Winning Bid: $22,000

NEXT: an 18k gold ring was just donated for Haiti relief efforts. Auction soon.

For the Ring Project homepage, visit www.committedtotheworld.org

Thank you for your interest in the most meaningful diamond ring money can buy! This ring represents a true commitment to the world.Due to increased media attention, the auction has been extended until Feb. 13 thru 11:59 pm. I apologize for the inconvenience. The Ring Project is as much about calling attention to the “Vagabond Philanthropists” as it is selling the ring, and I feel compelled to capture these special media opportunities. I will not change the dates again.

For ring pictures, specs, and appraisal, click here

Please contact me for any additional information about the ring. I’m happy to comply with serious requests for additional appraisals etc. I understand that this is a major purchase and want the  buyer to feel comfortable with the transaction in whatever way that I can.

The money from the ring sale will support the amazing projects of my chosen “vagabond philanthropists.” I have on-going relationships with all of them, and can assure you that they make a big differences wherever they set their itchy feet! The winning bidder will not only receive the ring, but also a book-length manuscript that  details my adventures of selling the ring, meeting these traveling philanthropists, and stories of their projects.

To avoid the high fees charged by ebay and other formal auction sites, I have decided to run the event using this blog format.

Bidding is simple. Just follow the instructions below.

Instructions:

1) scroll to the bottom of this page and click “comments”

2) Chose and enter your user name (If you prefer to use a pseudonym, I will contact you personally for your real name)

3) Enter email address (will not be publicly displayed)

4) Indicate bid

Your bid will soon be posted alongside your chosen user name.

I may email you personally to verify your information and your bid. I may request a telephone number.

RULES:

1) Invalid bids will be promptly removed from the site.

2) Bids made before 12 am PST on 1/1/10 will be invalid

3) Bids made after 11:59 pm PST on 2/13/10 will be invalid

4) Reserve price: $20,ooo

Winner will be contacted after the bidding ends.  If bid is valid and meets the reserve price, the ring will go into escrow.

Announcement: My original idea was to keep the reserve hidden in order to stimulate bidding. This is a common practice on auction site like eBay. But then I realized it could be frustrating on the bidders end to keep placing bids, only to receive “reserve not met” messages. The truth is, I would have a very hard time parting with this ring for under $20,000. It is a vintage diamond, and the posted appraisal value is already lower than it is really worth. So, $20,000 is the reserve.

Also, the closer I get to selling the ring, the more I feel like I’d like to personally meet and possibly hand deliver the ring. It’s an important moment for me, and I would love to meet whoever will be wearing it. This may not be possible, but just wanted to put it out there.

Questions?  Send email to: ring@committedtotheworld.org