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Antique Diamonds

GreenEyedLady

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Jun 22, 2009
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i've been reading here a lot for information on an upgrade anniversary ring. I've caught the diamond fever, as I've started looking around for an entirely different stone and setting because my oldest son has been looking for ideas. He's a college senior and has been saving for a ring for his gf. He went to a local b & m store and received a quote for $5,000 for the ring he wants to design.

I thought he could do a lot better with an online vendor, especially with the price since they're both college students. Her taste is antique, scrolly work on the setting, and I was thrilled today when I was reading different posts, to find out about Jewels By Erica! They have gorgeous pieces there, and I will direct him there. He is looking for a half carat stone, either a round or princess.

My question is about a site called Antique Jewelry Mall. I couldn't find any information about it on here, so I wondered if any of you have opinions about it?

Thank you all so much. What a great and friendly place for advice!
 

JuneRose

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Jun 16, 2011
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I haven't heard of it sorry -Just wanted to bump your post up in case anyone else can help you!
 

diamondseeker2006

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Jan 11, 2006
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Gypsy

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I don't know of anyone who has bought a stone from them but I think several years ago a few people bought settings. I don't know the quality of their work well though.

What type of setting does he want? If he's looking for about 1/2 carat for 5K... I think RubyLane would be a GREAT place for him.
 

GreenEyedLady

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Jun 22, 2009
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Thank you all for your replies. The Antique Mall has very pretty settings and preset rings for reasonable prices. Of course, the only info I can find is the testimonial area on their site.

I was hoping to help him find something pretty for a lot less money.

Is it possible to change the setting of a ring to hold a different size or shaped stone than what it can currently hold? For ex., I really like some of the antique rings (the diamonds) myself, but the setting I love is a modern one by Simon G. Would it look right to put an antique stone in a sparkly, modern setting? And if so, I wonder if son would be able to use the setting because they're all the type he's looking for. He would need a setting that could hold a smaller stone though, and what if I got an antique round and he goes with a princess diamond? I don't know if I'm phrasing this correctly to make sense, but could a jeweler change the basket altogether and keep the setting intact?

Thanks again!
 

diamondseeker2006

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You can certainly buy any size diamond and go to a jeweler and have them order a Simon G ring in your size and with a head to fit the size of your diamond. But I would not recommend trying to alter an antique setting to hold a different size or shape stone. That could end up being an expensive disaster. If he wants an antique ring, it will be best to just find a complete ring. It also should be close to her size especially if it has diamonds on the shank at all.
 

wakingdreams53

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Jul 27, 2010
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GreenEyedLady

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Jun 22, 2009
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Diamond seeker, that's what I was afraid of, regarding changing the setting to hold a different stone. Just thought it would be cool if I found an antique stone that I love, that was already set in an antique setting. I could use the stone, and he could use the setting.

Does anyone have experience with putting an antique stone in a modern setting?

That was a great list, wakingdreams. I see his list included Antique Jewelry Mall.
 

diamondseeker2006

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Sure, there are people here who have put old stones in new settings, not usually modern, though. But Simon G has a lot of rings that are sort of antique style.

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-50th-anniversary-gift-1-97-oec.167339/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-50th-anniversary-gift-1-97-oec.167339/[/URL]

And look on the Show Me the Bling page and you'll see titles with OEC in them as well as August Vintage which are the newly cut antique design stones.
 

vintagelover229

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Jan 23, 2008
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Lots of people have done old stones in new settings-in fact I think it's probably pretty common we just don't have to many people who post about it. Here are some videos of "vintage" stones in modern/antique modern settings.

http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.com/Jewelry/Rings-Antique-diamonds/71ct-center-Transitional-Cut/18182075_MCSP3h#1398658227_rRLQTtr

http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.com/JbEG-Signature-Settings-and/Halos/The-Bella-Halo-Featuring-a-9mm/16713089_WPwSgd#1282709088_3gNWrmp

http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.com/JbEG-Signature-Settings-and/Halos/The-Gabbie-Halo-Setting/15232017_4UHLY#1139617153_Rgr2y

You can look though here and there is a lot of combos of antiques/reproductions/old stones/newer stones
http://www.antiqueengagementrings.com/

Here is a link to GOG videos. They sell both antique stones and new rough cut for optical performance of all types-but including their vintage inspired line called august vintage

Here is one with a tiffany legacy inspired setting
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdqbmRbVMV8


GOG I believe carries the designer you are looking for-but here is an example of their custom work
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2OLaDI_hzw&feature=relmfu

Tacori is similar to Simon G and here it is with their OEC August vintage
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVfTy9svRWc
 

GreenEyedLady

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Joined
Jun 22, 2009
Messages
47
So I have a great idea. I was collecting my gold and silver stuff that I'll be sending to a top rated company for cash. Came across a ring I have with three small diamonds, one for each of my boys. The middle stone is a .4 princess, so if my son wants it, I'm going to give it to him. I used to wear it on my right hand until I got this gorgeous sparkler from Brian Gavin, a half-eternity band.

Also found a super cute scrolly setting at the antique mall. This is all my son's decision, of course, but it's been super fun doing some online sleuthing for ideas. The girl has been with him since h.s. You couldn't ask for someone sweeter or more genuine, and her family's great too.

I appreciate all your input so much. When I make my decision on my upgrade anniversary ring, I'll update that thread.
 

diamondseeker2006

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Aww, that is so sweet that you love his girlfriend! And that could work out well if he could use the stones in your ring.

Please do let us in on your ring search, too! We'd love to help you shop!
 

Gypsy

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Aug 8, 2005
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I would check what the "top rated company for gold cash" is offering you against both Pearlmans and Good Old Gold. A lot of places rip you off for gold values.
 

GreenEyedLady

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jun 22, 2009
Messages
47
Thanks, diamondseeker. This morning I was thinking-oh he could use the two side diamonds to make her earrings for her wedding present! I already have diamond earrings, and I'm happy to share-they're great kids.

Gypsy, thanks for the advice. I'm using ExpressGoldCash and looked them up under consumer reviews. They're supposed to give top dollar, and if you're not happy with what they quote you, they send back your stuff, plus $20. I have a lot of silver that I'm selling too. So many cute charm bracelets that I put so much time into making just right, only to hardly ever wear them! My Twilight themed one is so perfect, IMO, but yeah, I never wear it.

Top Consumer Reviews is the website where I got the info, btw.
 

diamondseeker2006

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Jan 11, 2006
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If you are still around, I thought of something. I just bought a pretty little antique ring from Diamond Zone Jewelry. If you look on their site, they have some very inexpensive antique style settings under Vintage Treasury. Maybe there are some that would work with your princess diamond. But even if not, you might want to look through the diamond rings to show your son, because the antique ring I just bought has a half carat diamond in the center and was much less than buying a new half carat diamond plus it is already in a setting! And you might find an antique ring for yourself, too! They have a good return policy in case you don't like what you order. This was my first time ordering from them, but I am very pleased with what I got!
 
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