13 replies to this topic

[WRWEAKLEY]

I have a Tiffany Eternity ring with about .70 Carat of diamonds set in "IRID PLAT" I bought this in 1977 from Bailey Banks Estate items. So I know this is at least from 1970s. Does anyone know when Tiffany went from IRID PLAT to 950 Platinum---as that would allow me to put a date on the ring
Thanks in advance for the expertise Happy memorial day, with our Vets today being the real shining gems.

Edited by WRWEAKLEY, 30 May 2011 - 03:09 AM.

[davidelevi]

As far as I know, the 90 Plat/10 Irid was in use until the late '80s/early '90s, because the ruthenium alloys that Tiffany uses now were widely commercialised about then. But I have no evidence for this, nor a precise date.

[WRWEAKLEY]

davidelevi, on 30 May 2011 - 03:57 AM, said:

As far as I know, the 90 Plat/10 Irid was in use until the late '80s/early '90s, because the ruthenium alloys that Tiffany uses now were widely commercialised about then. But I have no evidence for this, nor a precise date.

Thanks for the reply. Confirms pretty much what I thought, did not seem very old when I got it, so perhaps it is 1960's era is most likely.

Ring is 31 stones size 4.5 (small'ish--but for many would make a great pinky ring) Recently appraised by Tiffany with a report at $ 3850.


Will likely sell this for $2,000 range, if anyone is interested, Complete documentation. If I get a chance will get photos etc and list either on the forum or ebay, maybe both. Really would prefer dealing with someone on this forum as I think this is a forum of higher quality as it is focused only on those that love diamonds.


Best to all, at the Beach so enjoying the freedom those (including my father) who served in the military. have protected.

Edited by WRWEAKLEY, 30 May 2011 - 05:00 AM.

[denverappraiser]

If you've had it recently appraised by Tiffany, call up the appraiser and ask them this question. They know the style number from the inspection and from their own records when that model was available. They charge quite a bit for their appraisal service and it's entirely reasonable to ask questions.

[WRWEAKLEY]

denverappraiser, on 30 May 2011 - 05:41 AM, said:

If you've had it recently appraised by Tiffany, call up the appraiser and ask them this question. They know the style number from the inspection and from their own records when that model was available. They charge quite a bit for their appraisal service and it's entirely reasonable to ask questions.

I do not think the date is all that important and the appraisal was No Charge due to my relationship over the years with Tiffany. They did not in the appraisal rate the diamonds either, I just wanted a current value on the ring. being 2+ pointer diamonds I can not believe the diamonds would be anything less in a Tiffany piece than G-H and VS1. At $2000 for a $3850 ring (w/o tax that would bump that up to over $4K) I think this will not stay with me for long. Just gotta find a lady with a 4.5 size as resizing to a larger size would be difficult and likely not recommended


But you do have a point, perhaps I will call them up and get some clarifications. Thanks for the input.


This model in Channel Set Plat is still in the Tiffany lineup as it is such a classic design.

Edited by WRWEAKLEY, 30 May 2011 - 06:18 AM.

[WRWEAKLEY]

WRWEAKLEY, on 30 May 2011 - 06:10 AM, said:

denverappraiser, on 30 May 2011 - 05:41 AM, said:

If you've had it recently appraised by Tiffany, call up the appraiser and ask them this question. They know the style number from the inspection and from their own records when that model was available. They charge quite a bit for their appraisal service and it's entirely reasonable to ask questions.

I do not think the date is all that important and the appraisal was No Charge due to my relationship over the years with Tiffany. They did not in the appraisal rate the diamonds either, I just wanted a current value on the ring. being 2+ pointer diamonds I can not believe the diamonds would be anything less in a Tiffany piece than G-H and VS1. At $2000 for a $3850 ring (w/o tax that would bump that up to over $4K) I think this will not stay with me for long. Just gotta find a lady with a 4.5 size as resizing to a larger size would be difficult and likely not recommended


But you do have a point, perhaps I will call them up and get some clarifications. Thanks for the input.


This model in Channel Set Plat is still in the Tiffany lineup as it is such a classic design.

Okay took the time to make some photos

Edited by WRWEAKLEY, 30 May 2011 - 06:53 AM.

[LaurieH]

I still think you'd totally be within bounds to call and ask a few questions, even if they didn't charge your for a full-on appraisal, etc, esp if--as you say--you have an ongoing relationship with them. I'd imagine 5-10 min of their time is worth it to keep you happy if it keeps you coming in the door to see them

[denverappraiser]

How they charge and to whom is a matter for their marketing department and it's NOT an excuse for doing an incomplete job. They know this. You are asking for information that's easily available in their files, and, in fact, is ONLY available in their files. When did this model come to market, when did they change the recipie for the metal and what other changes have been done that might be useful in dating the piece. They inspected the piece and they did an appraial. A proper appraisal is more than a value conclusion and, as with the above, they know this. The fact that the circa date doesn't affect the replacement cost new doesn't change this any more than what they choose to charge. You didn't mention it but many T&C pieces actually have a serial number so they should be able to look up the exact manufacturing date but I would be a little surprised to see it in one of these. If it's present, this also would be a function of looking in their files. If you've got a good enough relationship with them to get 'free' work, you've got a good enough relationship to ask questions about that work.

[denverappraiser]

I took the opportunity to look at the document posted and, I have to say, that's one of the worst 'appraisals' I've ever seen unless there's a heck of a lot more included on page 1 of 2 that you didn't post. They don't even say what the item is, only that they would be willing to sell you something for $3850. Whoopie.

At least they don't call it an appraisal and at least they didn't charge you for it. If that's all you got, you got less than what you paid for, which is quite an accomplishment for a free service.

Edited by denverappraiser, 30 May 2011 - 08:08 AM.

[davidelevi]

Mind you - that's page 2 of 2; presumably page 1 has the description...

[WRWEAKLEY]

davidelevi, on 30 May 2011 - 08:07 AM, said:

Mind you - that's page 2 of 2; presumably page 1 has the description...

page two has the description which says:

Description of Item

One Platinum and diamond band ring, bead set with round brilliant cut diamonds

DIAMOND

Quantity: 31
Shape/Cut: Round Brilliant Cut
Approximate Diameter: 1.70 - 1.80 mm
Estimated Weight: .70 carat total weight

Date of Examination Aprill 22, 2011

I did take a pic of this, but did not post as it had in it my street address, which I did not want to post.

[denverappraiser]

WRWEAKLEY, on 30 May 2011 - 08:14 AM, said:

davidelevi, on 30 May 2011 - 08:07 AM, said:

Mind you - that's page 2 of 2; presumably page 1 has the description...

page two has the description which says:

Description of Item

One Platinum and diamond band ring, bead set with round brilliant cut diamonds

DIAMOND

Quantity: 31
Shape/Cut: Round Brilliant Cut
Approximate Diameter: 1.70 - 1.80 mm
Estimated Weight: .70 carat total weight

Date of Examination Aprill 22, 2011

I did take a pic of this, but did not post as it had in it my street address, which I did not want to post.

That helps, although I still see it as a pretty lame description. I agree, grading on the individual stones isn't the heart of this question. What drives the value and what is required for replacement (the stated purpose of the report) is the authentication that it was made by Tiffany and the style details of the piece. Neither of these is present (so far).

[WRWEAKLEY]

Tiffany does not appraise or give values to product OTHER than their own. ---so that is is a Tiffany piece is a given --and in addition, this is marked Tiffany on the inside of the band.

Off for a trip South tomorrow and back later on next week. Thanks for the input on this

[denverappraiser]

WRWEAKLEY, on 01 June 2011 - 04:18 AM, said:

Tiffany does not appraise or give values to product OTHER than their own. ---so that is is a Tiffany piece is a given --and in addition, this is marked Tiffany on the inside of the band.

Off for a trip South tomorrow and back later on next week. Thanks for the input on this

That's not entirely correct. They are not giving a value on your ring at all, they are giving an estimate for what they would charge to sell another one like it new. That's interesting enough information but it's not the same thing. They will do this even if your ring didn't exist at all (for example if it had been destroyed and they were bidding to replace it based on a description). Whether or not this is useful for anything depends on you and your prospective buyers.

They DO offer an appraisal service where they authenticate merchandise as being their work and this is apparently not the service you requested. It's certainly doesn't seem to be the one you got. I don't particularly doubt the authenticity of your piece but the fact that they are willing to sell you a new one for $3850 isn't evidence either way. Unfortunately, being marked 'Tiffany' on the inside isn't very good evidence either.

Travel safely. Best of luck with your sale.