OEC Eternity Ring -- Fair Price??

[Demelza]

I'm wondering the best way to assess a fair price for a vintage piece when there aren't a lot of comps around. One of the pieces on my jewelry bucket list is a big old cut eternity ring. I'm not talking huge -- somewhere around 2 cts so that each stone is around 10 points or so. I haven't seen many around, but I found one at a very reputable jewelry store in LA and it's really beautiful (pics below). Stats are 2 cttw, all OEC's, G-I, VS, platinum. The price on the ticket was $4250, but they went down to $3000. There's a very similar band on Ebay for $2350 (seller agreed to $2200), but the pics aren't very good and the seller said she won't send additional pics. Also, the band is a half size too small, but likely can be made bigger by shaving out a bit of the metal on the inside. Obviously the one on Ebay is a better deal assuming it's as nice as the one in LA, but there's no way to know without seeing it in person and certainly not without better pics. And, frankly, the Ebay seller seems very rigid and potentially difficult. I'm all for getting a steal, but I also want to get what I want as long as I'm not getting ripped off. Does the price on the band in LA seem outrageous?

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Gorgeous! I'd snap that baby up for $3k if it has a return policy!!!!!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Just looking around at new, high quality rb eternities in platinum, I am seeing $4300-5000+.

 

[Demelza]

Just looking around at new, high quality rb eternities in platinum, I am seeing $4300-5000+.

Thanks, DS. It's so hard to know whether modern counterparts make good comps, but that's helpful information to have. I've seen this band in person -- once in August and again in November and I loved it both times. It's a beautiful stand alone ring -- big but not so big it's flashy. I guess I just wonder if I could find something like this one day on Ebay for $1200 or something.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I just don't see those as being nearly as easy to find as a single OEC. If it is great quality, it is worth paying for. I would not have paid the original price, but $3k would be acceptable to me. Steals are great, but don't miss out on smaller items you really want in order to wait for one that is incorrectly priced!

 

[Laila619]

I think the price might be a little high, yes, but it sure is beautiful!!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I realize that old rings should cost less than new, technically. But I bought a Tiffany Legacy band because it was exactly what I wanted. Talk about overpriced! Fortunately I got mine when prices were lower, but look at this to help yourself feel better!

http://www.tiffany.com/Shopping/Item.aspx?fromGrid=1&sku=GRP00003&mcat=148204&cid=287462&search_params=s+5-p+7-c+287462-r+-x+-n+6-ri+-ni+0-t+

or this

http://www.tiffany.com/Shopping/Item.aspx?fromGrid=1&sku=GRP01548&mcat=&cid=&search_params=s+1-p+1-c+-r+-x+-n+6-ri+-ni+0-t+legacy+ring&search=1

But on the other hand, I wouldn't pay $1000 for one if I didn't absolutely love it!

 

[motownmama]

I think it's fair - just be sure it wil fit. It can be returned, right? Will the store be tweaking the inside of the ring, or do you have to go somewhere else? I've done it with a gold ring, but never with platinum

 

[Laila619]

Whoops, I missed that they went down to 3,000. That's pretty good actually. Do you think they'd budge any more, or no? I'd be more worried about the size and having to shave metal off though, personally.

 

[Demelza]

I think it's fair - just be sure it wil fit. It can be returned, right? Will the store be tweaking the inside of the ring, or do you have to go somewhere else? I've done it with a gold ring, but never with platinum

The ring that is 3k does not need to be tweaked. It fits perfectly. It was the Ebay ring for less that needs sizing. I've ruled that one out because the seller won't forward any better pictures and that's a bit of a red flag to me.

 

[Demelza]

Whoops, I missed that they went down to 3,000. That's pretty good actually. Do you think they'd budge any more, or no? I'd be more worried about the size and having to shave metal off though, personally.

No, I don't think they'll budge any more. They initially went down to $3200 and then I told them about the ring on Ebay. They said that was a fantastic price and they would go down to 3k, but I really do think that's it. They're in a high end retail part of LA, so I think they can get those prices.

This ring fits me perfectly -- it does not need sizing!

I realize that old rings should cost less than new, technically. But I bought a Tiffany Legacy band because it was exactly what I wanted. Talk about overpriced! Fortunately I got mine when prices were lower, but look at this to help yourself feel better!

http://www.tiffany.com/Shopping/Item.aspx?fromGrid=1&sku=GRP00003&mcat=148204&cid=287462&search_params=s+5-p+7-c+287462-r+-x+-n+6-ri+-ni+0-t+

or this

http://www.tiffany.com/Shopping/Item.aspx?fromGrid=1&sku=GRP01548&mcat=&cid=&search_params=s+1-p+1-c+-r+-x+-n+6-ri+-ni+0-t+legacy+ring&search=1

But on the other hand, I wouldn't pay $1000 for one if I didn't absolutely love it!

Hahaha, yes, those prices are INSANE! Yes, that does make me feel better. Thanks!

 

[Laila619]

Okay good, it fits. That makes it more appealing for 3k then.

 

[Circe]

I think it sounds like a very fair price - and being exactly your size is a nice coincidence. Yes, there's the outside possibility you could find one for less (I just got my dream french-cut band in eBay for, like, an eighth of its retail price, so it can happen ... but I'd also been hunting obsessively for a year and change). But if you do? Buy it then, and sell the one you like less!

 

[Demelza]

I think it sounds like a very fair price - and being exactly your size is a nice coincidence. Yes, there's the outside possibility you could find one for less (I just got my dream french-cut band in eBay for, like, an eighth of its retail price, so it can happen ... but I'd also been hunting obsessively for a year and change). But if you do? Buy it then, and sell the one you like less!

Congrats on your french-cut band! I saw the picture of it in the other thread and it looks amazing! I have been looking for one on Ebay as well and have never seen one. How many carats is yours? Was it a private seller who didn't know what he/she had?

Just out of curiosity, have you seen any bands like this one -- larger OEC eternity rings? I see lots of bands with 2-4 pointers, but nothing like this. The relative rarity (I use that term loosely as I'm sure they're not truly rare) makes me more inclined to pay the premium.

 

[starrylight]

With all the recent "borrowing" of pictures, I'm glad that you're not going for the ebay one. I think it's a wise choice since they refused to send more.

 

[Lovingwarmdiamonds]

I'm also an avid antique eternity ring stalker and this looks like a GREAT find. Is it in good shape? If so, that combined w/ the fact that it fits and that price for a 2 carat eternity sounds like a holy grail to me! I would buy it in a second - especially if they have a good return policy.

I have an OEC eternity that is not even 1 carat and it was almost 2600!

 

[Circe]

I think it sounds like a very fair price - and being exactly your size is a nice coincidence. Yes, there's the outside possibility you could find one for less (I just got my dream french-cut band in eBay for, like, an eighth of its retail price, so it can happen ... but I'd also been hunting obsessively for a year and change). But if you do? Buy it then, and sell the one you like less!

Congrats on your french-cut band! I saw the picture of it in the other thread and it looks amazing! I have been looking for one on Ebay as well and have never seen one. How many carats is yours? Was it a private seller who didn't know what he/she had?

Just out of curiosity, have you seen any bands like this one -- larger OEC eternity rings? I see lots of bands with 2-4 pointers, but nothing like this. The relative rarity (I use that term loosely as I'm sure they're not truly rare) makes me more inclined to pay the premium.

I actually just had it appraised today - it measured higher in every category than what it was sold as. Sold as a 2.2 I SI band ... appraised as a 2.9 F/G VS band. And I can't for the life of me figure out why the price was as low as it was - the seller seems to be a pro, not necessarily specializing in jewelry, but with it accounting for a good 1/2 to 2/3rds of business. S/he seemed to know what it was - it was labeled as such! - so I'm just going to assume they wanted to turn it around quickly, and thank my lucky stars I was in the right place at the right time.

I've seen a few older bigger eternities, but they've usually been priced between 4K and 6K. I can't think of any comparable pieces off the top of my head, but I'll keep an eye out. Given your description and the pictures, though, I think it's worth the premium too!

 

[Demelza]

I think it sounds like a very fair price - and being exactly your size is a nice coincidence. Yes, there's the outside possibility you could find one for less (I just got my dream french-cut band in eBay for, like, an eighth of its retail price, so it can happen ... but I'd also been hunting obsessively for a year and change). But if you do? Buy it then, and sell the one you like less!

Congrats on your french-cut band! I saw the picture of it in the other thread and it looks amazing! I have been looking for one on Ebay as well and have never seen one. How many carats is yours? Was it a private seller who didn't know what he/she had?

Just out of curiosity, have you seen any bands like this one -- larger OEC eternity rings? I see lots of bands with 2-4 pointers, but nothing like this. The relative rarity (I use that term loosely as I'm sure they're not truly rare) makes me more inclined to pay the premium.

I actually just had it appraised today - it measured higher in every category than what it was sold as. Sold as a 2.2 I SI band ... appraised as a 2.9 F/G VS band. And I can't for the life of me figure out why the price was as low as it was - the seller seems to be a pro, not necessarily specializing in jewelry, but with it accounting for a good 1/2 to 2/3rds of business. S/he seemed to know what it was - it was labeled as such! - so I'm just going to assume they wanted to turn it around quickly, and thank my lucky stars I was in the right place at the right time.

I've seen a few older bigger eternities, but they've usually been priced between 4K and 6K. I can't think of any comparable pieces off the top of my head, but I'll keep an eye out. Given your description and the pictures, though, I think it's worth the premium too!

Wow, that's amazing! Is your band vintage? I just LOVE a good deal as it really increases my enjoyment of an item. Congrats!!

 

[Dreamer_D]

Looks like you found some much better enabelers that me! ETA: Thats a good thing, these gals obviously love and value eternity bands so are much better judges of this ring than someone like me who is not a band lover!

Maybe you should post your real life photo madam.

 

[lknvrb4]

I would rather pay a little extra for the one you have seen in person than to buy one that you have not seen and have to fix just to make it fit you. I would be wondering why she won't send more pictures of it as well.

 

[Circe]

I think it sounds like a very fair price - and being exactly your size is a nice coincidence. Yes, there's the outside possibility you could find one for less (I just got my dream french-cut band in eBay for, like, an eighth of its retail price, so it can happen ... but I'd also been hunting obsessively for a year and change). But if you do? Buy it then, and sell the one you like less!

Congrats on your french-cut band! I saw the picture of it in the other thread and it looks amazing! I have been looking for one on Ebay as well and have never seen one. How many carats is yours? Was it a private seller who didn't know what he/she had?

Just out of curiosity, have you seen any bands like this one -- larger OEC eternity rings? I see lots of bands with 2-4 pointers, but nothing like this. The relative rarity (I use that term loosely as I'm sure they're not truly rare) makes me more inclined to pay the premium.

I actually just had it appraised today - it measured higher in every category than what it was sold as. Sold as a 2.2 I SI band ... appraised as a 2.9 F/G VS band. And I can't for the life of me figure out why the price was as low as it was - the seller seems to be a pro, not necessarily specializing in jewelry, but with it accounting for a good 1/2 to 2/3rds of business. S/he seemed to know what it was - it was labeled as such! - so I'm just going to assume they wanted to turn it around quickly, and thank my lucky stars I was in the right place at the right time.

I've seen a few older bigger eternities, but they've usually been priced between 4K and 6K. I can't think of any comparable pieces off the top of my head, but I'll keep an eye out. Given your description and the pictures, though, I think it's worth the premium too!

Wow, that's amazing! Is your band vintage? I just LOVE a good deal as it really increases my enjoyment of an item. Congrats!!

I think it must be - all of the stones are old frenchies, with little culets. And, oooo, dittoing Dreamer - I'd love to see a handshot. To, uh, aid in the decision making process. Yeah, that's it! Purely altruistic motivations.

 

[Demelza]

I think it sounds like a very fair price - and being exactly your size is a nice coincidence. Yes, there's the outside possibility you could find one for less (I just got my dream french-cut band in eBay for, like, an eighth of its retail price, so it can happen ... but I'd also been hunting obsessively for a year and change). But if you do? Buy it then, and sell the one you like less!

Congrats on your french-cut band! I saw the picture of it in the other thread and it looks amazing! I have been looking for one on Ebay as well and have never seen one. How many carats is yours? Was it a private seller who didn't know what he/she had?

Just out of curiosity, have you seen any bands like this one -- larger OEC eternity rings? I see lots of bands with 2-4 pointers, but nothing like this. The relative rarity (I use that term loosely as I'm sure they're not truly rare) makes me more inclined to pay the premium.

I actually just had it appraised today - it measured higher in every category than what it was sold as. Sold as a 2.2 I SI band ... appraised as a 2.9 F/G VS band. And I can't for the life of me figure out why the price was as low as it was - the seller seems to be a pro, not necessarily specializing in jewelry, but with it accounting for a good 1/2 to 2/3rds of business. S/he seemed to know what it was - it was labeled as such! - so I'm just going to assume they wanted to turn it around quickly, and thank my lucky stars I was in the right place at the right time.

I've seen a few older bigger eternities, but they've usually been priced between 4K and 6K. I can't think of any comparable pieces off the top of my head, but I'll keep an eye out. Given your description and the pictures, though, I think it's worth the premium too!

Wow, that's amazing! Is your band vintage? I just LOVE a good deal as it really increases my enjoyment of an item. Congrats!!

I think it must be - all of the stones are old frenchies, with little culets. And, oooo, dittoing Dreamer - I'd love to see a handshot. To, uh, aid in the decision making process. Yeah, that's it! Purely altruistic motivations.

Wow, what a find! Any pics?? I would LOVE to see some.

I do have a couple of really crummy, blurry iphone photos. I don't know how helpful they'll be, but I'll post them regardless in case they're instructive in any way. I'm 99% sure I'm going to pull the trigger....unless someone sees something in these photos that should sway me in the other direction.

 

[Circe]

Slightly off topic, but you have such pretty slender long fingers! They accommodate that gorgeous rock and an impressive eternity without any crowding. Perfect! I actually like the band even more seeing it on you - it has great presence on its own, but I don't think it overwhelms your solitaire - with a thin spacer, I can totally see stacking them.

No thread here yet - I feel like I've been waiting for a sunny day in NYC for forever! But I'll snap my own crappy iPhone shot - seems only fair, after I pleaded for yours! Hope you'll forgive the bluriness/scunginess. ;/

 

[Circe]

And, handshot - I stack it with my wedding band on my right hand.

 

[Rosebloom]

You two are KILLING me! Those are amazing baubles. Demelza, I love that band on you!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

You two are KILLING me! Those are amazing baubles. Demelza, I love that band on you!

Really!!!!

 

[MissGotRocks]

Sounds like a fair price to me for a 2 ctw eternity band. You sound as though you really like it and it fits - sometimes it doesn't get much better than this!

Are you planning to wear it with your ering or as a stand alone band?

Looks like a gorgeous ring - not sure I'd pass this one up if I really liked it!

 

[Demelza]

Slightly off topic, but you have such pretty slender long fingers! They accommodate that gorgeous rock and an impressive eternity without any crowding. Perfect! I actually like the band even more seeing it on you - it has great presence on its own, but I don't think it overwhelms your solitaire - with a thin spacer, I can totally see stacking them.

No thread here yet - I feel like I've been waiting for a sunny day in NYC for forever! But I'll snap my own crappy iPhone shot - seems only fair, after I pleaded for yours! Hope you'll forgive the bluriness/scunginess. ;/

Well, first of all, thank you for the compliments on my fingers! I was just complaining about my fingers being just the opposite (neither long nor slender) to my friend the other day, but I'll take the compliment graciously because it is certainly nice to hear.

Second, your band is phenomenal!!!! I have never seen a band like that on Ebay -- not once, ever -- so the fact that you got it for such a steal is really amazing!! It's fantastic!

You two are KILLING me! Those are amazing baubles. Demelza, I love that band on you!

Really!!!!

Thanks DS and Rosebloom!!

Sounds like a fair price to me for a 2 ctw eternity band. You sound as though you really like it and it fits - sometimes it doesn't get much better than this!

Are you planning to wear it with your ering or as a stand alone band?

Looks like a gorgeous ring - not sure I'd pass this one up if I really liked it!

Thanks for chiming in, friend! I am planning to wear it as a stand alone, yes, but I will try it again with my OEC. While the scale isn't quite right in the close up photos of the two together, I actually liked how it looked in normal viewing distance. I hope I like it as much as I remember liking it. I didn't look at is as closely as I might have because the price was prohibitively expensive at that point.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Dem, I am sorry for my poor memory, but what color is your e-ring stone again?

 

[Demelza]

Dem, I am sorry for my poor memory, but what color is your e-ring stone again?

My MRB is a G and my OEC is an EGL I, but according to Dave Atlas, it's a GIA J.