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

[lin_ny]

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!

I'm really sorry you lost out on that "J"! You will be able to find something you love I'm sure!!

Just wanted to say, you should probably be careful about stones you post unless you already officially have them on hold. Lurkers will snatch things up (which I can only assume is what happened with your 'J').

Good luck in your search. I'm really excited to see what you end up with.

 

[OECtime]

Just wanted to say, you should probably be careful about stones you post unless you already officially have them on hold. Lurkers will snatch things up (which I can only assume is what happened with your 'J').

Good luck in your search. I'm really excited to see what you end up with.

Good advice on the holding. I'm shaking my fist (virtually) if someone saw the thread and scooped the other stone up. In the meanwhile, I've actually put this 1.59 M on hold:

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

I'm super nervous about the color and don't know if I'll go with it in the end, but the faceting pattern is - to my eye - very appealing. I'm guessing the only way to really know if I can "handle" the M is to have it shipped to me and see what I think in person. The price is a lot cheaper than the J colored stone, which leaves a ton of room for the setting, though I've switched to wanting something really simple, so I'm not sure it will end up being that crazy for the setting anyway. I can just save my fiance a bunch of money on the ring!

 

[OECtime]

Back with a comparison video (and don't worry, I've put appropriate holds on the stones!)

Any of these catch anyone's eye in a very positive (or negative!) way?

http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.c...or-LO/31448081_3ncgRx#!i=2723850612&k=KCJ4QMk

 

[AnnaH]

Interested to see what the experts have to say. I really like the one on the left. Just my non expert opinion.

 

[two_little_birds]

I agree, the one on the left.

 

[Enerchi]

Hey OECtime! Not sure if you've completely finalized your purchase w JbEG (and those stones you've selected look AWESOME, btw!) so if this is a monkey wrench in your plans, then just ignore me here .... but I had a great visit with a few other PSers at Diamond Zone in Chicago last week and Ilya had a huge collection of come gorgeous OEC's and a few AC's and OMC's. He also carries loose stones, so thought I'd throw that out if you are still on the hunt.

Here are some pics of some of what we played with:
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/chicago-diamondzone-visit-psers-have-a-blingapalooza.192677/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/chicago-diamondzone-visit-psers-have-a-blingapalooza.192677/[/URL]

maybe there's something in that group that may appeal... there was a twin to my OEC and I just loved it!! A 1.68 OEC and I think I've got a pic of it in the thread, where mine is on top and the DZ ring is on the bottom. LOVED the setting as well!! Like a 6prong crown w small hearts in the gallery!

anyhow, just trying to help with options, not upset the applecart! Enjoy your search!!

 

[steelmagnolia]

Perhaps someone can advise whether this one on eBay is worth a look? Its well under your budget and is set in the style you prefer. I've had it on my watch list for awhile but have no plans to do anything other than look at it

http://www.ebay.com/itm/181158249687?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649

 

[OECtime]

This is starting to feel like a never-ending search! Sorry to be a nervous Nelly over here, but this is such a BIG purchase, I want to make sure I'm getting it "right." And with OECs, to a certain extent, I understand that means finding the stone that speaks to you. BUT. If any experts (or novices!) want to weigh in on whether this stone is "worth it" in terms of faceting, brilliance, contrast, light return, etc., I would appreciate the advice as I consider making a purchase!!






Thanks for any and all thoughts (even if they're telling me NOT to buy)!

Oh, and the stone is 7.19x7.29x4.77, 1.55 carats

 

[arkieb1]

In the video of the 3 stones I also like the one on the left best - but that big high crown and small table combo always does it for me!!!!

 

[OECtime]

In the video of the 3 stones I also like the one on the left best - but that big high crown and small table combo always does it for me!!!!

Yes, I'm loving that, too... of course, I have a NEW contender - but with a much bigger table of 54% and a total depth of only 57.9%. Not sure if that's ok, or one to avoid... Thoughts?

(I'm deciding between the lowest two diamonds on the finger):

http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.c...s-159/31534058_jf8BTQ#!i=2732159012&k=3BmXz2r

 

[rileyl]

Did you already choose?

If it were me, I'd go with the second lowest one on her finger. The lowest one is nice too, but I don't care for the way the centre goes entirely dark at some angles, and sometimes, many other facets darken at the same time, which isn't pleasing to my eye. I'm guessing this is bc this stone is more shallow?

In the next one up, I can see the very pretty pattern of the facets, and they don't seem to all darken at the same time.

This has been an excellent, educational thread!

 

[OECtime]

Did you already choose?

If it were me, I'd go with the second lowest one on her finger. The lowest one is nice too, but I don't care for the way the centre goes entirely dark at some angles, and sometimes, many other facets darken at the same time, which isn't pleasing to my eye. I'm guessing this is bc this stone is more shallow?

In the next one up, I can see the very pretty pattern of the facets, and they don't seem to all darken at the same time.

This has been an excellent, educational thread!

No, I haven't chosen yet - I'm definitely feeling sort of paralyzed!!

I like both of the bottom stones - actually, if you look at the video with the four stones, there are videos/pics of just the lower two stones later - http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.c...s-159/31534058_jf8BTQ#!i=2731946222&k=x6qJSVW

and one of the stones looks way yellower from the side. I just don't know if I should go for one of these or hold out for something else!

 

[rileyl]

I wish I were qualified to make an assessment and help you choose, but the reality is that I'm simply not. I think *almost* all of the stones you've linked to on this thread are beautiful, and I'm sure most people would be happy with any of them, but that's not especially helpful, is it?

I can tell you that I just bought a 1.13 M OEC or American cut, known around here as LulaMae. I was a little concerned about her M colour, but honestly, I very rarely perceive colour in this stone, except in the most yellow lighting. The vast majority of the time, she faces up very white, at least to my untrained and not especially knowledgeable eye! All I see are big chunks of bright or colourful light. OTOH, I know others are much more sensitive to colour than I apparently am, and so for some, this stone would not be pleasing.

I guess ultimately, you need to see a stone in person, as is so often the advice given on this forum. At the end of the day, if you've done your homework, and know what you're buying, it all comes down to what you like to see.

I'll be watching this thread to see what you decide, and I'll celebrate with you when you choose!

Best of luck!

 

[arkieb1]

The new JBEG sneakpeak just came out and they have gotten some new stones in, did you ask them if there was anything else in that size range that is new??? Can you go and visit and see them in person? I agree you have a heap of nice stones to pick from sometimes its more about what your eye prefers not about everyone else!!!!

 

[OECtime]

The new JBEG sneakpeak just came out and they have gotten some new stones in, did you ask them if there was anything else in that size range that is new???

Actually... I decided on this stone:

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

!!!!!

It's a bit smaller face up than some of the others I was thinking about (I'd been considering the 1.48 and the 1.63 in the sneak peek) but I think it will be beautiful!! I'm expecting it Thursday, and assuming I love it in person, will send it back to be set in an as-yet-to-determined custom setting!

 

[arkieb1]

The new JBEG sneakpeak just came out and they have gotten some new stones in, did you ask them if there was anything else in that size range that is new???

Actually... I decided on this stone:

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

!!!!!

It's a bit smaller face up than some of the others I was thinking about (I'd been considering the 1.48 and the 1.63 in the sneak peek) but I think it will be beautiful!! I'm expecting it Thursday, and assuming I love it in person, will send it back to be set in an as-yet-to-determined custom setting!

Cool. VERY pretty stone. Hopefully you will love it in person.... What type of setting are you thinking about?

 

[OECtime]

I'm thinking 18k rose gold (to match my very simple Cartier band that I'll wear as a wedding ring) with split claw prongs, set low with a cathedral, with diamonds in the basket, but probably a plain shank. I've gone back and forth about having pave on the shank of ring, but I think I'd like to keep it pretty simple, but with the little surprise diamonds around the basket.

Hopefully the rose gold will make the diamond pop.

 

[OECtime]

My diamond arrived! It's so sparkly and white and bright. I only have an iPhone at work, but will take a good picture when I'm home and post it here.

I'll admit that after looking at 900 macro pics, I was a bit surprised that the stone didn't look a little bigger. I feel incredibly lucky to have a 1.55 carat diamond, but I see how people around here can quickly wish to go larger!

Next up, the setting. To pave the band or not to pave the band...

 

[Confection10]

I hardly can wait Your photos. I love that high crown and small table combo

 

[rileyl]

Can't wait for the pics! Congrats!

 

[OECtime]

Ok, admittedly, this is an iPhone photo, but at least it gives a sense of the diamond. So exciting!

 

[Rosebloom]

BEAUTIFUL!!!!!

What about a plain shank, teeny tiny micropave halo in RG? A little size boost and a cool pattern contrast...

 

[rileyl]

Beautiful!! I think it will be lovely however u set it!

 

[Confection10]

Oh boy it looks ! I love plain shank because it gives so much possibilities to different stackers and bands. And the RING always looks different. I will follow Your journey when selecting perfect setting

 

[Dreamer_D]

Gorgeous! I love it. The stone shows some arrows which means it has exceptional optical symmetry and that is something I quite like in this flavour of old cut.

 

[OECtime]

Gorgeous! I love it. The stone shows some arrows which means it has exceptional optical symmetry and that is something I quite like in this flavour of old cut.

Yes, I'm shocked by the symmetry, which is apparent with the naked eye, and in love with the diamond's tiny table and high crown.

I am a little bit nervous, though, by its face up size. It's 1.55 carats but is 7.19x7.29. I think of 1.5 c diamond being about 7.5 mm, so this definitely faces up small. I'm just not sure if I'm worrying myself over something too tiny to matter, or if I should be concerned that I'm paying for weight that you can't see!

Any advice on this matter?

 

[Dreamer_D]

Gorgeous! I love it. The stone shows some arrows which means it has exceptional optical symmetry and that is something I quite like in this flavour of old cut.

Yes, I'm shocked by the symmetry, which is apparent with the naked eye, and in love with the diamond's tiny table and high crown.

I am a little bit nervous, though, by its face up size. It's 1.55 carats but is 7.19x7.29. I think of 1.5 c diamond being about 7.5 mm, so this definitely faces up small. I'm just not sure if I'm worrying myself over something too tiny to matter, or if I should be concerned that I'm paying for weight that you can't see!

Any advice on this matter?

Old cuts have different proportions than MRBs so its not fair to use the criteria of an MRB to judge an old cut. I owned a 1.39ct that was 7mm, so yours seems to actually be fairly spready as far as OECs go! It's true you are paying for weight you cannot see compared to an MRB. But compared to old cuts, your stone is facing up right. If you wanted a spreadier cut you would need a pear or oval

Some old mine cushions can face up even smaller because they can have 70% + depths!

Your stone has very nice classic OECs proportions. I like it a lot. I bet it does not have too much leakage with those slightly longer lower halves (65%, that's the facet that makes the arrows when they are cut symmetrically) and teensy table.

 

[arkieb1]

It IS really nice!!!! If the size is bugging you already consider putting it into a halo style setting or something with a surround type setting. That will then help fill your whole finger. Unfortunately most really nice well cut OECs and Older cuts are deeper than RBs, although you can get lucky and find a pretty looking spready one. Alternatively if you are not loving the stone and it is size you are after send it back and look at well cut transitionals they are usually more shallow and have a bigger face up size on the hand, or ask the JBEG ladies if they have anything else as nicely cut that gives you a bit bigger spread.

 

[Dreamer_D]

I also was going to suggest a vintage style halo (like the one IE_Princess just posted in SMTB ). It really helps with the coverage and makes the whole ring feel more substantial.

 

[OECtime]

I also was going to suggest a vintage style halo (like the one IE_Princess just posted in SMTB ). It really helps with the coverage and makes the whole ring feel more substantial.

IE_Princess's ring is indeed gorgeous! I've confirmed with fiance, though, and he is anti-halo. And while this is ultimately my ring, I do want both of us to enjoy it and to feel really happy in the end.

I love this stone more and more and I think I'll focus on adding a bit of extra sparkle that's not a halo and doesn't "take away" from the stone, as my fiance feels a halo would. (I've tried to convince him that very delicate pretty halos can HELP the stone stand out, but he's not buying )

I think I'm back to some pave in the basket but a plain band (and then getting an eternity stacker, naturally, to up the shiny factor).