Another OEC question...appreciate your thoughts!

[tlfiore]

Hi Everyone...I have so come to value the opinion of ALL the regulars here who post, I want to run this by you! I'll try keeping it brief (hard for me...but I'll try).

So YES!!!!...through the graciousness and generosity of someone here (and on DB), I purchased a previously loved, never worn, CvB Casablanca Setting...platinum halo with 14k yellow gold shank! I HAPPILY went this route versus searching endlessly for a pretty, non-replica, antique setting (not needing work) with a sizable OEC.

The price on the CvB was generous & affordable. Just couldn't pony up nearly $15,000 for a Casablanca from CvB Inspired Designs...

Now DH and I wish to procure what is a sizable and relatively EXPENSIVE OEC diamond purchase (expensive for us) to place in the CvB Casablanca Setting (which has a CZ). Our budget is around $9500-$10,000 for the diamond.

Husband and I are about to say "YES" to this diamond. I am by NO MEANS an expert...not sure what I'm looking at but I do LOVE the diamond.

BTW...WE ARE PURCHASING FROM SOMEONE LOVELY WHO COMES HIGHLY RECOMMENDED THROUGH PRICE SCOPE.

Diamond doesn't have a GIA Cert yet, which we "may" obtain.
Diamond specs:
Approx 125 year old OEC
Approx 2.40 ctw
Approx 8.40 mm x 8.45 mm x ???
Estimated VSI1 and O/P
Table estimated at 42-44%
Medium culet

I do NOT want a bright or white stone at all for the CvB Casablanca Setting...Caysie sells her "samples" with a U/V and always with an "old" stone unless specified otherwise.

I TRIED MY BEST TO GET GOOD PHOTOS UNDER INCANDESCENT LIGHT...nighttime.
The diamond shows copper, brown, white, yellow, flash, blue, sparkle... truly pretty.
Does have a pretty floral center and pretty floral facets (under certain light)...it's beautiful actually and it's in our budget!

I VALUE YOUR OPINIONS!
This is a rather HUGE purchase for my DH, who works very hard for his income...
I think the stone is precious...I think it will look perfect in the ring.
Your thoughts PLEASE PLEASE???

I DON'T WANT TO MESS UP!!!!
ANXIOUS about so much $$$$$$ for an old diamond...

Thank you!!!

 

[Queenie60]

Who are you purchasing the stone from? And, I recommend a grading report prior to purchasing.

Have you seen this stone?

http://www.jewelsbygrace.com/loose-...european-cut-diamond-gia-q-r-vs2#.WOLsDxIrIyk

 

[tlfiore]

Queenie60...THANK YOU for the reply! I appreciate it! Thank you!
I just looked at your link and the diamond is pretty...however, it's way too small to fit the CvB Casablanca Halo Setting I purchased, which currently homes an 8.5 mm CZ.

My ring requires re-tipping anyhow but the "empty space" between Caysie's prongs and the halo will be too great with anything less than an 8.3 mm stone.
An 8.1 mm x 8.3 mm x 6.??? was tried and the space was too great.

 

[foxinsox]

What sort of return policy would you have with this if you bought it and did get it certed by the GIA?
There's a lot to recommend just buying it if your eyes love it but given that a fair price is determined by the technical specs, you owe it to yourselves to make sure you are not overpaying for it.
Could you draw up an agreement with the vendor to pay contingent on the GIA report coming back matching or close to the specs which they've estimated it to be?

 

[tlfiore]

foxinsox...thank you for your thoughtful reply. Based on my discussions with the sellers, as well as the innumerable comments here about the sellers, they will do anything possible to make things right...with a GIA Cert, without, etc.

If I do not like the diamond once set, I can return the ring (have the diamond removed) for a full refund (with/without GIA Cert). Also, the vendor will pay for the GIA Eval and I imagine, per SOP, will make it right if the GIA specs come in way below the approximates. Likewise, I can decline the sale...just not complete the purchase.

If the GIA specs come in way lower than the approximates (per our discussions), I will also get a full refund on my purchase. I AM ACTUALLY WILLING TO PAY FOR THE GIA EVAL...seller's offer is nice, though.

I THINK THE SELLER IS CONCERNED THE GIA EVAL IS GOING TO DISAPPOINT...seller is not pushing the evaluation, which I get, right? I mean...the GIA Eval is a win/win situation for me when you think about it.

If the GIA Cert comes in "less than" approximated, well...ALTHOUGH I'M NOT ONE TO BARTER DOWN, I "guess" I could request a discount.
If the GIA Cert comes in "greater than" approximated, well...I guess I get a great deal...

I guess I'm more concerned about how the diamond might look in the setting given that our budget is relatively "low" for a 2.40 ctw +/- OEC diamond...guess it's hard to tell from my photos...the photos aren't great, I apologize.

 

[foxinsox]

If this is the right size for your setting, it really sounds like you've got nothing to lose by going ahead with it - make sure you get the returns policy in writing or very clearly outlined and go for it! (and post many many photos here if you do )

 

[tlfiore]

foxinsox...thank you for such great advice! And the more I think about it, I'd be foolish to not get the GIA Report. At least it's something concrete and independent from the vendor that quantifies some info/specs about the stone. Feeling anxious about putting out over $9000 on a diamond...seems like so much money for a stone-smile.

I know people do $9000 and much more on PS...but I'm anxious...I'm sure you understand.

And I WILL post photos when the ring is complete! Thank you!

 

[foxinsox]

I hope it's a beauty- is there any way to see it prior to setting so you can be sure you love it? Fingers crossed for you! $9k is a decent sum so you're right to be careful.