes from the USA and the UK makes it harder to buy from there! If anyone has any insights that would be greatly appreciated!
 
Well, using the diamond search tool above, and your parameters, there are 83 stones with an “excellent” on the HCA score. They are all colour I or lower and some as low as I2 clarity. All are at USA Certed or James Allen. I think you’re right, it might be easier to find something second hand but that might take a bit of time searching websites or visiting antique shops. Sometimes great deals come up on eBay, maybe one of the experts on here will pass by and comment!
 
weemie said:
Hello everyone,
I’m currently looking for a vintage/second hand ring with a 1ct minimum diamond for €2000 ish ($2400) is this impossible? I’ve found a few that were not the best colour or clarity but I’m looking for no less than an i colour and clarity of SI 1/2. I’m in Europe, but I’m afraid that import taxes from the USA and the UK makes it harder to buy from there! If anyone has any insights that would be greatly appreciated!
Click to expand...

I think the important issue here is understanding the trade off of size vs a well cut stone. Can you find something 2nd hand or poorly cut for that price? Yes. But it wont be as nice (IMHO, of course) as a smaller stone that is well cut.

Is this for you ? Or for a future fiance?
 
Actually, have you looked on Instagram? There are lots of sellers with unusual or old cut or lower coloured stones possibly in your budget. I mostly look at the U.K./US sellers but there must be plenty from Europe too.
 
Snowdrop13 said:
Well, using the diamond search tool above, and your parameters, there are 83 stones with an “excellent” on the HCA score. They are all colour I or lower and some as low as I2 clarity. All are at USA Certed or James Allen. I think you’re right, it might be easier to find something second hand but that might take a bit of time searching websites or visiting antique shops. Sometimes great deals come up on eBay, maybe one of the experts on here will pass by and comment!
Click to expand...

Snowdrop13 thanks so much for your reply! I’m hoping I find one, though I’ve been looking for quite a while!
 
lovedogs said:
I think the important issue here is understanding the trade off of size vs a well cut stone. Can you find something 2nd hand or poorly cut for that price? Yes. But it wont be as nice (IMHO, of course) as a smaller stone that is well cut.

Is this for you ? Or for a future fiance?
Click to expand...

It’s a right hand ring for myself! I have a very beautiful Art Deco engagement ring with a .58 carat diamond that’s lovely, but I really wanted to get myself something after a long road and finally having the bit of money. I actually found one on Instagram that I think may suit, it’s just the import tax that’s holding me back as it’s almost a quarter the price of the ring! I really appreciate all this feedback!
 
MRBXXXFVVS1 said:
If you are open to lab diamonds, you could definitely get a 1ct by resetting a Lightbox pendant into a ring!
Click to expand...

I don’t really want to go down that route, as I want to have something to pass on to my daughter when the time is right!
 
Snowdrop13 said:
Actually, have you looked on Instagram? There are lots of sellers with unusual or old cut or lower coloured stones possibly in your budget. I mostly look at the U.K./US sellers but there must be plenty from Europe too.
Click to expand...

I have been stalking Instagram! If anyone has any sellers or accounts they recommend please let me know, I’d really appreciate it!
 
I know you said 1 carat and I color, but what if you got an excellent cut stone I or J color just shy of 1 carat? You would have an amazingly sparkly, beautifully cut diamond.

I just did a quick search for you and you can get a J/ SI2 .90 good cut for $2222 or an .91 J/ SI2 excellent cut for $2326 from Whiteflash. For reference, an average 1 ct is 6.4mm and a .9 ct is 6.2mm. And if you buy from Whiteflash they may be able to find you a SI2 with inclusions that can be hidden by prongs.

Loose Cut Diamonds for Sale: Discover Exceptional Quality

Explore our GIA certified loose diamonds, including Hearts & Arrows (H&A) and super ideal cuts. Buy diamonds that offer brilliance, style, and fit your budget.
www.whiteflash.com

I just got a GIA Master Color Grading kit. I took a quick pic of an I, J, and M for you. You would be amazed how imperceptible the difference can be between I and J.

Just food for thought...

IMG_9925.jpg
 
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lulu_ma said:
I know you said 1 carat and I color, but what if you got an excellent cut stone I or J color just shy of 1 carat? You would have an amazingly sparkly, beautifully cut diamond.

I just said a quick search for you and you can get a J/ SI2 .90 good cut for $2222 or an .91 J/ SI2 excellent cut for $2326 from Whiteflash. For reference, an average 1 ct is 6.4mm and a .9 ct is 6.2mm. And if you buy from Whiteflash they may be able to find you a SI2 with inclusions that can be hidden by prongs.

Loose Cut Diamonds for Sale: Discover Exceptional Quality

Explore our GIA certified loose diamonds, including Hearts & Arrows (H&A) and super ideal cuts. Buy diamonds that offer brilliance, style, and fit your budget.
www.whiteflash.com

I just got a GIA Master Color Grading kit. I took a quick pic of an I, J, and M for you. You would be amazed how imperceptible the difference can be between I and J.

Just food for thought...

IMG_9925.jpg
Click to expand...

Oh that is good for thought! The difference between the I and J is very insignificant indeed, thanks so much for the advice! I’ll go have a look right now! I didn’t even know about that site, I think I’m a bit uneducated with the avenues I can persue!
 
lulu_ma said:
I know you said 1 carat and I color, but what if you got an excellent cut stone I or J color just shy of 1 carat? You would have an amazingly sparkly, beautifully cut diamond.

I just did a quick search for you and you can get a J/ SI2 .90 good cut for $2222 or an .91 J/ SI2 excellent cut for $2326 from Whiteflash. For reference, an average 1 ct is 6.4mm and a .9 ct is 6.2mm. And if you buy from Whiteflash they may be able to find you a SI2 with inclusions that can be hidden by prongs.

Loose Cut Diamonds for Sale: Discover Exceptional Quality

Explore our GIA certified loose diamonds, including Hearts & Arrows (H&A) and super ideal cuts. Buy diamonds that offer brilliance, style, and fit your budget.
www.whiteflash.com

I just got a GIA Master Color Grading kit. I took a quick pic of an I, J, and M for you. You would be amazed how imperceptible the difference can be between I and J.

Just food for thought...

IMG_9925.jpg
Click to expand...

Ooooh I thought OP was asking for stone plus setting under 2400 USD. If 2400 is for the diamond only it's more doable although still hard
 
@weemie I have never used Whiteflash, but lots of PS'ers love them. At some point, I am planning to buy diamonds for a 5 stone ring from them.
 
lovedogs said:
Ooooh I thought OP was asking for stone plus setting under 2400 USD. If 2400 is for the diamond only it's more doable although still hard
Click to expand...

You are correct that was my hope! To be honest I would like a second hand/vintage one, it’s kinda my buzz, but I’m willing to think outside of the box!
 
@weemie any chance you are in the UK? One PS'er has found AMAZING stuff at pawn shops in the UK.
 
lulu_ma said:
@weemie any chance you are in the UK? One PS'er has found AMAZING stuff at pawn shops in the UK.
Click to expand...

I’m in Ireland, we don’t really have any over here! I stalk Etsy but haven’t found anything yet!
 
lulu_ma said:
Not a 1 carat center but so pretty...lots of old Euro cut fans on PS-myself included.

.45 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring at 1stDibs | 45 carat diamond ring, .45 carat diamond ring

View this item and discover similar for sale at 1stDibs - Item Details: Ring Size: 6.5 Metal Type: 900 Platinum [Tested & Hallmark] Weight: 2.5 grams Center Diamond Details Shape: Old European Brilliant Carat
www.1stdibs.com www.1stdibs.com
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Thank you, it’s beautiful! This is similar to my engagement ring! I am looking for something a bit more substantial now though.
 
weemie said:
I’m in Ireland, we don’t really have any over here! I stalk Etsy but haven’t found anything yet!
Click to expand...

Oh @weemie I've got a lead for you!

I follow @jw_weldon on insta. Looks like he has some gorgeous OEC's. He's in Dublin. Seems worth it to go have a look. (love Ireland btw-one of my fave countries)
 
lulu_ma said:
Oh @weemie I've got a lead for you!

I follow @jw_weldon on insta. Looks like he has some gorgeous OEC's. He's in Dublin. Seems worth it to go have a look. (love Ireland btw-one of my fave countries)
Click to expand...

Oh Weldons is an institution here and there’s the Jewellery quarter off Grafton St but it’s very expensive! There’s one shop in the Powerscourt centre called Delphi antiques, it’s FABULOUS! They’re on Instagram
 
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I figured Weldon’s would be good for inspo at least;)

I wish I had learned about OECs before I visited Ireland. But then I would have spent all my time shopping for jewelry :)
 
lulu_ma said:
I figured Weldon’s would be good for inspo at least;-)

I wish I had learned about OECs before I visited Ireland. But then I would have spent all my time shopping for jewelry :)
Click to expand...

It is, thanks for the reminder I’ve been on their insta for the last half hour! Just off grafton street there is about 10-15 amazing jewellers, mostly antiques, you’d get lost looking at them all!
 
Can you post a pic of the one you liked on Instagram, just so we can get an idea of style?
 
So, due to import taxes it has to be from Ireland, right? I found a few that aren’t solitaires; I wonder if they’d work as right hand rings?51311365-A7D8-48EE-83AE-2A2518BA08C5.png
 
That one is a bit above budget but totals 1.2 ctw. I won’t post others if you really want solitaire, but I’m happy to help search.
 
I can’t get over how helpful you are all being! It can be from the EU, but to be honest I may end up just paying the extra for import for the right ring. I’m pretty set on one of the stones being 1ct ish so a three stone would be out, thank you though! I’ve attached a picture of the one I have been looking at! It’s 1.03 ct si and I, but waiting to hear back if it’s SI 1 or 2! CE03B47E-4B66-4757-B1F1-03A03EBFD012.jpeg
 
The picture helps a lot!!
 
Frankly I doubt it.
 
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