Originally Posted by shestheone

Can anyone tell me if this appears to be a old 1930's ring?

I believe he said the maker was "MFS"....does that sound correct?

Is it reasonable/normal to ask that it be appraised by an independent jeweler?

Should I be concerened if he will not let me have it independently appraised?

Originally Posted by Michael_E

The pictures that you have do not show this ring in sufficient detail or at the right angles to tell much about either the setting or the diamond. That style of setting was sold into the 60's and even 70's and so without looking at the diamond very closely it would be hard to tell you much about the possible time frame that the ring was made. You do want to have an independent APPRAISER look at this piece since they would be able to go over it with a microscope and tell you if the ring had ever been reworked and give an approximate time frame for the manufacture of the diamond. You can't just take it to any jeweler and expect good answers because many jewelers do not have the appropriate background to give you reliable answers.

The seller doesn't need to give you permission to have this looked at by an independent appraiser, since you would most likely be required to buy the ring before taking it from their shop. They should be willing to offer you some time frame in which you can return this ring, should it prove to not be what they are claiming it to be. Make sure that you have an appraiser lined up before buying this and do everything you need to in a short time frame.

Originally Posted by shestheone

Thank you Michael
I will plan on arranging an appraisal from an experienced estate jewelry appraiser and making sure the selling jeweler will put in writing that the ring can be returned if the appraisal isn't within a certain range.

Eric