Want to buy these but the price is exorbitant (( help with the value please?

[Lili4ka]

Hello everyone,

I would like to buy these pins. The seller asks about 3k dollars for the small one, and 6k for the larger one. To me it is very expensive, and I am looking to find out more objective criterias for the price.

I have not seen them in person, but can go and see when I am in their area (a few hours by train).

Here is what the seller says about them:

- white 14k gold pins
- smaill diamonds around, emerauds on the top. To my knowledge, small diamonds of that size would not be worth much. Little sense to ask about the size of the leading stone but the pearl that is a leader here.
- I asked about the exact size of each pearl, answer pending
- The larger pin is about 1 1/4" x 3/4" in total size.
- seller does not have any expert valuation of the items.

What could you tell about those pearls please? I should likely consult diamond specialists as well.

Thank you so much for your opinions!

 

[BWeaves]

I'm not an expert, but those frogs are super cute. Diamonds do up the price quite a lot even if they are very small, but 3K and 6K sounds a bit much. Is the seller expecting you to bargain?

 

[Lili4ka]

Hello BWeaves,

Thanks for replying!

In the meantime, I did some research and found out that the seller is an antique resale store with over 40 years being on the market. It is run by a member of a professiional appraiser's association.
Yes the seller indicated that they accept lower price.

 

[pattye]

Welcome Zowie,

I agree the price seems high, but if the artist or designer is a famous name, that might account for it. The pearls seem to be more oval or baroque shape than round. Are the pearls said to be SS? I suppose Tiffany or Mikimoto could charge a price that high, but any buyer needs to save all documentation.

Just an opinion, (I don't do benchwork) it doesn't look to me like the gold cast part was custom made to fit that exact pearl, which is what many high end designers would do, purchasing the pearl first, preparing a wax and then making the setting.

Lots of labor involved, but the diamonds themselves are not that expensive, as BWeaves mentioned.

 

[Lili4ka]

Hello pattye,

Thanks for your welcome!

The seller mentioned that the designer is no name. She also says the pearls are the south sea.

In your opinion, if the pearls are SS, what would be the price of them?

Your opinion on the gold cast part is greatly appreciated! That's what my initial idea was of that, I coud probably consider buying the pearls first, then come to the jeweler and tell them that I want to make a setting in a form of a frog. Did I understand you correctly that to you, it appears that the frogs were not made to match those exact pearls?

 

[amti]

They are very cute and would look cuter as a pair. I think frogs are also somewhat a collector's item too, which might affect the price. Are there any markings on the piece? I couldn't tell from the photos. If there are hallmarks, then you can google the maker. The little tiny holes in the back are to let light in for the diamonds to shine. If the diamonds are really small, I don't normally see holes (from just my personal observation). Even tiny diamonds seem to up the price on everything. Do be sure the jeweler tests the gold and diamonds (possibly the emeralds too if there is a test for them) in front of you. It is also recommended you bring your own 14k white gold jewel or your own testing acid to make sure the gold is really 14k gold.

 

[Lili4ka]

Wow, what a lot of great information for me! Thank you so much!

I think I try to find a jeweler in my city and ask what would it cost to me to make such frogs. I'd love to have earrings like that!

 

[Katbran]

If not designer pieces then the price seems high.

 

[Lili4ka]

If not designer pieces then the price seems high.

Would a price of 1.5k for a small frog be considered reasonable?

 

[GreenBling]

Found many similar designs when googled "frog hold pearl", there are a few that look exactly like the one you posted and i saw a few made with a round pearl. Perhaps that is a source to compare price?

 

[Sea Urchin]

Ah, I don't know. Jewelry prices are SO variable that I think in the end it comes down to it's worth whatever someone will pay, especially when it comes to unique pieces. Keeping in mind that most jewelry is a poor investment anyway.

So, to me, here are the minuses (YMMV): Low practical value to me because it wouldn't fill any holes in my wardrobe. A frog is cute, but a novelty. And I don't think I even own any pins. I could use something more practical for $1,500, such as a classic, white, large top quality freshwater strand and earrings that would go from everyday to the most formal occasion. Also, it's not by a known artist or of rare materials that justify the price by cost of the materials imo. The diamonds are just chips, the emeralds look like cabochons so not all that high dollar. The pearl isn't round, so again, not all that pricey. 14K is kinda high these days but I don't know how much the gold in it is worth in absolute terms.

On the plus side, it's unique and cute. If you lurve it above the other jewelry (or anything else, really) you could have for the same price, that definitely counts. Also, personal finances. There are ladies on here who could snap that up as a little treat for themselves and wouldn't really care if it was or wasn't a great deal in practical terms. Others are lucky to get a $50 piece at Christmas. They might have vastly different opinions on what is a reasonable price for that. Something else that crossed my mind, many pearl rings with perhaps those same materials and in the same amounts probably regularly sell for $1,500.

Sorry if I'm stating the obvious. I was just a bit stumped at your question about what a "reasonable" price would be so that's my thought process. Personally, if I loved it I might pay a few hundred, less than $500. But as mentioned that includes many personal factors along with taking a stab at what the market price should be.

Let us know how it goes!

 

[pattye]

This pin looks very similar: Here

More detail is given, too.

In general, a pearl with a blemish or so on the back side where it can be hidden by the mounting would be used in pins like this, so wouldn't have the same value as a round, pendant quality pearl.

Good points, Sea Urchin.

 

[amti]

Wow Pattye! Great detective work!!!

 

[Lili4ka]

A similar design, thank you, it is very helpful for me if I will talk with a jeweler about custom made pair for me!

 

[pattye]

Also if you Google "Pearl & diamond frog earrings" lots of examples come up. They will have a left and right style. You'll see that Tiffany did earrings at one time.

Frog earrings will certainly be a conversation piece!

 

[CathyKeshi]

Little pearl frogs would indeed make cute earrings! I much prefer the second frog, as I like the higher level of detail on his footpads, especially gripping the pearls. I would personally look for high detail on the frog, and beautiful pearls, but I don't think in any way the pearls need to be "perfect, 8 way round" pearls. I agree the look would be more organic and interesting if the pearls had some character Good luck with your project, Zowie.