Recently, a Philadelphia jeweler offered us this platinum tiara — with over 25 carats of fine white diamonds — for purchase. While the appraisal value is likely $75,000 to $85,000, the jeweler was asking $25,000.
At the end of the day, when there are so many diamonds involved, the value of such a piece tends to revert to just the platinum and diamond value. While we regularly caution people against ruining value by removing stones, the value of the stones in this case is overwhelming. The largest two stones are about $4,000 and the half carat stones are $1,000 each; even so, our fair market value offer of the sum of its parts (or $18,000) was rejected by the jeweler. He wouldn’t budge on the price.
Parenthetically, we once had a tiara with 143 carats of all European-cut diamonds. It had belonged to a Russian princess and came with provenance. It sold at auction in New York for over $400,000. In this case, the exotic royal provenance outweighed the value of the platinum and the diamonds.
If you have any jewelry to sell or even scrap gold, pay us a visit. We will treat you fairly. If you need an appointment in St. Petersburg or Tampa, give us a call or email jeffreyphess@aol.com.
We will meet you at your home, bank, or attorney’s office. Always buying diamonds, fine wristwatches, pocket watches and expensive jewelry. Gold is high; sell NOW! No estate too small or too large.
JEFF HESS, Owner & Appraiser.
Comments, questions or suggestions for this column, please send to jeffreyphess@aol.com.
St. Petersburg 1131 4th St. N, St. Petersburg FL 33701. 727.898.4377.
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Old Northeast Jewelers, Fine Jewelry and Watches, Buying and Selling since 1984.
