Please help to value the ring

[Ztte272]

Good afternoon!
Im looking for an engagement ring and was offered the one attached.
Its a 5.14 ct certified ruby from Thailand with te1 heat treatment, and 1.96 ct diamonds in white gold.

Please if anyone could give a realistic price for the ring, i would appreciate that!
Apologise in advance if the question is silly.

 

[chatoyancy]

I have no idea, but I would assume it would cost as much as a car.

 

[Bron357]

James Allen is currently offering a similar shape and size 5 carat heated rubies for $92,000.
With rubies, colour tone and clarity can dramatically increase price.
The ruby seems to be darkish and with a purple tone so that might slightly reduce the price.
A ring mount with 2 carats of diamonds would cost between $3,000 and $8,000 to make, so I imagine a total price around $80,000 plus is probable.

 

[voce]

If it costs as much as a car, it would probably be more like a Mercedes or BMW...maybe even Porsche.

The price could range a bit, depending on inclusions. Since rubies are priced more per carat as you go up in size, and this is over 5 carats, I would estimate $50,000 as a median value. It could go for more than that or less, but definitely over $30,000.

 

[Ztte272]

If it costs as much as a car, it would probably be more like a Mercedes or BMW...maybe even Porsche.

The price could range a bit, depending on inclusions. Since rubies are priced more per carat as you go up in size, and this is over 5 carats, I would estimate $50,000 as a median value. It could go for more than that or less, but definitely over $30,000.

Thank you for your feedback. My concern is that i was offered appr 20k usd for it. Is it a good deal? I attach a short video of it fyi

 

[Ztte272]

James Allen is currently offering a similar shape and size 5 carat heated rubies for $92,000.
With rubies, colour tone and clarity can dramatically increase price.
The ruby seems to be darkish and with a purple tone so that might slightly reduce the price.
A ring mount with 2 carats of diamonds would cost between $3,000 and $8,000 to make, so I imagine a total price around $80,000 plus is probable.

Thanks a lot! Appreciate it!

 

[Bron357]

No, that is not a good deal in my opinion. Although it is heated and of Thailand origin, it is still a big ruby.
Obviously, if you need the money quickly, you would probably find you need to accept a much lower value ie $30,000.
The number of people “out there” with $50,000 plus to spend on a large ruby are fairly far and few between. So it might be quite a wait for a sale at a good price. So if it’s a dealer buying it from you, they have to factor in that it might sit in the showroom for 6 months, a year even.
If you sell by auction, and I mean “fine gem auction” by Sotheby’s or Christie’s (NOT eBay) you will pay maybe 20% commission to sell and the buyer pays 20% to buy. So that 40% of money going to the auction house. That’s just how it is.
However, a fine large size ruby is very favored by wealthy people and being rare, it is a desirable item. They will pay a lot. It also has a very reputable lab report and looks stunning in your video. Very beautiful.
Perhaps you should enquire with Sotheby’s or Christie’s and see what price guide they can give you. That’s usually free to get a estimation.
You don’t want to “give it away” too cheap.

 

[Anne111]

Thank you for your feedback. My concern is that i was offered appr 20k usd for it. Is it a good deal? I attach a short video of it fyi

That's an interesting range of prices.
ZTTE, I'm confused though, 'you were offered 20k'? Or are you considering buying it for 20k?
This here is smaller but unheated from David Jerome with GRS report for 36k:
https://www.wildfishgems.com/inc/sdetail/3_49_unheated_ruby___0_50_in_white_gold/20815/20858
It seems prices are all over the place.

 

[Ztte272]

No, that is not a good deal in my opinion. Although it is heated and of Thailand origin, it is still a big ruby.
Obviously, if you need the money quickly, you would probably find you need to accept a much lower value ie $30,000.
The number of people “out there” with $50,000 plus to spend on a large ruby are fairly far and few between. So it might be quite a wait for a sale at a good price. So if it’s a dealer buying it from you, they have to factor in that it might sit in the showroom for 6 months, a year even.
If you sell by auction, and I mean “fine gem auction” by Sotheby’s or Christie’s (NOT eBay) you will pay maybe 20% commission to sell and the buyer pays 20% to buy. So that 40% of money going to the auction house. That’s just how it is.
However, a fine large size ruby is very favored by wealthy people and being rare, it is a desirable item. They will pay a lot. It also has a very reputable lab report and looks stunning in your video. Very beautiful.
Perhaps you should enquire with Sotheby’s or Christie’s and see what price guide they can give you. That’s usually free to get a estimation.
You don’t want to “give it away” too cheap.

Dear Bron357, I might confused you.
I am the customer. The seller offered me the ring for 20k usd.
So i am willing to buy it at 20k.
From your post above I assume, i can go ahead at this price?

 

[Ztte272]

That's an interesting range of prices.
ZTTE, I'm confused though, 'you were offered 20k'? Or are you considering buying it for 20k?
This here is smaller but unheated from David Jerome with GRS report for 36k:
https://www.wildfishgems.com/inc/sdetail/3_49_unheated_ruby___0_50_in_white_gold/20815/20858
It seems prices are all over the place.

Dear Anne, yes I consider buying it at 20k. Wanted to see if the price is reasonable.

 

[Bron357]

Yes, I would definitely buy it at $20,000. I’m not a jeweller valued or anything but if I had $20,000 i would Snap it up.

 

[Miki Moto]

I love rubies and have looked at a lot. If this is the color you want (darker red, a tint of violet), and you are ok with Thai rubies (vs. Burma or Mozambique) this is a fantastic deal! Get it! More photos please!

 

[Ztte272]

I love rubies and have looked at a lot. If this is the color you want (darker red, a tint of violet), and you are ok with Thai rubies (vs. Burma or Mozambique) this is a fantastic deal! Get it! More photos please!

Thank you for feedback! Is there anything wrong with Thai rubies, especially with te1 heat treatment?

 

[Miki Moto]

There is nothing wrong with Thai rubies (or Thai sapphires), but due to their color, they typically do not command the premium of a Burmese.

$20K is a good chunk of money to spend on a colored gemstone. If you are not familiar with rubies, you may want to browse a bit more on Thai vs Burma vs Mozambique. I prefer Burma or Mozambique (maybe). Burma is the reference but I have seen some very good ones from Mozambique. Many people do not care where their stone comes from as long as it looks good.

The price is great as it is a large ruby and 5ct rubies of any origin are harder to find. But if the color and origin matter to you, you may want to check around and get a smaller stone with a different origin and more red.

If you want 5ct and like this stone and color and are ok with Thai, get it. I think it’s a great price. A 5ct Burmese will cost over $100K. I have seen a 4ct unheated Burmese at $250K. But you should not think you are getting a $100K stone for $20K is my point.

If you like the stone, it’s a good price. If you like it because you think it’s a super bargain against the Burmese stones, I would not get it for that reason.

Hope that helps. That was kind i a long winded answer!

 

[Miki Moto]

Oh, forgot to answer you on heat. Nearly all rubies (and sapphires) are heat treated so that is an accepted industry standard. If you are picky, you can get no heat, but your stone will be much smaller (assuming $20K) or you will need to go higher up in dollars and it will most likely be Burma or Mozambique. Thai rubies are almost always heated to get them to at least a decent red.

I think you need to decide what is important to you in a colored gemstone. Color is the most important in rubies, then heat or no heat, but I would say origin makes a big difference in value. If the three major counties discussed here, ranking is Burma, Mozambique, Thai.

This is ONLY if you care about this stuff which I do but many may not. If you do not and you LOVE this ring, hands down it is a great deal. Any ruby that is 5cts is tough to find. I assume it’s pretty clean.. it’s hsrd to tell from the fast moving video how it faces up. But I am sure it’s good.

 

[Ztte272]

There is nothing wrong with Thai rubies (or Thai sapphires), but due to their color, they typically do not command the premium of a Burmese.

$20K is a good chunk of money to spend on a colored gemstone. If you are not familiar with rubies, you may want to browse a bit more on Thai vs Burma vs Mozambique. I prefer Burma or Mozambique (maybe). Burma is the reference but I have seen some very good ones from Mozambique. Many people do not care where their stone comes from as long as it looks good.

The price is great as it is a large ruby and 5ct rubies of any origin are harder to find. But if the color and origin matter to you, you may want to check around and get a smaller stone with a different origin and more red.

If you want 5ct and like this stone and color and are ok with Thai, get it. I think it’s a great price. A 5ct Burmese will cost over $100K. I have seen a 4ct unheated Burmese at $250K. But you should not think you are getting a $100K stone for $20K is my point.

If you like the stone, it’s a good price. If you like it because you think it’s a super bargain against the Burmese stones, I would not get it for that reason.

Hope that helps. That was kind i a long winded answer!

Dear Miki Moto, thank you for your very helpful reply! I got it. My main question is if this ring with its specs really worth 20k to spend? Maybe due to your points above price should be reasonably less than 20k.

 

[Miki Moto]

Ah... I see your question.

I think this and of course this is my humble opinion...

I think if you want a 5ct ruby ring, and are ok with the color, heat treat, and being from Thai... assuming this ring looks as good as it does in the photo (clear stone), then I think it’s a great price.

But seeing you are asking these questions about rubies, if it were me, I would not spend $20K without doing my research on what I like.

To help with another point of view, I will look at it for me. For a ruby, I like big. But more than big, I want Burma and maybe I will consider Mozambique. I would not consider a Thai stone. Country of origin is important to me (Colombian for emeralds). Next is color... I need that perfect red. I will not get a red that I don’t love (I did that once and regret it). Last is size even though I said size is important to me. I would rather have to me what is a higher quality stone with the perfect color rather than a big stone with an inferior color. And color is very subjective. For me, it is a true perfect red.

So you will have to ask yourself... for $20K, do you love love love this stone? If yes, get it. If you only love it because it is big and a good price, skip.

You keep asking if it is a good deal.. I think it is a great deal assuming the stone looks clean and you love it, but I am not an expert not have I seen the stone. Also to think about.... if the seller could get $100K for it, he would price it accordingly. selling colored gemstones are very knowledgeable due to the big variations of material.

 

[Miki Moto]

By the way, you should ask for still photos. The dealer moves too fast in the video and there are times when the stone looks dark and without life. But... it could be the angle. Best to get some still photos and also one against skin. For me, I need to see stones against skin for a truer view. The ring itself is very pretty. Very nice design.

Good luck!

 

[Ztte272]

By the way, you should ask for still photos. The dealer moves too fast in the video and there are times when the stone looks dark and without life. But... it could be the angle. Best to get some still photos and also one against skin. For me, I need to see stones against skin for a truer view. The ring itself is very pretty. Very nice design.

Good luck!

Dear Miki, thank you again! You help me a lot!
To be honest, iv always wanted to propose with a ruby ring. Iv made research in many retail shops in London including boodles, faberge, hirsh, basically all over bond street. So finally I popped into the store on the same street and found it. I saw it live, and on a finger - looks amazing to me! The design also stands out, which I like. The initial retail price was 27k gbp, which is 36k usd. After negotiations and taking some time to think about it, I stated that my budget was 20k and already forgot about it. But I was offered 20k usd as a "very special offer from the owner". That was a huge discount! Obviously, it caused some concerns.
Since im in sales myself, im searching for feedback from people in gemstone industry. If they discounted so much, is the price still reasonable? i cant imagine these guy dont make profit

forgot to add, the ring was manufactured in Paris, France

 

[Bluegemz]

I personally think it is a stunning ring design and a lovely ruby. It is so deep and mysterious. I really love the movement between the two sides, and that wonderful space in between. Togetherness with openness. A fresh and elegant variation of the classic pear.

What a wonderful sentiment, to propose with a ruby! It would be hard not to be impressed with such a ring.

I’m not a ruby expert, or in the trade, but a 5 carat stone with that look, while perhaps not the exact trade ideal in color/ tone , is a fantastic price. Thankfully with color, ideal is an individual choice, so a stone like that one would be perfect for others which may prefer a little more enigma. That stone seems both as if one could dive into the pool of color, but also pops to the eye...like being both introverted and extroverted at the same time.

You are doing well by asking these important questions. Wishing you luck in your search and your proposal!

 

[Ztte272]

I personally think it is a stunning ring design and a lovely ruby. It is so deep and mysterious. I really love the movement between the two sides, and that wonderful space in between. Togetherness with openness. A fresh and elegant variation of the classic pear.

What a wonderful sentiment, to propose with a ruby! It would be hard not to be impressed with such a ring.

I’m not a ruby expert, or in the trade, but a 5 carat stone with that look, while perhaps not the exact trade ideal in color/ tone , is a fantastic price. Thankfully with color, ideal is an individual choice, so a stone like that one would be perfect for others which may prefer a little more enigma. That stone seems both as if one could dive into the pool of color, but also pops to the eye...like being both introverted and extroverted at the same time.

You are doing well by asking these important questions. Wishing you luck in your search and your proposal!

Thank you for your feedback, Bluegemz! Appreciate it a lot!
I hope it will go well!

 

[Miki Moto]

Hi! Thank you for the additional input.That was very helpful to get a bit more perspective.
I have some more opinions if I may.... (smile). I've had too much coffee today! (I'm in the U.S.)

I have purchased many colored gemstones and have also sold some of them where I made mistakes on thinking it’s what I wanted. I will say this... I have always lost a lot of money when I try to sell my stones, but I know stones are not an investment (unless you purchase museum quality pieces).

That said, I still love colored gemstones. I love them more than diamonds. Rubies are gorgeous (and for me, emeralds too). If you have always wanted to give your beloved a ruby engagement ring, this is certainly a winner. It is rare to find a 5ct and the setting is very unique. Is it White Gold or Platinum?

Also, you said you have looked around in London (I travel to London on business often), so if you have looked at rubies from Faberge, Hirsch, and you have seen this ruby with your own eyes for comparison and you love it, then it is THE ring. I would get it. One other thought... whenever I am London, I love going to see the Harrod's Fine Jewelry floor as they have the most exquisite colored gemstones. Some pieces are super expensive, but I love to look and see what perfect stones look like. You might want to take a stroll to Harrod's and go to their Fine Jewelry floor.

On price... $36K USD to $20K USD is steep drop but jewelry prices are very very inflated at retail stores. My guess is that it is because it is a Thai ruby. I also believe... and this is my opinion only... based on my travels to Europe, mainly to London and Paris, the European market is more demanding of stones from specific origins vs the U.S. hence that may be why the Thai ruby has not sold. I am assuming it's a genuine ruby and not a filled synthetic. The ring is probably old inventory and the jewelry just wants to move it.

That said... it sounds like you love the ring. Also, a ruby is quite hard (Mohs scale of 9) for an engagement ring, and it is a lovely setting. I say get it... it's a great price and most important of all, you love the stone and the setting. And a big 5ct ruby with a nice color and reasonable price is hard to find, regardless of origin.

That would be my two cents. So... how about taking the tube to Harrod's, look at some stones, then stroll back to Bond street and grab that ring! (smile)

Pictures please! On a finger! Find a sales lady to model it. The setting is very pretty.

 

[prs]

I think Gubelin is a respected lab, so given the ruby is certified, that price is a heck of a good deal.

At 15.46x9.64x4.42 it has terrific face up size for a 5ct stone and at 1.60 the L/W is close to perfect IMHO. However it is rather shallow, and in the video it does look like the dark area in the center of the stone might be a window. If I read your posts correctly you've seen the ring in person, so if it looks great to you, go for it!

 

[Ztte272]

Hi! Thank you for the additional input.That was very helpful to get a bit more perspective.
I have some more opinions if I may.... (smile). I've had too much coffee today! (I'm in the U.S.)

I have purchased many colored gemstones and have also sold some of them where I made mistakes on thinking it’s what I wanted. I will say this... I have always lost a lot of money when I try to sell my stones, but I know stones are not an investment (unless you purchase museum quality pieces).

That said, I still love colored gemstones. I love them more than diamonds. Rubies are gorgeous (and for me, emeralds too). If you have always wanted to give your beloved a ruby engagement ring, this is certainly a winner. It is rare to find a 5ct and the setting is very unique. Is it White Gold or Platinum?

Also, you said you have looked around in London (I travel to London on business often), so if you have looked at rubies from Faberge, Hirsch, and you have seen this ruby with your own eyes for comparison and you love it, then it is THE ring. I would get it. One other thought... whenever I am London, I love going to see the Harrod's Fine Jewelry floor as they have the most exquisite colored gemstones. Some pieces are super expensive, but I love to look and see what perfect stones look like. You might want to take a stroll to Harrod's and go to their Fine Jewelry floor.

On price... $36K USD to $20K USD is steep drop but jewelry prices are very very inflated at retail stores. My guess is that it is because it is a Thai ruby. I also believe... and this is my opinion only... based on my travels to Europe, mainly to London and Paris, the European market is more demanding of stones from specific origins vs the U.S. hence that may be why the Thai ruby has not sold. I am assuming it's a genuine ruby and not a filled synthetic. The ring is probably old inventory and the jewelry just wants to move it.

That said... it sounds like you love the ring. Also, a ruby is quite hard (Mohs scale of 9) for an engagement ring, and it is a lovely setting. I say get it... it's a great price and most important of all, you love the stone and the setting. And a big 5ct ruby with a nice color and reasonable price is hard to find, regardless of origin.

That would be my two cents. So... how about taking the tube to Harrod's, look at some stones, then stroll back to Bond street and grab that ring! (smile)

Pictures please! On a finger! Find a sales lady to model it. The setting is very pretty.

Dear Miki,
thank you for your message. Harrods was my first place to go. I live in Chelsea, so I was visiting it very often, scanning various stores. Initially, I was after Faberge. They offered me Mozambique 1.69 carat appr, unheated, pigeon blood and 0.47 carat of diamonds for 19k GBP - 3 colors of love. Nice, traditional design, famous brand. But still, I wasn't sure.
But after bond street, 5.14 carats surely caught my attention along with huge price drop. I will ask the assistant to send me the photos!

I will get back shortly!)

 

[Ztte272]

Hi! Thank you for the additional input.That was very helpful to get a bit more perspective.
I have some more opinions if I may.... (smile). I've had too much coffee today! (I'm in the U.S.)

I have purchased many colored gemstones and have also sold some of them where I made mistakes on thinking it’s what I wanted. I will say this... I have always lost a lot of money when I try to sell my stones, but I know stones are not an investment (unless you purchase museum quality pieces).

That said, I still love colored gemstones. I love them more than diamonds. Rubies are gorgeous (and for me, emeralds too). If you have always wanted to give your beloved a ruby engagement ring, this is certainly a winner. It is rare to find a 5ct and the setting is very unique. Is it White Gold or Platinum?

Also, you said you have looked around in London (I travel to London on business often), so if you have looked at rubies from Faberge, Hirsch, and you have seen this ruby with your own eyes for comparison and you love it, then it is THE ring. I would get it. One other thought... whenever I am London, I love going to see the Harrod's Fine Jewelry floor as they have the most exquisite colored gemstones. Some pieces are super expensive, but I love to look and see what perfect stones look like. You might want to take a stroll to Harrod's and go to their Fine Jewelry floor.

On price... $36K USD to $20K USD is steep drop but jewelry prices are very very inflated at retail stores. My guess is that it is because it is a Thai ruby. I also believe... and this is my opinion only... based on my travels to Europe, mainly to London and Paris, the European market is more demanding of stones from specific origins vs the U.S. hence that may be why the Thai ruby has not sold. I am assuming it's a genuine ruby and not a filled synthetic. The ring is probably old inventory and the jewelry just wants to move it.

That said... it sounds like you love the ring. Also, a ruby is quite hard (Mohs scale of 9) for an engagement ring, and it is a lovely setting. I say get it... it's a great price and most important of all, you love the stone and the setting. And a big 5ct ruby with a nice color and reasonable price is hard to find, regardless of origin.

That would be my two cents. So... how about taking the tube to Harrod's, look at some stones, then stroll back to Bond street and grab that ring! (smile)

Pictures please! On a finger! Find a sales lady to model it. The setting is very pretty.

Dear Miki,
I have decided to gor for it. Here is some media)

 

[Miki Moto]

Wow! That is stunning! It looks great on the finger! Beautiful! The design is so striking. And definitely worth $20K for sure in my book!

Congratulations to you! By the way, you are so cool to spend time looking for the perfect ring!

I wish you both much happiness!

 

[Ztte272]

Wow! That is stunning! It looks great on the finger! Beautiful! The design is so striking. And definitely worth $20K for sure in my book!

Congratulations to you! By the way, you are so cool to spend time looking for the perfect ring!

I wish you both much happiness!

Thank you for kind words, Miki! Appreciate it! Have a great day!

 

[chrono]

Oh, you’ve purchased it. Enjoy.

 

[Ztte272]

Oh, you’ve purchased it. Enjoy.

HI, Chrono! Not yet, just confirmed it.

 

[doberman]

I love it! Enjoy!