archaeopteryx
Rough_Rock
- Joined
- Apr 8, 2025
- Messages
- 74
Hello! Earlier this year, I embarked on a search for the largest Old European Cut diamond I could get for $10k: original post:
To summarize, I figured out I wanted a 3 ct stone and increased my budget. I ended up finding a beautiful 3.12 ct N/VS2 OEC thanks to the help of @lavenderdragonfly23 and got a lot of great advice from others here too! Many thanks!
I attempted to find an original vintage mounting, preferably art deco, however after a few months it became clear this was not going to work out. I decided to go with a die-struck setting instead. To me, this was the next best thing, as I understand this method for jewelry manufacturing was used to create many of the originals that have survived to this day. A friend recommended Whitehouse Brothers in Cincinnati, who offers die-struck mountings and custom designs that reminded me of Single Stone. In fact, this Single Stone setting was a main inspo for my project:
www.singlestone.com
With this in mind, I made an appointment with Whitehouse Brothers, and they truly impressed me! I know this will sound like a review but have to gush about the experience I had there, it was great, unique, surpassing every other jeweler I’ve been to and I highly recommend them. For me, the process is really important, I take joy in all of it, from learning on PS, to searching with your help, comparing, debating, dreaming, so I needed a jeweler who got me and who understood antique diamonds. Super professional, knowledgeable, and so fun to work with!
At my appointment, I got to see dozens of the original die-struck designs they offer, which outnumber what is online. All of the settings were beautiful; the build quality and fine details like milgrain, engraving, and piercing were really nice: delicate, intricate, and capturing a lot of what I love about original vintage. If you can go visit them in person, do it, it’s a great experience!
I narrowed it down to two settings: the Kara (left) and Magnolia (right). Here are these two rings on my hand:
I decided on the Kara with the melee diamonds replaced with a wheat engraving and gentle knife edge. I couldn’t decide on platinum or 18k YG like the Single Stone ring. To help me decide, they literally took the ring in the back and electroplated it gold-tone to help me visualize the mounting in gold! Like what magic is this??
This sold me on the YG and I decided to trust the vision.
After settling on the design, they took us into the shop because I was curious about the history and die-struck manufacturing process. They showed us the dies and walked us through how the rings are made, this was even fun for my husband. It felt like getting a private tour of a museum. So cool!
Here are some process photos WHB sent to me as the ring was created:
Here’s the insta post and photos WHB shared of my ring:
Here are hand shots of the finished piece:
(Edited link):
I’m sure I’ll have more photos to add in all the lights! I love it, it looks huge on my hand and is a sparkle bomb in real life. The N color + yellow gold is rich and warm in some environments and in others the diamond looks really white. I was worried it would be too yellow in this setting and I’m pleased that wasn’t the case, it is a great combo. The diamond is lively from almost every angle and I can’t take my eyes off it!
I love how it turned out, it’s stunning! The profile view is my favorite, so much detail, and the OEC chunkiness is perfect and charming at that angle. I’ve got to have it sized down a bit I think, I’d prefer it on my middle finger but it’s working as a power pointer for now, or until it warms up. I’m contemplating a slight tweak to the prongs, just a touch smaller perhaps, will contemplate over the next few weeks.
Bringing this project into reality has been so rewarding and exceptionally fun, 20 years in the making, I’m sad to have it end!
What do you all think? Did we do good? AMA!
To summarize, I figured out I wanted a 3 ct stone and increased my budget. I ended up finding a beautiful 3.12 ct N/VS2 OEC thanks to the help of @lavenderdragonfly23 and got a lot of great advice from others here too! Many thanks!
I attempted to find an original vintage mounting, preferably art deco, however after a few months it became clear this was not going to work out. I decided to go with a die-struck setting instead. To me, this was the next best thing, as I understand this method for jewelry manufacturing was used to create many of the originals that have survived to this day. A friend recommended Whitehouse Brothers in Cincinnati, who offers die-struck mountings and custom designs that reminded me of Single Stone. In fact, this Single Stone setting was a main inspo for my project:
CHARLOTTE | SINGLE STONE
2.30ct N/VS2 GIA certified old European cut diamond with 0.27ctw old European cut accent diamonds prong set in a handcrafted 18K yellow gold mounting.
www.singlestone.com
With this in mind, I made an appointment with Whitehouse Brothers, and they truly impressed me! I know this will sound like a review but have to gush about the experience I had there, it was great, unique, surpassing every other jeweler I’ve been to and I highly recommend them. For me, the process is really important, I take joy in all of it, from learning on PS, to searching with your help, comparing, debating, dreaming, so I needed a jeweler who got me and who understood antique diamonds. Super professional, knowledgeable, and so fun to work with!
At my appointment, I got to see dozens of the original die-struck designs they offer, which outnumber what is online. All of the settings were beautiful; the build quality and fine details like milgrain, engraving, and piercing were really nice: delicate, intricate, and capturing a lot of what I love about original vintage. If you can go visit them in person, do it, it’s a great experience!
I narrowed it down to two settings: the Kara (left) and Magnolia (right). Here are these two rings on my hand:
I decided on the Kara with the melee diamonds replaced with a wheat engraving and gentle knife edge. I couldn’t decide on platinum or 18k YG like the Single Stone ring. To help me decide, they literally took the ring in the back and electroplated it gold-tone to help me visualize the mounting in gold! Like what magic is this??
This sold me on the YG and I decided to trust the vision.
After settling on the design, they took us into the shop because I was curious about the history and die-struck manufacturing process. They showed us the dies and walked us through how the rings are made, this was even fun for my husband. It felt like getting a private tour of a museum. So cool!
Here are some process photos WHB sent to me as the ring was created:
Here’s the insta post and photos WHB shared of my ring:
Here are hand shots of the finished piece:
(Edited link):
I’m sure I’ll have more photos to add in all the lights! I love it, it looks huge on my hand and is a sparkle bomb in real life. The N color + yellow gold is rich and warm in some environments and in others the diamond looks really white. I was worried it would be too yellow in this setting and I’m pleased that wasn’t the case, it is a great combo. The diamond is lively from almost every angle and I can’t take my eyes off it!
I love how it turned out, it’s stunning! The profile view is my favorite, so much detail, and the OEC chunkiness is perfect and charming at that angle. I’ve got to have it sized down a bit I think, I’d prefer it on my middle finger but it’s working as a power pointer for now, or until it warms up. I’m contemplating a slight tweak to the prongs, just a touch smaller perhaps, will contemplate over the next few weeks.
Bringing this project into reality has been so rewarding and exceptionally fun, 20 years in the making, I’m sad to have it end!
What do you all think? Did we do good? AMA!
Last edited:
I remember following along in your search thread, and what a treat to see the finished ring! You truly knocked it out of the park with a setting worthy of this gorgeous stone. I've never heard of Whitehouse Brothers, but this is a new desire unlocked. I'm sitting here trying to reprioritize all my planned projects/purchases in my head to put one of these settings at the top of my list. The Magnolia is to die for! Thank you for sharing your journey and I hope you wear it for many years in happiness.
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