If I want an estate diamond, just because they are older and have this historic vibe, but I don't know enough about diamonds...what should I do?

I really want to buy a diamond that has an antique vibe to it, but I'm worried I'll get scammed!

Answers (1 - 3 of 3)

JamesO September 16, 2010

If I were you, I'd have a look at online auctions selling estate jewelry. You could see all the different styles and designs posted online and their respective values. You could get a good idea of how much vintage jewelry is worth by comparing prices on online auction sites, that's how I do it!

JeffH September 11, 2010

The best thing for you to do would be to look online for sites containing information on estate diamonds and estate jewelry in general. Education is the key when it comes to buying estate jewelry. The more informed you are on the matter the better you will fare when making your purchase. I highly recommend you have a look at the different jewelry eras and their characteristics before you start shopping around. Antique, or estate jewelry, can be tricky in that their values are hard to determine. Most of these pieces have never been evaluated or appraised, and some of them do not have authentication certificates. Check out the different jewelry price indexes posted online, get a feel of today's antique jewelry market, compare different values and prices and get an idea of what your budget should be when buying estate jewelry. After you've completed your purchase I always recommend taking your jewelry to a jeweler to be appraised for insurance purposes.

CristI September 11, 2010

I think a good answer for that is to buy from a company that provides "estate" diamonds... What I mean is that there are companies which buy diamonds from estates, and then have Diamond Grading Reports made for them, and then sell them for a more commercial price... This way you know you are getting a diamond that is the kind you want, but you also know the grading report and the comparable value because of that, and you can make a better decision and have less likelihood of getting cheated, or buying a diamond that is worth a lot less than you paid. This way you'll know what the physical attributes are, and you'll also know what it's commercial worth is, to some extent, and you'll have a lot to choose from so you'll finally be able to have the diamond you've been looking for! Good luck, Good luck!