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Antique engagement ring and diamond certification?
M L asked:
In order to avoid any regret or ethical dillemma in supporting the diamond industry, I am opting to buy an antique diamond engagement ring from an antique jewelry dealer. I have found a gorgeous 1920s filligree solitaire, and would like to purchase. The diamond is an old european cut. The return policy is “no returns”, so I want to be as careful as possible. Question is, are old diamonds like this often certified? How much does it cost to certify them? Also, the ring is 14k white gold (nickel alloy) with recent rhodium plating. Could the rhodium plating cover up any serious flaws or damage (no problems are apparent)? Thanks!
In order to avoid any regret or ethical dillemma in supporting the diamond industry, I am opting to buy an antique diamond engagement ring from an antique jewelry dealer. I have found a gorgeous 1920s filligree solitaire, and would like to purchase. The diamond is an old european cut. The return policy is “no returns”, so I want to be as careful as possible. Question is, are old diamonds like this often certified? How much does it cost to certify them? Also, the ring is 14k white gold (nickel alloy) with recent rhodium plating. Could the rhodium plating cover up any serious flaws or damage (no problems are apparent)? Thanks!
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8. September 2008 at 5:12 pm :
hi,
i don’t think that you can have it certified, but you can have it appraised. costs about $50-$100. however, this jeweler should be able to tell you the clarity, color and carat weight of this diamond, or he’s not a very good jeweler. the cut is also important. the old european cut is very beautiful, but the quality of the cut is also important. visit for more diamond buying info.
also, the rhodium plating–i don’t think that it can hide any serious flaws–just make sure the prongs are strong and will hold the diamond in place. it may also be a good idea to replace the white gold prongs with platinum ones, or all together a platinum head (the whole part that the diamond rests in) if it doesn’t compromise the design on the ring. platinum does not flake away or wear down like gold can. the metal simply “displaces.”
another thing to consider–i understand your feelings about the diamond industry with all the disgusting, inhumane things that we hear about, but one good thing about buying from retail store is that many retailers offer a lifetime guarentee on both the gold or platinum that holds the stone, and the diamond itself, meaning if the diamond falls out of the ring, the store will replace it free of charge. just something to consider.