anyone go back to an ideal cut from old

[quicksilver]

Hello,
I currently have a 1.7 AGS ideal round but have been seeing all the OEC and AVR beauties. Im seriously contemplating switching but can only view stones online. My local jeweler cant source any large old cuts and Im afraid of switching to an oec dud so I'll probably end up getting an AVR if I decide to make the switch.
I know a lot of you ladies have switched to AVR and are happy but has anyone switched to AVR and switched back to an ideal cut round? From reading posts, I know its a personal preference and my reasoning for switching isnt because I want to stray from the mainstream aesthetic. I truly just want a beautiful stone and the pictures of ideal cuts are gorgeous. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

 

[soxfan]

Nope. But I did choose mrb's for my 1.5 ctw 5 stone ring because it will be a stand alone ring.

 

[quicksilver]

Nope. But I did choose mrb's for my 1.5 ctw 5 stone ring because it will be a stand alone ring.

Thanks for the reply! Is there a huge difference in aesthetic where olds cuts and new cuts would lok odd together? Also, what made you decided to get new cuts for your 5 stone?

 

[soxfan]

Thanks for the reply! Is there a huge difference in aesthetic where olds cuts and new cuts would lok odd together? Also, what made you decided to get new cuts for your 5 stone?

I wore a CVB riviera band which had frenchies and modern round cuts with my E-rings (one of which is an OEC and the other an antique pear) and they looked great together. I also wear a tiffany metro eternity with my OEC and they look great together. My 5 stone has bigger stones, though and I won't wear it with my E-rings.

I guess I just decided for my everyday bling I was going to go with ideal cuts. IF I decide they aren't my cup of tea, I'll sell it and have yoram cut me 5 OEC's and have Caysie make me a norah

 

[soxfan]

Hello,
I currently have a 1.7 AGS ideal round but have been seeing all the OEC and AVR beauties. Im seriously contemplating switching but can only view stones online. My local jeweler cant source any large old cuts and Im afraid of switching to an oec dud so I'll probably end up getting an AVR if I decide to make the switch.
I know a lot of you ladies have switched to AVR and are happy but has anyone switched to AVR and switched back to an ideal cut round? From reading posts, I know its a personal preference and my reasoning for switching isnt because I want to stray from the mainstream aesthetic. I truly just want a beautiful stone and the pictures of ideal cuts are gorgeous. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Erica at Love Affair diamonds, Adam at Old World Diamonds, and Grace of Jewels by Grace sell old cuts. I bought all of my old cuts sight unseen- just asked for advice here. They are all stunners.

 

[quicksilver]

Erica at Love Affair diamonds, Adam at Old World Diamonds, and Grace of Jewels by Grace sell old cuts. I bought all of my old cuts sight unseen- just asked for advice here. They are all stunners.

So I dont necessarily have to go with an AVR eh? I was afraid of being disappointed going from something with great light return to an old cut so I figured I'd play it safe by going AVR but if you dont think thats necessary, I'd gladly save some money on a non branded stone.

 

[Crystal_Dreams]

I have an OEC which I love. I don’t wear my MRB any more for other (totally unrelated) reasons, but I loved both when wearing the MRB was still an option. The OEC doesn’t ‘flash’ as many splintery flashes as the mrb. But I adore it in low lights. She looks like a snowflake!! Mine came from Erica of LAD.

You know how if you view a MRB ideal cut in certain circumstances, you see all your hearts and arrows? I literally see a snowflake in my OEC in those situations. I love knowing a master diamond cutter did this all by hand many years ago.

Having said that, if I were to one day have an ‘upgrade’ of my MRB Ering which is currently off the cards due to my situation, I would upgrade to a MRB again.

 

[Babyblue033]

So I dont necessarily have to go with an AVR eh? I was afraid of being disappointed going from something with great light return to an old cut so I figured I'd play it safe by going AVR but if you dont think thats necessary, I'd gladly save some money on a non branded stone.

I'm no expert but I would say a difference would be you have to do more research if you decide to go non branded route. With AVR you're guaranteed what you are getting, just like you know what you're getting with super ideals. Old cuts don't fit into convenient standards, each one is unique with its unique characteristics and quirks. Some perform better than others, some look whiter while others have more flashes, some show flowers/snowflakes while others show checkerboard, or maybe symmetry isn't that good at all. Some people love the old cuts for those characteristics, some don't.

Me personally I don't much care for AVRs (gasp) for their too perfect looks. I have a pretty modern transitional with good symmetry and lovely flower under the table, and while I can't say whether or not it performs as well as an AVR, I simply adore it. But I did have to take a bit of a leap of faith purchasing it without seeing it in person, but with a good vendor you have a good return policy if you're not happy with it.

If you want perfection and guarantee, go with AVR. Many PSers are thrilled with theirs, just as I am thrilled with my non branded stone.

 

[mrs-b]

I went from a MRB to an AVR back to an MRB.

I liked my AVR, but the broad facets seemed a bit directionless to me; MRBs have a very clear center, with all the facets pointing directly towards it, while an OEC cut is softer, with the facets being more even.

If I was to have an OEC again - AVR or otherwise - I'd put it in a halo, so it was clearly framed and had more visual interest.

This is not the case for everybody. But it was the case for me.

Good luck with your decision!

 

[ccuheartnurse]

I went from an ideal modern J AGS certed stone to an unbranded J OEC back to a ideal modern AGS J (WF). I loved the pictures of the old cuts & the pastels were mesmerizing. But I found, for me, the stone didn’t perform consistently. Indoors it had a darkness to it but outside under a tree, wow major lightworks. I missed the splintery sparkle of my modern round & don’t regret going back to a modern stone. I would add an AVR or killer Transitional someday . I do however have a 3 stone AVC in the works. Lol. I do love old cuts but for me, they are an addition to my collection not a replacement. If you can, keep an eye on LT, DB & IG for specials, buy a smaller AVR & see how it works out.

 

[soxfan]

So I dont necessarily have to go with an AVR eh? I was afraid of being disappointed going from something with great light return to an old cut so I figured I'd play it safe by going AVR but if you dont think thats necessary, I'd gladly save some money on a non branded stone.

No, you don't. The first OEC I owned was for sale at the same time as an AVR that was the same size. I passed on the AVR for my stone and it was a beauty! I consulted Erica and PS'ers on my choice. This was the stone (ONLY sold because it wasn't big enough for me.)



LOOK at those facets.

Many old cuts have great light return without the branding. That stone was just amazing. You can find one like this for less than an AVR if you enlist the help of all of us and our old cut vendors. I had a 2.04 carat MRB before I sold it and got my 2.28 OEC. I have never regretted it for one second. I just didn't like the "splintery" aspect of the MRB. Just my preference, I guess. I get a ton of compliments on my ring, and it's fun to explain that it's an old cut. People love it and ask a lot of questions about it. I love the pastels it throws and it's SOOOO beautiful in low light as it was cut to perform in low light I also really gravitate towards halos and OEC's are so pretty in halos...

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Finding a great cut OEC is the problem. I have seen a few that I'd buy, but you have to persevere and wait for a great one. Soxfan's is beautiful! You see not so great ones put up for resale fairly often, because people later find better ones (or maybe larger)! I have two AVRs and I haven't seen an OEC I'd give them up for yet. (One is in my avatar picture.) Here's the other one:

https://www.pricescope.com/communit...ca-with-a-warm-august-vintage-oec-avr.241765/

I do have Whiteflash ACAs for my studs, because they show up beautifully on my ears and no one is close enough to see a facet pattern. I've seen some fabulous WF ACA e-rings! What it boils down to is whether you are more of a traditional modern round fan or a fan of antique style rings and stones. I kind of like both, but my AVRs are so unique and something you will almost never see on anyone else. Even within AVRs, I prefer some over others and watch the diameters. Both of mine are not cut deep and face up close to what an ideal cut round would.

 

[twang07]

I didn't really have a large MRB, but my first diamond was a non-branded OEC (6.5mm, ~1ct). It took a while to love since it would be amazing to look at in certain lights. I got a WF ~0.3 ct ACA to see what I was missing. I think I see why they say MRBs have superior light performance, mainly because of the center facets (arrows/splintery in MRB vs large chunky disordered facets). After a lot of staring at both in lots of light, I have to say I much prefer my OEC over the MRB. So I'm glad that the one on my finger. In the right light the OEC looks like a kaleidoscope and the facets are so much more interesting to look at. The MRB while beautiful with its crisp arrows just gives me the same look, which I think is a plus for some people. That being said, there are definitely some light where it won't be flattering for an OEC but the MRB will offer consistency. So if you need consistency all the time, you might enjoy an MRB more. Guess there's really only one way to find out though

 

[twang07]

Wanted to add some photos! I tried to get it when you can see the arrows the best in the MRB so you can kind of see what it looks like in an OEC. Not the easiest task, but I hope it's helpful!

 

[ohsomethingshiny]

To me...

MRB = glitter
OEC/AVR and OMC/AVC = confetti

I much prefer the confetti over glitter. Also, and again it’s just my opinion, I feel that the old cuts have more depth and personality. The ACA that I returned was beautiful, but seemed flat, lacking both the depth and personality I enjoy so much in my OEC.

 

[soxfan]

To me...

MRB = glitter
OEC/AVR and OMC/AVC = confetti

Great comparison!

 

[nala]

I have a 2.52 mrb and a 1.03 oec. None are branded, but both are gorgeous. What I have noticed is that if I want my ring to mesmerize others from a distance, I wear the mrb. Ive had so many strangers notice my ring from a distance and compliment it.
For my oec, its more of an intimate thing. Like it’s a show for me to appreciate the facets. I’ve had friends who stare into my stone and compliment me. Lol. Like if we go to lunch. And they keep trying to figure it out, they finally ask and say it’s beautiful.
Just wanted to share that perspective. I’m a blingy kind of girl, so if I had to decide, I would go with the mrb.

 

[Gussie]

I began collecting antiques (mostly English pottery and American brilliant cut glass) when I was in middle school. Yes, middle school! My house is filled with old, lol! But I definitely prefer a MRB to an OEC. I have a toi et moi that is from 1905 and I have the providence as well. I love it but the well cut OECs in it just don't do it for me like an ACA. It took a leap of faith for me to have my ACA set in an antique style setting but I really love it. The mix of old and new blends my love of all things old with the fabulous sparkle of a disco queen diamond!

 

[JPie]

To me...

MRB = glitter
OEC/AVR and OMC/AVC = confetti

I much prefer the confetti over glitter. Also, and again it’s just my opinion, I feel that the old cuts have more depth and personality. The ACA that I returned was beautiful, but seemed flat, lacking both the depth and personality I enjoy so much in my OEC.

This makes me want to mail glitter and confetti to someone.

 

[quicksilver]

Wanted to add some photos! I tried to get it when you can see the arrows the best in the MRB so you can kind of see what it looks like in an OEC. Not the easiest task, but I hope it's helpful!

Thank you so much twang, this is extremely helpful. I see what you and a lot of folks are saying. the mrb is quite noticeable with its even light return that gives the stone a "full" look where as the older cut tends to look sort of like theres a bit of leakage but in actuality are just slightly random faceting. Thank you!

 

[quicksilver]

I have a 2.52 mrb and a 1.03 oec. None are branded, but both are gorgeous. What I have noticed is that if I want my ring to mesmerize others from a distance, I wear the mrb. Ive had so many strangers notice my ring from a distance and compliment it.
For my oec, its more of an intimate thing. Like it’s a show for me to appreciate the facets. I’ve had friends who stare into my stone and compliment me. Lol. Like if we go to lunch. And they keep trying to figure it out, they finally ask and say it’s beautiful.
Just wanted to share that perspective. I’m a blingy kind of girl, so if I had to decide, I would go with the mrb.

I love this perspective, especially since its something I actually think about. I want a wow stone far away and up close lol I notice most OEC's are photographed very closely and there arent many shots of older cuts that are about a foot away from the face. Do you find that you miss the sparkle when wearing your oec?

 

[quicksilver]

diamondseeker2006 do you suggest AVR over cuts by other vendors such as VC?

 

[quicksilver]

I went from a MRB to an AVR back to an MRB.

I liked my AVR, but the broad facets seemed a bit directionless to me; MRBs have a very clear center, with all the facets pointing directly towards it, while an OEC cut is softer, with the facets being more even.

If I was to have an OEC again - AVR or otherwise - I'd put it in a halo, so it was clearly framed and had more visual interest.

This is not the case for everybody. But it was the case for me.

Good luck with your decision!

I wasn't expecting this! I've read so many posts about how much everyone loves their AVR that I started to doubt what I have. Did you feel the stone was duller in any sense? I already dislike the way my stone looks in the car, sunlight, and inside target (looks like a cheap cz) and I'm worried the AVR will do worse in more lighting situations except for dim. Thank you!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

diamondseeker2006 do you suggest AVR over cuts by other vendors such as VC?

I will say that there are such a tiny number of newly cut OECs (cut to excellent/ideal light performance) that you really just have to look at what each of them have. I don't love every stone. Every stone has to be evaluated individually in terms of cut and whether the specs fit in your comfort zone. Contrast that to ideal cut modern diamonds, and there would be hundreds or maybe thousands out there from which to choose.

I wasn't expecting this! I've read so many posts about how much everyone loves their AVR that I started to doubt what I have. Did you feel the stone was duller in any sense? I already dislike the way my stone looks in the car, sunlight, and inside target (looks like a cheap cz) and I'm worried the AVR will do worse in more lighting situations except for dim. Thank you!

You have to understand, people wanting diamonds over two carats often can't find an AVR or other newly cut antique stone that meets the specs they are wanting. There have only been a relatively small number cut over two carats, and only a handful over 3 cts. For that matter, some people search for a long time (months or even years) to find the perfect antique stone. The advantage of ideal cut rounds is that they are plentiful and you can pretty much always find what you want quickly.

Most diamonds are not going to look their best in the car with tinted windows, so that's the last place to view any diamond. You are confusing AVRs and OECs. OECs have leakage. They were created when most people used candlelight, so they take in light from the sides as well as the top. They were not created to have ideal light return from the top, but some are well cut and have good light return. AVR's have beautiful, symmetrical facet patterns, and they have excellent light return from the top of the diamond just like ideal cut rounds do. I wouldn't keep my AVR if it didn't have equally excellent light return, because I did have a superideal cut diamond ring prior to getting the AVR.

 

[LLJsmom]

When I see darkness in an my OEC, it’s just a floral shaped facet that is not reflecting light. When I see a dark facet in an MRB it looks more like leakage. That’s what I see anyway. Everyone looks at it differently. If I were to go back to an MRB I would likely get a super ideal. Yeah. But more likely I would switch to an antique step cut.

 

[LLJsmom]

Here are a bunch of photos that I’ve never posted before. Both 3 carats, 3.04 and 3.0. OEC AND MRB. MRB is an AGS 000. I’ve never really studied them until now. Various lighting conditions. Hope this helps. The OEC is a K. If you don’t already know I will let you guess the color of the MRB. see what I mean when I say color is manifested differently in an MRB and an OEC?

 

[Gussie]

Thanks for these pics @LLJsmom ! I don't know the color but I would guess lots higher than K, maybe F or G.

 

[LLJsmom]

Thanks for these pics @LLJsmom ! I don't know the color but I would guess lots higher than K, maybe F or G.

MRB is an H.

 

[soxfan]

I already dislike the way my stone looks in the car, sunlight, and inside target (looks like a cheap cz) and I'm worried the AVR will do worse in more lighting situations except for dim. Thank you!

I can tell you my OEC looks better in all of those lighting conditions than my MRB did. As a matter of fact, it's like a disco ball in stores. That's where I get most of my compliments on it.

 

[twang07]

Here are a bunch of photos that I’ve never posted before. Both 3 carats, 3.04 and 3.0. OEC AND MRB. MRB is an AGS 000. I’ve never really studied them until now. Various lighting conditions. Hope this helps. The OEC is a K. If you don’t already know I will let you guess the color of the MRB. see what I mean when I say color is manifested differently in an MRB and an OEC?

Wow stunning example!! Thanks for sharing!

Thank you so much twang, this is extremely helpful. I see what you and a lot of folks are saying. the mrb is quite noticeable with its even light return that gives the stone a "full" look where as the older cut tends to look sort of like theres a bit of leakage but in actuality are just slightly random faceting. Thank you!

My OEC is definitely harder to photograph than the MRB and maybe not the most 'ideal' OEC in the PS land of nonbranded OECs. I did choose photographs that I thought would highlight what I thought was consistency from the MRB whereas in every photo I feel like the OEC has a different look. This is part of the charm and quirk that I quite like about them. Since I don't have an AVR to compare to my oec I can't tell if they offer improvements to the weaknesses I see. Sometimes I just think it's an effect of having chunky facets in the table versus the arrows. Maybe some AVR holders can comment about the personality of their stones. I will say that when comparing to the ACA it more than matches or outperforms on the fire front, maybe not as good at scintillation all the time. I absolutely love my OEC in many of the lighting conditions that I find that the ACA looks bright white. The car, target and sunny days are places I love it. I don't love the way it photographs or my head obstructing it. Not sure if it's leakage or what but it stopped bothering me cause I know a slight tilt brings back the light show!