Is there any way to research clarity and color for diamonds that Bulova used?

Submitted by FarwestGallery on March 29, 2012 - 9:48pm

I am selling a watch on eBay, and don't want the expense of an appraisal. Is there any place that records what quality of diamond Bulova typically used , or perhaps even other details?

Back of watch is marked N3, which dates it to 1973.

Watch number is 275001.

Other markings on the back of the watch are, "Bulova" and "14K."

William Smith
Posted March 29, 2012 - 11:14pm

You can check closed/completed eBay listings for similar watches.  That's the best way to see what similar are trading for espically if that's where you will be selling it.  Don't know of any place which does this.  check"the "complete price guide to watches" by Engle, Gilbert, Gilbert & Shugart.  It's also a good place to start. 

We don't do valuations on site.  Good luck.

jfoley
Posted March 30, 2012 - 10:26am

usually and i say usually the diamonds used in bulova watches and all watches for that matter are so small color and clarity of the stone wouldnt matter. they have practically no value. i know of several scrap gold dealers who take a hammer to rings to remove the stones that are watch size than to be bothered trying to remove them as they must be gone before sending to the smelter.

FarwestGallery
Posted March 31, 2012 - 12:32am

i am lucky: this watch has almost 2 carats of diamonds, and some of them are quite large. thanks for your comments.

bobbee
Posted March 31, 2012 - 5:06am

You could check clarity and colour yourself, look through a X10 loupe for dark spots,if there are few or none, it's a top quality stone. Obversely if there are lots or large ones, or the stone is cloudy or badly polished, it's a poor quality stone. To check the colour, get a small crystal or cubic zirconia that is clear and bright and compare with your stones under the loupe. Then you could also compare the colour and clarity of your stones to others advertised on Ebay and advertise accordingly.

jfoley
Posted March 31, 2012 - 10:30am

my bad, i did say usually their that small. with stones like you mention i would simply take them to a qualified jeweler. there should be one in your area that will appraise them for free.