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Asscher (Octavia?) solitaire engagement ring advice

L

Levitation

Rough_Rock
Joined
Aug 14, 2012
Messages
21
Hi all,

I've been reading this forum and other diamond sites for a couple of months in an attempt to increase my knowledge, but I still feel a bit lost. Any help will be much appreciated :)

My budget is roughly $6k and I'm looking for an approximately 1ct asscher solitaire with a simple, classic platinum setting, size 5. My budget can be increased slightly, but $6k is my target as my girlfriend doesn't want me to spend any more. She is very practical and has indicated she'd be happy with anything, even a non-diamond ring, but getting her a diamond is important to me. Through careful listening and her friends I've found she prefers asscher cuts.

I did several searches for asschers and found some nice options and then I discovered the Octavia cut. I really like the uniqueness and the story behind it, and every picture or video I've seen has impressed me. Besides the increased price, my main hesitation is my girlfriend seems to like the "glassy" look of the asscher, which the Octavia cut seems to take away. That said, I think she'd be blown away by that cut and the fact that it's so unique.

I've been eyeing this "O" color Octavia that fits in my price range and put it on hold just in case: http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9408/ I love the look, but am concerned about the color. I've done a ton of searching and found the warmer colors can work well with an ideal cut (like the Infinity stuff), but am still not sure. GOG's rep told me the color concern that applies to standard asschers doesn't apply as much to the Octavia.

What do you guys think?

Thanks!
 
Does SHE want a asscher? Or is that just what has caught your eye and heart for her?
 
We bought an Octavia and I cannot recommend the cut highly enough.
Here's a thread about it, with pictures starting at the bottom of page 3.
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/pop-the-cork-i-just-bought-the-first-ocatvia.132337/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/pop-the-cork-i-just-bought-the-first-ocatvia.132337/[/URL]

Also GOG has been wonderful to deal with.

Color-wise it's impossible to predict how color-sensitive various individuals are, and how they feel about body color.
Just because more colorless is more expensive does not mean it is universally preferred.
Some very lucky people prefer diamonds with a warm look.

Yes cut can be so good that it makes body color much less noticeable and IMHO (after owning a superbly-cut generic asscher, an ACA round and a Solasfera round) I agree that the Octavia is SOOOO good at light return and sparkle that it will make body color much less noticeable.
Plus I'll add that good cut usually only helps obscure color in a top view but as you tilt the diamond off axis and approach a side view the sparkly light show declines so the body color gradually becomes more noticeable.
But with the Octavia's high crown the incredible light show continues to impress quite far off axis, so I'd say the Octaiva does obscure body color better than other well-cut diamonds.

Ours is a GIA H in a tension setting and in soft diffuse directionless lighting a side view does reveal body color when I place it next to an F.
But other settings do not allow such a naked side view.
Still, in any setting even a well cut O is not going to look like a D.

I am astonished how much of the light performance the Octavia retains even when dirty.
I realize I sound like a shill who gets paid to talk up the Octavia, I'm not and I don't, but it is just such an incredible cut.
Compare me to someone who raves to all there friends about their experience at the best restaurant ever.

Since GOG has a return/refund period, I recommend you buy it and check it out.
Only you can decide if the O color is a deal breaker, is not a factor, is a look you prefer, or is an acceptable trade off that allows you to buy a diamond that is this well cut and this large.
It will come in a clip-ring so you can take it in every lighting condition.
I doubt you'll return it, except for getting it set.

Edit - yes I agree with Gypsy.
Make sure your lady likes it.
Asscher is a distinctive look, and O is a distinctive color grade that some will not like, and she may have her heart set on another shape.
 
She knows you're shopping for an engagement ring, right? You've at least discussed it. I'd send her this link, or at least the two photos comparing a D to an O and see which she prefers, if anything. It gives very little away.

http://www.goodoldgold.com/4Cs/Color/Tinted/
 
Levitation|1345222309|3253131 said:
Through careful listening and her friends I've found she prefers asscher cuts. my girlfriend seems to like the "glassy" look of the asscher, which the Octavia cut seems to take away. That said, I think she'd be blown away by that cut and the fact that it's so unique.
Click to expand...
So - the girl WANTS an asscher. Case closed, Gypsy! :tongue: That said, Octavia is still an asscher *really* ... but the color, no. I really don't believe a "gift" "surprise" engagement rings should be below an "I" ... and for an *asscher* particularly, "H" would be safer. That's my opinion. A RARE, RARE few people *prefer* lower colors. Kenny will go to the grave defending the peculiar tastes of these outliers ... and pimping the Octavia for that matter. (Love ya, Kenny!) But unless you want to involve your partner in the process (which I WHOLLY recommend) - play safe. 'Kay?
 
Wow, thanks for the fast replies!

Does SHE want a asscher? Or is that just what has caught your eye and heart for her?
Click to expand...

She has said to her best friend (who has an asscher engagement ring) that she likes asscher and has told me she likes it as well. She doesn't like the round shapes at all.

Kenny - your threads and pics are what made me research the Octavia. I not only like the cut, but I like the backstory. I'm guessing there aren't too many Octavia diamonds floating around and my girlfriend would definitely appreciate the uniqueness. Thank you for all the info! I've requested a comparison video of the "O" vs. an "I" Octavia, and vs. another regular asscher.

Thank you EB for the link. She knows I'm shopping but I want to keep as much of the surprise element as possible, but this is a good idea.

decodelighted - thanks for the feedback. Half my brain is saying "Octavia because it's amazing!" and the other half sounds like your post. Play it safe and get a high quality, "H" or better asscher.

I'm leaning towards sending her EB's link casually and getting her feedback on color.

Thanks again for all your help! I will post results :)
 
IMHO since she said she is okay with an asscher it's okay to surprise her with an Octavia, but it is not okay to surprise her with an O for an engagement diamond.
Too many people value not seeing color in their diamond.

That said if she saw the Octavia O live, but found out how much smaller of a diamond she'd have to settle for if it is looks colorless she may opt for the O.

Keep in mind asschers face up small for their weight and IIRC KarlK said Octavias faces up similarly to a well-cut generic asscher.
 
I agree with Kenny on the color. But, I own an asscher (generic) and I've SEEN an octavia. If someone likes the quiet peacefulness a 'glassy' asscher look an Octavia MAY perform too much like a brilliant cut for them. I think the Octavia's are gorgeous. But I prefer my generic asscher (and Kenny's 2 carat F generic asscher) to the Octavia. And I was able to view them all together.

What I am saying is-- I don't think you should sacrifice much to get an Octavia. If there is a J or better Octavia that works for your budget and is at least 5.5 square-- go for it. But I think it's safer to go for an H or better generic than an O Octavia.
 
Personally, I'd just sit down and tell her that it's important to you to be able to get her a quality one carat stone and that is going to cost 7k for the stone plus another 900 for a platinum setting. Since you can afford it, I say you bump the budget and get her the nicest 1 carat stone you can.

Here are what I would consider nice for you. IF You were able to raise the STONE budget to 7k.

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8805/ with second setting on this page LES002.3 : http://www.goodoldgold.com/SettingsGallery/
Or
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS1-Very-Good-Cut-Asscher-Diamond-1332782.asp (put on hold ask for an ASET image). With this setting: http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/18k-White-Gold-Thin-Cross-Prong-Diamond-Engagement-Ring.html
 
Levitation|1345235720|3253269 said:
I'm leaning towards sending her EB's link casually and getting her feedback on color.

Thanks again for all your help! I will post results :)
Click to expand...

Good good! I really would. I'd also let her know that nothing has been purchased yet so she doesn't feel like she has to say, "Either is fine." I know I might if I suspected my boyfriend had already bought something and was hoping I'd choose what he chose.

Let us know what she says! :))
 
Thanks for the suggestions, Gypsy. I've decided to ask her about her color preference (with pics from EB's link) and I'll use her answer to point me in the right direction. I should have an answer by the end of the day.

This whole process is pretty overwhelming but exciting at the same time.
 
Dont' for get to mention unless the budget can go up up and up, every diamond is a compromise between color, clarity, cut and color.
 
After a few discussions and viewing some pictures online, I think the "O" color will be too yellow. We looked at a lot of pictures and videos together and now I'm leaning towards a square cushion cut based on her reactions and comments. A couple of the pictures and videos I showed her had the octavia and she liked it, but was as impressed by the cushion cut offerings.

I'm going to shop around some more and will definitely post what I find! If you guys have any cushion advice, I'd love to hear it :)

Thanks again for all the help and links. Involving her in the purchase (as EB suggested) has worked out very well.

Cheers!
 
Definitely have cushion advice. Shop for faceting and performance. Unlike step cuts there are a TON of different faceting types that qualify as cushions. There are a lot of good PS threads about cushions, performance and faceting. So I would recommend you read up on those.

GOG has two primary types they carry in house. The AVC and their Briella. Which are both confined to strict facet structures. One is an antique style the other a modern style. Engagement Rings Direct carries two in house LINES A Cut Beyond (Antique) and X Factor (Modern) but these are not set faceting structures, just general buckets. Both vendors have a great reputation of finding wonderful cushions. And both can get in/call in/source cushions outside of what they have in house.

Pay attention to the spread of the cushions when you are comparing one to the other, not the carat weight. Measurements are how you need to compare size.

James Allen has a lot of stock in house but they are more DIY than GOG or ERD, which has pluses and minuses.

Personally, I'd start with the setting and move backward to a vendor. ERD has AMAZING custom setting styles (lots of solitaires that are just gorgeous) so if that's the direction you want to go with, I'd give ERD a call. If you want a designer stock setting GOG carries a nice selection of lines including Beverly K, Vatche, and others. James Allen's settings are limited and many of the ones for squares have peg heads, which I personally don't care for. But if there is something there that catches your fancy... then go for it.
 
Good Old Gold has a great variety of fancy shaped diamonds: Octavia, Asscher, Princess of Hearts or the beautiful August Vintage Cushion! I realize that your GF is being budget conscious and that is a good quality to have. However, unless she is contributing funds toward the ring, then I don't think she really gets a say in how much you spend on it. As long as you don't go into major credit card debt, that is! So, based on the info she gives you about color, then proceed based on a budget YOU'RE comfortable with. She doesn't really need to know what the dollar amount is.

Here's some beauties:
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9026/
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9140/
 
If eyeclean here is a nice option from GOG:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9494/ plus one of the sholdt platinum settings: http://www.goodoldgold.com/SettingsGallery/sholdt/ (the ones with rounds can be ordered for squares, I believe.


Alternately at ERD:

http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/1.04-carat-f-si1-a-cut-beyond-cushion-cut-diamond-gid-96430.html or http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/1.10-carat-f-vs2-x-factor-cushion-cut-diamond-gid-93680.html

with this setting: http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/abby-cathedral-solitaire-diamond-engagement-ring-bpid-39-17.html or this one: http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/regina-cathedral-4-prong-solitaire-engagement-ring-bpid-51-17.html or this one: http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/marie-classic-4-prong-cathedral-solitaire-engagement-ring-bpid-48-17.html
 
At JA I think these three have potential (you would need an ASET image from the vendor, which they provide).

IF EYECLEAN
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1485876.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1279851.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/D-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1324267.asp

All three have very different faceting structures (I prefer the faceting of the D SI2 but it is smallest of them). All three could be lovely.
 
I've been busy with work today but did request info on 3 from James Allen:

I like this one I found via searching, but the low price scares me slightly. I'm confirming there's no haziness due to the strong blue fluorescence. I really like the SBF pictures I've seen and know my girlfriend would love a slight blue tint in sunlight and a glow under UV light.
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/D-VS1-Excellent-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1509658.asp

Also requested info on this one recommended by Gypsy, but the inclusion looks really obvious. Told them to verify "eye clean" on this and the others.
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/D-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1324267.asp

And finally, this one. It's a lower color grade but I like the square shape and cut.
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1514765.asp

Will post what they send me when I receive it.

Thanks again for all the links and advice. You guys rock! (no pun intended) ;)
 
I wouldn't pursue number 1 or number 3. They are poorly cut. And will not perform. They are kinda...well, dogs. You only get 3 ASETS from JA and I wouldn't waste two of them on those.

With fancy cuts there are no cut ratings like with rounds. JA's 'ideal' and 'excellent' and 'good' ratings are just random algorithms that amount to squat. All the do is look at the depth, the table and the polish and symmetry. Which tells you absolutely nothing when it comes to fancies, especially with cushions where there are a dozen different faceting plots that are under the umbrella of 'cushion'.

I can try to find you some with florescence. But please cancel the request on those stones. They are a waste of time.
 
This one with Strong Blue is a better choice: http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-VS1-Good-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1513327.asp So try that one. And so is this one with medium blue: http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/E-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1465429.asp


And these are the same facet plot as the other you picked, but much better examples of that type. So pick one of these as your third.
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1279851.asp?utm_medium=shoppingengine&utm_source=shopzilla or this one http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1279922.asp (same facet plot, I actually think the SI1 looks cleaner than the VS2).
 
I would also, if you like it, check on the eye-cleanliness (?) of this one. It has medium blue fluor and the cut is amazing.

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9496/

It's also square, which you said she liked, right?
 
Thanks Gypsy. Interesting.. I had no idea the JA cut ratings didn't mean anything for this type of diamond. How did you recognize those 2 as being poorly cut? I'm a software engineer so probably have far too much faith in the numbers. I'm also a newbie to gems of any kind.

I've switched my request to these 3 (2 that you just recommended and the original square one you recommended earlier):

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-VS1-Good-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1513327.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/D-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1324267.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/E-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1465429.asp

The August Vintage looks amazing. She definitely likes square but was really eyeing some of the slightly rectangular cushion cut images on the various sites we looked at, so I think either will work.
 
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