Nope. I had my ex's ring appraised at $9k and the best offer I received was $2k. My new wife and I ended up getting around $3.5k in credit though.
Did you sell to a jewelry/gold buyer? From what I've read, the best way to recover the most money is through personal selling (ebay) or a consignment jeweler. I've got one to sell but haven't had time to put enough effort into it. Thinking about trying ebay first. Like Sammy said I think it also depends on the type of diamond. Some of them, say princess or round (or whatever the most commonly purchased are), are probably high in supply in the resale market driving their price down.
Sure - the value of the stone takes into account the cut/quality/size. But the bottom line with jewelry is that the used value is in the weight of the gold and the value of the stone. As has been mentioned a few time this amount will typically come out to about 20-25% of what you might have paid in a retail setting. Also - paying 1/2 of appraisal value for a piece of jewelry isn't that good a deal. Appraisal value is always set higher than the true value of the product being appraised. A pawn shop gives money on jewelry strictly based on a set price for the weight of the gold and a set price for the size of the stone. A jeweler pays wholesale for gold and stones, so even if it is a nice stone they will not offer you more than the wholesale price of the gold/stone. It just isn't worth their trouble. Selling to an individual is your best bet for maximum return, but be careful and prepare to spend a lot of time and effort while ending up with much less than you anticipate. A better route may be to take the gold and the stone and have someone make it into a work of art (pendant or something) for a loved relative. At least then you maintain its value without getting hosed. Good luck and sorry to hear about your adventure as the lesson doesn't make the situation any more fun. Remember that the lesson is only valuable if you learn it. Domo
What size is the diamond? Is it a solitaire engagement ring? The appraisal you received should have details of the stone such as: color, cut, certified or not? What type of metal? White or Yellow Gold 18k or 14k, or Platinum? Message me via BBS.
Wow this is depressing to read, I always thought diamonds held their value but damn it doesn't seem like you can get the value anywhere. Not to derail but has anyone done a tradeup through a jewelry store? Did they give you what the ring is worth?
On the appraisal sheet. "One lady's eighteen karat white gold (stamped) and diamond ring. The ring is cast manufactured of three-stone design. The ring contains one round brilliant cut center diamond, four-prong basket set, weighing approximately 0.44 carats. The clarity grade is SI2. The color grade is I. The ring also contains two four-prong basket set round brilliant cut diamonds flanking each side of the center stone. The two diamonds weight approximately 0.44 carats total. Their clarity grades average a SI2. Their color grades average I. Their average polish, symmetry and overall proportions are good. Estimated Retail Value(USD): 2,000.00" Picture:
I once sold a bunch of my CD's to Half-Price Books for 10 cents on the dollar. What a total rip. I know they sold those CDs with an 90% profit margin...probably at the same price I bought from them for...the dream of the 90's is alive in Houston. I am incredibly cheap, my wife will get a pawn store ring.
But they were! I can't remember the name of the place there on University, but it's a pretty big place. And I kid cause I love.
