Calling OEC lovers for help with loose stone

[OECsareforLovers]

Hello all ,

This is my first post, but I've been lurking on PS for a while educating myself about all things OEC . The community here is so helpful and supportive and I'm so happy to have found you all! Here's to hoping you all have some advice for me considering a diamond. I'm looking for an ER upgrade in the 1.15-1.35 range with a budget of 4-5k for the stone. Ideally, I would like to have something well cut that is a great performer throwing around all kinds of light.

What do you experts think of this stone? Is she too deep? It seems to me the stone is pushing depth according to the cut guide (https://www.pricescope.com/journal/screening_chart_old_european_cut_diamonds)

1.33CT loose OEC
EGL rated to be L VS1 (and eye clean according to a vendor that is well respected on PS)
6.83 x 6.65 x 4.31 mm
Depth 63.9%
Table 49%
Corwn 15.6 %
Pavillion 39.6%
Girdle: medium to very thick
Cutle: large
Flour: none

Priced at $4800

Thoughts? Thank you!!

 

[OECsareforLovers]

Here is the full EGL report....

 

[Dreamer_D]

I think it might have some issues with lazy facets under the table, and possible leakage in a ring around the periphery of the table. The lower halves are not visible through the table which means they are super short. The only way that is all right for me is when the table is close to 40% and the crown higher. So, its something to ask about. It's not my favourite make, this type of OEC with such huge pavilion mains visible under the table.

 

[missy]

I think it might have some issues with lazy facets under the table, and possible leakage in a ring around the periphery of the table. The lower halves are not visible through the table which means they are super short. The only way that is all right for me is when the table is close to 40% and the crown higher. So, its something to ask about. It's not my favourite make, this type of OEC with such huge pavilion mains visible under the table.

I agree. The center facets are not crisp and pleasing to my eye. Also the EGL report is over a year old. If you are considering this diamond I would recommend an updated cert or appraisal from a respected appraiser.

 

[GemFever]

+1 to both Dreamer and Missy.

I don't love the look of this facet pattern. In my experience, skinnier and tighter facets under the table in Old European Cuts tend to produce more brilliance. I like the windmill pattern in Old Mine Cuts with big culets and lots of kozibe, they have their own kind of really antique charm. But I wouldn't want it for an OEC.

 

[OECsareforLovers]

Thanks Dreamer_D and Missy. It sound like this isn't the one for me.

Dreamer_D when you say that there are lazy facets under the table, are you referring to the fact that neighboring facets don't appear to alternate "on and off"? A search of PS lead to this understanding, but I'm not sure I'm thinking about it correctly.

Also, when you talk about leakage in the periphery of the table are the referencing the "darkness"?

I really love OECs, but I'm so worried my lack of knowledge will result in me choosing a less than stellar diamond!

 

[Dreamer_D]

I think it might have some issues with lazy facets under the table, and possible leakage in a ring around the periphery of the table. The lower halves are not visible through the table which means they are super short. The only way that is all right for me is when the table is close to 40% and the crown higher. So, its something to ask about. It's not my favourite make, this type of OEC with such huge pavilion mains visible under the table.

I agree. The center facets are not crisp and pleasing to my eye. Also the EGL report is over a year old. If you are considering this diamond I would recommend an updated cert or appraisal from a respected appraiser.

A cert being a year old is not so old in the diamond world, so for me that is not a ref flag here. Of course, an appraiser is a good idea anyway with EGL reports to determine if you think the price is fair.

Thanks Dreamer_D and Missy. It sound like this isn't the one for me.

Dreamer_D when you say that there are lazy facets under the table, are you referring to the fact that neighboring facets don't appear to alternate "on and off"? A search of PS lead to this understanding, but I'm not sure I'm thinking about it correctly.

Also, when you talk about leakage in the periphery of the table are the referencing the "darkness"?

I really love OECs, but I'm so worried my lack of knowledge will result in me choosing a less than stellar diamond!

Lazy facets may be always dark, or they may only light up a little at a certain angle. And yes, the "on off" patterning contributed to a lazy appearance. Ideally, diamond facets should twinkle light and dark as you move your hand, and most facets will be active all the time, turning on and off fairly quickly -- say, as you rotate your hand back and forth, the facets will turn on and off numerous times. That activity creates the life in a diamond. Lazy facets might be dark through the majority of the same movement of the hand and only light up once. Or, a group of 8 facets (pavilion mains) may only have 2 lit up at a time and the rest dark most of the time.The end result is less light play and activity in the stone and overall darker appearance.

Leakage means the light is escaping out the back of the diamond and if its too much then the diamond won't look lively either. Sometimes, when the angles are not complimentary, you can get a hazy/cloudy/mushy look where there is leakage. Often it creates a ring of hazier looking, dull, area in a circle just inside the outer periphery of the table. I can see that a little in the picture you posted.

All of that said, lots of people like the look of the diamond you are considering. Its not my favourite, but maybe you would like it?

In the end, your eyes are the best guide for choosing and old cut, and you need to educate them by seeing lots of diamond in person if you can.

 

[OECsareforLovers]

Merci! Are the proportions of this diamond related to any of the issues that have you brought up Dreamer_D? If not, are the proportions at all concerning?

 

[Dreamer_D]

I don't see any issues with the on-paper numbers. Pictures are much more useful to assessing OECs.

 

[OECsareforLovers]

Gotcha. Thanks for letting me pick your brain. In a few weeks I'll be visiting NYC, my former stomping grounds, and will check out the usual suspects there. If I find something promising, I hope to be able to solicit your help again.