Please help (used tacori)

[Wnabmd12]

Hello,

It's finally become time for me to pop the big question. Unfortunately funds are still low, I'm an adult student, and I want to stretch my money as far as I can. Ideally I would like to purchase a tacori engagement ring, white gold, > 1ct, good quality stone, etc. It's just not possible for the next couple years... And we're both very impatient.

On a whim, I decided to search Craigslist and found the following : http://syracuse.craigslist.org/jwl/3498760883.html . While I know Tacori is overpriced, this seems like my best bet. It fits all of my wants, it's already sized to a size that will fit, and it's in my price range. I'm just completely clueless when it comes to buying a daimond, and I want to make sure that this is a good deal. It was worn for < a month, and will be polished, etc. I'm just not crazy about buying a used ring, but to me, this is too good of a deal to pass up.

Any help, advice, criticism would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Wnabmd12]

Wow, lurking around on the forums I have noticed that there is more pertinent information that I need to get an accurate opinion. While I knew there are ratings and different specs on the stones, I didn't really realize on how the cut can alter the price so much. I will get this re appraised before purchase, but I would still like opinions on buying this ring, used.

Again, I really appreciate any input.

 

[JulieN]

Pictures are bad, impossible to see any details at all.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Well, the setting is probably worth the $2500. I doubt the stone is worth a lot because if it is EGL USA graded, it is probably really like GIA H or I color. If EGL somewhere else, then there is no telling what the color is. My only other qualm is that a .75 princess is going to be pretty small compared to a round that size. If you think she really wants the Tacori setting right now (and wants a princess cut?), then I don't think you could lose much on this deal.

But, I would personally spend the money on a diamond in a plain solitaire setting, buy from a vendor that allows upgrades, and then upgrade the stone and reset in Tacori (platinum) after you have finished school and have an income.

Has she expressed a preference about diamond shape? Because princess is ultra modern and many of Tacori's settings are antique style, and I would rather have a round or cushion in their settings.

 

[Wnabmd12]

Well, the setting is probably worth the $2500. I doubt the stone is worth a lot because if it is EGL USA graded, it is probably really like GIA H or I color. If EGL somewhere else, then there is no telling what the color is. My only other qualm is that a .75 princess is going to be pretty small compared to a round that size. If you think she really wants the Tacori setting right now (and wants a princess cut?), then I don't think you could lose much on this deal.

But, I would personally spend the money on a diamond in a plain solitaire setting, buy from a vendor that allows upgrades, and then upgrade the stone and reset in Tacori (platinum) after you have finished school and have an income.

Has she expressed a preference about diamond shape? Because princess is ultra modern and many of Tacori's settings are antique style, and I would rather have a round or cushion in their settings.

First of all, thank you for the response. She has expressed that she wanted a princess cut stone, but often shows me pictures of rounds. Personally I think that setting would look better with a round stone. I have toyed with the idea of buying this, then asking the jeweler to "upgrade" the stone to something a little larger, in a round. On the appraisal, from what I can read, it states it is a g/vs2. Which I'm assuming I can get a decent amount for? I know these questions are probably better directed towards the jeweler with the ring in their hand, but I'm obviously clueless, and paranoid that either one will rip me off.

 

[Wnabmd12]

Sorry, I seemed to have lost you a little bit. I just read about the two different rating standards. Now I understand a little better.

 

[JulieN]

No, you cannot get a decent amount for it. Diamonds on the second-hand market do not get a very good price. And I don't think it is such an easy job to put a round into a setting that was cut for a princess.

My suggestion to you on your limited budget is to get a setting, not too expensive, in the style that she likes. It doesn't have to be the finest workmanship or quality. Try to hit the size diamond she is comfortable with, doesn't have to be the finest quality. Upgrade later, finances permitting.

Don't get the Tacori, or anything else, just because it is in your budget. The pictures she showed you, is the Tacori similar?

If she said she wanted a princess, go with that. She probably shows you pictures with rounds because rounds are the most popular shape, so that is what pictures will be of.

 

[CharmyPoo]

Can you confirm if it is EGL-USA?

The diamond is a special branded cut http://www.gndiamond.com/forever-after.. Here is their facebook page - http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.399038547355.165187.77759677355

I also think you can negotiate. See if you can get them down to $2000.

 

[Wnabmd12]

No, you cannot get a decent amount for it. Diamonds on the second-hand market do not get a very good price. And I don't think it is such an easy job to put a round into a setting that was cut for a princess.

My suggestion to you on your limited budget is to get a setting, not too expensive, in the style that she likes. It doesn't have to be the finest workmanship or quality. Try to hit the size diamond she is comfortable with, doesn't have to be the finest quality. Upgrade later, finances permitting.

Don't get the Tacori, or anything else, just because it is in your budget. The pictures she showed you, is the Tacori similar?

If she said she wanted a princess, go with that. She probably shows you pictures with rounds because rounds are the most popular shape, so that is what pictures will be of.

Thanks for the response. That setting, per the ID#, and the tacori site, shows that band with a round stone. I realize it sounds like I'm trying to talk myself into purchasing the ring, but I am definitely taking your advice into consideration. She's the type, as am I, that really concentrate on brand names. I know that's not a good reason to buy the ring, but it's a large variable in my decision.

The picture she has shown me with a princess, was a three stone Tacori. She then saw another, similar to this style setting, and said she loved it. To me, this ring just seems like a good fit. I'm thinking that buying the ring, then immediately replacing the stone with a round is the worst idea. Within 1.5 years, my income will increase 4 fold, then in another 3, it will double from there. So I would honestly rather have her pick out her perfect ring then.

For my situation, do you think think that this is a decent purchase? I know it sounds wrong, but I really don't want to go somewhere like zales, which is all I feel my current budget allows.

 

[Wnabmd12]

Can you confirm if it is EGL-USA?

The diamond is a special branded cut http://www.gndiamond.com/forever-after... Here is their facebook page - http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.399038547355.165187.77759677355

I also think you can negotiate. See if you can get them down to $2000.

I will certainly find out, prior to purchase, thanks to your advice. He has told me that he was offered $2000, which he denied. With the $250 gift certificate, I guess it's only $2250. I could use a new watch, haha. Of course I will certify that everything is valid with the jeweler he purchased everything over, before handing over the cash.

 

[JulieN]

4000 is a good budget, not a Zales budget.

Ok, since she has showed you other Tacoris, said she wanted a princess, and is brand-conscious, I think you should go for it.

Have the jeweler clean it up and see if it looks alright. They seem to carry several branded cuts, like Hearts on Fire and Firemark, so you should be able to compare the cut quality.

 

[Wnabmd12]

Thank you for the advice! There is definitely so much more to purchasing a ring than I thought! I'll check them out, but they all look the same to me, haha. I just want here to be happy with it.

 

[lknvrb4]

I would get her a nice diamond in a temporary setting and once your out of college and working get her a tacori setting.

 

[maccers]

You could also check idonowidont.com they have numerous used tacori e-rings and bands. I haven't checked the prices because my computer is being wonky.

 

[partgypsy]

And remember, be very safety conscious when doing this kind of transaction. Hopefully meet up in a jewelry store, with another person. Don't leave at the same time. I don't know, maybe I'm just paranoid, just a lot of money.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Have you checked ebay? I'd compare what is available there, too, before buying. What is her ring size?

 

[Wnabmd12]

You could also check idonowidont.com they have numerous used tacori e-rings and bands. I haven't checked the prices because my computer is being wonky.

Wow! I love this site! I found one that I really like, but its way more than I could afford!

 

[Wnabmd12]

And remember, be very safety conscious when doing this kind of transaction. Hopefully meet up in a jewelry store, with another person. Don't leave at the same time. I don't know, maybe I'm just paranoid, just a lot of money.

Thanks, I'm paranoid too, I always take precautions

 

[Wnabmd12]

Have you checked ebay? I'd compare what is available there, too, before buying. What is her ring size?

I already weary enough buying a used ring. With this one, I can see it in person, before I hand over the cash. I spoke to the jeweler that he purchased it from. They're going to verify everything, and service the ring for a nominal cost.

She is a 4.75 for size.

 

[ForteKitty]

May I suggest you meet at a jewelers to have the piece verified, then you guys can all go to your bank so you can withdraw cash to pay? That way you're not carrying a bunch of cash around.

 

[VRBeauty]

It looks like a reasonable deal, especially for a "temporary" ring, and I like the setting. Since the jeweler is willing to verify everything for you... I think you're on to something good here! You might even be able to put that gift certificate towards one of your wedding rings! Be sure to ask the jeweler whether the ring can accommodate any sizing that might be needed... with those paveed shoulders, you probably don't want to re-size it too much.

 

[Wnabmd12]

May I suggest you meet at a jewelers to have the piece verified, then you guys can all go to your bank so you can withdraw cash to pay? That way you're not carrying a bunch of cash around.

Thank you for the concern. I will definitely set up a meeting at the jeweler where he purchased the ring. I'm not a small guy myself, and I have a friend coming with me, a CO with a conceal and carry. I'm leaving the ring with the jeweler to get polished, etc, and they're aware of the situation. I plan to be there before him, with cash, which he will receive in public.

I appreciate the advice though!

 

[Wnabmd12]

It looks like a reasonable deal, especially for a "temporary" ring, and I like the setting. Since the jeweler is willing to verify everything for you... I think you're on to something good here! You might even be able to put that gift certificate towards one of your wedding rings! Be sure to ask the jeweler whether the ring can accommodate any sizing that might be needed... with those paveed shoulders, you probably don't want to re-size it too much.

I'm anticipating the possibility of a 1/4 size difference. It's nerve wrecking trying to get her ring size without her catching on! She has absolutely no idea that I have been saving money for quite some time now. She does't think I will be proposing for at least a year. I'm planning a huge flash mob, movie theater thing for a proposal. Ahhhh! I get excited just talking about it. I didn't anticipate being able to propose so soon.