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HELP! EC in a New Setting or Oval in an Antique Setting?

R

reesie1228

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jan 14, 2010
Messages
11
So a little background: I love antiques-- jewelry included, and I've dreamt of having an EC since I was 14 when my grandma gave me an old CZ EC ring in a classic design with 2 baguettes on the sides. Something about the EC look has always appealed to me, I like the geometry of step cuts, and EC's remind me of the 40's and 50's.

For the past year my fiance has been saving for an EC engagement ring. He works in jewelry, and while he doesn't make huge amounts of money, he has good connections and is determined to get a 1 carat center stone with good specs (D-F color, VVS-VS). Even though he knows I prefer antique jewelry, his connections are with new manufacturers and dealers of new inventory, not antique stuff. No problem, I accepted the fact I wouldn't be getting an antique ring and have been looking forward to drowning myself in a pool of mirrors with a new EC.

We've been planning on a 3-stone Emerald cut ring: center stone would be 1 carat, with two .5 carat EC side stones. I know a 1 carat center is no honker, but I think it will be sufficiently "blingy." Trouble is, even though he is having it custom-made, it really is a design that literally thousands of people have. I would describe it as elegant, classic, and "blingy."

Now here is the dilemma: Over Thanksgiving I was going through some old jewelry with my mom and found an adorable antique setting to fit about a 1 carat Oval. The setting may be Art Nouveau, not exactly sure (hopefully it's not some floral 70's design that's got me fooled!), and has some nice gold scroll work along the basket. It's charming, understated, and unique.

I don't dislike Ovals. I tend to like stones with broad flashes of light (step cuts & old European cuts [I think]) rather than scintillation (RB's & Princesses). I think Ovals fall into somewhere in between them.

My fiance said it makes no difference from his perspective and I should just chose which I prefer, he did point out that the antique is an heirloom-type piece though. Either way, he will be getting a 1 carat center stone with good specs. Getting a different antique setting for an EC is out of the question.

So, do I go with the EC stone I've dreamt of in a new setting or get an oval and have a nice antique piece?
 
what about looking for an antique EC ring?
 
While you have been collecting vintage and antique things, is that what you want for yur engagement ring?

My perspective is that, you have been dreaming since childhood about an EC. Are you willing to let that go for the vintage piece?
 
Go with the EC and put a colored oval in the antique setting for a "wedding present."
 
I like that idea!
 
I don't know. I feel like I have to decide which I love more: ECs or antique rings?

I do like the idea of making something else out of the antique.
 
tough choices... ovals can be pretty spready so that's nice, but you're going to be getting more of the look of a round (scint) but without the "ideal" stuff the round can give you. Have you looked at old style cushions? It's a thought - they do very well in old style settings. Speaking of settings - there is always the option of having something custom made that looks older or has some twist so that you don't end up with 3 EC in a classic, but apparently to you somewhat boring setting. By considering stones that are G and lower and forgetting VVS (I'm a VS2 girl myself) you can save some money to put toward the custom setting. Right now you can explore your options - you don't have to have a 3 stone, you are already showing yourself you don't even have to have an emerald. I would open the book wide open and you might be surprised :)
 
I am trying to decide between oval, emerald, or round/ What is the "ideal stuff" that rounds can give that ovals can't?
 
I would get the ring youve been dreaming of and save the oval setting for another project down the road, maybe even a colored stone anniversary.

ETA: so sad, fooled into old thread response lol
 
Feeling_Energy|1313887778|2995346 said:
I am trying to decide between oval, emerald, or round/ What is the "ideal stuff" that rounds can give that ovals can't?
Click to expand...
I would start a separate thread for your question... One, you will attract the appropriate people to your question, and two, we won't derail the op from her discussion.
 
EHR2009|1290997228|2781380 said:
Go with the EC and put a colored oval in the antique setting for a "wedding present."
Click to expand...

I agree. And if you think a three stone EC isn't for you... there are other lovely settings for an EC that you might prefer, I like this one a lot and it would look amazing with a one carat rectangular center.

IMG_1665.jpg
 
Gypsy, would you mind sharing the thread on that lovely ring? Or if there isn't one, who made it??? It is gorgeous!
 
Why not an antique EC ring or vintage inspired setting? Even though your fiancé has Connections an antique ring is likely cheaper than a new one at an "insider" price. You shouldn't settle.... Is there info you left out which explains why you feel limited to only those two choices? Neither one sounds like it's want you dream of....plus you do know your childhood preference. The oval setting sounds lovely, use it for a colored stone.
 
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