Engagement ring purchasing advice non-certified OEC diamond.

[stefank]

Hi,

I need some advice about purchasing an antique old European cut diamond in a Whitehouse Brothers platinum setting. The diamond has not been treated or drilled or altered in any way. It doesn't have any chips. The information I have is as follows:

Color: I
Clarity: Between VS2&SI1.
Carat: 1.85
The diameter of the diamond is 8.1mm.

From reading through this forum, I've come to the conclusion that I should be very cautious on purchasing an non-certified diamond. My girlfriend and I absolutely love the ring. She doesn't care that the diamond isn't certified. I would prefer a certified diamond. I've attached a couple of pictures of the ring that I have taken and have also included a link to the Whitehouse Brothers setting: http://www.whitehousebrothers.com/vintage-engagement-rings/101-8291.html

I'm thinking about possibly buying a loose GIA certified diamond with similar color, clarity, and diameter and having it set in the same setting. I'm worried though, that since it is a modern brilliant cut diamond the look of the ring would be different. We both love the ring and I can get it at the price I am comfortable paying ($15,000) so it'd be nice to not have to go through the hassle of getting one made. Any advice on if I should go the loose diamond route would be greatly appreciated. Also, if I do decide the purchase the ring from the local retailer are there any steps I should take. Should I get it appraised? Ask to get the diamond certified? Do you think this is a fair price?

Just as a note. The jeweler is a highly respected jeweler A+ rating with the BBB. I know many individuals that have done business with them and they are very satisfied.

 

[GemFever]

Re: Engagement ring purchasing advice non-certified OEC diam

Hi,

I'm no pro, so I'll just say what I would do if I were in your shoes. First and foremost, I would absolutely go with an old cut stone in that beautiful setting. Secondly, I would read as much as I can about Old European Cut stones on this site, and look at tons of photos to get educated about what well-performing OECs usually look like -- facet pattern, crown height, size of the table, etc. Thirdly, I'd get the stone appraised by a respected independent appraiser -- I believe you need this for insurance purposes, but also so you know that you're getting what you paid for.

In addition, you maybe could get the stone sent to a lab (EGL or GIA) to get certed, but if the stone is original to the setting, I'm not sure whether the jeweler would want to do that (unsetting the stone). Dunno.

Lastly, I'll say that from the two pics provided, the crown looks a bit small and the table a little too big, but that may be fine if the stone is a transitional cut. Could you try to get better photos and post them here? If you have an iPhone, you could hold a loupe right to the camera of the phone and take a really nice macro pic of the faceting that way. The old-cut experts would probably be able to give you some input on the cut of the stone.

Good luck and have fun!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: Engagement ring purchasing advice non-certified OEC diam

The uncertified diamond is not an issue as long as you can have it independently appraised. I'd send it to someone really good like Neil or David, or Jeff unless you live in a city with known, good independent appraisers. I consider it essential for an uncertified stone and I don't think you can expect them to unset it to send it to GIA. Make it clear that you have to have an unconditional return period with full refund but you need time to get it to an independent appraiser and back. Then call these guys and see who might be able to do the fastest turn around for you.

 

[SB621]

Re: Engagement ring purchasing advice non-certified OEC diam

The uncertified diamond is not an issue as long as you can have it independently appraised. I'd send it to someone really good like Neil or David, or Jeff unless you live in a city with known, good independent appraisers. I consider it essential for an uncertified stone and I don't think you can expect them to unset it to send it to GIA. Make it clear that you have to have an unconditional return period with full refund but you need time to get it to an independent appraiser and back. Then call these guys and see who might be able to do the fastest turn around for you.

+1 as long as the store has a good return policey and you can have it appraised in that timeline then do it. My 5.06ct antique cushion didn't come with a certification, but I bought it from a respected vendor who had a great return policey. I think with most old cuts you will find that they don't come with certs. And if you do have it certed down the road realize that the GIA grading system with older cuts. Go EGL.

EDIT b/c I have horrible "think type"

 

[stefank]

Re: Engagement ring purchasing advice non-certified OEC diam

Thanks everybody for all the wonderful advice! I'm definitely going to speak with the jeweler about getting the ring sent out to get appraised and am going to see what their return policy is. I've attached a couple of higher quality pictures of the ring if that helps out at all.