Buying Tiffany engagement ring used on Ebay

[lakerfan38]

Hey guys,

I'm looking to buy a used tiffany ring on ebay. are there any reputable sellers on ebay? Is there any way to gaurantee I'm getting an authentic Tiffany? Thanks

 

[teobdl]

I don't have any recommendations other than make sure it's from a seller w/ tons of high ratings.
Also, every Tiffany is engraved w/ an item number--make sure it's genuine (I think you can visit a store and have them look up that specific number?).

But a question: is it really preferable to have a pre-owned Tiffany than to buy a super-ideal in a very similar setting (eg. Vatche U-113 , very similar to the TIffany 6-prong) and perhaps still cheaper?

I'm not saying one is better than the other, just curious about your reason for wanting the pre-owned Tiffany?

 

[16ocean]

I don't know about e-bay . . . if I were to buy a pre loved designer ring I would prob try to find it on something like
http://www.beladora.com/store/filter?item_type=896&designer=4961
http://www.beladora.com/

 

[lakerfan38]

I'm actually really keen on the tiffany legacy an .81 I VS1 is 12k and a 1 carat H VSI is 18k. these prices are just wow

 

[16ocean]

premium!

some members of this forum have other designers make a replica or "inspired by" ring. Often it looks very very similar and the price point is less.

 

[MarionC]

Finding one that includes the original sales receipt/ paperwork is the best way to go.
Beware of sellers with tons of Tiffany [same ring in several sizes] and, best scenario is from an individual who is obviously selling their own ring. [look for non-professional photos] I stick with USA.
Older hallmarks help authenticate too. They are not the "crisp" hallmark you see today. Beware of laser hallmarks [series of little dots].


[For what it is worth, I have an inherited Tiffany wedding set and just bought a T. eternity ring on eBay.
While they are beautiful and sparkly, none of the diamonds are as well-cut as super-ideal stones...so yes, wow for paying twice as much for a ring just for a little word inside the band! : ) ].

 

[danielxlin]

I've had good luck with the Japanese sellers of luxury jewelry items on Ebay. Japan has an established, regulated second-hand market for luxury items, and some of these sellers have migrated to Ebay.
'
I just bought a Chopard Diamond Ice Cube Ring from "brand-jp1000" on Ebay. It appraises as authentic and is in excellent condition. Cheaper than the US sellers by a lot. USD's strength against the Yen will also help you get some spectacular deals.

Caveats:

1) Figure out how Japanese and European sizes convert to US ring sizes.

2) Look for sellers with large, high quality images showing the signs of wear on your item (used items should show some signs of life).

 

[danielxlin]

Not a great selection of Legacies in your price range on Ebay right now.

How about one carat version for $12k or 0.75 carat version for $8k:

https://www.idonowidont.com/diamonds/tiffany-legacy%C2%AE-platinum-engagement-ring

https://www.idonowidont.com/diamonds/tiffany-co-legacy-diamond-and-platinum-engagement-ring

The site verifies the authenticity of the tiffany ring before shipping to you. You can try to bargain the sellers down a thousand or two.

P.S. The 12k one carat looks like the better deal.

 

[lakerfan38]

thank you

How do they verify authenticity?

It seems like Tiffany is not willing to state that the ring was bought from Tiffany's They just give an appraisal. Is there some different process of authentication

 

[danielxlin]

thank you

How do they verify authenticity?

It seems like Tiffany is not willing to state that the ring was bought from Tiffany's They just give an appraisal. Is there some different process of authentication

The same way any experienced jeweler verifies authenticity: close examination and reliance on their experience looking at Tiffany items. Tiffany jewelry is very common on the pre-owned market, an experienced jeweler should have no problem authenticating a Legacy.

You can also bring the item to Tiffany for a cleaning/checkup after purchase if you're paranoid.

 

[autumngems]

I purchased mine from Ebay (Japanese company) with papers, box and everything for a reasonable price.

 

[VoxExMachina]

Since my GF likes Tiffany as well I was also considering the used market. Already checked with her and used isn't an issue. I'm only looking at ones that have the Tiffany Diamond Cert. I know it's very easy to fake the cert but how hard is it to fake the laser engraved crown inscription? I assume if the Cert and inscription on the diamond match along with other things then it's reasonable to assume it's not counterfeit. Is that reasonable? Of course I'd bring it to Tiffanys to verify. But I also read here that they refuse to authenticate jewelry. I wonder if the free cleanings also transfer over to the new owner or if they try to verify if you're the original purchaser since they have that on record.


Lastly, I've noticed that their well cut diamonds are roughly twice the price of ideal cuts you can get from vendors here. So even on the used market it's going to cost more for the tiffany product though you do get the prestige of the brand name if that matters to you.