Resetting a Triple-Diamond, Antique Ring

[MarkWise]

Good afternoon. I'm considering resetting my family's antique, triple-diamond engagement ring into three diamond rings. It's an heirloom - three generations - but the time's come to sell (most of) it, and I'd sentimentally like the option of keeping at least one. But here's my question: Would the three pieces apart have substantially more resale value than the combined piece? Or would the cost of resetting all three into auctionable items (materials and labor, including insurance) be greater than the likely added resale? The center diamond - clear, fine quality - is 2.5 carats and the two side stones are each 2 carats apiece. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.

 

[DavideS]

Hi Mark,
consider that you have two possibilities that reflect two types of strategy, with different inital costs and different type of client level.
If you want to sell the ring as you actually have it, you don't have to invest money (unless you have to restore it) but only search the right market and customers.
The price is surely higher than one stone ring but is not a question about it, it's about you. At what type of market are you connected.

if you want to make three different rings consider the cost of the manufacture of three white gold rings: construction, setting, galvanic processing.
The price of each stone doesn't change respect to the other solution, but surely the total cost of the three rings is higher than the one, for the metal and for the manufacture.
Sure they are quite easily to place on the market, and usually the most popular solution for an engagement gift.

This considering all other basic costs like a very good box (if you sell the ring in his antique shape try to find something appropriate like a professional vintage box) and the grading certificate.


it is all about your method of selling and the type of customers you have.

If you can try to post a photo in macro setting about your ring, it could be interesting to see its mounting and to have more information about it, like period or internal stamps.


Davide

 

[Aerix]

Wow that sounds like a blingy ring! I'd love to see pics of it. I think it would be quicker to sell the 3 diamonds apart, but as for their value, I'm not sure if the piece is worth more as a whole or separated... I think one factor would be how intricate the setting is. If it is an art deco style settings with tiny diamond and engraving, then it might add some extra value as a whole piece. However if it is a simple setting (such as a gold 6 prong 3 stone) then I think it wouldn't affect the value as much. I would recommend contacting Good Old Gold. They do consignments and recently helped someone resell a 3ct old cut diamond this past year. Here is the thread in Pre-Loved jewels (you'll have to sign in to read it): https://www.pricescope.com/forum/pr...ng-old-european-diamond-for-sale-t166919.html

 

[Roxy]

Good afternoon. I'm considering resetting my family's antique, triple-diamond engagement ring into three diamond rings. It's an heirloom - three generations - but the time's come to sell (most of) it, and I'd sentimentally like the option of keeping at least one. But here's my question: Would the three pieces apart have substantially more resale value than the combined piece? Or would the cost of resetting all three into auctionable items (materials and labor, including insurance) be greater than the likely added resale? The center diamond - clear, fine quality - is 2.5 carats and the two side stones are each 2 carats apiece. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.

I think you should get them appraised by a "certified" appraiser for at least 2 reasons: 1) you can figure out if the extra cost/effort of separating them makes sense; and 2) it'll be much easier to sell them at true value if you have genuine paperwork to go with them.

 

[MarkWise]

Many thanks, Davide, Xiriah, and Roxy. Very useful tips.