2 Cushions from OWD - what do you think?

[valmanin]

Thanks delight!

 

[Dreamer_D]

Val, I think you don't know what it is you really want and so its impossible to search.

Nail down the look/cut you want. Then just sit and wait until it comes along.

ETA: The uber picky people I know who have old cuts they adore ALL spent a good couple years hunting and looking to get exactly what they wanted.

 

[GemFever]

Val, I think you don't know what it is you really want and so its impossible to search.

Nail down the look/cut you want. Then just sit and wait until it comes along.

ETA: The uber picky people I know who have old cuts they adore ALL spent a good couple years hunting and looking to get exactly what they wanted.

I must have gone through 3-4 different styles that I thought I was sure I wanted. I wish I had the money to have one of each. A bubbly OMC, an antique cushion with broad and rolling flashes, and of course various types of OECs, trannies, etc etc etc it goes on and on and on... it's part of the fun, and the torture!

Judging by your experience, I think it might be helpful to find another stepping stone that you can enjoy more than the 3.33 until "the One" comes along, or go on a search journey and physically see as many stones, settings, combinations as you can. Take a million pics, record your thoughts/impressions in a journal... and finally narrow it down. Maybe you'll be lucky and hit the jackpot and find something perfect in the near future. Or maybe you'll have to live with a stepping stone and wait for "the One." I know that's no fun, I'm there too. But it will worth it in the end, I think!

 

[nowicanseethemoon]

Did you see this 3.48 cushion from JbEG?

http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.c...n-Cut/23836768_WT92sQ#!i=1937545927&k=4xhVTW3

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Can you still return the OEC to OWD? Because I think it's a mistake to limit yourself to one vendor when you are positive that you don't want the OEC. You need to return it and start over.

I did think the last video looked promising.

 

[valmanin]

Can you still return the OEC to OWD? Because I think it's a mistake to limit yourself to one vendor when you are positive that you don't want the OEC. You need to return it and start over.

I did think the last video looked promising.

Hi DS! I have not idea if I can return it. I am afraid to ask. Adam has been so good to me I really want him to have my business but, gah, it's hard waiting waiting waiting for something to pop up in his office. I am trying not to call him everyday. But, yep, I wish I could just start over.

 

[yssie]

Can you enunciate exactly what you don't like about your OEC?

The problem is that there are so many flavours, and variations within those flavours, that saying "not this" doesn't imply a single "that" - the "that" is a whole world of other options!
When trying to pigeonhole those sorts of "that"s I often feel it's easiest to start by listing what I know I *don't* want, since I have the thing I don't like in-hand and can inspect it and document the dislikes as I see them.

Then I'd recommend posting that list and asking the Dreamers and ForteKittys of PS help figure out what you *should* be looking for

 

[valmanin]

Can you enunciate exactly what you don't like about your OEC?

The problem is that there are so many flavours, and variations within those flavours, that saying "not this" doesn't imply a single "that" - the "that" is a whole world of other options!
When trying to pigeonhole those sorts of "that"s I often feel it's easiest to start by listing what I know I *don't* want, since I have the thing I don't like in-hand and can inspect it and document the dislikes as I see them.

Then I'd recommend posting that list and asking the Dreamers and ForteKittys of PS help figure out what you *should* be looking for

Yssie, I was having a discussion about this with heraanderson today and she totally nailed what I have been incapable of expressing to this point.

There is not enough activity in the under table facets...and they don't turn on and off in an active pattern. There could also be more contrast in those facets.

Here is the video OWD made of the 3.33. Maybe this will help illustrate.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9u7tNL4XO1o

 

[ariel144]

I don't have videos for the first two because I don't think I am interested. But, I saw this one and think it looks good in the video. Thoughts?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RpwV8DPcBiw

I like it a lot...has a pinkish tone to it...lovely. Looks much better than the first two.

Stats?

 

[Dreamer_D]

I like Yssie's suggestion.

I also think looking into returning the diamond is a good one.

The money you would spend upgrading and resetting can be spent on trips to see stones in person. CA has a few places to start, Lang's, H. Moradi. I think you need to fall in love.

 

[arkieb1]

I also think maybe taking a trip and looking at a heap of stones isn't a half bad idea because you could narrow down what you really love and what you really don't like as much in old cuts. I did that here in Australia with a very limited lot of items to look at. I was quite surprised at what I did and didn't like, what I actually liked visually was a lot different to what I "thought" I would like and what should and shouldn't look great on paper if that makes sense.

Most cushions for example generally (and I say generally) don't have the same fire power as a top cut OEC, most (and again this is a generalisation) show more colour than a well cut OEC. Having said that you could fine a needle in a haystack cushion that probably has a big tall crown and a nice deep cut, that outperforms most OECs that you find. You would also get to look at the different colour ranges of tones and hues as well, all "L" coloured stones are not created equal, some look ice white, some look ivory, some look yellow, some look brown etc.

I know everyone said don't recut it before, but did Adam say he could recut it? I wonder if a slight nip and tuck so to speak or a tweak of the central area to make it look more like the smaller OECs that you loved that you sent back would solve the problem?

 

[valmanin]

I like Yssie's suggestion.

I also think looking into returning the diamond is a good one.

The money you would spend upgrading and resetting can be spent on trips to see stones in person. CA has a few places to start, Lang's, H. Moradi. I think you need to fall in love.

I do need to fall in love. <<sigh>>

 

[valmanin]

I also think maybe taking a trip and looking at a heap of stones isn't a half bad idea because you could narrow down what you really love and what you really don't like as much in old cuts. I did that here in Australia with a very limited lot of items to look at. I was quite surprised at what I did and didn't like, what I actually liked visually was a lot different to what I "thought" I would like and what should and shouldn't look great on paper if that makes sense.

Most cushions for example generally (and I say generally) don't have the same fire power as a top cut OEC, most (and again this is a generalisation) show more colour than a well cut OEC. Having said that you could fine a needle in a haystack cushion that probably has a big tall crown and a nice deep cut, that outperforms most OECs that you find. You would also get to look at the different colour ranges of tones and hues as well, all "L" coloured stones are not created equal, some look ice white, some look ivory, some look yellow, some look brown etc.

I know everyone said don't recut it before, but did Adam say he could recut it? I wonder if a slight nip and tuck so to speak or a tweak of the central area to make it look more like the smaller OECs that you loved that you sent back would solve the problem?

I am seriously considering this. It is so hard to know what you like when you haven't seen it!

Adam had suggested he could bring in the table a little, but I decided against it because the prevailing thoughts were that it wouldn't change much about the stone.

 

[arkieb1]

I also think maybe taking a trip and looking at a heap of stones isn't a half bad idea because you could narrow down what you really love and what you really don't like as much in old cuts. I did that here in Australia with a very limited lot of items to look at. I was quite surprised at what I did and didn't like, what I actually liked visually was a lot different to what I "thought" I would like and what should and shouldn't look great on paper if that makes sense.

Most cushions for example generally (and I say generally) don't have the same fire power as a top cut OEC, most (and again this is a generalisation) show more colour than a well cut OEC. Having said that you could fine a needle in a haystack cushion that probably has a big tall crown and a nice deep cut, that outperforms most OECs that you find. You would also get to look at the different colour ranges of tones and hues as well, all "L" coloured stones are not created equal, some look ice white, some look ivory, some look yellow, some look brown etc.

I know everyone said don't recut it before, but did Adam say he could recut it? I wonder if a slight nip and tuck so to speak or a tweak of the central area to make it look more like the smaller OECs that you loved that you sent back would solve the problem?

I am seriously considering this. It is so hard to know what you like when you haven't seen it!

Adam had suggested he could bring in the table a little, but I decided against it because the prevailing thoughts were that it wouldn't change much about the stone.

I wonder if you could visit OWD in person. Get Adam to handpick out the best of what he has in a set price range and take your stone with you, pick out any that you think look better, if there are any. If there are a few sit there and narrow it down to the best one.

As to the recut, I am sure I will be howled down but perhaps you should ignore the "prevailing" thoughts and just do what you need to in order to get what you want. If you can't find another stone of his that you love, ask Adam if a recut will honestly make this stone look like the other smaller one you loved. If he says it will improve it, but no, then I would not do it, if he thinks he can make it look like the other stone then I think it's still an option for you. Then putting it into a white setting will mostly likely remove the colour issue (I obviously haven't seen the stone in person, but I think it will help) and putting a halo around it will give you the size you seek.

Part of the problem you have always had is the cut, but the other half of the issue is you are not happy with the size on your hand. Purchasing a smaller better cut cushion or OEC will only fix half the problem. Having said that having an fireball that you love will distract you from the size issue.

 

[Dreamer_D]

I like Yssie's suggestion.

I also think looking into returning the diamond is a good one.

The money you would spend upgrading and resetting can be spent on trips to see stones in person. CA has a few places to start, Lang's, H. Moradi. I think you need to fall in love.

I do need to fall in love. <<sigh>>

That can only happen by seeing them in person.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

If you have had the diamond less than 30 days, you should be able to return it. Do not waste another day!!!! You well may find another diamond there and you may find one somewhere else. Absolutely do not keep a diamond you don't want!!! I can understand it when the vendor is very nice, but at this moment he does not have a diamond that you want. Return this diamond and start over!!! Great antique cushions are hard to find. You may find another OEC that you love or another cushion. I would not lock myself into one vendor. Furthermore, do not lock yourself into a stone right now that you do not love. You will likely lose some money since he made you a setting, but that is better than being locked in to one vendor.

I also agree about seeing stones in person. You may recall how many I sent for before I ended up with the one I kept.

 

[valmanin]

If you have had the diamond less than 30 days, you should be able to return it. Do not waste another day!!!! You well may find another diamond there and you may find one somewhere else. Absolutely do not keep a diamond you don't want!!! I can understand it when the vendor is very nice, but at this moment he does not have a diamond that you want. Return this diamond and start over!!! Great antique cushions are hard to find. You may find another OEC that you love or another cushion. I would not lock myself into one vendor. Furthermore, do not lock yourself into a stone right now that you do not love. You will likely lose some money since he made you a setting, but that is better than being locked in to one vendor.

I also agree about seeing stones in person. You may recall how many I sent for before I ended up with the one I kept.

OMG...I have had it 1 week past a month!

 

[chrono]

Ask anyway; 1 week isn't that far off and Adam might be open to a return.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Ugh, I forgot you had it a couple of weeks before you posted it. You can ask but most vendors don't allow returns past 30 days. I would still ask, though.

 

[TheGeckoLady]

I love your 3.33! I just listed a ring in the pre-loved section with a link to my ebay listing. Will you send me a message through the ask seller a question button? I might be interested if you can’t return it and decide to sell it.

 

[Snicklefritz]

Did you see this 3.48 cushion from JbEG?

http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.c...n-Cut/23836768_WT92sQ#!i=1937545927&k=4xhVTW3

If I'm not mistaken, I think she already ruled this one out before finding her 3.33 OEC. Great job scouting it out though, moon! You're right on target for finding the type of stone valmanin is looking for

 

[valmanin]

Did you see this 3.48 cushion from JbEG?

http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.c...n-Cut/23836768_WT92sQ#!i=1937545927&k=4xhVTW3

If I'm not mistaken, I think she already ruled this one out before finding her 3.33 OEC. Great job scouting it out though, moon! You're right on target for finding the type of stone valmanin is looking for

Yep...you are right snicklefritz! I realized when I read your post that I accidentally didn't respond to her post. Sorry about that nowicanseethemoon! I did have that stone for a weekend.

 

[valmanin]

Thanks everyone for all your help and input. I think I will have Adam send the cushion on Monday so I can take a look. I would like to figure out if cushions are for me or not. I have seen two in person. Never hurts to see a third.

I would love to take a trip to NY or CA to see a bunch of old cuts in person. However, being the mom of three young children...well, I'm sure that goes without saying. Not sure it's in the cards.