Tiffany&Co tanzanite diamond ring Please Advise good/bad

[dadaa22]

Looking at this beautiful ring for my girlfriend. She has always said she loved Princess Diana's ring. I have done some research on Tanzanite, but look foward to the expert's opinions. As of today...you guys have saved me from 3 bad purchases...THANK YOU!!!! Here is what I know about ring from listing:

Tiffany & Company 10.59ct Pear Tanzanite and Diamond ring. Asking $14,950

Design:- This stunning Tiffany & Co platinum ring features a large fine quality color pear facet cut tanzanite surround by two rows of round brilliant cut diamonds. The large pear cut tanzanite is set slightly raised above the two descending tiers of diamond rows.

Paperwork/Certificate:- This ring comes with Tiffany & Co Retail Replacement Valuation Report dated February 18th 2011 in the amount of $19,500.00.

Accessories:- This ring comes complete with Tiffany & Co presentation box and Tiffany & Co signature blue outer box. As well Tiffany & Co Retail Replacement Valuation Report dated February 18th 2011 in the amount of $19,500.00.

The Tanzanite:- The Tiffany & Co Retail Valuation Report states the center Tanzanite as follows:- Quantity = 1, Shape/Cut = Pear Faceted. Approximate Dimensions = 16.30 - 10.49 x 7.52mm. Estimated Weight = 7.75 carats. Hue = Bluish Violet. Tone = Medium Dark. Saturation = Vivid.

The Side Diamonds:- The Tiffany & Co Retail Valuation Report states the side diamonds as follows:- Quantity = 33, Shape/Cut = Round Brilliant Cut. Approximate Diameter = 2.60 - 3.30mm. Estimated Weight = 2.84 cts total weight.

Ring Size:- American ring size 7¼. This ring can be sized.

Signatures & Marks:- The ring is signed "Tiffany & Co" "IRID PLAT".

Approx. Measurements:- Length 24mm, width 18mm. The ring weighs approx. 10grams.

Condition:- This ring is in excellent condition.

Retail:- Retail today $19,500.00 plus tax.

Please five all advise good/bad...This is a huge purchase for me. Very Nervous!!!

 

[dadaa22]

Also communicated with the sellar and she stated she thought the ring to be between 10 and 20 years old.

 

[athenaworth]

That's a gorgeous ring, but from what I hear/read, tanzanite is very soft and shouldn't be worn every day.

 

[denverappraiser]

You didn't mention if this was intentended as an engagment ring (like Kate's) but, as was pointed out above, Tanzanite is a bit too fragile to be wearing as an everyday sort of piece and I would not recommend one as an engagement ring for this reason.

Tiffany is a popular brand and they do make good stuff but be aware that there's a substantial premium for their name. That's fine if the brand is something you're looking for but you can definitely find tanzanite/diamond jewelry without the brand for lower prices from other sources if you're not attached to the Tiffanyness. I'm presuming this is a secondary market item that you're buying from someone OTHER than Tiffany & Co. and it's a little hard to know your chances of finding exactly tht item again but 77% of Tiffany's estimate for replacement cost new at one of their stores seem pretty steep for most markets.

 

[dadaa22]

Thank You for your sound advise...This would be an engagement ring purchase. She is in the medical field, so she has said she would not and could not wear a very nice engagement ring daily. I think she would like to wear a band on the days she doesnt wear the main ring. This price is negotiable...What would you feel would be a fair purchasing price for this ring...And unfortunately, she does love Tiffany ring and styles. Again, Thank You kindly for your guys advise.

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

Wow--gorgeous choice. Love love love Tiffany. Is she set on a colored stone? If not and you both are interested in Tiffany "Estate" pieces, we can certainly direct your attention to sources that sell Tiffany diamond engagement rings on the secondary market.

cheers--Sharon

 

[Aoife]

You might want to move this query over to the Colored Stone forum, since there are several posters there who know a lot about Tanzanite. I have no comment on the Tiffany-esque aspects of this ring, but I will say that if this is a second-hand ring, I would not buy it without an independent appraiser who is experienced in evaluating colored stones going over it. Tanzanites are extremely fragile, and even if previously worn or handled with care, the chances are good that there may be nicks, chips and abrasions.

 

[Dreamer_D]

You might want to move this query over to the Colored Stone forum, since there are several posters there who know a lot about Tanzanite. I have no comment on the Tiffany-esque aspects of this ring, but I will say that if this is a second-hand ring, I would not buy it without an independent appraiser who is experienced in evaluating colored stones going over it. Tanzanites are extremely fragile, and even if previously worn or handled with care, the chances are good that there may be nicks, chips and abrasions.

Ditto this.

Off the top of my head, I don't think it is good for an e-ring because of the softness of the stone. Also, Tiffany is not known for the quality of their gems among gem enthusiasts, and the price for the Tiffany name is *really* high for gemstones. Tanzanite is not an expensive gem at all in the grand scheme, so $14k for that ring is shocking to me from a value perspective. From Tiffany I would stick to diamonds or perhaps sapphires, both of which are pricier (and hardier) and thus you pay less for the Tiffany name (as a proportion of the total cost of the ring) than you would for other gems.

 

[dadaa22]

Thanks for your response...I did move this over to the colored stone forum. This is a hard decision since this listening
Is on a auction website, and all purchases are final. This seller only sells high end (tiff, Cartier, etc) but no being able to
Look at the ring and stone make me nervous...any suggestions??

 

[Dreamer_D]

Thanks for your response...I did move this over to the colored stone forum. This is a hard decision since this listening
Is on a auction website, and all purchases are final. This seller only sells high end (tiff, Cartier, etc) but no being able to
Look at the ring and stone make me nervous...any suggestions??

In my opinon, never buy a ring, especially on ebay, with a no refunds policy in place. It is too risky for the consumer! We have seen too many bad endings for those types of purchases on PS, I just can't ever encourage such a purchase.

What are you looking for in a ring? Your priorities I mean... do you want a Tiffany ring, or a colored stone specifically, or both?

 

[denverappraiser]

Thanks for your response...I did move this over to the colored stone forum. This is a hard decision since this listening
Is on a auction website, and all purchases are final. This seller only sells high end (tiff, Cartier, etc) but no being able to Look at the ring and stone make me nervous...any suggestions??

Sure. Never buy from a seller where all purchases are final, no matter what they claim the description is and no matter how good the 'deal' looks.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I agree with Neil for any expensive item, and I strongly discourage you from getting Tanzanite for an engagement ring. It is not durable enough. If you want to get her a Tiffany ring with a colored stone, then get blue sapphire which is much more durable.