Color matching with suites of old cuts

[Dreamer_D]

We have talked about the issue of color matching in pairs and suits of modern cuts quite a bit on PS. The general "rule of thumb" seems to be: Try to keep within two color grades when selecting suites of diamonds.

Because the most common modern cuts of diamonds are so readily available, being strict about color matching may not limit the pool of possibilities very much. This may to be particularly the case for MRBs, where standardized facet patterning means that color (and size of course) may be the only relevant variable to consider when matching a suite of stones.

But with old cuts (and other fancies I am sure), setting strict limits on color matching may render your search impossible! Old cuts are each utterly unique in terms of faceting. When trying to match a suite/pair, something has to give, be it color, faceting, or size/shape, or the pool of possibilities will dwindle to.... none!

There seem to be quite a few people who are currently searching, or have searched in the past, for a pair or suite of old cuts. How does/did color enter into your search parameters? If you own a suite of old cuts -- a pair of earrings, a five stone, a three stone -- how closely do the diamonds match in color? Do you notice or even care about the color differences?

 

[EC8]

I found matching old cuts a real challenge; especially as I was looking for OMCs that have the extra hurdle of shape.
I ended searching for a pair (with far less options available) vs. trying to match individually.
For me, facet pattern & shape were most important; I lucked out that the pair I found were only one color grade apart. From the top the color difference is negligible.

 

[Dreamer_D]

@EC8 I'd love to hear more about your project! How large are the diamonds? What colors? And what are your plans for these beauties!

 

[EC8]

@dreamer_dachsie, thanks for your interest!
The stones are I/J color, a bit over 3.5tcw. I am planning on using them in a moi et toi, bypass ring. Close to the final CAD design; both exciting and nerve wracking at the same time.

 

[Queenie60]

This is a suite of 10 OEC 's matched by [email protected]. I have them set into a 3/4 eternity ring. He did a wonderful job of matching J/K stones.
I do not see a color difference at all.

 

[OoohShiny]

Yoram has mentioned on his gemconcepts instagram postings about the difficulty in matching even brand new rough for a suite of old-cut diamonds!

Would such new but old-cut diamonds be an option? IIRC Yoram and his team usually cuts the older styles by eye and for beauty, rather than planning to hit a particular ASET style/target (unless cutting to a proprietary style, such as the August Vintage stones, I assume), so individual stones have their own individual character

 

[GlitterInMyHair]

I had my OEC 5-stone ring made fairly recently by Alex Park. I picked out the center stone and asked Alex to find 4 side stones to match. Maybe I was just lucky that Alex had the right stones in inventory, but he came back with the side stones fairly quickly.

The side stones are 3 H color & 1 J color (on the far right)


And here they are with my center stone, which is I color.


And lastly, here is a video of the finished ring. I think they are match up well in color and pattern. And I don't really notice a discernable difference between the stones (but I'm a diamond newbie).

https://www.instagram.com/p/BsgnVu9nmZX/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=1jmqrcwbp1f7s