Questions on Estate Jewellery

[Cathers]

Good morning everyone. I saw an engagement ring at the jewellers yesterday that I am going to go have a second look at today. I want to be armed with as much info as possible. I know the basics on the 4 c''s of diamond buying, but my questions are, should it come with appraisals, sarin reports or certification of any kind? The ring is from an estate so I am not sure how old it is, but the jeweller is a Gemologist, so would he be able to provide this information for me? Any and all suggestions would be greatly appreciated as knowledge is everything, and I intend on being an informed consumer!

~Cathers

 

[denverappraiser]

The selling jeweler/gemologist should provide you with a full written description of the piece including the important gemological properties of the stones and their signature at the bottom. I wouldn''t normally describe this document as an appraisal but most jewelers do so I won''t argue the semantics. Most older pieces won''t have a lab report and whether this is worth the expense and potential damage to the ring will depend on the ring, the stone, the price, and similar variables. The same is true with Sarin reports. This can only be done on unmounted stones and this may or may not be advisable depending on the details of the ring. Usually it''s not recommended unless the stone is modern cut and you are planning on paying a premium based on the results of the Sarin and the risk of damage to either the ring or stone in pulling and resetting it is nominal.

Neil Beaty
GG(GIA) ISA NAJA
Professional Appraisals in Denver

 

[Cathers]

Thank you very much, Neil! I appreciate the time you took to answer those questions for me. You should see the file of posts I have printed off in my "information for potential e-ring file" Despite my reading, I still feel very uninformed when it comes to purchasing a diamond, but your response helps. I did not know that sarin reports were only done on unmounted diamonds*doh* I am headed out shortly, armed with this post. If he cant provide info, I cant provide him with any cash.

 

[belle]

good luck cathers!
i hope you find just what you are looking for.

 

[Cathers]

thank you belle! I saw it yesterday, and it really caught my eye. Another quick question that I have is, would he release this information to me even tho I am just looking at the ring at this point? I honestly cant believe how un-informed I WAS when it comes to diamond/ring shopping. I have always bought from maul stores, but now, I can say that it wouldn''t even be an option. Thanks PS.

appreciate your help.

 

[belle]

Date: 3/27/2006 12:44:02 PM
Author: Çã†hër§
thank you belle! I saw it yesterday, and it really caught my eye. Another quick question that I have is, would he release this information to me even tho I am just looking at the ring at this point? I honestly cant believe how un-informed I WAS when it comes to diamond/ring shopping. I have always bought from maul stores, but now, I can say that it wouldn''t even be an option. Thanks PS.

appreciate your help.

how exciting!
if he has the information, he should present it. for the reasons neil stated, the information simply may not be available. you should expect an accurate description, but that result hinges on the jewelers experience and ability. if you are truly interested, perhaps you should ask that the sale be contingent on verification by an independent appraiser.

 

[diagem]

Date: 3/27/2006 12:44:02 PM
Author: Çã†hër§
thank you belle! I saw it yesterday, and it really caught my eye. Another quick question that I have is, would he release this information to me even tho I am just looking at the ring at this point? I honestly cant believe how un-informed I WAS when it comes to diamond/ring shopping. I have always bought from maul stores, but now, I can say that it wouldn''t even be an option. Thanks PS.

appreciate your help.

Based on that information you as a consumer will decide if to purchase or not...

Good Luck

 

[Cathers]

hi diagem, and thanks! The info I have so far is:

.27c
g-h color
i1(eye clean, but kinda makes me cringe)

this is in a 14kt white setting with 2 small diamonds on the base of the shank...very similar to the Birks I like.
price is 399.99

i1 makes me a bit nervous, however, the plan is to upgrade when we can. We were originally going to save for something a bit bigger and better cut, but at this moment in time, this ring might be an alternative UNTIL we can afford bigger and better.

any thoughts on i1?

 

[glitterata]

What makes you cringe about the I1? The idea of it, or do you see inclusions that you don''t like in the diamond?

I bought an eye-clean ideal cut .29 carat F I1 from James Allen.com last year for less than $200, so whether or not the ring you''re considering is a good deal depends on the setting.

 

[Cathers]

Just the idea of it...I couldnt see any inclusions at all, and I guess it''s not like people are going to be looking at your ring going"omg look at that THOSE inclusions" or that they are going to be carrying around a loupe! Thanks for easing my worries. I think that for now, this would work for us. We can always upgrade at another time, when we our finances permit