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this is an interesting idea. I've heard that it's hard to sell diamonds that are used so you might be able to find a good deal.
My engagement ring was created from a diamond that was a part of FMIL's necklace (that she never wore anyways). I picked out the setting and the jewelery company created my ring for me. It's a simple soltaire (what I wanted) but the rock shines 
. My fiance's brother actually did the same thing and his wife's ring also came out gorgeous.
The rings came out beautifully, we have a token from our FMIL, and were able to get rings that we probably wouldn't have been able to afford. I love my ring and am happy with the decision we made.
Sure, why not? Many of the "new" diamonds out there are actually second hand diamonds anyway. Just make sure you know what you are buying!
@DeathByDesign: This is what I figured. SO and I are both deal hunters and very thoughtful about big purchases. Jewelry isn't an investment considering its resale value so I feel silly buying a diamond at such an inflated price!
@DeathByDesign: Not that I'm disputing it, and I'm not sure about the situation in the USA with tax, but in the UK if they were selling used diamonds as new then they'd be ripping you off (as second-hand jewellery is VAT exempt).
My ex manages a pawn shop and more than a few jewelers in our area shop there to find diamonds to resell at their stores. They aren't after the settings, just the stones.
And mine is used as it was my Grandma's. It's somewhat chipped but still pretty.
@SuzySchmoozy: Yours is gorgeous!!! And love the legos =)
@khf777: Do the pawn shops provide appraisals or certifications of any sort?
@ SuzySchmoozy where did you purchase your diamond? or is it a heirloom? it's so pretty btw!
Just make sure that anything you buy is certified by AGS or GIA (if it's a modern stone) or appraised by an independent appraiser.
If you don't have a reliable certificate or appraisal then you have no idea what a good price is. It's like buying a car without knowing how many miles are on it.
@jpalm13: Actually I just called him to ask. He said if the seller provided an appraisal with the diamond he includes it, but they don't normally have one done as it adds extra costs to the price. All diamonds are guaranteed where he works, and if you are unsatisfied with it for any reason you can get a full refund.
I have an estate diamond and it is gorgeous! Plus it was cheaper, and it's GIA certified. Honestly where I live the only stones that are GIA certified are used because we don't have anyone in town who does it, and that was VERY important to DH that it be GIA.
We purchased my solitaire from a Craigslist seller. It was definatley risky. You have to be an educated consumer, and protect yourself. My stone did come w a certification and we had an appraisal done immediately. You can ask the seller to meet you at the appraisers office and have an appraisal done before you purchase the stone.
We ended up paying less than half of retail, but this route is not for everyone. We did see a lot of lower quality stones before we purchased this one.
A friend of mine bought hers at a antique store. Her ring is beautiful and the only alterations she did to it was get the band resized.
there's a saying. .
the only difference between a new diamond and a used diamond is the price!
i'd say go for it! my center stone is from my FMIL and its gorgeous and i just picked my own setting. best of both worlds!
my Hunny got it from a pawn shop, im so glad he bought used :)
my Hunny got it from a pawn shop, im so glad he bought used :)
my Hunny got it from a pawn shop, im so glad he bought used :)
I totally recommend it, you can get ALOT more for your money when you buy second hand.
Although mine is not a diamond it has diamonds on it. Its a ruby center stone. But it is second hand! My husband bought it off an antique seller/store on ebay.com & I love it! We got a great deal on it, the ruby is all natural as are the diamonds on a 14k yellow gold band. I see nothing at all wrong with this. It saves money also which is the biggest plus!
I think it's a great idea! A lot of serious people on Craig's List who are trying to sell diamonds will offer to meet you at a jewelry store to have it confirmed by a jeweler before you buy it (so you know you're getting a diamond and not a CZ or something). As long as you do your research, if it can save you money absolutely go for it!
@Mrs.Estep: Did you get your band sized? It looks GREAT with your ruby, I love it!!
Thread-jacking over 
Diamonds themselves aren't "new" and where do you think used stones go when someone upgrades? Right back into "new" jewelry. There is a very good chance any "new" diamond has in fact been worn by someone else, so I say it's smart to go for a vintage or estate stone. Just make sure you get it appraised and have good certification. I really wanted to check out vintage and estate stones, but my DH was convinced that they'd have bad juju--I disagree, but he was the one buying!
@MerryWidow: Thanks! No not yet. I was holding it like that with my fingers! lol I might be getting it sized this Friday! The store is an hour away (or just about) & it takes one-two days for them to size. So its better to do it on a weekend! lol
@eryepye: I am curious about this. So when buying something from say, a chain jewelry store or s local independant jeweler, etc, there is a chnace the stone may be used/previously owned/estate even if they do not disclose that? I am just wondering. . . .
@eryepye: I don't know for a fact if it is. BUT, I do think its the case! The store I went to tonight to look at rings actually sells old estate jewelry (all had jewels in them). But they may have been switched out. I asked them about setting my own gems and the salesman said its very common for them to do it so I'm definitely going to suggest it to my SO!
I am still waiting for mine, but it's an antique ring. I love antique stones :)
I would only wear second hand diamonds at this point. So much cheaper. You can even get non certed diamonds and send them to GIA yourself
Work and own a jewelry store. There are definitely diamonds being sold from old settings and being placed in new settings. Diamonds are changing hands many, many times before reaching your rings, girls. Even from Jareds or your standard mall jewelry store. Unless they have a pipeline to the supply (De Beers) It comes with the territory.
Aside from getting the proper certificate, make sure they have a return/refund policy in case you get your own independent appraisal to verify the certificate.
@LuckyJuls: It's true--even with DeBeer's. We got ours directly from them because our jeweler does work with them. However, they offer an upgrade policy and I'm pretty sure when they take the old diamond back and credit it toward the upgrade, they resell the old ones.
Mine is second hand as well. We bought it uncertified as it is an anyique but as they offered a 1 month full refund we had the time to have 2 independent sources look at it (including Sotherby's) and have a third appraise it. The appraisal came back MUCH higher than what we paid for it and there is no way we could have afforded to buy my ring in a mall store. (nor would i have wanted SO to spend that much). I recommend to do research, go look at diamonds of different cuts, colour and clarity so you have a good idea of what to look for and have patience. It may take time to find a really good deal but they are out there.
@love108: I love antiques too! I was supposed to use my great grandmothers rings but can't =( They're gorgeous. Unfortunately, I have a size 4 finger and the rings are about an 8-8.5 and my family doesn't want them resized that much. Understandable...my mom is going to hang onto them for a future, potential "Woohoo I'm pregnant and my fingers are getting huge" set.
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Have any bees used a second hand diamond for their engagement ring? I'm thinking of suggesting to SO that we find a 'used' diamond for my e ring.
Any thoughts? Experiences with this?