Could use some pricing guidance - 2.5ct Asscher cut Art Deco

pacethis · Mar 9, 2011

Hello everyone,

I could use some pricing guidance on an engagement ring that I will be "re-homing". Per my understanding of the terms/conditions here, I am not placing it for sale here.

I purchased this ring in 2003 and paid $14700. It is an antique Asscher cut from the 30's, a beautiful art deco ring. I had it appraised shortly after I bought it, and I can provide the following information from that appraisal:

One antique art deco platinum ring (10% irid plat), containing (1) 2.03ct Asscher cut diamond set with (2) large baguette cut diamonds weighing 20-23 pts each. The center diamond is I color and VVS2 clarity. The ring is a vintage 1930's and is all original.

The wholesale price of this rare diamond is $16,900.00. The price was taken from the diamond rapaport list. Appraised value was listed as $19,900.00

Though the appraisal showed $19900, similar rings I was looking at purchasing at the time (retail) were about $25k, fwiw. When I was having the wedding band made, the jeweler was kind enough to take a look at this engagement ring, and gave me some measurements as well. They are:

Length 7.02mm x Width 7.00mm x Depth 4.85mm
Depth: 69.3%
Table: 80%
Pavilion Depth: 56%
Crown Angle: 20 degrees

I understand the popularity/prices of the Asscher cut gained shortly after I bought it, but the economy has also slowed, so I really don't know the current value. I'd appreciate all insight so that I can determine a fair price. Also, please notate any pricing advice as Retail/Wholesale/etc...any idea how close I should be able to get from say, the wholesale price?

I do have some photos, and will be uploading them shortly. It is a simple design, not particularly ornate, and looks quite at home amongst more modern pieces...

Thanks!
Josh

pacethis · Mar 9, 2011

Re: Could use some pricing guidance - 2.5ct Asscher cut Art

Here is a pic from 04...getting it cleaned and taking some closeups, but this will give you an idea...

suchende · Mar 10, 2011

Re: Could use some pricing guidance - 2.5ct Asscher cut Art

I'd say the best way to get a feel for what you'd be able to reasonably get would be to track resale markets. It looks like new asschers with similar stats are selling currently for about what you paid. Obviously people on the secondary market are going to expect a discount on that price. I've heard people say half of what the center stone is selling for new, but with good stats, like your stone has, I'd guess you can probably do better. Good luck!

yssie · Mar 10, 2011

Re: Could use some pricing guidance - 2.5ct Asscher cut Art

A professional appraisal is the best way to learn exactly what you have and what it may be worth on the primary and secondary market - it'll cost between $100-300, depending on where you are and what service you choose, which is little compared to the amount at stake here I think.

If you are looking to sell and don't have a buyer in mind both Jewels by Erica Grace (www.jewelsbyericagrace.com) and Pearlman's (http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com) accept consignments and both have healthy followings here on PS.

starryeyed · Mar 11, 2011

Re: Could use some pricing guidance - 2.5ct Asscher cut Art

Hi Josh.

Recently, I traded in a 2+ carat asscher, that I had bought around 2007, for a round-brilliant that I now wear as a pendant. I had bought the asscher on a whim and sadly, never wore it, so the trade-in was smart for me because I was dying for a pendant.

I thought about selling the asscher, but it just made no sense. At the time (less than 1 year ago), I could only expect around 40-60% of Rap. Perhaps now that the economy has improved a bit you can get a little more money, but don't be surprised if offer prices aren't what you expect.

One of the sources I contacted told me that any asschers with larger tables are considered modern "Israeli-cut" asschers, and they aren't worth as much as one of the older asschers with smaller tables. I don't know how true this is, but I'm a little concerned about your table at 80%. Maybe an expert can chime in about this.

Can you do a trade-in with the original vendor for something else?

pacethis · Mar 18, 2011

Re: Could use some pricing guidance - 2.5ct Asscher cut Art

starryeyed|1299900568|2869995 said:
Hi Josh.

Recently, I traded in a 2+ carat asscher, that I had bought around 2007, for a round-brilliant that I now wear as a pendant. I had bought the asscher on a whim and sadly, never wore it, so the trade-in was smart for me because I was dying for a pendant.

I thought about selling the asscher, but it just made no sense. At the time (less than 1 year ago), I could only expect around 40-60% of Rap. Perhaps now that the economy has improved a bit you can get a little more money, but don't be surprised if offer prices aren't what you expect.

One of the sources I contacted told me that any asschers with larger tables are considered modern "Israeli-cut" asschers, and they aren't worth as much as one of the older asschers with smaller tables. I don't know how true this is, but I'm a little concerned about your table at 80%. Maybe an expert can chime in about this.

Can you do a trade-in with the original vendor for something else?

Thanks everyone for the help here. I may contact some of the forum vendors, and see what they advise.

I'm not really interested in a trade for other jewelry, though I suppose perhaps a nice rolex or something wouldn't be so bad. I didn't buy at retail though, so via the original vendor isn't much of an option. On the flip side, I got better value this way, so I should be able to recover more of the investment.

Right now, I'm a full time doctoral student, so selling it is the best option for me. I have 2 small children as well, so I'm hoping it will give us a little money for making it through while I'm still in school.

On the larger table, I have read that it was "less" desireable. However, I don't know much about it, which is why I asked for advice. My paperwork claims it is an original 1930's art deco piece, not a more modern "israeli-cut". I always assumed it was due to the characteristics of the particular diamond being cut, and that this one lent itself to a larger table. It is gorgeous, and I can't imagine it being any more beautiful even with a smaller table...but I have little to compare too either...