SOLD 1.73 ct antique cushion, Leon halo

[justginger]

It's time...I never wear my original engagement ring and I hate to see it languish. It is just beautiful and needs to be the center of attention for someone again.

The stone was purchased loose from JBEG in 2009. It has been independently appraised to match the selling description, but is uncerted.

1.73 ct antique cushion
J color, GIA standard
SI1/2 (2 appraisers, 2 opinions), eye clean. Grade-setting inclusion is a carbon spot all the way on the very edge of the stone. Table is 100% clean! I am unable to even see anything under there with my loupe.

Setting was custom made by Leon Mege in 2009 as well. The setting is platinum, bright cut pave, three sided, 5-7 o'clock, milgrain, cathedral, halo with pave on gallery, 1.01ct of full cut melee. It is similar to Reena's ring, though the gallery design is a bit different. Size 3 3/8. I comfortably wear a 3-3.5, the 1.8 mm shank allows a bit of wiggle room and with the small sizing area I believe it can go a full size up. Leon would have to contacted to know for certain though.

Finding comps for pricing is very hard. JBEG have a 1.63 GIA J/SI1 at $10,450 ($64/pt). Then they have a 1.72 EGL K/VS2 on sale for $8595 ($50/pt). Old World has a 1.77 EGL J/SI1 for $10,620 ($60/pt). Averaging that out, at $58/pt, that would put the retail value of my stone around $10,000. I honestly struggled to find comps - it seems many stones are lower colour and higher clarity at the moment, not to mention these listed ones are all OECs. ACs seem to be few and far between right now.

As for retail on the setting, I know it is running around $6000-6500.

Therefore complete comparable retail pricing is around $16000-16,500.

I'd like to get around 65-70% of that, so I'm setting the price at $11,000. I will cover Paypal fees and international shipping and handling to anywhere in the world. Photos to follow.

http://loupetroop.com/listings/ring...1-dot-73-ct-antique-cushion-in-leon-mege-halo

 

[justginger]

Re: 1.73 ct antique cushion, Leon halo

 

[gregchang35]

Re: 1.73 ct antique cushion, Leon halo

This ring is AMAZING!!! I have seen it.
Good luck JG with the sale.

 

[m-2-b]

Re: 1.73 ct antique cushion, Leon halo

Just beautiful, Justginger! Can you tell us why you are selling it, instead of wearing it as a RHR? I guess Poppy is getting all of the attention these days?

 

[eh613c]

Re: 1.73 ct antique cushion, Leon halo

Ack!!! So tempting...

 

[SparklyOEC]

Re: 1.73 ct antique cushion, Leon halo

OMG!!! Where's my money tree when I need it??? Seriously, I have 'coveted' this ring since you first bought the cushion from JBEG.

 

[Mikla]

Re: 1.73 ct antique cushion, Leon halo

I'm no expert by any means, but I wonder if it's worth it to remove the diamond and get a GIA report on it? A report might appeal to buyers who do not know you. It appears that the stone could be removed somewhat easily from the mounting. Just my two cents' worth! It's a beautiful ring; good luck with the sale!

 

[justginger]

Re: 1.73 ct antique cushion, Leon halo

Just beautiful, Justginger! Can you tell us why you are selling it, instead of wearing it as a RHR? I guess Poppy is getting all of the attention these days?

Honestly, I am not a fan of solitaires on both hands, plus I'm mentally reserving the hand space for my yellow diamond ring (whenever it gets done, hopefully a 3 stone or large Deco-style setting). Poppy and this ring (which I've always called Alpha, since she was the first, lol), especially at a distance, look too similar to wear simultaneously, for my tastes. I will miss this one, the sparkle of the halo melee is amazing and the ring itself is actually more comfortable than Poppy's setting...but I haven't worn it in months now. The money would be handy to use for a year's tuition (or finally getting the right setting for my yellow diamond ).

 

[pandabee]

Re: 1.73 ct antique cushion, Leon halo

I just sent you a message!

 

[justginger]

Re: 1.73 ct antique cushion, Leon halo

I'm no expert by any means, but I wonder if it's worth it to remove the diamond and get a GIA report on it? A report might appeal to buyers who do not know you. It appears that the stone could be removed somewhat easily from the mounting. Just my two cents' worth! It's a beautiful ring; good luck with the sale!

For me, being in Australia, I don't thinking will be worthwhile. I've considered it, but think the word of JbEG is pretty solid, plus independent appraisal. My issue would be risk and cost to do so. It would be $300-$400 for me to ship this ring internationally. It must go via FedEx, as AustraliaPost won't cover insurance for anything over $5000. The shipping back will be another $200-250. The report itself is around $140 (and a rubbish exchange rate, no doubt). Plus unless I want to void Leon's warranty, he will have to be the one to unset and reset for me - and I know his time doesn't come cheap. I would guess he would charge $50-100 for each time, and would not take responsibility if the stone were cracked or chipped in the process. So overall, a GIA cert would cost me at least $740, up to $990, and there's a risk my stone could be damaged or ruined along the way. I just don't think it works out as worthwhile in the end. If I had purchased this uncerted from ebay, I would definitely do it -- but with a vendor as honest and well-respected as JbEG, it seems to be throwing money after an already sure bet.

 

[justginger]

Re: 1.73 ct antique cushion, Leon halo

I just sent you a message!

I've just responded - sorry for the delay!

 

[cm366]

Re: 1.73 ct antique cushion, Leon halo

I'm no expert by any means, but I wonder if it's worth it to remove the diamond and get a GIA report on it? A report might appeal to buyers who do not know you. It appears that the stone could be removed somewhat easily from the mounting. Just my two cents' worth! It's a beautiful ring; good luck with the sale!

For me, being in Australia, I don't thinking will be worthwhile. I've considered it, but think the word of JbEG is pretty solid, plus independent appraisal. My issue would be risk and cost to do so. It would be $300-$400 for me to ship this ring internationally. It must go via FedEx, as AustraliaPost won't cover insurance for anything over $5000. The shipping back will be another $200-250. The report itself is around $140 (and a rubbish exchange rate, no doubt). Plus unless I want to void Leon's warranty, he will have to be the one to unset and reset for me - and I know his time doesn't come cheap. I would guess he would charge $50-100 for each time, and would not take responsibility if the stone were cracked or chipped in the process. So overall, a GIA cert would cost me at least $740, up to $990, and there's a risk my stone could be damaged or ruined along the way. I just don't think it works out as worthwhile in the end. If I had purchased this uncerted from ebay, I would definitely do it -- but with a vendor as honest and well-respected as JbEG, it seems to be throwing money after an already sure bet.

FWIW, FedEx in Sydney told me that they won't carry any parcel valued over $500 and they don't care what the website says.

 

[justginger]

Re: 1.73 ct antique cushion, Leon halo

I'm no expert by any means, but I wonder if it's worth it to remove the diamond and get a GIA report on it? A report might appeal to buyers who do not know you. It appears that the stone could be removed somewhat easily from the mounting. Just my two cents' worth! It's a beautiful ring; good luck with the sale!

For me, being in Australia, I don't thinking will be worthwhile. I've considered it, but think the word of JbEG is pretty solid, plus independent appraisal. My issue would be risk and cost to do so. It would be $300-$400 for me to ship this ring internationally. It must go via FedEx, as AustraliaPost won't cover insurance for anything over $5000. The shipping back will be another $200-250. The report itself is around $140 (and a rubbish exchange rate, no doubt). Plus unless I want to void Leon's warranty, he will have to be the one to unset and reset for me - and I know his time doesn't come cheap. I would guess he would charge $50-100 for each time, and would not take responsibility if the stone were cracked or chipped in the process. So overall, a GIA cert would cost me at least $740, up to $990, and there's a risk my stone could be damaged or ruined along the way. I just don't think it works out as worthwhile in the end. If I had purchased this uncerted from ebay, I would definitely do it -- but with a vendor as honest and well-respected as JbEG, it seems to be throwing money after an already sure bet.

FWIW, FedEx in Sydney told me that they won't carry any parcel valued over $500 and they don't care what the website says.

Really? I've shipped to the States with them and I think my declared value/insurance was $3000 on a loose WF stone. I may just have to use my normal homeowners insurance for transit if FedEx arcs up about value.

 

[iheartscience]

Re: 1.73 ct antique cushion, Leon halo

Wow, what a stunner! I bet it goes quickly! Good luck with your sale!

 

[arkieb1]

Re: 1.73 ct antique cushion, Leon halo

FedEx insures up to $5000.00 on certain items, their unofficial policy is they prefer NOT to ship jewellery of any kind. It might also be worth checking your insurance fine print or ringing them because if it is an Aussie company diamonds cease to be covered the moment they leave Australia.

Brinks and Malca Almit are the only two I know of that offer fully insured shipping of diamonds. Good luck with your sale the ring is beautiful!

 

[justginger]

Re: 1.73 ct antique cushion, Leon halo

FedEx insures up to $5000.00 on certain items, their unofficial policy is they prefer NOT to ship jewellery of any kind. It might also be worth checking your insurance fine print or ringing them because if it is an Aussie company diamonds cease to be covered the moment they leave Australia.

Brinks and Malca Almit are the only two I know of that offer fully insured shipping of diamonds. Good luck with your sale the ring is beautiful!

Thankfully I know my insurance does cover my declared portable valuables worldwide. I've explicitly asked, and it's also in the documentation of cover (the PDF, I think they call it).

How do vendors use FedEx for pricey items? And why will their website allow me to put in an item of jewelry, declared at 11k, and then give me a quote and time frame for delivery, if they refuse to handle them?

Edit: double checked PDF. Fully covered in Australia/NZ. Only $10,000 outside. So I'd take a $1000 loss if it went missing with FedEx, if they really don't offer the cover their website says they do.

Double edit: FedEx's website has it tucked in a corner that their max liability for jewelry is $1000. Wonder why it allows me to enter a greater value when getting a rate?

 

[arkieb1]

Re: 1.73 ct antique cushion, Leon halo

FedEx fully insured jewellery in the US and from the US to other countries. They have large insurance agencies they use that are jewellery specific in the US that don't exist in Australia. I have had 3 FedEx guys all stating they prefer NOT to ship jewellery. If you get someone like Leon to print you a shipping label and reverse ship it from Australia to him, then it is fully covered because it is using FedEx USA's insurance not FedEx Australia's insurance (which is not existent for jewellery).

And I rang 7 or 8 insurance companies here about shipping my OEC over to Adam in the US under our home and contents insurance & they all mostly accept no liability especially if it is off the hand (check that out) and limited or no liability once it leaves Australia.

 

[justginger]

Re: 1.73 ct antique cushion, Leon halo

FedEx fully insured jewellery in the US and from the US to other countries. They have large insurance agencies they use that are jewellery specific in the US that don't exist in Australia. I have had 3 FedEx guys all stating they prefer NOT to ship jewellery. If you get someone like Leon to print you a shipping label and reverse ship it from Australia to him, then it is fully covered because it is using FedEx USA's insurance not FedEx Australia's insurance (which is not existent for jewellery).

And I rang 7 or 8 insurance companies here about shipping my OEC over to Adam in the US under our home and contents insurance & they all mostly accept no liability especially if it is off the hand (check that out) and limited or no liability once it leaves Australia.

Odd. I've spoken to my insurer a few times - they said they'd even cover it if I had it in my checked luggage and that all went missing overseas (though my travel insurance company wasn't so keen, lol). I'll call them again, otherwise it will be Brink's, or I'll use a vendor as middleman with their insurance cover.

 

[arkieb1]

Re: 1.73 ct antique cushion, Leon halo

I think it may have been because of the value of the diamond I was trying to insure, the more expensive it is the more difficult it becomes.....Hopefully you will sort out a solution, I am sure it will be snapped up fast it is a beautiful ring!!!

 

[bibs]

Re: 1.73 ct antique cushion, Leon halo

I love this and I am in Brisbane )) and on the look out for something else but I still have to sell my other ring...

I too rang Fedex the other day to get a quote to ship my ring back to Jbeg, they said they would not cover me and I would have to take out my own personal insurance policy on the ring and cover it that way.

Australia Post will cover items up to $5000.

Cheers
Bibs

 

[justginger]

Re: 1.73 ct antique cushion, Leon halo

I love this and I am in Brisbane )) and on the look out for something else but I still have to sell my other ring...

I too rang Fedex the other day to get a quote to ship my ring back to Jbeg, they said they would not cover me and I would have to take out my own personal insurance policy on the ring and cover it that way.

Australia Post will cover items up to $5000.

Cheers
Bibs

Just so you know, I'll be in Brissie from 20/2-26/2...

 

[arkieb1]

Re: 1.73 ct antique cushion, Leon halo

Anyone else live in Brisbane? We should all do coffee cake and bling

 

[lizzyann]

Re: 1.73 ct antique cushion, Leon halo

Justginger, do you know the dimensions on the stone? I was planning on building a ring like this during this spring. I am a size 6 though so I just don't know if it would work.

 

[misskittycat]

Re: 1.73 ct antique cushion, Leon halo

Anyone else live in Brisbane? We should all do coffee cake and bling

No, but I am in Sydney, so if you are ever here....

FedEx fully insured jewellery in the US and from the US to other countries. They have large insurance agencies they use that are jewellery specific in the US that don't exist in Australia. I have had 3 FedEx guys all stating they prefer NOT to ship jewellery. If you get someone like Leon to print you a shipping label and reverse ship it from Australia to him, then it is fully covered because it is using FedEx USA's insurance not FedEx Australia's insurance (which is not existent for jewellery).

And I rang 7 or 8 insurance companies here about shipping my OEC over to Adam in the US under our home and contents insurance & they all mostly accept no liability especially if it is off the hand (check that out) and limited or no liability once it leaves Australia.

This. I fully investigated it as well. This is why I have opted to have Gladys set locally. I couldn't bear her going missing. Our insurance doesn't cover if it is "out of your possession". Grrrrr.

 

[justginger]

Re: 1.73 ct antique cushion, Leon halo

Justginger, do you know the dimensions on the stone? I was planning on building a ring like this during this spring. I am a size 6 though so I just don't know if it would work.

This is the million dollar question! There have been a few people who have asked just this question, but the appraisal has been with a local jeweller who is closed on Mondays. It is now 7:30 Tuesday morning and I can finally get the official dimensions today!

 

[justginger]

Re: 1.73 ct antique cushion, Leon halo

I've finally found one of my appraisals (it had been put in a 'safe place' ), and the listed dimensions are 7.5 x 6.9 x 4.75mm.

 

[justginger]

Re: 1.73 ct antique cushion, Leon halo

I took a few new photos with my iPhone today, since the others are all years old now. I did what I could to photograph the grade-setting inclusion, it's on the bottom (right side), at the edge of the stone.

 

[lizzyann]

Re: 1.73 ct antique cushion, Leon halo

I've finally found one of my appraisals (it had been put in a 'safe place' ), and the listed dimensions are 7.5 x 6.9 x 4.75mm.

Ha ha! I know about those safe places! I hid some Valentines Day stuff for the kids in that same "safe place" and I literally had to search yesterday for it. Found it hidden in my closet with my handbags! ha!!

Any chance you've researched more specifically on how much further this ring could be sized? Just curious how big it should be able to get.

 

[SB621]

Re: 1.73 ct antique cushion, Leon halo

OMG amazng price especially for AC which is super hard to find at the moment.

 

[MakingTheGrade]

Re: 1.73 ct antique cushion, Leon halo

I can't tell you how sad I am that I can't buy this!!! It is the holy grail ring. :/