What scares you about this ring auction?

[dancergrrrl3]

This is one of the 3 settings I'm trying to decide between. Not from this particular auction though! But while we are on the subject...why is it so cheap and what scares you about this seller and/or auction? Isn't his waaay cheap? [I am not affiliated in ANY way with this seller/auction, just looking for opinions on the setting ]




http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260556892730&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

 

[MichelleCarmen]

It's not certified and if you look down at "store policy," it says stones not certified can have a 1 - 2 grade color/clarity difference. My guess is that ring does.

ETA - also it's a stock photo so you're (probably) not getting the actual ring in the photo. Chances are the clarity is in the I1 range.

 

[denverappraiser]

Cheap compared to what?

#1) A quality guarantee that says GIA or EGL will grade within 1-2 grades of what they've stated while giving a range themselves isn't saying much (or perhaps it's saying volumes). I2 clarity is within that range for example.

#2) The return policy is 14 days for an EXCHANGE (it's ambiguous in the ad but the 'official' declaration says exchange while the ad copy says money back). You can't get your money back even if it somehow DOES manage to fail the above test.


Neil Beaty
GG(GIA) ICGA(AGS) NAJA
Professional Appraisals in Denver

 

[dancergrrrl3]

How bout this one? It went for only $550! What is wrong with it?

http://cgi.ebay.com/1-55-CT-REAL-PRINCESS-DIAMOND-ENGAGEMENT-RING-SET_W0QQitemZ380207528967QQcmdZViewItemQQptZWedding_Sets?hash=item5886227c07QQautorefreshZtrue

 

[denverappraiser]

The ad says almost nothing about it so it’s hard to tell. It claims to have 1.55cts total weight of princess cut melee graded by an unknown source as VS-SI/F-G set in 14k. Ok, assuming that’s reasonably close to correct and the craftsmanship is at least decent, $530 is a cheap enough price if that description is what you’re looking for. Remember that a cheap price on something you don’t want is no bargain so make sure that you’re getting the right thing rather then being persuaded because it’s a ‘deal’.

This one actually offers a refund less shipping for 7 days if you’re unhappy, which is a little tight timewise but basically reasonable terms and conditions although it contains the curious disclaimer that “If proper instructions are not followed your return will be invalid and you will forfeit all privileges” while not actually including those instructions. If you’re considering shopping with this outfit, you might want to get some clarification on that before you bid on anything.

What's 'wrong' with it? Probably nothing. I've never seen the item and I've never heard of the company selling it. VS-SI quite possibly means I1, F-G routinely means H or I (or J), unknown craftsmanship is generally low commercial manufacturing, and ads that don't provide much detail are usually a bad sign but these folks may be very competitive in their own market niche. They may be excellent graders and master craftsmen. You are relying entirely on their word and it's up to you to decide how much credibility to attach to that. Tiny details make a big difference in this business. Your only real clue about them is in their approach to advertising and the fact that that they seem to be happy to sell their stuff cheaply. I do like them better than your last choice for no other reason than that the terms and conditions seem to be better.

By the way, if you're planning on relying on the ebay feedback system as some sort of endorsement, remember that these are comments made by unknown strangers about unknown merchandise that are severely limited in length. Even with that, I see some positive comments like "Great Transaction, but item was not exact as pictured" and "The appearance was to small. The center stone looks I2 - I3 quality, milky." I don't point out so much to slam as to slam ebay but if that's what their happy buyers have to say, I can only wonder what the problems are like.

Neil Beaty
GG(GIA) ICGA(AGS) NAJA
Professional Appraisals in Denver

 

[dancergrrrl3]

LOL, yeah I was just checking out the auctions to see what people though of these uncertified stones. I actually emailed the first one to see what they would say and they emailed me back ASAP, told me

"this Diamond is gorgeous and 100% eye clean.
It has some very small inclusions around the table but definitely not big. We only offer refunds if the item is not as described but rest assure you will be very pleased."

As much as I like that answer, who would buy something of that price that didn''t allow returns?!?! Scary.

 

[denverappraiser]

Date: 2/27/2010 8:19:49 PM
Author: dancergrrrl3
LOL, yeah I was just checking out the auctions to see what people though of these uncertified stones. I actually emailed the first one to see what they would say and they emailed me back ASAP, told me


''this Diamond is gorgeous and 100% eye clean.

It has some very small inclusions around the table but definitely not big. We only offer refunds if the item is not as described but rest assure you will be very pleased.''


As much as I like that answer, who would buy something of that price that didn''t allow returns?!?! Scary.

Good choice. It does make me wonder what they mean by the following item in their bullet list of reasons why you should shop with them.

14-day Money back guarantee.

Neil Beaty
GG(GIA) ICGA(AGS) NAJA
Professional Appraisals in Denver

 

[Dreamer_D]

Dancer, you barely escaped a financial mistake in your first attempt at buying an e-ring, don''t tell me you are considering ebay now

Please, I know it is tempting, but you really do get what you pay for.