Ideal scope opinions and vintage vibe suggestions?

[Lila_grace]

Hi guys,

I was hoping to get some opinions on the diamonds below. I'm looking to get an art nouveau/deco inspired ring and found some settings on james allen that I felt I could work with. However since exploring PS I'm wondering if I should hold out for something more authentic like an OEC or OMC. My max price for the Ering would be 11k and I also have rather large fingers (8.5) so looking for decent finger coverage. This is also another concern for buying a period authentic ring and having to size up considerably...could be problematic. Also due to allergies the setting must be platinum so that's a price factor. I'm aware these are on the warmer side of the spectrum and since color doesn't bother me I'm good with that. Anyways with the specs and ideal scope images below would you purchase one of these or find something more authentic?

Best option according to gemologist inspection:
$8910. HCA=1.7

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.51-carat-j-color-vs2-clarity-sku-368167




Second best option according to inspection:
$9700 HCA= 1.7


http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.70-carat-k-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-227201




Settings I'm considering:

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/platinum-art-nouveau-2.0mm-pave-set-diamond-engagement-ring-item-1575

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/designer-engagement-rings/platinum-zinnia-inspired-geometric-engagement-ring-item-9720

 

[apacherose]

Hi lila grace, I'll come right out with that I am not a diamond expert, so I'm just answering based on my personal preference, not diamond expertise, lol. You definitely seem like you are doing all the right things to get a well cut diamond.

I really like numba 1- the fatty arrows are appealing.

The second setting you posted reminded me of this one (which does not have pave on the shank, so, if it totally misses the mark, sorry- it blows me away, though, so I wanted to share) [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/2-24-transitional-in-the-victoria-setting-from-jbg-ewb.206968/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/2-24-transitional-in-the-victoria-setting-from-jbg-ewb.206968/[/URL]

Good luck in your search!

 

[apacherose]

I don't know why my unqualified response is all you are getting. There are lots of vintage lovers here, and james allen idealscopes usually will prompt some experts to weigh in. JA is an often recommended vendor here.

Looking further at your selections, my eye still prefers number 1; it seems more symmetrical, has higher color, plus I like that it is AGS ideal- but again, my opinion is influenced by participating in this particular forum, not because I've handled and compared lots of diamonds, so really, my AGS preference doesn't meaningfully mean squat.

You number 2 is, I think, a nice spready 60/60 stone. If you do a search you will find volumes on them. Really interesting, and some folks love them, and you did say finger coverage is a plus, so, that might really influence your going with number 2.

As to vintage suggestions- Erika at Love Affair Diamonds (which is having a sale) is often recommended here, as is Grace at Jewels by Grace. They both offer antique diamonds and settings, as well as vintage style settings. Grace does consignments, as well.

Also an option are vintage style cut stones. Good Old Gold has their August Vintage line, and the bonus of having an excellent upgrade/return policy. Victor Canera also has a line of vintage diamonds, and he does some of the most highly regarded settings here.

Last thought, on PS I've seen lots of people find an example or design their own setting they loved and had it made through CAD design- some choices for that are Maytal Hannah, Caysie Van Bebber, Brilliantly Engaged, Greenlake Jewelers.

 

[Gypsy]

So.

You want a more vintage vibe, those are not the settings I'd pick. Beverly K has gorgeous vintage style settings with great quality and great pricing.

As for center stones...
I think the K is very nice above. Or you can do for this:

http://www.jewelsbygrace.com/loose-diamonds/1-ct-to-2-00/1-69ct-old-european-cut-gia-j-si2.html#.VEHNqsnLMq8


Settings: http://www.elizabetajewelry.com/ring-designer/beverley-k-rings?page=1 Pick one of these. Do not buy from this site though. Good Old Gold and Pearlmans are Beverly K dealer. Have the JA stone sent to one of them and buy the setting there.

Okay? Stick to Beverly K for the setting.

 

[Gypsy]

Or if this one becomes available: http://www.loveaffairdiamonds.com/on-hold-1-89ct-old-european-cut-diamond-gia-k-si1/

And put it in one of these:
http://www.loveaffairdiamonds.com/solitaires/

 

[Lila_grace]

So is it completely insane to consider this one? If I really like the Art Deco bezel set look? It has such a pretty petal pattern, but that chip....

http://www.jewelsbygrace.com/loose-diamonds/2-01-to-3-00/2-05ct-old-european-cut-p-q-si2-i1.html#.VELpbye9KSM

 

[D&T]

hmmm, would you have a mind clean problem even if it was bezelled and it was hidden, would you have a problem with it?

Me, personally, I would not like to have my e-ring to have a chip. However, if it was just another ring, just because, or RHR then I *might* not have a problem with it... Though the chip looks awfully large?

 

[Lila_grace]

If it was hidden it wouldn't bother me....but it does appear to be larger so then I wonder how much of the stones edge would you need to cover up to make it presentable.