Can you "re-cut" a 3ct diamond??

[lalala]

Well, I've been hunting for an upgrade for the past month or two and now I know why my fiancé hasn't pulled the trigger.. as a 3ct MRB has basically fallen on my lap. 'Gifted' by my fiancé's mother that she inherited. I will be getting it as a wedding gift so it is currently not in my possession. I have a couple of questions:

1) Would it be frowned upon if I had it re-cut? I have no idea what the specs are but let's assume that it's not ideal..

2) Is that even possible?

We are in our late 20's and most of my friends have 1-2cts. I'm not exactly sure how comfortable I would be wearing something so large. Would it be rude if I only wore it on occasion for now?

PS: I'm still planning on upgrading my current e-ring to wear on a daily basis. ETA: I redacted the vendor/names so that professionals can comment on recutting

 

[lalala]

Is it weird that I kind of don't want it (right now)? If it was 2cts, I'd love to have it!

Advice on safety deposit boxes and insurance is greatly appreciated. Currently we use USAA and have jewelry insurance through them. I'd love to know our other options!

 

[Bron357]

Hi, any diamond can be recut but I’m sure the cutter will need to see the diamond before they can make any decisions about what’s possible and what’s not. Obviously a recut makes a smaller diamond. That said, with a modern cut and an improvement, even being smaller it can be worth more than it was when bigger.

 

[Alexiszoe]

I think it's perfectly normal to not want it or find it too big right now. When I was in my 20s I was a bit more concerned since most of the people I knew had 1 carat (I had a 3 carat), I was worried about what they were thinking, so it was in the safety deposit box.

Now that I am older, I find that it's too small .

Wait and see the diamond first before you decide if it's a worthwhile candidate for recutting. Sometimes it might yield a substantially smaller diamond, and what you gain in terms of cut improvement may not be a worthy trade off for the drop in size (and price since it may fall below the 3 carat mark).

I also think this is a conversation you need to have with your fiance as recutting can be interpreted by your future mother-in-law that her stone is not great (especially if it's an heirloom piece or means a lot to her), which she might find hurtful. This gift was given out of love, and you don't want the simple act of recutting to cause damage and strain between you, her and your fiance. Talk to him, and if he feels his mother is open to it, put out feelers to see how she feels about it before you pull the trigger.

 

[OoohShiny]

I also think this is a conversation you need to have with your fiance as recutting can be interpreted by your future mother-in-law that her stone is not great (especially if it's an heirloom piece or means a lot to her), which she might find hurtful. This gift was given out of love, and you don't want the simple act of recutting to cause damage and strain between you, her and your fiance. Talk to him, and if he feels his mother is open to it, put out feelers to see how she feels about it before you pull the trigger.

These are wise words

You could 'tweak' the MRB cut to really make the best of the stone (which could be the best way to phrase it to the future MIL) or perhaps you could re-cut to an older cut style? I'm not even sure if the latter is possible without substantial loss of weight.

Either way, I think get it and wear it and then see how you feel about it. My good lady is firmly in the 'I don't want anything big and flashy' camp at the moment, but I think that anyone could be swayed but a substantial and mesmerising rock lol

 

[tyty333]

A re-cut also depends a lot on the clarity of the stone...if it has a lot of inclusions or a big feather in the way (or other issues) it may not be
a good candidate for a re-cut.

Brian Gavin Diamonds has done a lot of recuts for Pricescopers. Search PS for recuts.

 

[KKJohnson]

We had to use a safety deposit box for a year while building out house, we were in the process in of selling and then moving to an apartment so didn’t want to worry about the family jewels. I went with Chase bank for the box which was only $35 for a year! It was perfect and we had no issues. We also have USAA and insured everything through them. Once we had everything appraised we set up insurance, we have one high value ring that we had to get a separate policy for which was a bit of a hassle. USAA had to get several supervisors involved and then sent to the underwriter, it took about a week to get approval.

Also if it’s in the safety box don’t worry about getting it insured, it’s only worth it if you wear it, but if you do decide to have it recut then make sure it is fully insured. I do not think that USAA covers recurring so that is something you will need to check out, I do believe that Jewelers Mutual covers recutting

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I'd be having Jonathan recutting it into an August Vintage Round (especially if your current e-ring is a modern round)! Of course, we don't know yet what the diamond is..it might already be an OEC! If it is a modern round, you'll lost a little more weight if you recut into an AVR, but since you aren't after having a huge diamond, that could be perfect IF the stone is a recut candidate. I might not even mention the recutting to the MIL. Most people don't know a thing about diamond faceting and wouldn't even notice the slight change in size when not seeing the stone daily. If she did, I'd just say we had some repolishing done to make it look it's best! Don't use the word recutting, because polishing is a correct term and sounds better!

Lucky you! How nice to receive a special diamond! I'd certainly get it recut/repolished, insure it, and wear it when you feel like it!

(True story...I upgraded from 1 ct to 1.6 and a few extended family noticed. But when I upgraded to 2.3, no one ever said a word and neither did I! They just knew I had a larger diamond, but they didn't notice it's increased size after the first upgrade! That suits me fine, because I also don't care to stand out in the crowd.)

 

[SimoneDi]

Lucky you to receive a large family diamond! I understand that you might feel uncomfortable now by the thought of wearing a large diamond when your friends have smaller ones, but I would definitely advice wearing it first for bit to see how you actually feel about it. Onto the recut question, I have recut 2 diamonds in the past - MRB to an Ideal MRB, both times through Brian Gavin, he did a marvelous job both times. I am actually about to send him another one for a recut. However, I would not recut an OEC into an MRB. I second DS's sentiment about recutting into an AVR if you love the look as well, or if it is already an OEC. With either cutting options, some weight will be lost so at the end, it may not end up looking as noticeable as you think. What ring size are you?

 

[ChristineRose]

I wouldn't get it cut into an AVR, unless it's already an OEC. Besides the whole question of what's possible, I'd go for the style of stone that it already is. For example if it's shallow, I'd ask about a "good" shallow cut. This will probably save the most weight and be most respectful of the history of the stone.

Maybe you'll get "lucky" and it will turn out to be chipped, and then you really should get it recut even if you love it!

 

[lalala]

Lucky you to receive a large family diamond! I understand that you might feel uncomfortable now by the thought of wearing a large diamond when your friends have smaller ones, but I would definitely advice wearing it first for bit to see how you actually feel about it. Onto the recut question, I have recut 2 diamonds in the past - MRB to an Ideal MRB, both times through Brian Gavin, he did a marvelous job both times. I am actually about to send him another one for a recut. However, I would not recut an OEC into an MRB. I second DS's sentiment about recutting into an AVR if you love the look as well, or if it is already an OEC. With either cutting options, some weight will be lost so at the end, it may not end up looking as noticeable as you think. What ring size are you?

I'm 5'8" and ring size is a 6. Being taller, I feel like I could definitely pull it off but I'm worried that I'll be concerned about it 24/7 especially since it is an heirloom. Well, I don't know if I'd call it that. It was her mother's engagement ring but she passed away when she was young. Either way, I feel like it would be a huge responsibility trying to keep it safe

 

[lalala]

I'd be having Jonathan recutting it into an August Vintage Round (especially if your current e-ring is a modern round)! Of course, we don't know yet what the diamond is..it might already be an OEC! If it is a modern round, you'll lost a little more weight if you recut into an AVR, but since you aren't after having a huge diamond, that could be perfect IF the stone is a recut candidate. I might not even mention the recutting to the MIL. Most people don't know a thing about diamond faceting and wouldn't even notice the slight change in size when not seeing the stone daily. If she did, I'd just say we had some repolishing done to make it look it's best! Don't use the word recutting, because polishing is a correct term and sounds better!

Lucky you! How nice to receive a special diamond! I'd certainly get it recut/repolished, insure it, and wear it when you feel like it!

(True story...I upgraded from 1 ct to 1.6 and a few extended family noticed. But when I upgraded to 2.3, no one ever said a word and neither did I! They just knew I had a larger diamond, but they didn't notice it's increased size after the first upgrade! That suits me fine, because I also don't care to stand out in the crowd.)

I was actually thinking about that but knowing my luck, something would happen to the diamond when I shipped it to have it repolished.

I'm pretty sure it's a MRB but I'm not 100%.

My current e-ring is .70cts... LOL this will feel like a boat!

 

[lalala]

We had to use a safety deposit box for a year while building out house, we were in the process in of selling and then moving to an apartment so didn’t want to worry about the family jewels. I went with Chase bank for the box which was only $35 for a year! It was perfect and we had no issues. We also have USAA and insured everything through them. Once we had everything appraised we set up insurance, we have one high value ring that we had to get a separate policy for which was a bit of a hassle. USAA had to get several supervisors involved and then sent to the underwriter, it took about a week to get approval.

Also if it’s in the safety box don’t worry about getting it insured, it’s only worth it if you wear it, but if you do decide to have it recut then make sure it is fully insured. I do not think that USAA covers recurring so that is something you will need to check out, I do believe that Jewelers Mutual covers recutting

Good to know! Thank you. I'll have to look into that a little more.

 

[Alexiszoe]

You mentioned it was her mother's engagement ring and she passed away while your MIL was young, so I imagine it must be of great significance to her to pass it on to you, since it's one of the few items to remember her by.

I understand it does sound like a great responsibility wearing such a diamond - perhaps a pendant or a bezeled ring, worn for special occasions could let you enjoy the ring without worries.

 

[lalala]

I think it's perfectly normal to not want it or find it too big right now. When I was in my 20s I was a bit more concerned since most of the people I knew had 1 carat (I had a 3 carat), I was worried about what they were thinking, so it was in the safety deposit box.

Now that I am older, I find that it's too small .

Wait and see the diamond first before you decide if it's a worthwhile candidate for recutting. Sometimes it might yield a substantially smaller diamond, and what you gain in terms of cut improvement may not be a worthy trade off for the drop in size (and price since it may fall below the 3 carat mark).

I also think this is a conversation you need to have with your fiance as recutting can be interpreted by your future mother-in-law that her stone is not great (especially if it's an heirloom piece or means a lot to her), which she might find hurtful. This gift was given out of love, and you don't want the simple act of recutting to cause damage and strain between you, her and your fiance. Talk to him, and if he feels his mother is open to it, put out feelers to see how she feels about it before you pull the trigger.

Thank you! Yes, I will bring it up with her if I do want to get it recut. I just wasn't sure if I should even be thinking about that to bring up. In other words, is recutting an 'heirloom' a big no-no? I do NOT want to offend her in anyway. Our relationship is far more important.

 

[SimoneDi]

I'm 5'8" and ring size is a 6. Being taller, I feel like I could definitely pull it off but I'm worried that I'll be concerned about it 24/7 especially since it is an heirloom. Well, I don't know if I'd call it that. It was her mother's engagement ring but she passed away when she was young. Either way, I feel like it would be a huge responsibility trying to keep it safe

I understand completely...You really have to judge for yourself, but as a very quick solution, you can get an identical CZ ring which obviously you don't have to care for and if you really want a smaller diamond for "every day", then you can get that too. I am not sure what your budget is for the recut, for the setting (if you are to change the existing one) and for a new smaller e-ring, if you still want one. I will say that a friend of a friend has a huge solitaire, I think it is about 3-4ct and she is very petite. She did feel uncomfortable at first wearing it, but with time, it became normal for her. Whatever you decide to do, this is very exciting and we will be looking forward to seeing what you will do

 

[lalala]

You mentioned it was her mother's engagement ring and she passed away while your MIL was young, so I imagine it must be of great significance to her to pass it on to you, since it's one of the few items to remember her by.

I understand it does sound like a great responsibility wearing such a diamond - perhaps a pendant or a bezeled ring, worn for special occasions could let you enjoy the ring without worries.

Yes, it means a lot to her and she even wore it as her engagement ring but my fiance's mother and father separated about 10 years ago. It has been sitting in a safety deposit box since and I think she wants it to be worn and not sitting around.

 

[lalala]

I understand completely...You really have to judge for yourself, but as a very quick solution, you can get an identical CZ ring which obviously you don't have to care for and if you really want a smaller diamond for "every day", then you can get that too. I am not sure what your budget is for the recut, for the setting (if you are to change the existing one) and for a new smaller e-ring, if you still want one. I will say that a friend of a friend has a huge solitaire, I think it is about 3-4ct and she is very petite. She did feel uncomfortable at first wearing it, but with time, it became normal for her. Whatever you decide to do, this is very exciting and we will be looking forward to seeing what you will do

I currently have an e-ring that is .70cts. Which is why 3cts sounds HUGE to me. Maybe I will adjust and decide to wear it now or I can wear my current one and wear the larger one when I see his family and to social events.

I will most certainly keep you updated with the end result!

 

[KKJohnson]

My 4.67 carat marquise is an heirloom passed down to my husband, he did not wish for it to be recut since it was his mothers. She has been deceased for a number of years now but he didn't want the stone changed and a few family members fondly remember her wearing it. I think some people do frown upon recutting heirlooms since they hold more sentimental value.

 

[Rivendell]

The diamond might be perfect just the way it is

 

[lalala]

My 4.67 carat marquise is an heirloom passed down to my husband, he did not wish for it to be recut since it was his mothers. She has been deceased for a number of years now but he didn't want the stone changed and a few family members fondly remember her wearing it. I think some people do frown upon recutting heirlooms since they hold more sentimental value.

Is that your eye diamond? I think that diamond looks SOOO cool.

 

[KKJohnson]

Is that your eye diamond? I think that diamond looks SOOO cool.

Lol yea...that's the thing with glorious heirlooms, you never know how much they will grow on you. Can't wait to see yours! I love the fact it is your MIL's mother ring that is being passed down. The cut should be very interesting considering how old it is

 

[simurgh]

I think you might offend her. I think it's really great that you're thinking of this now. Many people here love ideal cuts, but I think you stand to lose a lot of history - I don think think it's just the stone that has emotional value, but the look, the cut, etc that multiple relatives looked at, loved and attached significance to. I didn't recut a heirloom and wouldn't want to, and I think even in asking you might send the wrong message. (Also, if you're in your 20s with an upgrade and a 3 ct the chances you'll have otter diamonds that could be ideals seems reasonable ) I'd suggest a pendant, as you have (or will have) a ring you love, it's very safe and it can be hidden if you don't want something so blingy.

 

[lalala]

Lol yea...that's the thing with glorious heirlooms, you never know how much they will grow on you. Can't wait to see yours! I love the fact it is your MIL's mother ring that is being passed down. The cut should be very interesting considering how old it is

I hope it looks like an eye! Lol..I'd love for it to be unique. I really love your eye diamond. My apologies for referring to it as your "eye diamond" but I think that's what makes it so interesting! Really just a beautiful diamond!

 

[lalala]

I think you might offend her. I think it's really great that you're thinking of this now. Many people here love ideal cuts, but I think you stand to lose a lot of history - I don think think it's just the stone that has emotional value, but the look, the cut, etc that multiple relatives looked at, loved and attached significance to. I didn't recut a heirloom and wouldn't want to, and I think even in asking you might send the wrong message. (Also, if you're in your 20s with an upgrade and a 3 ct the chances you'll have otter diamonds that could be ideals seems reasonable ) I'd suggest a pendant, as you have (or will have) a ring you love, it's very safe and it can be hidden if you don't want something so blingy.

Yes, the more I'm thinking about it the more I want to keep it in its original state. Honestly, I haven't seen it yet so I'm not sure what to expect. Hopefully it's an old cut or something interesting and not just a poorly cut large diamond.. who knows!? But I'm a planner and I'm planning for the worst. Lol

 

[HappyNewLife]

I can't wait to see it - please post a photo when you receive it. Never say never. I once had a .79 carat ring. Then 1 carat. Then 1.7. Now I'm going up to 2.93. (Granted this was over the course of 15 years, but still...)