Head vs Heart

[ericad]

A nail head is when almost all the pavilion mains go dark at once. I see it in some of the most recent photos you posts, particularly Stone_13. See how the whole center is dark? These more recent pics are not as positive. For me, it might be ok in a pendant but not a ring. Do not fall in love based on photos! You need to stay somewhat logical until you see it and can evaluate it IMO, if you want to take that chance/opportunity. I think there is a good chance it will often go dark under the table, seeing these more recent pics and the depth measurement.

One thing to note, in defense of old mines in general, is that they are notorious for photographing dark. This can be camera reflection. Sometimes we have this problem with OEC's too (usually happens with shallower stones). It's possible that a stone shows zero darkness in person and photographs completely dark under the table. Sometimes the stone has problems (nailhead) and sometimes it doesn't. A pic alone won't tell you. That's where a trusted seller comes into play. And if the seller isn't familiar, you'll want to ensure that you have a good return policy, and then see it in person to evaluate with your eyes. Old cuts are sometimes photogenic, sometimes not so much - the pics don't always tell the truth about how it looks in person.

For example, we sold a pair of cushion earrings to a PS'er recently. The advice she received on PS was that one of the stones was too dark under the table, and she was advised by nearly everyone on the thread to pass. She took a chance (she's bought from us before) after we assured her that the diamonds aren't dark in person, and she LOVES them! She later posted on PS that she sees no darkness at all. With any old cut purchase, if the piece is speaking to you and you have taken precautions to make sure that you're protected, then it's a good idea to see it in person.

 

[SB621]

I totally agree that you have to see it to know. I would not even consider setting it until you have the chance to see it and return if you are not 100% in love with it.

I think we are all forgetting here she is buying off the secondary market- private sellers are not store owners and many of them put in their description they don't accept returns. I know I don't when I sell something and I find it very rare when someone on LT or DB does. I don't think she should have ANY expectations about getting a return if she doesnt love it. Once again dangers of buying off the secondary market. With all that said it never hurts to ask and for all I knew this seller is offering a return period (sorry never looked at the listening).

So OP it sounds like you LOVE the stone the way it is, the way it looks, you like the quirk and that is what I LOVE! I might be going against the grain here but I love old cuts and they dont' have to be fabulous to everyone, just fabulous to me! I have just recently bought a few smaller ones in the 1-2ct range on the secondary market. They might not have passed some of expectations other PSers have for old cuts, but I dont' really care as I love them and their quirk. So if you love this stone and you have your heart set on THIS stone, then buy this stone! If you love it in person that is wonderful. If not then sell it down the road. It is already priced very well and while you might have to hunt around for the right buyer I don't think you will have an extremely long wait as it does have a great appeal with it's charm.

Goodluck with whatever you decide. If you do buy it then I expect PICTURES!

 

[Dreamer_D]

I totally agree that you have to see it to know. I would not even consider setting it until you have the chance to see it and return if you are not 100% in love with it.

I think we are all forgetting here she is buying off the secondary market- private sellers are not store owners and many of them put in their description they don't accept returns. I know I don't when I sell something and I find it very rare when someone on LT or DB does. I don't think she should have ANY expectations about getting a return if she doesnt love it. Once again dangers of buying off the secondary market. With all that said it never hurts to ask and for all I knew this seller is offering a return period (sorry never looked at the listening).

This is totally true on the secondary market, often you don't get a return policy. That makes it riskier, and especially so when there are some red flags about the item in question based on the information the seller can provide. This stone is one I personally would not recommend buying based only on photos with no returns, especially for someone new to old cuts and new to larger diamond purchases. It is a risky buy. Fine for someone who knows exactly what they are getting because they have seen many stones in person and can judge what the diamond may look like based on photos... fine for someone who buys tonnes of diamonds and jewelery and can "afford" a misstep here and there. But in good conscience can you urge someone to buy something on the secondary market with no returns when like the OP they are new to diamonds and this is a first and very important diamond purchase? I can't. Reselling is not a good option for many, it is not as easy as it seems and given tha tthe OP is overseas... well, I think a safer buy is a better buy for the OP.

I will also repeat my suggestion never to fall in love with an old cut stone based solely on photos. Lust, curiosity, attraction... sure. But don't fall in love with a personal ad online!

 

[SB621]

I totally agree that you have to see it to know. I would not even consider setting it until you have the chance to see it and return if you are not 100% in love with it.

I think we are all forgetting here she is buying off the secondary market- private sellers are not store owners and many of them put in their description they don't accept returns. I know I don't when I sell something and I find it very rare when someone on LT or DB does. I don't think she should have ANY expectations about getting a return if she doesnt love it. Once again dangers of buying off the secondary market. With all that said it never hurts to ask and for all I knew this seller is offering a return period (sorry never looked at the listening).

This is totally true on the secondary market, often you don't get a return policy. That makes it riskier, and especially so when there are some red flags about the item in question based on the information the seller can provide. This stone is one I personally would not recommend buying based only on photos with no returns, especially for someone new to old cuts and new to larger diamond purchases. It is a risky buy. Fine for someone who knows exactly what they are getting because they have seen many stones in person and can judge what the diamond may look like based on photos... fine for someone who buys tonnes of diamonds and jewelery and can "afford" a misstep here and there. But in good conscience can you urge someone to buy something on the secondary market with no returns when like the OP they are new to diamonds and this is a first and very important diamond purchase? I can't. Reselling is not a good option for many, it is not as easy as it seems and given tha tthe OP is overseas... well, I think a safer buy is a better buy for the OP.

I will also repeat my suggestion never to fall in love with an old cut stone based solely on photos. Lust, curiosity, attraction... sure. But don't fall in love with a personal ad online!

But don't many ppl find their future SO on line these days?!?!

Dreamer I forgot the OP was overseas. That does throw a wrench into it for resale you are right. With that said we all took our first step at one point to this wonderful world of oldcuts. I think some are more willing to take risks then others. I'm still of the opinion that if you truly truly love it- treasure it- will appreciate everything about it, appreciate that is not perfect then buy it. To me that just adds to the appeal. However, there are plenty of times when enableres on PS (and I love many of them personally) push you to buy something and then you see it go up for sale on pre-love a few months later.

So OP how about a different question. What will happen if you buy it and dont' love it? Will you be devasted that you just spent 3k on it? Will you be underwhelmed? Will this ruin your month? If you truly love it then I doubt it will and you probably will love it in person too. But once again if you have doubts then sit on it for a while and think about it or just don't purchase. Good luck!

 

[Dreamer_D]

But don't many ppl find their future SO on line these days?!?!

Dreamer I forgot the OP was overseas. That does throw a wrench into it for resale you are right. With that said we all took our first step at one point to this wonderful world of oldcuts. I think some are more willing to take risks then others. I'm still of the opinion that if you truly truly love it- treasure it- will appreciate everything about it, appreciate that is not perfect then buy it. To me that just adds to the appeal. However, there are plenty of times when enableres on PS (and I love many of them personally) push you to buy something and then you see it go up for sale on pre-love a few months later.

So OP how about a different question. What will happen if you buy it and dont' love it? Will you be devasted that you just spent 3k on it? Will you be underwhelmed? Will this ruin your month? If you truly love it then I doubt it will and you probably will love it in person too. But once again if you have doubts then sit on it for a while and think about it or just don't purchase. Good luck!

Yes, I actually met my husband online 10 years ago Of course, he was returnable.

These highlighted are really good questions to ponder!

 

[sparks1007]

I would be beyond devastated if I didn't love it. I have a lot more than 3K to spend if I choose to, but I don't. That is more than enough for me to be wearing right now thanks.

One thing to say is that I wouldn't sell it to upgrade. It's just not my way I'm afraid. I might sell it if I hated it/didn't love it but I could certainly explore a return if I didn't love it. Bit of a pain from here but probably doable.

 

[Tekate]

I had an OEC once 1.50.. (ex husband went back to the family eventually) it was as old as this one, but it made a beautiful pendant, it was set in a bezel setting, I wish I still had it.. this stone is lovely, at a good price it's gorgeous.

 

[sparks1007]

One more photo in a potential setting.

 

[Niel]

I know its just a setting to test, but I feel like that stone need white diamonds, maybe even white metal, around it to make that delicious caramel color pop.

 

[sparks1007]

I was going to have three small white diamonds on the shank on either side of the stone. Do you think the basket and prongs should be white gold too?

I agree that the colour doesn't pop so much. I wonder if an 18k setting might be better? A richer gold colour?

 

[pregcurious]

How about the head in 18K YG and the rest in WG/plat?

 

[sparks1007]

Or maybe something like this but with smaller diamonds inlaid on either side of the shank. I also thought about having small emeralds or small rubies but not sure.

 

[sparks1007]

Hi pregcurious~ I prefer yellow or rose gold. I have very olive skin and the yellow looks much warmer against it.

 

[Niel]

Hi pregcurious~ I prefer yellow or rose gold. I have very olive skin and the yellow looks much warmer against it.

I think it would be pretty, but if its set in a setting like that i think a halo would be flattering, halo with nice white stones all around to make that color pop