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Antique e-ring help for a friend!

rubybeth

Ideal_Rock
Joined
Nov 12, 2007
Messages
2,568
A friend of mine has plans to propose to his girlfriend later this fall, and he is looking for an antique engagement ring under $1,500, preferably even under that budget. He doesn't have any particular 'specs' in mind, but I'd prefer a nice, bright center stone (either OEC, transitional, or even an RB in an antique setting), and a pretty setting with some antique touches without looking too 'old.'

He has fallen in love with a ring I found. I am a bit concerned that the center stone is graded (by whom? it's a mystery!) at M, SI1. While I love lower colors, it's not going to be the 'white' diamond that people will expect to see when she shows them her ring. Do you see any reason NOT to buy this? I think I can see some darkness in the center, but I am not as good at assessing OECs as some of you! :bigsmile: I'll attach multiple images below, as well as link to the videos the vendor shot. It's under budget, so that's a plus, and there is a return policy. Here are the videos of it:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJHrs7rDQuI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XdtQJSIItT0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGoiSpiUC8E

Another option, at the top of the budget, is this Leigh Jay Nacht ring, very similar in style, but with a modern RB center. I think I can see arrows, no? I am kind of leaning toward this one, simply because he can order it up, and return it easily if he doesn't think she will love it.

http://antiqueengagementrings.com/shopping/shopexd.asp?id=3522

I've found a few other options for him, but he really loves the first one, especially that it's two-tone. If the consensus here is to pass on it, I can post some of the other options for assessment!

Thanks in advance! :appl:

option1antiqueprofile.jpg

option1antiquedark.jpg

option1antiqueangle.jpg

option1antiqueanotherangle.jpg
 
You could also call Winona or Leigh at LJN and tell them your budget and have them recommend an OEC and setting...they will send you pics. I do think the ring with the RB is really pretty but I think an OEC would look better :)
 
I like the one in the photos. That subtle illusion head will make the diamond look bigger than it is without being obviously an illusion head. I have a 3/4 ct. OEC in a similar setting and it's one of my favorite pieces.

I like the LJN one, too. Very similar setting. I'm partial to OECs, though, especially in an antique setting.

liz
 
What finger size and carat size is your friend looking for?
 
Mandasand and Liz, I learned this morning that he did buy the ring in the photos and can return it if it doesn't turn out to be as expected. I'm excited to see it in real life! I will share these other options with him, too, so we can compare.

LoganSapphire, he isn't sure of her ring size but she is fairly petite and has smaller hands. He doesn't have a center stone carat weight in mind, he's looking more at the ring as a whole piece, and I think she will, too (she is an artist and he's a photographer). He really liked the fishtail prong settings with 2-3 side stones that I was showing him, and this one leapt out, I think, because it was under budget by quite a bit.
 
Let me know if he does end up keeping it. I have an entire email for my friend bc he was doing the same thing :)

Forekitty had a stone that he is interested in but he might not have as big of a budget since college stuff got messed up taking a chunk out of his budget but I won't know until early next week. I found quite a few nice ones in that range-and then with James Allen's new settings and Gabriel and Co settings were pretty affordable too if he wanted to go the loose stone route. GOG also sent me a link with a ton of options that they didn't have up on their site. Range from 500.00-2k if he wants to look at them anyways :)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/goodoldgold/sets/72157631427055048/
 
What is the millimeter diameter of the ring you found Ruby?

It looks pretty good. The faceting under the table shows some wonk, so the optical symmatry is not "super awesome" ::) But it does look good in the pics and videos. The Question is spread and price.
 
vintagelover229|1347637659|3268087 said:
Let me know if he does end up keeping it. I have an entire email for my friend bc he was doing the same thing :)

Forekitty had a stone that he is interested in but he might not have as big of a budget since college stuff got messed up taking a chunk out of his budget but I won't know until early next week. I found quite a few nice ones in that range-and then with James Allen's new settings and Gabriel and Co settings were pretty affordable too if he wanted to go the loose stone route. GOG also sent me a link with a ton of options that they didn't have up on their site. Range from 500.00-2k if he wants to look at them anyways :)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/goodoldgold/sets/72157631427055048/

Thanks for these! I think my friend wants a true antique piece, with both an old diamond and old setting, which in some ways helps me to narrow it down. :loopy:
 
Dreamer_D|1347640185|3268104 said:
What is the millimeter diameter of the ring you found Ruby?

It looks pretty good. The faceting under the table shows some wonk, so the optical symmatry is not "super awesome" ::) But it does look good in the pics and videos. The Question is spread and price.

I'm glad you chimed in, Dreamer. I was probably noticing the wonk in the faceting under the table. As long as it's not horribly dark, though, I think he will be satisfied. And, I'll try to get him to take some photos! He is an excellent photographer; I want him to do a photo shoot with my jewelry someday. Oh, and the stats:

Total Diamond Weight: .71ct
Central Diamond: approximately .63ct Old European Cut, bezel set, lots of sparkle and scintillation. Measurements: Diameter 5.33mm, Depth 3.54mm
Complementary Diamonds: 4 Diamonds .02ct each, bezel set
Weight: 2.2g

Gypsy|1347639397|3268099 said:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/230848039316?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649 I love this one. So unique and definitely a piece you never get tired of. I think anyone would wear this with pride.

Ooh, very pretty and unique! If the one he bought doesn't work out, I will share this with him. Thanks, Gypsy!
 
I think I've seen that one at some point Ruby. I liked the head on it. I hope it works out for him!
 
bastetcat|1347646510|3268165 said:
I think I've seen that one at some point Ruby. I liked the head on it. I hope it works out for him!

Yeah, it was an Etsy find, so you probably have seen it. It is a very charming setting, isn't it? I told him that if he didn't buy it, I might! :Up_to_something:
 
I like the one in the pictures best.
2nd choice is the find of Gypsy's....very unique.
 
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