Beauty In Large Size?

[ClassyRocks]

OMG DiamonSeeker,

It is huge! GOG has beautiful diamonds and ring, not to mention great educational videos!

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

A 5ctw ACA. To die for!

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/its-been-almost-a-year-5ct-aca.96677/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/its-been-almost-a-year-5ct-aca.96677/[/URL]

cheers--Sharon

That beauty is in another man's hands at the moment.....and he's driving me crazy......making me wait......

Life's too short... rock what you wanna rock...halo what you wanna halo.

At the end of the day it comes down to personality. Whilst a 7ct EC three stone is the epitome of elegance........I have the energy of a freight train...so looking into an EC everyday.......I'd be saying .......where's the excitement.....

I would, however, roll phoenix in a dark alley for her pear.......

Another man's hands? Making you wait??????????????????? Goodness...I live for excitment!

Your RB = epitome.

cheers--Sharon

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Here is the land of the magnificent large diamonds:

http://jewelry.1stdibs.com/jewelry_search.php?cur_tab=FINE&maincat=B&subcat=B1

Enjoy!

 

[ZahraLeyla]

My diamond is 'only' 4.09ct (it's an old cut, and I think is just over 10mm) but I have a reasonably elaborate setting which takes the total width to around 16mm. It basically covers my whole finger (I think I'm a 5.5 or so, with big knuckles), but I don't think it looks too much/too big at all. In fact, I'm so used to the size that I think DSS may have set in a little already. I would definitely go bigger, but my choice would be for a large old cut rather than a modern round brilliant.

Anything over about 3ct is going to look like a 'big sparkly diamond' anyway, so I say go as big as you can!

For perspective:

 

[Dreamer_D]

I am very perfectionistic and particular about the optics of my diamonds. While in my dream world I would opt for an old cut in a humungous diamond -- because frankly in really big sizes I really prefer the chunkier look of older style cuts, true and repros -- in reality it would be just so impossible to find the cut I wanted that I would be tempted to opt for a branded ideal cut. Either an MRB or perhaps a modern repro of an antique.

I like a diamond that catches the eye accross the room but is also very personal in its light play, showing off bold chunky lovely patterning when viewed up close. If I got a very large MRB then there is one thing I would look for above all else: Very short lower girdle facets. I think in an 11mm RB that the larger actual size combined with short lower halves would result in a really nice chunky pattern of virtual facets.

If I could clone my own old cut into an 11mm rock I would absolutely wear it in an heartbeat. So I think a round in that size would be delish.

 

[princesss]

Oh, what an awesome problem to have!

Honestly, I am in the "get the shape that makes your heart sing" camp. I'm another OEC lover, and I'd take one in the biggest size I could get, so I think a 6ct RB would be great if that's what you love.

 

[ClassyRocks]

WOW! DiamondSeeker that link to the land of the large rocks is perfect! You find the best links!

 

[ClassyRocks]

My diamond is 'only' 4.09ct (it's an old cut, and I think is just over 10mm) but I have a reasonably elaborate setting which takes the total width to around 16mm. It basically covers my whole finger (I think I'm a 5.5 or so, with big knuckles), but I don't think it looks too much/too big at all. In fact, I'm so used to the size that I think DSS may have set in a little already. I would definitely go bigger, but my choice would be for a large old cut rather than a modern round brilliant.

Anything over about 3ct is going to look like a 'big sparkly diamond' anyway, so I say go as big as you can!

For perspective:

Your ring is gorgeous!

Thanks for the encouragement. I am pretty sure I am going with a modern round brilliant!

 

[ClassyRocks]

I am very perfectionistic and particular about the optics of my diamonds. While in my dream world I would opt for an old cut in a humungous diamond -- because frankly in really big sizes I really prefer the chunkier look of older style cuts, true and repros -- in reality it would be just so impossible to find the cut I wanted that I would be tempted to opt for a branded ideal cut. Either an MRB or perhaps a modern repro of an antique.

I like a diamond that catches the eye accross the room but is also very personal in its light play, showing off bold chunky lovely patterning when viewed up close. If I got a very large MRB then there is one thing I would look for above all else: Very short lower girdle facets. I think in an 11mm RB that the larger actual size combined with short lower halves would result in a really nice chunky pattern of virtual facets.

If I could clone my own old cut into an 11mm rock I would absolutely wear it in an heartbeat. So I think a round in that size would be delish.

Dreamer D,

You have summed up my perfectionistic feelings as well! I think that is why I keep coming back to a modern round brilliant.

I was at a museum a few months ago. There was a lady whose diamond ring flashed across the room. I finally mustered the nerve to compliment her on her ring . . . it was a modern round brilliant! It was probably a 3ct. It was simply beautiful.

 

[ClassyRocks]

I'm shopping in this size now and on my size 8 finger I don't think it looks too large at all... then again, I've been wearing a 2ct halo'd stone for years so maybe shrinkage has set in. I've tried on MRB in the 4.5-6.5 ct range and think they look...amazing. I have no interest in a halo or complicated setting. Step cuts, pears, and marquise are out for me (just preference) and I haven't see any cushions or radiants that really wow me. While I WANT to find an antique stone, there are just so so so many more options with RB. I also fear I might get bored with the old cuts. (and hey... nothing says I can't recut an ideal MRB into a more antique cut later on)

MissPrudential,

I re-read your post this morning. I appreciate what you said. It has boosted my confidence that I am pursuing the right shape for me!

Thank You Again

 

[MsP]

I am very perfectionistic and particular about the optics of my diamonds. While in my dream world I would opt for an old cut in a humungous diamond -- because frankly in really big sizes I really prefer the chunkier look of older style cuts, true and repros -- in reality it would be just so impossible to find the cut I wanted that I would be tempted to opt for a branded ideal cut.

You touch on a good point. MRB's can be sized up with angles and percentages and what not. Not completely... but much easier than with older/fancy cuts. If someone enjoys the hunt so to speak, finding a great old stone might be fun. For me, it takes time I don't have and stress I don't want to deal with.

 

[ClassyRocks]

I like square cushions but in a larger size AND a halo, I would do the rectangle variety.
http://goodoldgold.com/diamond/8475/

This one is AMAZING, but it's square:
http://goodoldgold.com/diamond/9600/

Do you want something vintage/antique looking or are you looking for a modern look?

I want a timeless overall look. The diamond will be quite expensive since I want a H color or better and clarity VS2 or better. I like the classic look of Art Deco. I don't want to look back and regret the setting I chose.

I am 99% sure I will chose a modern round brilliant.

 

[ClassyRocks]

I should clarify that I like SIMPLE Art Deco style . . . classic and not too complicated. On the other hand, I also love Leon Mege' and other custom ring makers work. I am open to suggestions!

 

[Dreamer_D]

If money was not object and I wanted a large diamond like that with great optics I would probably get an August Vintage Round. From what I can see the cut is very similar to my own true antique cut, and I love it. Chunky facets in big diamond rock.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

If money was not object and I wanted a large diamond like that with great optics I would probably get an August Vintage Round. From what I can see the cut is very similar to my own true antique cut, and I love it. Chunky facets in big diamond rock.

Big ditto...having had a perfect hearts and arrows and a borrowed AVR...both perfectly cut, but oh, did I love the AVR. That would absolutely be my choice in a large round cut to ideal optics.

 

[lambskin]

I am in the camp 'bigger the better" but a large round made my big knuckles really stick out. I went with an oval with side baguettes as it minimized the appearance of my knuckles. If the cut is ideal, a round as big as a headlight is stunning!

 

[ClassyRocks]

If money was not object and I wanted a large diamond like that with great optics I would probably get an August Vintage Round. From what I can see the cut is very similar to my own true antique cut, and I love it. Chunky facets in big diamond rock.

Big ditto...having had a perfect hearts and arrows and a borrowed AVR...both perfectly cut, but oh, did I love the AVR. That would absolutely be my choice in a large round cut to ideal optics.

The AVR is beautiful. I really don't know enough about that type of cut. Does the HCA tool work with such cuts? BTW, I think your hearts and arrows round is equally gorgeous!

 

[ClassyRocks]

I am in the camp 'bigger the better" but a large round made my big knuckles really stick out. I went with an oval with side baguettes as it minimized the appearance of my knuckles. If the cut is ideal, a round as big as a headlight is stunning!

Your ring sounds wonderful. Our best friends own an a new oval diamond ring. I would consider an oval otherwise.

I am going to try to find a special setting for a round diamond. Hopefully, I won't regret going with a RBC.

 

[Dreamer_D]

If money was not object and I wanted a large diamond like that with great optics I would probably get an August Vintage Round. From what I can see the cut is very similar to my own true antique cut, and I love it. Chunky facets in big diamond rock.

Big ditto...having had a perfect hearts and arrows and a borrowed AVR...both perfectly cut, but oh, did I love the AVR. That would absolutely be my choice in a large round cut to ideal optics.

The AVR is beautiful. I really don't know enough about that type of cut. Does the HCA tool work with such cuts? BTW, I think your hearts and arrows round is equally gorgeous!

The AVR is a proprietary cut by jon at Good Old Gold, it was designed to mimic later style OECs but produce AGS0 level optics. The HCA is not relevant. Each of the stones is cut for Jon's desired ideal optics. Its a branded cut, you just pick one and don't worry about the rest. That's why its good if you like chunk but don't like wonk.

 

[ClassyRocks]

Hello Sparkles,

Your diamond is beautiful! I hope you don't mind me asking: Are you still pleased with your ACA? I think I have settled on an ideal (or close) round diamond too! I can't imagine being unhappy with such a beautiful diamond. I am just a bit scared/nervous since it is such an expensive purchase, and I don't think my husband would tolerate a change of mind! I would appreciate any comments you have!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

If money was not object and I wanted a large diamond like that with great optics I would probably get an August Vintage Round. From what I can see the cut is very similar to my own true antique cut, and I love it. Chunky facets in big diamond rock.

Big ditto...having had a perfect hearts and arrows and a borrowed AVR...both perfectly cut, but oh, did I love the AVR. That would absolutely be my choice in a large round cut to ideal optics.

The AVR is beautiful. I really don't know enough about that type of cut. Does the HCA tool work with such cuts? BTW, I think your hearts and arrows round is equally gorgeous!

Thanks! I agree that both cuts are beautiful! The AVR is more of the era of the art deco settings, though, so it would be amazing in that kind of setting. Jonathan at Good Old Gold would have to have one cut for you if you went in that direction. They are cut to have ideal light performance.

You do not use HCA on AGS Ideal cut stones, because AGS assesses light performance. The top hearts and arrows cuts from vendors such as WhiteFlash, Good Old Gold, Brian Gavin, etc. are usually AGS graded (and some at GOG may be GIA graded but they assess whether the stone has AGS ideal light performance and provide all the evidence that the stones are hearts and arrows or ideal cut). The HCA is useful for GIA graded stones because GIA Excellent is a much broader range than AGS Ideal, so the HCA helps to pre-screen and identify the best prospects out of the GIA EX range. Then we use the idealscope to check the stone for leakage.

(I now see Dreamer explained some of this already.)

 

[GreenBling]

Thought you might be interested to see how AVR performs next to a MRB. Again, I'm a MRB fan, but the AVR is captivating...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DOL-_LiJKdk&feature=youtube_gdata_player

 

[ClassyRocks]

That 5 carat ACA looks huge but she has tiny fingers. If you don't already have it bookmarked, you might like playing around with the carat weight v. finger size chart.

For example, I've always loved the look of Sna77 wife's ring. Lots of real life pictures about two thirds down the first page of this link:

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/forum/show-me-the-ring/custom-whiteflash-diamonds-by-the-yard-necklace-t168952.html']https://www.pricescope.com/forum/show-me-the-ring/custom-whiteflash-diamonds-by-the-yard-necklace-t168952.html[/URL]

She's a size 3.5 and the diamond is a few points shy of 2.4 ct. Using my favorite PS tool (link below), I know that on my (and your!) size 7 finger, I would need a 4 carat round to achieve the same look.

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/carat-weight-vs-finger-size-finger-coverage-percentage.131327/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/carat-weight-vs-finger-size-finger-coverage-percentage.131327/[/URL]

I love this chart and thought it might be fun for you before you get a chance to try stuff on.

THIS CHART IS REALLY HELPFUL! IT'S "BOOKMARK WORTHY"!

THANK YOU

 

[ClassyRocks]

If money was not object and I wanted a large diamond like that with great optics I would probably get an August Vintage Round. From what I can see the cut is very similar to my own true antique cut, and I love it. Chunky facets in big diamond rock.

Big ditto...having had a perfect hearts and arrows and a borrowed AVR...both perfectly cut, but oh, did I love the AVR. That would absolutely be my choice in a large round cut to ideal optics.

The AVR is beautiful. I really don't know enough about that type of cut. Does the HCA tool work with such cuts? BTW, I think your hearts and arrows round is equally gorgeous!

Thanks! I agree that both cuts are beautiful! The AVR is more of the era of the art deco settings, though, so it would be amazing in that kind of setting. Jonathan at Good Old Gold would have to have one cut for you if you went in that direction. They are cut to have ideal light performance.

You do not use HCA on AGS Ideal cut stones, because AGS assesses light performance. The top hearts and arrows cuts from vendors such as WhiteFlash, Good Old Gold, Brian Gavin, etc. are usually AGS graded (and some at GOG may be GIA graded but they assess whether the stone has AGS ideal light performance and provide all the evidence that the stones are hearts and arrows or ideal cut). The HCA is useful for GIA graded stones because GIA Excellent is a much broader range than AGS Ideal, so the HCA helps to pre-screen and identify the best prospects out of the GIA EX range. Then we use the idealscope to check the stone for leakage.

(I now see Dreamer explained some of this already.)

THANK YOU FOR CLEARING UP FOR ME ABOUT HCA. YOUR EXPLANATION REALLY HELPS.

 

[ClassyRocks]

Thought you might be interested to see how AVR performs next to a MRB. Again, I'm a MRB fan, but the AVR is captivating...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DOL-_LiJKdk&feature=youtube_gdata_player

I COULDN'T SLEEP, SO I WATCHED THE VIDEO AT 4AM! THE AVR IS INTRIGUING, AND WOULD LOOK GREAT IN AN ART DECO SETTING AS DIAMONDSEEKER STATED. I STILL KEEP COMING BACK TO THE MODERN ROUND BRILLIANT THOUGH. THANK YOU FOR HELPING!

 

[Dreamer_D]

Classy most reputable vendors have nice evaluation periods for diamonds, two weeks to 60 days, and so you would have a nice amount of time to make sure you were happy with your choice! It is not a permanent decision until you keep it past the return point, so take some pressure off yourself in that way!

I recommend you buy yourself a cheapy fake solitaire the same size with an MRB? Perhaps see how it feels worn around the house?

 

[ClassyRocks]

Classy most reputable vendors have nice evaluation periods for diamonds, two weeks to 60 days, and so you would have a nice amount of time to make sure you were happy with your choice! It is not a permanent decision until you keep it past the return point, so take some pressure off yourself in that way!

I recommend you buy yourself a cheapy fake solitaire the same size with an MRB? Perhaps see how it feels worn around the house?

Dreamer D,
Thank you for the sweet reply and practical recommendation. I am going to purchase through one of the Pricescope member's favorite vendors; I've been narrowing down diamonds. I have reviewed the return policy also. One of the logistical problems/concerns is the dollar amount of the diamond and securely returning it; therefore, I plan to visit the diamond I choose. Hopefully, I will know if it is the "one", something like love at first sight?!!! You are very intuitive to pick up on the pressure I am feeling though. I don't want to be disappointed, and I want my husband to be proud of what he is buying me too.

There are some shapes other than rounds that have been suggested. I think EC are classic, but they don't thrill my husband. I like older cuts (OEC), but I have rationalized that I can get one at a later date via an estate or such. However, I feel like I have one opportunity to buy a really nice modern round brilliant. MRBs prices seem to rise versus some fancy cuts that seem to come in and out of vogue. It's strange, but it was a shape that I never considered before; I thought they were very common. What I have come to appreciate is a well cut, large round is not so common! Sparkles' ACA is beautiful as well as some other member's diamonds that I cannot recall as I type this. I am not a crowd follower at all; I just want something timeless that will retain its value.

BTW, I purchased a 11mm round cz many years ago to wear when we traveled. It was a very good look, and I actually enjoyed wearing it! So, maybe unknowingly, I was preparing myself for this day all along? I wish it was as easy to find a large cushion cz. I have a very large (I can't recall ct wt but it is incredible to be sure) antique cut cushion tanzanite and diamond ring, which is one of my favorite rings. Still, it is not the same as a lg. cushion diamond ring.

 

[Rosebloom]

I posted my pictures of big rocks on a size 7:

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-trip-to-harry-winston-and-debeers.179146/#post-3257147#p3257147']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-trip-to-harry-winston-and-debeers.179146/#post-3257147#p3257147[/URL]

Congrats on deciding on a MRB. It'll be spectacular and you should definitely go with whatever makes your heart race! I can't wait to see the pictures!

 

[Phoenix]

Classy, I don't know if you've considered the setting yet. Would love to see what setting or settings you're considering.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Someone just posted this on Phoenix's thead:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9221/ (price is $399k...E VS2, though)