March 2023 by Michelle James
We took a ring into the Fishponds store today to see if they could give us a valuation/offer. We were told that the ring contained no diamonds (after putting it on their tester) and we were shown a chart and told that the cut of diamond was not on that chart. We had actually had the ring appraised previously and were advised that it was Antique from the late 1700's to early 1800's and that it was 18 carat gold with rose cut diamonds which were typical for that era. We relayed this to the shop but were told again that they were not diamonds and all they could offer was a scrap value of £150-£160. When we left the store we took it to an auction house who confirmed that it was a late 1700-1800 antique 18 carat gold rose cut diamond ring of at least 2 carats. They put an estimate of £1000-£2000 and said it may go for more, they said it was the best ring they had ever seen (coming from an auction house that is quite something). We just wanted to make people aware. If you are taking in antique pieces, maybe consider a second opinion and if you are being told that your ring does not contain diamonds then maybe consider a second opinion. Not at all impressed how a pawn shop can give such an inaccurate valuation. If their knowledge on antique rings was sparse, then this should have been stated. If we had we not taken it somewhere previously we may have sold a very valuable ring as scrap.
