calling diamond experts!
- Thread starter Phillyfan
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A diamond might appraise for more due to rarity or popularity in the market, but 99% of the time you will never even make 1/3 back of your buying price.
I don't know why?
I don't know why?
I think the economy has something to do with the amount you'd get. Also supply and demand. Unless it's an investment stone you'd probably get you money back or slightly less (especially after 18 years). I sold a 5ct RB last year for about the same I bought it for. I felt VERY lucky to break even...had the stone 5 yrs. I thought about getting a broker but after their commision, I decided to do it on my own.
I wonder if this holds true for Tiffany. For example, if you walked in today to buy a 1 carat emerald cut or novo - would it cost the same price in 5 years? Or due to all the price increases, would the same size ring cost more to buy it in 2015 than in 2010?
Diamond prices sometimes increase, sometimes decrease--just like everything else. Also, how much you paid for a particular diamond in the first place is important. People often overpay for diamonds. I know there is a standard chart for current diamond prices that dealers use (those prices have to be evaluated considering other factors--like how good the cut is). But I am not a jeweler and certainly not a diamond expert--lol. Minor differences in stones can greatly affect their value. From what I have seen the larger, better quality stones seem to hold their value much better than smaller lower quality stones. [Like for e.g. skyqueen says she sold a 5 yr old, 5 ct. RB for what she paid for it last year in a bad economy]. I think you need to consult an expert in diamonds regarding any specific stone you have in mind.
With that said, I would think if the stone is 18 years old, generally, it should appraise for more than it's original purchase price (assuming you didn't grossly overpay in the first place or something crazy wasn't happening in the diamond market at that time). I thought diamond prices were down a little (meaning down from a few years ago, not 18 years ago) with the economy, but I haven't heard about any major crash in their value. Your best bet is to consult a graduate gemologist who specializes in diamonds for advice on any particular stone.
With that said, I would think if the stone is 18 years old, generally, it should appraise for more than it's original purchase price (assuming you didn't grossly overpay in the first place or something crazy wasn't happening in the diamond market at that time). I thought diamond prices were down a little (meaning down from a few years ago, not 18 years ago) with the economy, but I haven't heard about any major crash in their value. Your best bet is to consult a graduate gemologist who specializes in diamonds for advice on any particular stone.
In the jewelry store I work in, I wouldn't say our diamond prices are necessarily down but rather status-quo from before the economic crisis. What has changed mostly in the business is the willingness to bargain/barter/discount, whatever you want to call it. I think store owners are more willing to do that for the business and to keep the flow of people in. There is always a demand for diamonds, our bread n' butter is bridal. However people seem more willing to compromise on what they want. The purchase of Fashion jewelry is still pretty sluggish but picking up.
Rappaport Report = standard report
Rappaport Report = standard report
Tiffany rings are stamped Tiffany & Co. along with the metal quality. The newer rings do not have the serial numbers, but the numbers on inscribed on the center diamond. My diamonds are not inscribed, but there is a serial number hand engraved inside the band. I know they are recasting a setting since my finger is really, really small so I do not know what the new markings will look like.
I can tell the difference in the settings. Each head is made for each individual diamond, so the diamond sits perfectly within the setting. It makes the stone look bigger and it definitely is one of those subtle differences that let others intuitively "know" it's a real Tiffany. With the three stone setting, I noticed that the knock-offs don't have symmetrical baskets and that most do not have a simple cut-out on each side of the knife-edge band. It doesn't seem like it would matter, but the effect is that the stones look HUGE on the hand and they are more protected for everyday use. Some of the knock-offs have the center stone protrude way higher and have a lower basket. Hth!!!
Honestly, the only ones that aren't my "favorite" are the Legacy, Lucida (because of the thick band, not diamond cut) and princess cuts.
The Bezet collection really makes the stones look much bigger than they are. And the bezels are perfectly smooth/polished... there aren't the little ridges on the interior edges you sometimes see with other bezel settings.
If it weren't out of our budget, there is an amazing Asscher cut solitaire that is available here and there in random stores. They face up smaller, so you have to go up in carat weight to get the same "size" as a RB diamond... meaning, they are more expensive. They are not on the website and the two stores I went to called them by different names ("step cut square," "Asscher," etc.)
Gimmethebag - That is interesting about the Bezet collection. They don't look like anything special online but I understand your point about the stones looking bigger. I'm intriqued and will take a look next time I'm in the mall. Which shape (if there is one) of the Bezets do you like best?
If its a more expensive item, you can at least count on having an auction house to sell it at. But that is about it. They will get you the best price possible cause there is no middle man trying to make a profit. I've seen T or C diamonds 2 ct & above at these auctions. They do take unnamed brand but the stone have to be 2.5 ct or above & very top quality, never less than an excellent cut.
You are buying quality (Cartier & Tiffany have high standards on what they put their name on) but you could buy that same quality somewhere else cheaper, cause it doesn't have the name attached.
But whether it will go up, still depends on what you buy & when. I've noticed Cartiers name hold its value more than Tiffany. All the world love Cartier, The US & Japan loves Tiffany. The item also have to be older, 70's & earlier & would guess maybe these items are either not made anymore or have become super expensive. BTW what I've seen sell at high prices are not items most younger ladies would wear. Auction house sales are usually full of 45+ buyers. I've been to the jewelry sales many time & was one of the younger attendees at 53!
Have a Tiffany pearl necklace, bought at an auction house, that I paid about 1/3 of retail for. It retailed for over $100K. It's in perfect condition, large perfect pearls & a very large ct diamond clasp. I got a great buy at $30K, the original seller did horrible.
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