Expert help evaluating Antique Cushion/Old Mine cut stone

[Lenovo]

I am debating purchasing this old cut Antique Cushion/Old Mine cut diamond on sale at JBEG for an e-ring.
It is for a size 5 finger.
Can someone give some input on the quality of the stone? I am not deft when it comes to evaluating diamonds (esp NOT OMCs) and would appreciate any information. I did contact JBEG and had some stuff answered, but would also like impartial opinions here.

Some questions I had - how does this compare to a traditional ideal cut round? Is this too big for a size 5 finger to wear daily? What is a fair price for something like this? Is GIA grade needed?

Link for pics and diamond info: http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.com/Jewelry/Rings-Antique-Vintage/306ct-Antique-Cushion-Diamond/31888757_njk3LT#!i=2767078470&k=ZnQnh33

 

[Lenovo]

Re: Expert help evaluating Antique Cushion/Old Mine cut ston

Anyone?

 

[JulieN]

Re: Expert help evaluating Antique Cushion/Old Mine cut ston

It has a lot of character. I like it.

 

[Circe]

Re: Expert help evaluating Antique Cushion/Old Mine cut ston

I adore that ring. I've adored it since I first spotted it in the 3 carat+ thread. I think it's a great stone with a great profile, and I love me an OMC set east-west: when I first saw it, it reminded me very much of PS'r Haven's ring (another fave). I think it would look wonderful on a size 5 finger.

As for whether or not to get it certed ... well, it never hurts. But you'd have to have it unmounted in order to send it to GIA. You could have it graded in the setting if you sent it to EGL (which is the norm for old cuts, both because they're frequently in old rings that would be Humpty-Dumpty'd if someone were to yank the stones for grading, and because EGL's generous acknowledgement of older styles of cutting kept OMCs, OECs, and transitionals from being dinged as poorly cut MRBs). Personally, I think I'd be as comfortable sending it to an appraiser who's very experienced with old cuts. Dave Atlas works with them frequently ... worth exploring?

 

[SB621]

Re: Expert help evaluating Antique Cushion/Old Mine cut ston

My honest and frank opinion coming from someone who has an N/O engagement ring.

I wouldn't give an N/O ring to my finance unless she had seen it and specifcally stated she wanted THAT ring. Antiques diamonds are hard because each facet pattern is different and pending on size color will be more noticable/ less noticable then others. For an N/O/P range color WILL show. Some ppl are ok with that while others aren't. If you are trying to max out on size then I would go to I maybe even L, but an O/P would be off limits for me unless she has seen O/P and stated it was ok.

In regards to this particular AC (and no offense intended to the owner as I know she is a PSer) but I wouldn't buy it. The facet pattern doesn't appeal to me. Though once again this is personal preference. I'm also not a fan of the very large cutlet.

 

[Lenovo]

Re: Expert help evaluating Antique Cushion/Old Mine cut ston

Thanks for all the input.

I think it may be risky to pursue this stone and I am not sure if she will like it for sure. She has never seen a warm colored diamond and I don't want her to feel as though she has to like it after I buy it....I like it myself, but the possibility of her not liking the hue and warmth are definitely there.