Calling all Old European Experts!

[blueauratus]

What are your opinions on this stone?
Carat Weight: 1.00
Clarity: VS2
Color: L
Dimensions: 6.37 - 6.20 x 3.96mm
Depth% / Table%: 63% / 48.9%
Finish: Good
2,250

 

[arjunajane]

Hi there,
I am no expert, but I know which stone this is and I think it should be very pretty. The photo definately looks nice enough.
The price is *good*, if you don't have an overly tight budget. I thought it was a lil high compared to their other prices, but thats just me

Will it be for a ring?

 

[blueauratus]

Thanks arjunajanej! I have been really wanting an old cut for some time now and this caught my eye. There are definetely some chips in the girdle and this would be for a ring... should I keep looking?

 

[LGK]

Could be lovely. The depth & table size are a good indication that it'll be pretty, and the pattern is nice. If you can check it out in person, that'd be perfect, or if they have a good return policy it would probably be worth test driving. Look for fire coming from all parts of the stone, and no ugly dark obstruction happening. All in all, looks very promising! (From what you can tell from a pic + a few stats, of course

ETA: I usually don't mind a few tiny nicks- if it was in a ring worn for someone's lifetime, it's super common to see girdle chips- but it's good to know. My e-ring has a clarity-grade-making nick, which is visible with the naked eye if you look at just the right angle. It bugged me at first but now not at all... I would never bother recutting to get rid of it, that's for sure. If they're no danger to the stone, and not big enough to see, I wouldn't care.

 

[arjunajane]

Date: 12/21/2008 2:04:22 AM
Author: blueauratus
Thanks arjunajanej! I have been really wanting an old cut for some time now and this caught my eye. There are definetely some chips in the girdle and this would be for a ring... should I keep looking?

Hi Sara, aren't the old cuts great? They're my current obsession too - I just finished my transitional cut pendant

I would suggest asking the vendor about the chips - unless there are others under the "tongs", the ones in the photo are very small. They will not be noticeable IRL I doubt.
I think you will find a high percentage of the old stones on Ebay will have kind of lilttle damage...of course some better than others.
I wouldn't envision this one being a problem. But again, I am no expert - this vendor is reputably helpful and honest, I would email them.

Have you looked at Erica Grace?
They are lovely and helpful, and have the most gorgeous stones! They can also help you source something if whats in inventory isn't suitable for you.
Also Old World Diamonds have a large selection, I haven't had personal experience with them, but have heard good things.

Keep us posted, do you have pics of your ring idea?


ETA: posting at same time as Glitterata, ditto her !

 

[Winks_Elf]

Pretty faceting, but the slightly oblong measurements and the multiple chips on the girdle would be deal breakers for me.

 

[Upgradable]

This vendor is the best I''ve ever worked with as far as representing his stones accurately. He is uber-conservative on his color and clarity grading. He is also fantastic on return policy. If it''s not a keeper, he''ll refund your money no quesions asked.

Personally, the few chips in the girdle are not unusual in vintage stones, and these do not look like they would compromise the integrity of stone. If you are going to set it in a ring, however, I''d make sure the girdle is well protected by a bezel or a setting that holds the stone down lower and prohibits knocking it around on things.

I would tell you to buy the stone with no hesitation! It''s a gorgeous stone at a good price from one of the best vendors out there!

 

[glitterata]

Arjunajane, I think you mean Kitten? I didn't actually post, though I did write a response (it said something along the lines of, "Yes, please! Very pretty! Do you mind the chip? Most old stones will have a few chips and that one doesn't look so bad")--but then my computer burped before I could hit submit.

 

[ericad]

Before making a final decision, request more pictures so that you can clearly see all girdle chips, particularly the one(s) that''s hidden at 2 o''clock by the tweezer tip.

The stone looks very promising! Is it certed by any lab? Do you have additional photos? Pretty faceting but you would have to see it in person to know if it speaks to you, so as long as the return policy is good...

Tiny nicks and chips to the girdle are usually not problematic but for that reason, I could consider a bezel setting, to both hide and protect the entire girdle. A repolish is another option if the chips bug you - I don''t normally advocate it when unnecessary because there''s risk of loss to the stone, weight loss (would bring the stone to under 1 carat) and runs approximately $150/carat. But it''s a great option if you would otherwise reject a pretty stone due to minor chips.

Good luck and let us know how it works out!

 

[blueauratus]

Thanks for weighing in everyone! I am so tempted to have it shipped and see it in person now! I am going to reset my engagement ring so I thought why not upgrade at the same time. I Love Love Love this Sholdt setting! It is much more delicate in person. What do you all think of the old cut stone in a newer modern setting?

 

[arjunajane]

Date: 12/21/2008 12:04:51 PM
Author: glitterata
Arjunajane, I think you mean Kitten? I didn't actually post, though I did write a response (it said something along the lines of, 'Yes, please! Very pretty! Do you mind the chip? Most old stones will have a few chips and that one doesn't look so bad')--but then my computer burped before I could hit submit.

Hrmm..strange, I thought it was and the comment was like that. But yes, your probably right that I meant LGK.
Sorry Kitten !


Sara, personally I love the contrast of older cuts in new modern settings. Infact one of my faves of all time is Facetfire's ring in a Michael Bondanza setting, whih they also sell at Pearlmans -if you do a search on her name you can find her thread with wonderful pics.
The only thing I would say about this Sholdt ring, is it leaves the girdle relatively unprotected. I will echo the good advice above, that if you chose this stone with the small chips, you may want a bezel or halo to better protect the stone.
If you find a stone with no chips, I'm sure that Sholdt design would be awesome

 

[strmrdr]

I dunno that I would put it in a 4 prong.
The girdle thickness would have to be considered and the chip the arrow points to checked out.

 

[Rhea]

I noticed the stone is no longer available. Does that mean that you went for it? He does have a great return policy.

 

[ericad]

I personally ADORE the look of an OEC set in a really sleek contemporary setting. Old cuts are so beautiful they can hold their own in any style setting and I don't think they need to be restricted to vintage/vintage repro settings.

Again, though, I would urge you to consider something with a bezel setting.