Opinions on these Diamond Earrings?

[sedatedrainbow]

I wanted to grab my mother a pair of diamond earrings to go with her diamond ring I purchased not too long ago (and posted on here).

The tPF folks have given me some amazing advice, so I thought I should ask again!

I haven't seen the earrings yet, but I might be picking them up tomorrow. The seller would like $400.

I'd just like to know if the diamond quality, style etc is alright or if I should keep looking for something else value-wise. I also don't know if these baguette diamonds will sparkle at all compared to RB.

I was so thankful for the advice last time regarding a diamond bracelet. I chose not to purchase that bracelet and I'm SO glad I did. I hope some wonderful tPHers could help me out again!

Thanks!!!!

 

[texasgirliegirl]

Don't you mean 4K?

 

[ame]

They're probably worth $400. But the baguettes will not sparkle anywhere near what a well cut round will. Replacement value listed on that appraisal seems ridiculously inflated as well.

I am unsure where you're looking for these items you're finding, but this vendor doesn't appear to be selling very great quality merch.

 

[sedatedrainbow]

Don't you mean 4K?

Thanks for the question.
The 'appraisal' says $4k, but the seller wants $400.

They're probably worth $400. But the baguettes will not sparkle anywhere near what a well cut round will. Replacement value listed on that appraisal seems ridiculously inflated as well.

I am unsure where you're looking for these items you're finding, but this vendor doesn't appear to be selling very great quality merch.

Thank you very much for your feedback!!!!!
I just want to get my mother really nice jewelry without paying the retail markup. I had a feeling these earrings weren't a great buy and you have helped confirm this for me!
I'm usually looking on kijiji, ebay or craigslist. I don't know where else to look

Thanks again for saving me from an unnecessary purchase!

 

[ame]

I am not a fan of those type sites because I know people are looking for a "steal" or a "great deal", but most of the stuff posted on there is either fake, poor quality, or misrepresented terribly. I've seen very few legit listings. I've found MY photos from here used to sell things that were NOT what they were really selling. For example, a hand shot of my wedding set was used to sell a Tiffany wedding set. My band is Tiffany, but was not the band listed for sale. My engagement ring is NOT Tiffany.

I hate to tell you but you're not likely to get quality worth paying for that way, I know you don't want a retail markup, but that's how you know more of what you're actually buying, vs what someone posts on one of those listings, usually using images found on google images. Not to mention you have no protection buying that way, vs from a legit retailer, online or in a real store. You're better off saving your money and buying legit. The markup on the pieces isn't always as much as you think it is. But jewelry doesn't really retain value if it's not of special provenance, it's not an investment that will gain value. I hate to use the word depreciation but it's kind of like that.

You can often find some nice preowned pieces through Loupe Troop or Diamond Bistro but I don't know that I'd call them steals or super deals. They're just nicer pieces usually that someone tired of and want to sell to fund another project.

 

[Candice0985]

Thanks for the question.

The 'appraisal' says $4k, but the seller wants $400.







Thank you very much for your feedback!!!!!

I just want to get my mother really nice jewelry without paying the retail markup. I had a feeling these earrings weren't a great buy and you have helped confirm this for me!

I'm usually looking on kijiji, ebay or craigslist. I don't know where else to look



Thanks again for saving me from an unnecessary purchase!

You're in Toronto? Try making an appt with one of the goldsmiths that work at 21 dundas sq. this is where a lots of stores buy from but they also sell directly to the public. It's just not known! Usually it's around 70% off retail or around this margin. You can pick your budget and quality and buy pre made or custom

 

[sedatedrainbow]

I am not a fan of those type sites because I know people are looking for a "steal" or a "great deal", but most of the stuff posted on there is either fake, poor quality, or misrepresented terribly. I've seen very few legit listings. I've found MY photos from here used to sell things that were NOT what they were really selling. For example, a hand shot of my wedding set was used to sell a Tiffany wedding set. My band is Tiffany, but was not the band listed for sale. My engagement ring is NOT Tiffany.

I hate to tell you but you're not likely to get quality worth paying for that way, I know you don't want a retail markup, but that's how you know more of what you're actually buying, vs what someone posts on one of those listings, usually using images found on google images. Not to mention you have no protection buying that way, vs from a legit retailer, online or in a real store. You're better off saving your money and buying legit. The markup on the pieces isn't always as much as you think it is. But jewelry doesn't really retain value if it's not of special provenance, it's not an investment that will gain value. I hate to use the word depreciation but it's kind of like that.

You can often find some nice preowned pieces through Loupe Troop or Diamond Bistro but I don't know that I'd call them steals or super deals. They're just nicer pieces usually that someone tired of and want to sell to fund another project.

I know you're just telling me the truth! I thank you for taking the time to invest in my dilemma and write something honest and insightful!

The one thing that you did mention that does really bother me is the 'depreciation' factor. I sold off one or two of my own pieces of jewelry for peanuts compared to what I paid at retail prices. After that, I had such a hard time justifying the retail markup. However, I completely get what you're saying regarding peace of mind etc.

I think I'm going to have to be a bit more cautious and skeptical of jewelry ads in the future. After talking to the folks on tPF I'm not as excited about the jewelry on kijiji etc as I used to be. I do sometimes wonder if there are decent people, like myself, just trying to re-sell their jewelry etc without having to give it away at pawn shops, consignment stores etc on those sites like kijiji etc.

Thanks again for the feedback.

 

[ame]

I am sure there are plenty of decent and honest people selling things, but they're dwarfed by the tons of con artists on there too. And figuring out who is who...well that's anyone's guess.

I don't want to see you or anyone waste money on something just to get a "deal." A deal is only a deal if it's exactly what you want, but in the end you get what you pay for. Cheaping out isn't going to get the best money can buy, and might even buy you a headache.

Depreciation isn't really the right word but it makes the point. Even pawn shops can buy that same stuff, or make it, often for what they could pay you for it, and they know the source of the materials and the workmanship, and it's worth it to them to do it that way, vs pay you for it and not know the whole backstory. Diamonds and jewelry are not investments. They don't keep or appreciate in value. The appraisal you posted above is a RIDICULOUSLY high guesstimate of what those earrings would cost to remake at the time that "appraisal" was printed up, but judging by the setting looking like it's probably from a stock casting company, I'd wager they're not going to cost that much to remake. They will not retain the value you paid for them, even if you get a "steal" off retail. Resale and Retail are two different markets with two different valuation scales. The only occasion it works out in your favor is if it's of provenance, and REALLY rare "this is what is hot right now and in demand and not enough supply of" situations.

 

[HauteMama]

Overall I agree with ame. The only thing I would take issue with is the statement, "Cheaping out isn't going to get the best money can buy." While that is absolutely true, not everyone is necessarily looking for the "best money can buy." Sometimes pretty is enough. For example, someday I would be just giddy to have 3 ctw diamond stud earrings, but that isn't going to happen anytime soon. And yet I will likely still buy some sort of diamond earrings in the future. They will most certainly NOT be the best money can buy, nor will they be the 3 ctw earrings I desire. But they will be pretty, and they will be worth what I pay for them (to me, not necessarily objectively speaking).

But don't buy just for the sake of buying. Like ame said, these earrings are probably worth right around what the guy is asking, so it isn't a bargain, but it IS far less than you would find at retail. If this style really, truly is what you are looking for, then this isn't necessarily a bad deal. But if you would be buying them thinking they are actually worth a lot more, then you will be disappointed. If you are buying almost any jewelry with the intent to resell, you will likely be disappointed. If you want an investment, don't buy jewelry. But if you are careful and thoughtful in your purchases, you can likely pay less than normal retail. Just make sure you are buying what you truly want, make sure the seller has a good return policy, and have the items checked by a jeweler to make sure you received what you thought you did.