Go shopping for me for an OEC! (Please help!)

[OECtime]

Hi all,

I've been a long-time lurker and admirer and now I'm finally engaged, but without the ring! I know that I for sure want an OEC because I can't get enough of the gorgeous faceting, but I'm still a total novice when it comes to determining the best stones.

Here's what I'm looking for: J or better color, SI1 or better clarity, beautiful flowery faceting, as big as possible for budget. Speaking of budget... the shopping budget is $12,000, give or take, for the whole thing (stone and setting).

I love older settings, not set high - picture frame settings or the squared off settings - like this: http://www.doyledoyle.com/cgi-bin/c...DGCommTemplates/HTN/Item_ring_eng.html&sn=eng

I've tried on the ring above and I thought it was gorgeous, but I don't know if it's a "good" OEC. I've also had my eye on this stone: http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.c...amond/28655002_SrcbCX#!i=2430913455&k=V6VbnF7

Thoughts? Suggestions? We're ready to make a move and get a ring, I just need advice from the experts!!

 

[Loves Vintage]

Hi There,

I will let the OEC experts comment on the diamonds, though I am not sure the photos of the ring linked with be sufficient. I will just say I think the JBEG stone you posted is gorgeous! Very pretty faceting. I noticed it previously on their site too.

I really like the ring you linked too. The square-ish setting is called an illusion setting, though I think there is another name for it as well that is escaping me at the moment. It's always been a favorite style of mine.

It looks like it's a new vintage-style setting. The only thing I would suggest, if you haven't already, is to try on some real vintage rings as well. I love the feel of a vintage ring. I haven't tried many new vintage-style rings, but there's a distinctly different feel (to me anyway) of a new (cast?) setting vs. a vintage (hand made) setting.

I might email JBEG about the stone, and see if by chance, they have any illusion settings?

Hope I haven't complicated matters.

ETA: Nevermind! I just looked at the link again, and it appears it is a vintage ring! Ignore me!

 

[AnnaH]

Oec, very exciting. I do not know enough to advice but own some oecs that i really enjoy. There are many experts here who will help. You will be bearing from them soon. No doubt. I think you have a nice budget and can find what you want. Will enjoy following your search. Good luck. Hope you have fun.

 

[Niel]

This one has the specs you want and s beautiful setting! I'd get a lot more info though and free with caution as there isn't a return pol

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Platinum-Ring-Old-European-Cut-1-28-H-VS2-EGL-USA-French-Cut-Diamonds-/271243096571

 

[LibbyLA]

OECtime,

Congratulations. You have a healthy budget and should be able to get a beautiful diamond and ring for that. Did you see this one? http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.com/Jewelry/Rings-Antique-Vintage/229-Old-Eureopan-Cut-Diamond/29827214_KJRhJX#!i=2562776689&k=TWFtfsk (right under budget!). There are some gorgeous complete rings at JbEG.

Loves Vintage: Fishtail prongs... That one's not exactly an illusion setting because it's not bigger than the diamond all the way around.

Niel, that's a beautiful setting, but there's not a single photo of that diamond head-on and I suspect there's a reason for that. The main photo just doesn't have antique-y look to the diamond for some reason. I'm not an expert by any means, but something just doesn't look quite right.

liz

 

[Niel]

OECtime,

Congratulations. You have a healthy budget and should be able to get a beautiful diamond and ring for that. Did you see this one? http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.com/Jewelry/Rings-Antique-Vintage/229-Old-Eureopan-Cut-Diamond/29827214_KJRhJX#!i=2562776689&k=TWFtfsk (right under budget!). There are some gorgeous complete rings at JbEG.

Loves Vintage: Fishtail prongs... That one's not exactly an illusion setting because it's not bigger than the diamond all the way around.

Niel, that's a beautiful setting, but there's not a single photo of that diamond head-on and I suspect there's a reason for that. The main photo just doesn't have antique-y look to the diamond for some reason. I'm not an expert by any means, but something just doesn't look quite right.

liz

I agree like I said lots more info before I could actually recommend it, but never hurts to ask for more pics or something.

 

[OECtime]

Thanks all for the suggestions thus far. I love the french cut side stones on the eBay ring, but I don't know that I'd like a bezel setting for my ring.

Also, the JBEG 2.29 is such a pretty setting, but I don't think I can make the leap to P/Q! I know it says that it faces up much whiter, but still - maybe too low a color for me.

I've written the ladies at JBEG for advice on this one: http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.c...amond/28013544_Jrqg2T#!i=2371317110&k=tFRFkXf because the L color scares me. But it does look quite pretty (a much simpler setting than I'd originally envisioned, but doesn't have to be forever setting!)

 

[Snowdrop13]

I love that last 1.91 ct, it looks very white in the pics too! Think someone on here is selling it, have seen it mentioned in Pre-loved??

 

[ForteKitty]

This one has the specs you want and s beautiful setting! I'd get a lot more info though and free with caution as there isn't a return pol

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Platinum-Ring-Old-European-Cut-1-28-H-VS2-EGL-USA-French-Cut-Diamonds-/271243096571

Heck no. That one has a 66% table, and the facet pattern looks like a poorly cut MRB with a culet. There's a reason why there aren't any pictures of it facing directly at the camera. It probably looks like crap. The setting is pretty, but the overall ring is way overpriced.

 

[SB621]

This one has the specs you want and s beautiful setting! I'd get a lot more info though and free with caution as there isn't a return pol

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Platinum-Ring-Old-European-Cut-1-28-H-VS2-EGL-USA-French-Cut-Diamonds-/271243096571

Heck no. That one has a 66% table, and the facet pattern looks like a poorly cut MRB with a culet. There's a reason why there aren't any pictures of it facing directly at the camera. It probably looks like crap. The setting is pretty, but the overall ring is way overpriced.

+1 I don't like the look of that one at all

I would contact Adam at OWD with your specs to see what he has. JbEG has been posting some lovely OEC's lately. Sorry I didn't read through your entire post so you might already be in touch with them. If not I think they have more inventory then what is currently on their site.

 

[ruby59]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Very-Rare-Italian-Antique-2-15CT-Old-European-Cut-Solitaire-Diamond-Gold-Ring-/350844854476?pt=UK_Jewellery_Watches_FineJewellery_CA&hash=item51affba0cc

Not sure how you feel about the color. But it is listed as a true auction, and it is a lot of ring at a possible good price. And a true antique, which are getting rarer to find.

 

[melz]

I think the 1.91 is this but the clarity doesn't match up? I feel like I saw a discussion about that though.

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/newly-engaged-with-a-lovely-oec.182420/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/newly-engaged-with-a-lovely-oec.182420/[/URL]

Anyway OECtime, that first diamond you posted from JBEG was lovely! I think that's the one I had a discussion with them about awhile back, and it came recommended.

 

[OECtime]

Yes, that 1.91 is the same ring - and it looks to be beautiful. I wrote to Erica about the color and she said it faces up anywhere from white to ivory with a hint of warmth.

She also sent links to several other loose diamonds on the site, and now my mind is spinning, because they all look quite pretty. I'm not entirely sure how to judge between the different stones in the 1.5+ range on the JBEG site that are within my price range. I know that, to a certain extent, it's really just personal preference, and what "speaks" to you, but if anyone has thoughts on the "best" of the 1.5+ stones, I'd appreciate the input!

 

[Mayk]

This one has the specs you want and s beautiful setting! I'd get a lot more info though and free with caution as there isn't a return pol

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Platinum-Ring-Old-European-Cut-1-28-H-VS2-EGL-USA-French-Cut-Diamonds-/271243096571

Heck no. That one has a 66% table, and the facet pattern looks like a poorly cut MRB with a culet. There's a reason why there aren't any pictures of it facing directly at the camera. It probably looks like crap. The setting is pretty, but the overall ring is way overpriced.

+1 I don't like the look of that one at all

I would contact Adam at OWD with your specs to see what he has. JbEG has been posting some lovely OEC's lately. Sorry I didn't read through your entire post so you might already be in touch with them. If not I think they have more inventory then what is currently on their site.

+1111 I love the G at JbEG. I wouldn't consider anything without decent pictures and more importantly a option to return! Dangerous!

 

[Enerchi]

This one has the specs you want and s beautiful setting! I'd get a lot more info though and free with caution as there isn't a return pol

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Platinum-Ring-Old-European-Cut-1-28-H-VS2-EGL-USA-French-Cut-Diamonds-/271243096571

Heck no. That one has a 66% table, and the facet pattern looks like a poorly cut MRB with a culet. There's a reason why there aren't any pictures of it facing directly at the camera. It probably looks like crap. The setting is pretty, but the overall ring is way overpriced.

+1 I don't like the look of that one at all

I would contact Adam at OWD with your specs to see what he has. JbEG has been posting some lovely OEC's lately. Sorry I didn't read through your entire post so you might already be in touch with them. If not I think they have more inventory then what is currently on their site.

+1111 I love the G at JbEG. I wouldn't consider anything without decent pictures and more importantly a option to return! Dangerous!

Another +1 to the JbEG. And for what it's worth, I'd rely on the OEC experts for advice....

 

[pandabee]

Thanks all for the suggestions thus far. I love the french cut side stones on the eBay ring, but I don't know that I'd like a bezel setting for my ring.

Also, the JBEG 2.29 is such a pretty setting, but I don't think I can make the leap to P/Q! I know it says that it faces up much whiter, but still - maybe too low a color for me.

I've written the ladies at JBEG for advice on this one: http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.c...amond/28013544_Jrqg2T#!i=2371317110&k=tFRFkXf because the L color scares me. But it does look quite pretty (a much simpler setting than I'd originally envisioned, but doesn't have to be forever setting!)

I'm glad you already saw this because I was just about to link to this one! I would trust the opinion of the JbEG ladies on the color as they see tons of OECs come and go. I remember seeing posts of that one in threads here on PS and it does look very white for an L! IMHO I think that color tends to suit old cuts quite well. It'd also leave a healthy budget for a setting!

 

[OECtime]

I'm glad you already saw this because I was just about to link to this one! I would trust the opinion of the JbEG ladies on the color as they see tons of OECs come and go. I remember seeing posts of that one in threads here on PS and it does look very white for an L! IMHO I think that color tends to suit old cuts quite well. It'd also leave a healthy budget for a setting!

I am going on vacation tomorrow with my fiance and we're going to look together at the following stones (just through the internet, obviously!):

http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.c...amond/30528117_n2f8SS#!i=2634327179&k=kHrj27T

http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.c...amond/30528281_jq2wKQ#!i=2633409294&k=DXFfB2m

http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.c...amond/28013544_Jrqg2T#!i=2371317110&k=tFRFkXf

I think, at least for now, we'll focus on our budget on the stone, and then upgrade the setting later. Unless people think it makes more sense to go a bit smaller on the diamond and spend more on a setting? I, like a lot of people here, LOVE this gorgeous solitaire: https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/1-6-ct-omc-from-owd-in-rg-by-lm.176760/ and while I am looking for an OEC instead of an OMC, and want white gold or platinum, I think, if I don't go vintage looking, that's pretty much what I'd go for.

So. When I'm back in the States, maybe I can call one of the stones listed above in to take a look in person. Hopefully I'll find "the one"!

 

[Enerchi]

Focus on the stone - you can always get an upgraded setting later, the diamond is the key feature!

 

[bunnycat]

Plummiecat (on here) is selling hers. It's slightly lower than your ideal specs at K but thought I'd post it:

http://diamondbistro.com/category/216/Natural-Diamond-Center/listings/35385/178-OEC-Platinum-and-Diamond-Ring.html

 

[OECtime]

Hi all - back again!

We're really narrowing it down and we're considering the following two stones:

http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.c...amond/30527889_6Qhb98#!i=2633352980&k=cdXhW6F

and

http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.c...n-Cut/31145127_nLbJzs#!i=2694495098&k=CfZnKQg

I'd LOVE people's thoughts on faceting, differences between the colors, general "look" of the diamond, etc! Also, are theses spreads likely to look different? i.e. will the M stone look significantly - or at all - bigger?

Thanks again for help with this exciting - and difficult! - search!

 

[arkieb1]

I don't think you will notice much difference in size at all... the M will face a little bit larger as the J is not only slightly smaller but it's deeper as well. They are both pretty stones!!!! If you want something white - the J is whiter than the M (having said that it is a very white facing M) the J will face like an "I" colour or better. I will let the cut experts talk about the cut. I have a marginal preference for the deeper J but that is what my eye likes, and I am sure some will disagree. I don't think you will go wrong with either stone. Maybe you could ask them to do a side by side video that might help you figure out which one you are drawn to more than the other.

 

[OECtime]

I have decided to order the 1.59 J colored stone from JBEG!

http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.c...n-Cut/31145127_nLbJzs#!i=2694495098&k=CfZnKQg

Assuming I like the stone in person, I'm going to have it set in a very simply split claw prong setting, maybe with pave on the band, like this:

http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.c...taire/13588353_QSr8QC#!i=1000976062&k=jfLM3kw

or maybe that same setting but with a plain shank.

Thoughts?

Oh, and I'll definitely post pics of the stone when it's delivered to me!

 

[Dreamer_D]

Excellent choice on the diamond. I think its a lovely classic OEC and the patterning looks lively. I don't think you will have too many issues with darkness under the table, the faceting is nice and "random".

 

[mandasand]

E-mail JBEG. They have a bunch of new stones and rings right now...I just got the recent Sneak Peek.

My ring is from them and I love it. They are the best and so easy to work with. I would not hesitate to recommend!

 

[OECtime]

This is so tough because what I now think of as "my stone" at JBEG was put on hold by someone else at the same time I was emailing to wire full payment! This hold could always fall through but it's a bit disappointing.

Back to the drawing board for a J or better, 1.5+, $11ish k and under stone.

 

[arkieb1]

I am blowing the budget a bit on the stone but this should be pretty, and some of the gurus might be able to help find a cheap vintage setting to put it into (this sort of stone would look great in that initial picture frame setting you like!!!);

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9842/

Also ask the JBEG girls if they could find you something else, they do have people than can contact and also contact Adam at OWD.

 

[pandabee]

What about the other stones you were considering from jbeg? Did the ladies offer any opinions on either of those?

 

[SB621]

Did you ever contact Adam at OWD? I know he has several in your price point with your stats.

Don't look at his website- it is horrible. Just email him.

I'm sorry your J didn't work out. Don't worry hte perfect OEC will turn up.

 

[OECtime]

Erica has also suggested these two stones:

http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.c...e-OEC/26056955_V3Ktgf#!i=2164036362&k=ZkWcZ2q

http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.c...amond/29878693_sDkmtv#!i=2564755192&k=THdhr4n

Thoughts?

I haven't contacted Adam yet and will maybe hold off until I exhaust possibilities with JBEG, since I've been so pleased thus far with how responsive and helpful Erica has been.

The GOG K looks very pretty, though I'm slightly worried about my color sensitivity with an EGL K. Still potentially worth a harder look!

 

[OECtime]

Oh! I forgot to mention. I also tried on this OEC when I was in Amsterdam last week:



It's 7.31 by 7.42 by 4.60 and will be sent to HRD for certification, though the jeweler estimates it to be an H SI2 (there is, she says, a visible white inclusion just below the table, though I don't think you can see it in my iPhone photo, above).

I'm not sure how I feel about an SI2, and I wish I had better photos of the faceting, but the stone was appealing at first glance.