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sparks1007

Shiny_Rock
Joined
Aug 18, 2013
Messages
149
Hi All!

I've been trawling the web for hours for weeks and have found a couple of options. My requirements were an OEC or OMC around 1ct (facing up at no less than 6mm - I have chubby fingers), low colour (prefer lower than J) and a little pillowy shape. My budget has continuously crept upwards.

I want a three stone similar to this style and would have it custom made with two OMC stones (instead of sapphires) in the millgrain bezel setting and an OEC/OMC in the centre (am tending to OEC). All in 18k yellow gold with some engraving on the shank.



I also attach a photo of the approx 0.66ctw OMC side stones. They're not a 100% perfect match but will be. Graded VS1, G (but perhaps a little lower which is not an issue).



Now.... I have been working with a fantastic vendor who many of you have been positive about. I am now torn over centre stone options. I will post a different post for each option and look forward to your feedback. :)

inspiration_3.jpg

omc_sides.jpg
 
Option 1

I am waiting for a video of the centre stone but currently considering the below.

The vendor will custom design the ring for me (CAD) and so far all the diamonds I am considering are from the same vendor - so, a package deal.

I have been quoted $5,000 all in (stones, setting) if I use this stone.



EGLUSA (LA) cert
Weight: 1.30ct
Size: 6.94 x 6.74 x 4.44 mm
Depth: 64.9%
Table: 48%
Crown: 20.0%
Pavillion: 41.2%
Girdle: Very thin to medium
Culet: Small
Polish: Good
Symmetry: Good
Clarity: VS2
Colour: K
Fluorescence: None

oec_option_1.jpg
 
Option 2

Same vendor. Again, I don't mind the colour issue - as long as the stone is warm in tone that's all I want. I do have a video of this stone which I can post if people think it's worth exploring - want to see it.

Total package cost is $3,400.



EGLUSA (LA) cert:
Weight: 1.02ct
Size: 6.27 x 6.17 x 4.04 mm
Depth: 65.0%
Table: 51%
Crown: 19.9%
Pavillion: 41.2%
Girdle: Thin to medium
Culet: Medium
Polish: Good
Symmetry: Good
Clarity: SI2 (a white feather and white pinpricks, 100% eye clean from all angles at over 2-3 inches)
Colour: I
Fluorescence: None

oec_option_2.jpg
 
Option 3

I don't have much info on this stone. It's from a different vendor so I would think it will push total cost to over $5,000. The stone is $4,100 (wouldn't be buying the setting).

It's a lovely looking stone (really beautiful) but using one vendor would be easiest and most economical. Looking at comparing like for like I guess this is similar to the 1.30ct in Option 1?







EGL (no cert yet)
Weight: 1.27ct
Size: 6.73 x 6.59 x 4.57mm
Clarity: SI1
Colour: K

oec_option_3a.jpg

oec_option_3b.jpg

oec_option_3c.jpg
 
Sorry, perhaps I should have been more specific here.

Could you please give me any feedback on these three options? I'm torn as to which stone to go for.

I like the 1.30ct for its size, colour (will the EGL K face up warm?) and clarity but it would be good to hear opinions on the faceting image. I can post a video when I get it too. I'm just not sure if the size jump is worth the extra cost?

Thanks!
 
I like option 1 or 3. 2 faces up too small. If the vendor has a good custom bench, then 1 would be my choice as I personally love the faceting and yes, the EGL J will likely be warm. Ask you vendor to tell you what they think the GIA color grade would (accurately) is it lower or on target. A good ethical vendor will tell you.
 
Thanks Gypsy. My guess is that the EGL K will be more like a GIA M? That would be nice as the warmer the better for me. I will ask about how it would compare to a GIA.

As for the benchwork - I'm not going to say it's as finessed as VC et al. but I like the look of their work and for the cost I'm happy. Plus, I'm not asking for anything too complex/detailed (some engraving on the shank which I know they can do and some millgrain to be applied after casting) so I know they will do a good job on that. They have been an absolute pleasure to work with as well.
 
Two things.
There's no set formula about what EGL grade equals in GIA. If there was, there would be consistency. The whole problem with EGL is that they are inconsistent. It could be 5 grades off, it could be one grade off, it could be no grades off.

That's why I said have them compare it to GIA Master grading stones (if they have them).

Keep in mind that most average sets of Master grading stones don't go down farther than N. So if they tell you it's lower than N but they aren't sure how much, they are probably speaking the truth, because their color grading set doesn't go down that far.
 
Thanks again Gypsy. Really appreciate your input. I hadn't thought of it in that way. I know it's hard to say without GIA to be 100% sure you're getting what you think you are, but does the total cost sound reasonable? I mean, it sounds fair to me but a clue as to whether it's way off would be good. Thanks!
 
No expert here, but the prices seem good.
I think you will have a very pretty, unique ring. Be sure to post the final product.
 
AnnaH|1383750681|3551587 said:
No expert here, but the prices seem good.
I think you will have a very pretty, unique ring. Be sure to post the final product.

Thanks AnnaH. Unique is what I'm after. :)
 
Vendor thinks that it is around the GIA M mark which is fine by me. :)

I did get a video of it but it's not the best video so will ask for some additional footage. I am starting to feel really bad though - I have changed my mind over the centre stone several times. Then my budget went up so I could look at this bigger stone. The vendor must hate me :( It's just such a lot of money to spend and returning it won't be an option so I have to get it right. :( I must have sent the poor guy a million messages.
 
sparks1007|1383785095|3551895 said:
Vendor thinks that it is around the GIA M mark which is fine by me. :)

I did get a video of it but it's not the best video so will ask for some additional footage. I am starting to feel really bad though - I have changed my mind over the centre stone several times. Then my budget went up so I could look at this bigger stone. The vendor must hate me :( It's just such a lot of money to spend and returning it won't be an option so I have to get it right. :( I must have sent the poor guy a million messages.


See... when you are working with a reputable jeweler... peace of mind.

Post pics when you have them.
 
I have some videos but I'm really paranoid about people seeing the videos and "stealing" my stone :errrr: :lol: :lol: :errrr:
 
Can you put a hold on the stone? If not, then I agree that you should not post the video.
There are quite a few old cut experts on this forum who can give you adivce from a good photo or video.
 
Thanks AnnaH. I hope to put it on hold this weekend.

I wonder if anyone has any further comments based on the photo and info provided for option 1?
 
I think I would just make sure that those table facets are going on and off in an active pattern when you see it in person. They do seem to be off (dark) quite a bit of the time in the video and pictures.

ETA: It's sort of hard to explain that in an easier way so just evaluate for overall darkness and facets that stay off and don't turn back on in the table area.

The faceting is very pretty otherwise.
 
Hmmm.... I do see what you mean about some facets staying off at times but it seemed much better in the office lighting video. I don't have a massive budget (by PS standards) and for what I want (three stone) this seems to be the best option that I could find within budget. This is a respected PS vendor and others have been positive about the quality of the stones. The vendor has been frank about answering my questions and has said that this is a great stone so, to a certain extent (given that I cannot view in person) I need to go on reputation and vendor opinion. Gulp. Fingers crossed. :)
 
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