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Engagement Ring Help - Second Hand Tiffany

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taylor797

Rough_Rock
Joined
Nov 27, 2022
Messages
7
Hi everyone, I'm new to the forum and in the process of purchasing an engagement ring. I did a lot of reading but only recently came across Price Scope. My budget is <$15k CAD ($10.5k USD) and I'm looking for something in the 1.20-1.30 carat range. My girlfriend really likes the Tiffany 6 prong setting and band in platinum. I recognize this can be duplicated anywhere so I'm not tied to getting Tiffany but I found a pre-owned ring (<2 years, worn only on special occasions and zero signs of wear) locally including all paperwork, original receipt and packaging. The seller and I met at the Tiffany store and verified the serial numbers.

We agreed on $13.5k CAD ($9.85k USD) pending a resizing by Tiffany which would also give me more assurance on it being genuine. Before I lock in the deal I wanted to get your opinion. I ran the HCA score and it looks to be 2.2-2.5 and when I look at comparable diamonds they appear to be in the $8.5k - $10k USD range (in line with what I would be paying for the complete ring and we'd be able to have it serviced at Tiffany, although I recognize the issues with Tiffany not always treating second hand clients nicely).

For further background - both my girlfriend and I are frugal and try to buy everything pre owned when it makes sense, she is 100% on board with a pre owned ring. Neither of us care about designer labels (the picture is from the seller hence the Chanel bag) but I do like the Tiffany history and designs; however, I'm unwilling to pay extra for it. I'd love your view on whether this is a reasonable price and diamond. Also attaching the Tiffany report in case it's helpful. Thank you in advance

IMG_1470.jpg you
 
No help from me but I am astonished that Tiffany is willing to be the back alley for this transaction. Maybe Canada is better than US. And I did not think they would do this type of authentication -- but good for you if they can/will confirm it is the same stone that was sold.

You will always pay a substantial premium at Tiffany. The original purchaser did and is expecting the same from you, presumably. You can ask what a comparable ring would be, new, there -- or look at comparables there before your seller shows up...
 
Thank you very much for the quick response. The current price at Tiffany is $25k CAD (it was $22k 2.5 years ago). Based on retail price it's a good deal given we also have 13% sales tax here but it's looking like I could get something similar on WhiteFlash even with exchange and taxes in.
 
It doesn’t sound like you are particularly taken by the Tiffany brand or name. And it would be fine if you were—there’s a lot of caché and it’s a storied brand. I have learned that Tiffany does not always cut to the same super ideal standard that the super ideal vendors do, such as Whiteflash, Brian Gavin, etc. So, while I would have no issue with a pre-loved ring, I would want to verify that the cut met a super ideal standard. If not, I would probably go with Whiteflash or another vendor and just get a Tiffany-style setting.
 
Thank you so much - that's super helpful. It doesn't seem like the diamond is up to par for what I could get on WhiteFlash. Other opinions welcome but I'm definitely leaning that way!
 
Hello and welcome to PriceScope, taylor797!

Looking over the specs, you're definitely paying a hefty premium for the Tiffany name brand and not getting the pinnacle of optical performance, based on the proportions and angles of the diamond.

If you want the name brand, then you're probably in the ballpark on price.

If you want the best optical performance, then you can do better for the same carat weight and probably save a measurable amount on overall cost.

 
That's awesome - I am going to talk to WhiteFlash tomorrow but sounds like this will be the route for me. Thank you all so much and will post back with what I decide on.
 
The price is not unreasonable, but for that amount, I'd get this better cut diamond

Diamond | 1.211 ct I VS2 Expert Selection Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4511762

This fabulous 1.211 carat Round Ideal cut diamond has a clarity grade of VS2 and color grade of I.It is an excellent choice for engagement rings. | 4511762
www.whiteflash.com

in this setting.

6 Prong Solitaire Engagement Ring by Vatche | 1778

6 Prong Solitaire Engagement Ring by Vatche. Experience classic elegance with the timeless beauty of the 6 prong solitaire engagement ring by Vatche. | 1778
www.whiteflash.com
 
Thank you again everyone for your help. With your help + the help of Whiteflash who also sent pictures on the hand I have narrowed down to the two diamonds in the link below:

Diamond comparison | Compare Diamonds to choose and buy the best one

Whiteflash gives you an excellent opportunity to compare diamonds to make a great deal. With diamond’s parameters provided, you can compare any detail.
www.whiteflash.com

The more expensive one looks amazing for an SI1 and I was able to move to an H color with this one (0.9HCA). I'm hoping to get your advice on whether there would be a discernible difference between the two or whether it may be worth saving the money and going with the slightly lower quality (1.1HCA).

Thank you
 
Also one thing to add is if anyone sees a better quality diamond for similar price or similar quality for lower price at James Allen I'm open to that as well! Thanks again
 
taylor797 said:
Thank you again everyone for your help. With your help + the help of Whiteflash who also sent pictures on the hand I have narrowed down to the two diamonds in the link below:

Diamond comparison | Compare Diamonds to choose and buy the best one

Whiteflash gives you an excellent opportunity to compare diamonds to make a great deal. With diamond’s parameters provided, you can compare any detail.
www.whiteflash.com

The more expensive one looks amazing for an SI1 and I was able to move to an H color with this one (0.9HCA). I'm hoping to get your advice on whether there would be a discernible difference between the two or whether it may be worth saving the money and going with the slightly lower quality (1.1HCA).

Thank you
Click to expand...

The H wins for being higher color and cleaner.

You'll get a better cut stone with proven performance from Whiteflash than from James Allen, plus a significantly better upgrade policy.
 
taylor797 said:
Thank you again everyone for your help. With your help + the help of Whiteflash who also sent pictures on the hand I have narrowed down to the two diamonds in the link below:

Diamond comparison | Compare Diamonds to choose and buy the best one

Whiteflash gives you an excellent opportunity to compare diamonds to make a great deal. With diamond’s parameters provided, you can compare any detail.
www.whiteflash.com

The more expensive one looks amazing for an SI1 and I was able to move to an H color with this one (0.9HCA). I'm hoping to get your advice on whether there would be a discernible difference between the two or whether it may be worth saving the money and going with the slightly lower quality (1.1HCA).

Thank you
Click to expand...

Fyi the HCA tool is a rejection tool, not a way to select stones. A score of .9 isnt better than 1.1

Rather, stones that score 2 or under should be considered, whereas those that score over 2 (especially over 2.5) should likely be rejected
 
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