Can you tell me if I'm on the right track?

[Desertrose]

Most of my collecting and interest has previously been in colored stones. But I'm getting more and more into diamonds and need some advice! Let me know if I'm on the right track in what I think I want:

I *think* I'm looking for an antique cushion or OEC. I like flowery chunky facets, and a white or creamy look overall, with lots of pastel rainbow highlights. I don't think the kozibe effect is as important to me. I think I would like fluorescence to give added brightness.

I have smaller fingers, 4.75-5.25 for ring fingers, and I don't want an ostentatious stone, more a moderate size appropriate for all kinds of situations. So I was thinking a 1-2 ct would be plenty, maybe with side stones. And perhaps the stone should be on the shallower side as I like very low settings. I would prefer roll-over or bezel types settings, in yellow gold.

This one for sale from Gem Rocks is I think the direction I might like, except with a smaller stone, and with a lower seat on the finger, and yellow gold. https://loupetroop.com/listings/rin...n-cvb-august-vintage-cushion-avc-diamond-ring
This one is out of my price range as well.

Does it sound like I'm on the right track in identifying the right stone type for me? Any other things I should think about or questions I should be answering? Thanks!

 

[MarionC]

I like the way you are thinking! That diamond on LT is gorgeous and I imagine you would be very happy with one in your price range that has similar attributes.
In any event you will definitely have fun looking and researching.
I guess if I had any advice it would be to go to the higher end of your comfortable size range. I am like you and don’t want anything too showy, but you still was something large enough to enjoy the facet pattern.

 

[Desertrose]

Thanks Jimmianne for the tips! That makes sense to get something at the higher range - then I won't be feeling the need to upgrade soon too.

If I'm using yellow gold, should I choose a diamond in a certain color range?

 

[valeria101]

.

There could be colour in the diamonds too, including the colour of gold - WWW ...

 

[foxinsox]

Thanks Jimmianne for the tips! That makes sense to get something at the higher range - then I won't be feeling the need to upgrade soon too.

If I'm using yellow gold, should I choose a diamond in a certain color range?

I would recommend prioritising the facet patterning and specs that appeal to you over the colour range - anything colourless is going to pop beautifully in YG and even a lower colour will still face up whiter than its colour grade since OECs are weird like that. OECs have such a range of personalities from their faceting that I think that’s the first thing to look at.
What’s your budget and preferences for specs?

 

[Desertrose]

Hi Foxinsox,
That's good to know about color range. I have seen some L's and M's that seem too low for me, but maybe in a YG setting that wouldn't matter...

I'd like to find something up to the 2-3 thousand range. I'm fine with inclusions, nothing glaring but some is fine. I want both the good chunky sparkle and the pastel rainbows, without coldness in the color. What would that be in specs?

 

[Desertrose]

This ring just popped up on LT from CvB -
https://loupetroop.com/listings/rin...mple-18yg-rc-diamond-asilomar-ring-0-dot-7ctw

This isn't an old cut but I thought it's pretty. And it's yellow gold and sits low as I prefer.

How do rose cuts perform generally? Is this a good price for the finished ring?

 

[RetroTreeGal]

This ring just popped up on LT from CvB -
https://loupetroop.com/listings/rin...mple-18yg-rc-diamond-asilomar-ring-0-dot-7ctw

This isn't an old cut but I thought it's pretty. And it's yellow gold and sits low as I prefer.

How do rose cuts perform generally? Is this a good price for the finished ring?

Rose cuts are a VERY different animal. They more "glow" than flash, and they act a lot like a window, so you WILL see your skin below it.

Edit to add: https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/rose-cut-diamond.164227/
Some people love them, but they are very different. I recommend seeing them in person before deciding on a rose cut.

 

[ringo865]

And yes that is a good price for one of caysie's rings.

 

[Desertrose]

Thanks RetroTreeGal and Ringo...I decided since I really want an antique cushion I shouldn't do an impulse purchase on the CvB...so some other lucky person got it!

Here's one I am looking at - what do you think from these photos?

 

[Desertrose]

More pics...

And she is saying it's "near colorless" and close to a J...no GIA papers. SI range.

 

[Desertrose]

I don't want a diamond that looks "cold", and I don't mind minor inclusions. Thoughts about this one and the price?

 

[MarionC]

It looks very pretty in the hand shots, but close up hopefully what it needs is a good cleaning.

 

[elle_71125]

Thanks RetroTreeGal and Ringo...I decided since I really want an antique cushion I shouldn't do an impulse purchase on the CvB...so some other lucky person got it!

Here's one I am looking at - what do you think from these photos?

I almost posted this earlier but I wasn't sure if you were looking for an elongated cushion or not. My personal preference is for elongated. For a square cushion, I think this one is really nice (and won't break the bank like all the other ones I love). :roll

 

[Desertrose]

Yes Jimmianne, the seller mentioned it is dirty in the photos, so that is some of the mess seen in the close up photo. She said the inclusions are the white dots at 5, 7, and 10 o'clock.

Elle - that's so funny, I was thinking the same thing! I think elongated cushions are my favorite too. Great minds lol!

I think I'm getting too desperate too quickly - I need to wait for the right one to come along. It's just so hard to wait!!!

 

[elle_71125]

Yes Jimmianne, the seller mentioned it is dirty in the photos, so that is some of the mess seen in the close up photo. She said the inclusions are the white dots at 5, 7, and 10 o'clock.

Elle - that's so funny, I was thinking the same thing! I think elongated cushions are my favorite too. Great minds lol!

I think I'm getting too desperate too quickly - I need to wait for the right one to come along. It's just so hard to wait!!!

I hear you! I would love an August vintage cushion but they are so expensive. I fell in love with August vintage inc (and if you haven't already seen those cushions, good luck to you). Unfortunately for me, my finger demands a level of "proper" coverage that my bank account can't back up. The ones that I see and love on LT are always way out of my budget (and they are still good prices...just out of my current range).

I'm trying to save my pennies (bahahaha...) so that I can buy one that I really love some day.

 

[MarionC]

Desertrose and elle, i know exaxtly what you mean! After starting to spend time on PS I’ve had a lot of impulse buys.
Not to criticize the seller, but I wonder why she wouldn’t take two minutes to clean the diamond rather than show it in that condition and mention it’s not clean.
It would be nice to see it closeup and clean.

 

[foxinsox]

How much is she asking for it? What’s the return policy like? It looks good (albeit filthy) in the pics and I really like that facet pattern. The shape is beautiful too.

 

[Desertrose]

Thanks Elle for commiserating! I really can't afford what I'd want to get, at this point at least. So then I wonder, do I get something that isn't ideal, or wait until I can get what I really want? What if that takes years?...

Jimmianne, I also felt that when you are selling something for thousands you should put a little effort into it, and do a nice presentation. Especially to be able to clearly see the facet pattern. Another issue it it is uncertified - and there are many recent threads here on PS that mention the issues with buying uncerted stones. Especially when you are buying from a private person, and have no recourse if there are any issues.

Foxinsox - she's asking around $4k, and said she really couldn't budge. Since this is a private seller in Europe (and I'm in the US) I doubt returns would be possible. It is a pretty stone, but for that price and uncerted, I'm just not comfortable.

 

[foxinsox]

Foxinsox - she's asking around $4k, and said she really couldn't budge. Since this is a private seller in Europe (and I'm in the US) I doubt returns would be possible. It is a pretty stone, but for that price and uncerted, I'm just not comfortable.

Ooh yeah for that, I’d be fairly uncomfortable too! It would be different if you could see it and compare it to other stones whose colours you know and if you could confirm the schmutz is not actually inclusions galore.
If you’re in the US, you could try contacting some of the specialist old diamond dealers like Old World Diamonds, Love Affair or there’s a newish vendor who has good prices and nice stones, Parks Fine Group and see what may not be listed on their sites?
I think upthread you said your budget is $2-3k and you’d like to get 1-2 ct? Do you know what colours you’re comfortable with? The higher ones aren’t going to be likely with that budget but you may well get something nice in the MNO or lower range.

 

[RetroTreeGal]

Thanks Elle for commiserating! I really can't afford what I'd want to get, at this point at least. So then I wonder, do I get something that isn't ideal, or wait until I can get what I really want? What if that takes years?...

Jimmianne, I also felt that when you are selling something for thousands you should put a little effort into it, and do a nice presentation. Especially to be able to clearly see the facet pattern. Another issue it it is uncertified - and there are many recent threads here on PS that mention the issues with buying uncerted stones. Especially when you are buying from a private person, and have no recourse if there are any issues.

Foxinsox - she's asking around $4k, and said she really couldn't budge. Since this is a private seller in Europe (and I'm in the US) I doubt returns would be possible. It is a pretty stone, but for that price and uncerted, I'm just not comfortable.

You just listed 3 reasons why you should pass on this purchase.

1-it's not what you really want, it's just sort of " good enough for now"
2-uncertified means you have no idea if you're actually getting and thus if it's a decent deal or not
3-it's a final sale based on photos alone.​

It's a no from me.

 

[totallyfree]

If you're not 100% sure on an antique cut, or you're not quite there with budget, Jon at August Vintage has a stimulant variety which might help you make a decision at a lower price point (apologise for linking to the M-word, but it seems like it might be a good fit for the OP's situation!)
https://www.augustvintageinc.net/august-vintage-moissanite

 

[Desertrose]

Foxinsox - On further thought, my budget could probably go a bit higher. The $4k price of that cushion was at the top of what I'd want to do at this time...though for the right stone, who knows! Don't tell the DH !

I've checked out LAD, JbG, and just checked out OWD and sent them an email, thanks for the tip. I wish OWD had more photos on their website! It makes it hard to shop there. I'll see how they respond to my inquiry.

Colorwise I either want a white looking stone, or yellow, but not really in-between. I'm open to either end of the spectrum.

RetroTreeGal - thanks for the back up! Yes, it's just to much of a gamble at that price. I'd rather have the option of returns. I haven't seen a lot of antique cushions in person, so I might find out that certain qualities are more important to me than I realize, after seeing a few. I don't want to plan to buy and return stones, but I do want that option open for a high cost item.

Thanks Totallyfree for the tip, but I am set on a real diamond.

I did find this ring, it has a .92 cushion cut, light yellow, I2. I'm not seeing the inclusions in the photos or video. Here are some photos from the listing and links to the videos:

youtu.be/2dUxUOwUlF0

youtu.be/fOzQ-TLsCO0

 

[Desertrose]

more photos and the specs (and do these specs look legit?):

 

[Desertrose]

Things I like about this ring:

-cushion cut antique stone
-18k yellow gold, looks rich and buttery
-white side diamonds seem to make yellow cushion more pronounced in color
-hand carved one of kind design
-low, rollover setting
-price - around $2500 for the whole ring, not just diamond
-great return policy, free sizing, free 12 month maintenance and polish

Things I don't like about it:
-cushion cut looks a bit asymmetrical
-not a super big stone

Thoughts?

 

[Desertrose]

Happy New Year! Hope you all had a fun New Years eve, we sure did, and I'm feeling it today

Any thoughts about this ring and the center antique cushion?