Considering Purchase of Half-Eternity Ring

[Rosie22]

Hello,

I am a newbie here, and a rookie diamond purchaser. Although I have a diamond and sapphire engagement ring and some other nice pieces, on the whole I'm a babe in the woods on this topic - so I'm thrilled to have found this forum!

I'm considering buying a half-eternity diamond band from a Craigslist seller. I have wanted one for ages but have been unwilling to pull the trigger until now, because I have not wanted to pay retail. If I do this, I'll proceed with caution and meet the seller at my local jeweler (who knows me) so that he can verify the authenticity of the piece.

The Chicago jeweler who sold the ring to the Craigslist seller and who is American Gem Society certified issued an appraisal for $2,700.

The stats are:

Kwiat brand half eternity ring
Platinum
Seven round full-cut diamonds
Melee quality: GH/SI1
Measurements: 3.10mm
Total weight: 0.82 carats

My thought was that if I proceed I would offer the seller $900 and take negotiations from there.

Questions:

Does this seem reasonable?

Is a Kwiat piece a good-quality one? I'm not familiar with this brand (or any brands really!).

If the appraisal is inflated (they usually are), then what is a realistic price for this secondhand ring?

Any additional thoughts?

Thanks so much in advance.

 

[04diamond<3]

For second hand that seems reasonable. I've only heard about this designer being an expensive retailer, but don't have any experience with them. Appraisals are always inflated and are only for insurance purposes. I'd take it to your jeweler like you mentioned and see what he says.

 

[junebug17]

It seems like a great price to me. Kwiat is an expensive brand name company. Here is a comparable ring on their website:
http://www.kwiat.com/round-diamond-shared-prong-wedding-ring/1576?product=608

The link doesn't go to the actual ring, you have to scroll through on the right. A 7 stone .50 carat is $4,600. (although it also says .77, but just wanted to give you an idea.)

I think meeting at your jeweler is a good idea, to make sure it's as described, no damage etc.

ETA: noticed specs are a little different, but I still think it's a good price.

 

[Christina...]

I agree that it's a good price for a Kwiat ring. And second that meeting at the jewelers is a good idea. I would definitely offer less than the asking price as you suggested, and if you pick this up for $800, I will be very impressed, and envious!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Yes, Kwiat is a fine jeweler in NYC. I think even $1500 would be a great price (although I might even go a little higher than that)!

 

[Rosie22]

Thanks all! I am inclined to move forward and will let you know how this works out.

 

[Rosie22]

UPDATE: I met the seller at my local jewelry store last Saturday and had the metal and diamonds verified as authentic. The seller then agreed to sell it to me for $1,000. Woot! I love it so much - I wear it with my plain platinum wedding band and it looks just perfect - simple and sparkly.

Thank you for your help!

 

[Roxy]

Good for you!!!!
I hope you'll post hand pics, I'd love to see them!

 

[junebug17]

Oh that's great! It's so pretty, I hope you can post some pics!

 

[motownmama]

A branded, platinum .82 half-eternity for that price?? I think you did very well. Enjoy it! May we see handshots? Are you also wearing it with your engagement ring? We'd love to see any and all combinations! Also, who's your Chicago jeweler, just out of curiosity?

 

[Rosie22]

A branded, platinum .82 half-eternity for that price?? I think you did very well. Enjoy it! May we see handshots? Are you also wearing it with your engagement ring? We'd love to see any and all combinations! Also, who's your Chicago jeweler, just out of curiosity?

Thank you!

Not my Chicago jeweler; the seller's jeweler. The name is Fey Jewelers.

 

[ame]

Kwiat is a great name, and makes some nice stuff. The diamonds are quite nice, premium and ideal.

 

[Rosie22]

A branded, platinum .82 half-eternity for that price?? I think you did very well. Enjoy it! May we see handshots? Are you also wearing it with your engagement ring? We'd love to see any and all combinations! Also, who's your Chicago jeweler, just out of curiosity?

Ok, photos - forgive my hands, which need a manicure!:

With platinum wedding band:

 

[Rosie22]

With my engagement ring, which is platinum/diamond/sapphires:

 

[Rosie22]

With another ring, a white-gold three-stone ring. The center stone was my mom's - she passed away last year and left me her e-ring and wedding band. I had it re-set. I doubt I'll wear these together but here it is anyway!