Choosing an antique stone for the first time OEC/OMC

[whiteanvil]

Hello everyone!

I've been a MRB fan for years and am wanting an antique stone for fun. Could the OEC / OMC experts and fans chime in to help me pick a stone out of the following (or recommend some?)

I've made appointments to visit GoG and Old World in NY next week.

Everything listed here is in my budget of USD 6-7k.

1. 2.63 ST VS1 OMC (no refunds)
- GIA https://www.gia.edu/report-check?reportno=2195506881

Ring on top of this video

2. 1.88 OEC (no refunds)
- No certificate. Appraiser estimated M N O / SI


3. 1.5 AVR L VS1 Cushion
https://www.augustvintageinc.net/co...vs1-august-vintage-cushion-brilliant-74245451


4. 1.63 AVR L VS2 Cushion
https://www.augustvintageinc.net/co...2-august-vintage-cushion-brilliant-4268-0116a

 

[Diamondbug]

I love, love AVCs so my vote would be for the AVC. It is a vintage cut with perfect optics. Have you seen the videos on the AVCs? Jonathan has done a few of the 1.63L. I nearly bought this stone, but ended getting a slightly bigger AVC.

 

[eapj]

I am not an expert but do have a couple of OECs. I love that they’re imperfect and a bit wonky. I think when you see them in person you’ll know if you love the uniqueness of a truly older stone or the perfect optics of a modernly cut vintage style. There is no right answer, just what you love!

 

[whiteanvil]

I love, love AVCs so my vote would be for the AVC. It is a vintage cut with perfect optics. Have you seen the videos on the AVCs? Jonathan has done a few of the 1.63L. I nearly bought this stone, but ended getting a slightly bigger AVC.

Ooh nice can you share photos of your AVC in the wild?

 

[missy]

They are very different. AVC=optical perfection plus the shape and faceting is different than OECs. AVR=OEC with perfect faceting.

Which shape/faceting do you love more?

I definitely think you need to see as many as you can in person and to that end Adam at OWD is a great guy to visit. He has the largest selection of OECs and OMCs and his inventory is impressive.

Then you can decide if you prefer the old world charm of an OEC or OMC or optical perfection in a newly cut AVR/AVC.

Good luck and share lots of photos with us.

 

[Diamondbug]

Emmmm... in the wild?.... does these count as in the wild? Colors are as is, no edits other that cropping. Sorry the ring needs cleaning.... I'm a bad mom!

 

[missy]

Emmmm... in the wild?.... does these count as in the wild? Colors are as is, no edits other that cropping. Sorry the ring needs cleaning.... I'm a bad mom!

STUNNING.
And your setting is TDF too.

 

[Diamondbug]

STUNNING.
And your setting is TDF too.

Thank you missy, means a lot coming from someone with great taste!!

 

[whiteanvil]

Emmmm... in the wild?.... does these count as in the wild? Colors are as is, no edits other that cropping. Sorry the ring needs cleaning.... I'm a bad mom!

Gah amazing and very unique stack.

Do you mind me asking what colour your AVC is?

 

[Diamondbug]

Gah amazing and very unique stack.

Do you mind me asking what colour your AVC is?

It is a K.

 

[Dreamer_D]

I would not buy a stone of this size and value with no refunds.

 

[whiteanvil]

I would not buy a stone of this size and value with no refunds.

If it is a private seller on LoupeTroop/Diamond Bistro, how should I handle a middle ground method to ship it to me to look at so both parties don't feel like we're running off with no recourse?

 

[Dreamer_D]

If it is a private seller on LoupeTroop/Diamond Bistro, how should I handle a middle ground method to ship it to me to look at so both parties don't feel like we're running off with no recourse?

You can use an appraiser who is willing to act as an escrow service. PS member Denver Appraiser offers this service. Buyer pays appraiser, who lets seller know the money has arrives. Seller ships to appraiser. Appraiser evaluated the diamond and communicates the findings to the buyer. Once buyer is satisfied, they alert the appraiser, who then ships them the diamond and transfers the money to the seller. If the buyer is not satisfied, appraiser ships diamond back to seller and returns money to buyer.

 

[elizat]

Fun project and such different flavors!

The first two are going to be much warmer for sure. The first is a pretty stone and a nice price, but that range is much more tinted than the others. How important is that to you?

My preference for old cuts is K at the highest usually and I have through an M. I would go to n too, but o and p colors have different tinting patterns of more yellow, brown, etc.

I think seeing them in person with Adam is great. He is lovely to work with.

Similar to what @missy said, such different looks in original v antique style. I prefer actual antique stones and I really love the more rustic old miners. But it's what you like best. I think the AV stones are beautiful though.

 

[whiteanvil]

You can use an appraiser who is willing to act as an escrow service. PS member Denver Appraiser offers this service. Buyer pays appraiser, who lets seller know the money has arrives. Seller ships to appraiser. Appraiser evaluated the diamond and communicates the findings to the buyer. Once buyer is satisfied, they alert the appraiser, who then ships them the diamond and transfers the money to the seller. If the buyer is not satisfied, appraiser ships diamond back to seller and returns money to buyer.

Thanks for the run down. I'll try find one in NYC after the entire diamond district returns from their holidays!

 

[whiteanvil]

Fun project and such different flavors!

The first two are going to be much warmer for sure. The first is a pretty stone and a nice price, but that range is much more tinted than the others. How important is that to you?

My preference for old cuts is K at the highest usually and I have through an M. I would go to n too, but o and p colors have different tinting patterns of more yellow, brown, etc.

I think seeing them in person with Adam is great. He is lovely to work with.

Similar to what @missy said, such different looks in original v antique style. I prefer actual antique stones and I really love the more rustic old miners. But it's what you like best. I think the AV stones are beautiful though.

I'm a tiny bit worried about the S/T colour since the cut would really need to elevate it. I like warm, but not sure if I would dip that far down!

I have a very white, flashy MRB and I just want something as different from that as possible because, why not

Saw an O/P stone from Adam and it was a beautifully cut 5ct... it was amazing. Though that might have been because it was humongous.

 

[AV_]

There should be more colour in an AVC than AVR - if not much. I do not remember any comparison between the two in this colour range @Rhino but there does exist at least one CBI whereabouts (O-P) called 'Pari'...

2p

There is a muddle of light & colour in these - like old masters put it.

 

[marymm]

Below your budget but if you are open to O color I highly recommend you take a look at Jon's 1.591ct O-VS2 August Vintage Cushion. I bought it and examined it in person, and it is gorgeous! The color is an ivory/cream and the performance (as would be expected) is phenomenal. The shape is a pleasingly plump rectangle cushion and I was really just blown away with its beauty.
https://www.augustvintageinc.net/co...vs2-august-vintage-cushion-brilliant-74193915

I already owned Jon's 1.5ct P-SIA August Vintage Cushion (bought preloved from a PSer), and purchased the 1.591ct O-VS2 thinking I might do a Toi et Moi ring with the two AVCs. Well, there was a decided difference in color, with the O noticeably lighter, and the O cushion was also a bit more plump as compared to the P shape. I liked the two cushions together but realistically these two together in one ring would be too much diamond for me to comfortably wear every day. I really wished I could justify keeping the O cushion however, it was that special.

If you time it right, you could buy Jon's diamond, and bring it with to Good Old Gold and Old World Diamonds to further evaluate it. Certainly it is priced well for your budget. Anyway, I am sure you will find something that makes your heart sing - enjoy your diamond appointments next week!

 

[whiteanvil]

If you time it right, you could buy Jon's diamond, and bring it with to Good Old Gold and Old World Diamonds to further evaluate it. Certainly it is priced well for your budget. Anyway, I am sure you will find something that makes your heart sing - enjoy your diamond appointments next week!

Have asked him to bring it next week

 

[whiteanvil]

What do people think of the maltese cross apparent in this Canera?
https://www.jewelsbygrace.com/1-54ct-canera-branded-cushion-cut-diamond-ags-j-vvs2

I looked at Canera's selection and they all have a prominent maltese cross, is that just the angle by which it was taken from?

 

[pokerface]

@Diamondbug, I can't seem to find the info on your ruby stacker band. Please share - it's beautiful!!

 

[Diamondbug]

@Diamondbug, I can't seem to find the info on your ruby stacker band. Please share - it's beautiful!!

Thank you. The amazing David Klass made it a few years back. I sketched out the design and David made it happen. He used the gold from my husband's and my wedding bands to make it. He sourced out the rubies and they are the perfect color. I think he has made it for others with different colored stones.