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What can you do when you fall out of love with Modern Round Brilliants and now only want Old European or Transitional Cuts?

Hetoldmenottodoit

Rough_Rock
Joined
May 16, 2019
Messages
33
What a dilemma. I have only ever bought Modern Round Brilliant Diamonds and now, after exposure to Pricescope, have found that they no longer hold the attraction that they once did.

I purchased a 70 point Old European Cut diamond that was set in white gold in approximately the 1970's - 1980's. When it arrived from France (I am in Australia) I was stunned at its beauty and immediately noticed that you could look "into" one of the older cut diamonds rather than look "at" them - or that's the way I think anyway.
I then purchased a 1 carat diamond that was described as Old European Cut but in reality was apparently more like a "Transitional Cut". Once again, I can really look into this diamond and I love them both.

I now have my other rings that I no longer like (including a 1.54 ct diamond trilogy ring that is not even twelve months old yet).

What do I do - has anyone else had this problem?
 

EC8

Shiny_Rock
Joined
Jun 19, 2006
Messages
344
Buy more?:lol:
Personally never been a fan of MRBs, haven’t found an old cut style I didn’t like....finding well cut ones are the challenge and/or part of the fun of the search...
 

OcnGypZ

Shiny_Rock
Joined
Dec 18, 2006
Messages
387
I don't like MRB's either. List for sale what you don't like on LT and Preloved Jewels.
 

gregchang35

Ideal_Rock
Joined
Sep 11, 2012
Messages
3,416
Yes- it is a rabbit warren with old cuts.

being in Australia, I am not too sure if there is a market here, except for pawn stores. Not preferred.
Try antique jewelry stores or auction houses.

Or like others have stated - loupe troop- there may be other aussies that might want to purchase.
Or consign it with vendors like jewels by grace, DBL, all of which are in USA. They may be able to help with shipping and insurance. If course they will take a 20-25%share of sale value.

would you consider “liking” MRB enough to
convert to pendant/DBTY/cuff bangle/ earrings?
Or heirloom to kids?
 

kenny

Super_Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Apr 30, 2005
Messages
33,219
By all means follow your heart.
I did.

Search for threads here with the old mine cuts and become an information sponge.
Take your time.

Also I'd look into newly cut diamonds that have the old mine look, but have been updated so the facets are positioned for optimized for light performance.
I think of that as the best of both worlds.

Doesn't Johnathan sell the August Vintage cuts, or does his former company Good Old Gold sell them now?
 

PreRaphaelite

Ideal_Rock
Joined
Feb 2, 2015
Messages
3,564
Make yourself wait 30 days before making a decision one way or the other. Take some time to really experience them - both are beautiful in their own way. if you feel that moderns don’t hold your heart anymore, list them and go after the oldies.

Good luck!
 

OcnGypZ

Shiny_Rock
Joined
Dec 18, 2006
Messages
387
By all means follow your heart.
I did.

Search for threads here with the old mine cuts and become an information sponge.
Take your time.

Also I'd look into newly cut diamonds that have the old mine look, but have been updated so the facets are positioned for optimized for light performance.
I think of that as the best of both worlds.

Doesn't Johnathan sell the August Vintage cuts, or does his former company Good Old Gold sell them now?

By and large they're through Jonathan at AV. Though GOG has an AVR D IF - 1.51ct if memory serves me.
 

Hetoldmenottodoit

Rough_Rock
Joined
May 16, 2019
Messages
33
Thanks for your responses.
Do the August Vintage diamonds have the same "big flash/fire" like the Old European cuts do? So far, my luck has held with buying two diamonds sight unseen, but it would probably give me more comfort to buy from someone who specialises in selling them and has a reputation to uphold. I wonder how practical it would be buying from Australia, sight unseen? Anyone had any experience?

If I decide to sell my other rings, I would probably take the easy option and sell to a pawn shop because there is so much for sale on EBay and they (EBay) appear to me, to be really hiking up their advertising and final sales fees. I would like my loss to feel as quick and pain-free as possible.
I'll have to mull things over. Thanks again for the input.
 

dk168

Super_Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Jul 7, 2013
Messages
12,492
Repurpose your old items into other types of jewellery?

I don't like MRBs as rings (I prefer ECs and would love an OEC one day), however I am not going to say no to my mum's 1.8ct+ when she finally decided to give it to me!

My plan is to set it either as a pendant or as a bracelet/bangle (more likely to be the latter as I tend to wear pearls around my neck nowadays).


DK :))
 

missy

Super_Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Jun 8, 2008
Messages
53,978
What do I do - has anyone else had this problem?

I never cared for MRBs but I didn't know it as I wasn't (gasp) into diamonds when I was single. They never did it for me. I loved colored gems and specifically black opals. Fast forward to my dh proposing with an MRB in a lovely classic solitaire setting. I got tons of compliments on that ring but I never loved it. I just didn't know why. Until I realized it was old cuts that made my heart go pitter patter. And the love story began for me right there and then and I was on an old cut search. I found Adam at OWD through PS and he and my dh made my old cut dreams come true. I no longer have that first OEC but I am still in love with old cuts and have my final OEC that is everything I could have hoped for and more. Modern cuts are pretty but not for me.

Listen to your heart and take your time to learn your preferences as there are many different old cuts. They are all different and it will take time to learn what makes your heart sing and what you do not care for in an old cut. It can be challenging to find an old cut that is well cut but after looking at many old cuts you will learn what it is you want and need in an old cut. There are lots of threads here containing helpful info that will get you started.

OK finally found it. This thread is great.


and here is a thread listing some old cut vendors. HTH


IMO seeing old cuts in person is key to finding the right old cut for you. It's a learning process and the more you see the better off you will be. Good luck and enjoy!


Oh and to answer your other question "I now have my other rings that I no longer like (including a 1.54 ct diamond trilogy ring that is not even twelve months old yet)" you are in good company. I "upgraded" my original ER before we got married and I told my FI I didn't care for the ring less than a week after he proposed. We are always honest with each other and while I know many might not have taken those steps so soon it was OK for us. I just share this to help you feel better about this and realize you are not alone.
 

distracts

Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Oct 11, 2011
Messages
6,131
Re: selling your rings, selling to a pawn shop will net you the least money. List on consignment with a jeweler. There will be a fee and it will take longer for a sale, but I’m sure you will get at least twice as much. Users here have already recommended several or you could use someone in your area. It’s a much better option than selling to a pawn shop.
 

PreRaphaelite

Ideal_Rock
Joined
Feb 2, 2015
Messages
3,564
I second the sentiment from Distracts, above. Pawn shops are for BUYING, not selling!

If you’re willing to sell, first list on LoupeTroop.com so that people can contact you to buy direct. It’s free to list and you might even find someone who wants the whole lot.

Otherwise, consignment is an excellent solution. Meanwhile, please feel free to share photos with us!
 

OcnGypZ

Shiny_Rock
Joined
Dec 18, 2006
Messages
387
Thanks for your responses.
Do the August Vintage diamonds have the same "big flash/fire" like the Old European cuts do? So far, my luck has held with buying two diamonds sight unseen, but it would probably give me more comfort to buy from someone who specialises in selling them and has a reputation to uphold. I wonder how practical it would be buying from Australia, sight unseen? Anyone had any experience?

If I decide to sell my other rings, I would probably take the easy option and sell to a pawn shop because there is so much for sale on EBay and they (EBay) appear to me, to be really hiking up their advertising and final sales fees. I would like my loss to feel as quick and pain-free as possible.
I'll have to mull things over. Thanks again for the input.

Yes, August VIntage Rounds and Cushions have the big flash/fire of Old Cuts - but better!
 

monipod

Brilliant_Rock
Joined
Jun 25, 2019
Messages
1,041
I totally get what you mean. My original e-ring is a sweet MRB and I think she can be the only one in my collection. I also have a one carat champagne MRB but the colour makes me like it as it has that vintage feel. I am very much in love with old cuts and I plan to get one next year. I have bought enough this year!
When I'm ready, I'll be buying via AV or from Alex Park. There are very few old cuts of a decent size in Australia and the price... Even with the weak AUD, diamonds are cheaper to buy via the US :|
As for selling... I feel your pain. eBay is saturated with diamond rings (I'd know as I've been trawling for months) and everyone wants a bargain. Maybe you could find a jeweller who can accept a trade-in?
 

MMtwo

Ideal_Rock
Joined
Sep 20, 2009
Messages
4,441
Thanks for your responses.
Do the August Vintage diamonds have the same "big flash/fire" like the Old European cuts do? So far, my luck has held with buying two diamonds sight unseen, but it would probably give me more comfort to buy from someone who specialises in selling them and has a reputation to uphold. I wonder how practical it would be buying from Australia, sight unseen? Anyone had any experience?

If I decide to sell my other rings, I would probably take the easy option and sell to a pawn shop because there is so much for sale on EBay and they (EBay) appear to me, to be really hiking up their advertising and final sales fees. I would like my loss to feel as quick and pain-free as possible.
I'll have to mull things over. Thanks again for the input.

Please please please consider using Loupetroop to sell your diamonds. It allows other PS folks to get great deals on lovely diamonds. You'd probably sell quickly if priced well below retail and make much more than a pawn shop.

eBay takes way too much profit to be reasonable.
 

MMtwo

Ideal_Rock
Joined
Sep 20, 2009
Messages
4,441
Youtube is full of August Vintage Round videos and comparisons.
Here is one to get you started.

 

foxinsox

Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Jul 18, 2015
Messages
4,061
I have this dilemma - thought I didn’t really like diamonds until I came across OECs and old mine cuts (cue puffy heart emoji).

I wouldn’t sell to a pawn shop - the little you’ll get you might as well just keep them and make earrings or a pendant out of them! Look at consignment or private selling on Loupetroop instead.
 

GlitterInMyHair

Brilliant_Rock
Joined
Mar 16, 2018
Messages
586
What a dilemma. I have only ever bought Modern Round Brilliant Diamonds and now, after exposure to Pricescope, have found that they no longer hold the attraction that they once did.

I purchased a 70 point Old European Cut diamond that was set in white gold in approximately the 1970's - 1980's. When it arrived from France (I am in Australia) I was stunned at its beauty and immediately noticed that you could look "into" one of the older cut diamonds rather than look "at" them - or that's the way I think anyway.
I then purchased a 1 carat diamond that was described as Old European Cut but in reality was apparently more like a "Transitional Cut". Once again, I can really look into this diamond and I love them both.

I now have my other rings that I no longer like (including a 1.54 ct diamond trilogy ring that is not even twelve months old yet).

What do I do - has anyone else had this problem?
I understand completely! I adore old cuts for rings.

Would you consider converting your 3-stone ring to a necklace? Something like this?

71+1jW5-fgL._UL1500_.jpg
 

Crystal_Dreams

Brilliant_Rock
Premium
Joined
Aug 25, 2014
Messages
808
I would repurpose the stones if possible. The resell market here in Australia is pretty terrible... and you will get next to nothing for good quality diamonds if selling to a pawn shop.

My OEC was bought unseen too. However, I have stuck to vendors like LAD, jbG, August vintage etc. AV stones are the modern cut variation of old cuts and certainly do have that same chunky flash you are after.

‘True’ antique cuts (which is what I bought) are harder I think as each of their individual facet patterns may differ and their performance may vary a lot more. Mine is a ‘late OEC’ though. Rather than the chunky broad petals you might see in an earlier OEC, she has narrower petals that make her look like a snowflake!! I love it.

Regardless, both MRB and OEC have their own charm. I would sit on it and experience/enjoy both for awhile if your finances allow.
 

PintoBean

Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Jul 27, 2011
Messages
6,589
Price out recutting your stones to old cuts.
 

yssie

Super_Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Aug 14, 2009
Messages
27,239
What a dilemma. I have only ever bought Modern Round Brilliant Diamonds and now, after exposure to Pricescope, have found that they no longer hold the attraction that they once did.

I purchased a 70 point Old European Cut diamond that was set in white gold in approximately the 1970's - 1980's. When it arrived from France (I am in Australia) I was stunned at its beauty and immediately noticed that you could look "into" one of the older cut diamonds rather than look "at" them - or that's the way I think anyway.
I then purchased a 1 carat diamond that was described as Old European Cut but in reality was apparently more like a "Transitional Cut". Once again, I can really look into this diamond and I love them both.

I now have my other rings that I no longer like (including a 1.54 ct diamond trilogy ring that is not even twelve months old yet).

What do I do - has anyone else had this problem?

You joined PS in May of this year.

To do anything as drastic as taking a bath selling almost your entire collection to date is... I was going to say “idiotic”, but I’ll settle for ill-advised.

Old cuts are hot on PS right now. You’re brand new here, it’s natural to have opinions that are influenced by this forum, but don’t gut your wallet following lust that may pass as quickly as it came.

Keep your pieces. Explore old cuts - and other shapes - more as time and finances permit. Go to shows. Go to jewellery stores. Let your eyes and heart discover the myriad of options that are out there these days. Let your collection will evolve naturally in representation of that exploration.

I don’t know who “he” is, but I’m certainly with him in telling you not to do it.
 

arkieb1

Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
May 11, 2012
Messages
9,786
I don't agree you like what you like, modern cuts mostly don't do anything at all for me either.......I'm also an Aussie, I sold three Round Modern Brilliants to afford what I have now. One of which is a 2.38 carat J transitional cut I bought from Grace at Jewels by Grace sight unseen. I also now own a 5.34 wonky but wonderful OEC...

If you want to upgrade sell your RBs on places like gumtree, Loupetroop (International mailing bags from Australia Post) and Ebay, just make sure you get paid in full first because there are scammers out there... You could also consign them to somewhere like Jewels By Grace to sell for you.
 

Crystal_Dreams

Brilliant_Rock
Premium
Joined
Aug 25, 2014
Messages
808
While each of us will have our own preferences, I will say that pricescope has a particular way of making (me) want all different cuts that I had never thought of owning till I became active on this forum.

I’ve decided that I wanted OECs, emerald cuts, cushions, ovals etc each in turn. I think it’s because there are so many beautiful pieces shown on here, and we are all so enthusiastic about them. This place as a way of making us consider and want things that we never considered previously.

That’s not to say that you’ll change your mind later... but you might. I would honestly wear both for awhile and give them time, to see how you feel in a few months. It’s not a decision to rush into because of the considerable costs involved. I’ve jumped from OEC to obsessing over emeralds then ovals. I’m back to MRB now... so while I would love something in every shape, I’m glad I didn’t sell my entire collection for my passing fancies!
 

missy

Super_Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Jun 8, 2008
Messages
53,978
While each of us will have our own preferences, I will say that pricescope has a particular way of making (me) want all different cuts that I had never thought of owning till I became active on this forum.

I’ve decided that I wanted OECs, emerald cuts, cushions, ovals etc each in turn. I think it’s because there are so many beautiful pieces shown on here, and we are all so enthusiastic about them. This place as a way of making us consider and want things that we never considered previously.

That’s not to say that you’ll change your mind later... but you might. I would honestly wear both for awhile and give them time, to see how you feel in a few months. It’s not a decision to rush into because of the considerable costs involved. I’ve jumped from OEC to obsessing over emeralds then ovals. I’m back to MRB now... so while I would love something in every shape, I’m glad I didn’t sell my entire collection for my passing fancies!

So true. I now want (in addition to my OEC that is) an antique emerald cut, an antique pear cut, and an antique oval and antique cushion. And there's more I want but those are the main ones. 8)
But in all cases I prefer the antique cuts to the modern cuts.
 

gregchang35

Ideal_Rock
Joined
Sep 11, 2012
Messages
3,416
So true. I now want (in addition to my OEC that is) an antique emerald cut, an antique pear cut, and an antique oval and antique cushion. And there's more I want but those are the main ones. 8)
But in all cases I prefer the antique cuts to the modern cuts.

Ditto... where is my money tree??!!! Hmm oh yeah- for me- get to work!!!
 

diamondseeker2006

Super_Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Jan 11, 2006
Messages
58,547
The stone in my avatar picture is an August Vintage round or European cut. I have had it 6 years with no plans to replace. It has all the charm of an antique stone with a beautiful facet pattern and great light return. I love antique stones, as well, and have an antique asscher. If you happen to be interested in an AVR, you can talk to Jonathan at August Vintage, Inc. He doesn't have many in stock, but he can have them custom cut if he doesn't have what you want.


 

Hetoldmenottodoit

Rough_Rock
Joined
May 16, 2019
Messages
33
Thanks for everyone's input. I will have to investigate how to post photos at some stage, but I do think that I will take the prudent approach and sit back and think. I'm disappointed that I didn't know of the AVR's before now, but hey, that's life.
 

Daisys and Diamonds

Super_Ideal_Rock
Joined
Apr 30, 2019
Messages
22,496
Thanks for everyone's input. I will have to investigate how to post photos at some stage, but I do think that I will take the prudent approach and sit back and think. I'm disappointed that I didn't know of the AVR's before now, but hey, that's life.
im a techkhnobe but its really easy to post photos from your phone.

see right below the box when your writting your next post its on the left.
im on android and that then takes me to camera or documents option and then i just go to documents and then find my photos
 

arkieb1

Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
May 11, 2012
Messages
9,786
Thanks for everyone's input. I will have to investigate how to post photos at some stage, but I do think that I will take the prudent approach and sit back and think. I'm disappointed that I didn't know of the AVR's before now, but hey, that's life.

A number of places cut brand new perfectly cut Antique/old cut diamonds, Good Old Gold, August Vintage with Jon, Victor Canera, Brilliantly Engaged, Diamonds By Lauren sometimes has them and you can purchase them from Yoram F (the cutter) himself.
 
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