help me find my dream OMC elongated warmer ideally 2.5 - 3 ct [or "spready"]

[TnTWalter]

long time lurker and sometimes poster. Hoping you all can join and help me in finding 'the one'. I lurk and drool over all the rings and diamonds on here.

Our 30th was last year [but we had a wedding to pay for. ha] and I turn 55 next month.

Hubby gave me the green light. $10-15k or more "if I fall in love". Ideally, I don't want to go past $20k.

I helped my son in law back in 2023 find a cushion for my daughter and I fell in love with elongated cushions and got the ITCH.

I don't want it to look engagement so I'm thinking 3 stone or maybe idea of cora or something. Send me some inspiration pics if you have any ideas!
[my current upgrade I received for our 15 year is a 3 stone halo bezel center stone 1 carat OEC [inherited], white and yellow gold].

I also see a vintage marquis every now and again that wow me. Like the Marquis that Dolly posted. I have short fingers so might be hard to bend LOL and it's $25k. It's currently 'on hold' for someone but it's 3 carats and really sparkly and the setting is cool. But would i be sad it's not an OMC cushion?

sincityfinds has an art deco with a 2.73OMC center for $12500 I like it but I'm not in love.

Collins has a 2 carat OMC for $8k but I'm not sure.

And I think both are more square than I want.

I'll attach PICS of the marquis, the art deco and the 2 carat for your viewing pleasure.

I'm waiting for details on one but the story is gone so can't include that yet [it's off to gia].

I'm following all the peeps: Alex Park, Dolly, Grace, Whitney, Platt, gildedlane, sin city, verma, collins, ivy and rose, old world diamonds, 47jewelry, 88star, and some more.

Would love some inspo and maybe some links to diamonds loose or in settings and / or ring designs you've seen. Or just hand holding through this process.

Thanks!

Trish

 

[newtojewels]

What a fun project and great budget!

You're going to potentially have a bit of a chicken-and-egg problem because three-stone settings can be so expensive, especially if you'll need to get custom-cut color-matched side stones. In a sense you won't know your stone budget until you know the setting cost but you won't know what setting you want until you see the stone....

I think Leon Mege's three and five stone proportions are just perfect so I'm going to post a few I love for inspiration:

r7850 - Leon Megé | The Art of Platinum®

Leon Megé classic five-stone ring with a True Antique™ cushion diamond, half-moons and bullets r7850

leonmege.com

r8613 - Leon Megé | The Art of Platinum®

The ultimate storyteller of European style and American commitment, Leon Mege’s three-stone ring is about everything that is jewelry. Precision-forged by masterful hands, the ring features a classic cushion bookmarked by a pair of brilliant pear shapes. Shown with a 2.5-carat True Antique™...

leonmege.com

r7469 - Leon Megé | The Art of Platinum®

Leon Mege three-stone ring with a True Antique™ cushion diamond and bright-cut pave r7469

leonmege.com

r7176 - Leon Megé | The Art of Platinum®

Bespoke Leon Megé three-stone ring with a delicious True Antique™ cushion diamond and diamond shields r7176

leonmege.com

Since you mentioned warm, have you considered actually going way down into the fancy colors? Diamonds by Lauren has his "cut for color" line and you didn't mention him in your list, though I don't think he currently has anything as big as you want. Doesn't hurt for inspiration, though!

1.89ct Yellow SI1 Old Mine Diamond Ring

This is an amazing Fancy Deep Brownish Orangy Yellow 1.89ct Branded DBL Modern Antique cut diamond set into a beautiful three stone ring

diamondsbylauren.com

1.31ct W-X SI1 Old Mine Diamond Ring

Three Stone Diamond Ring: 1.31ct all 3 are Branded DBL Old Mine 2.54 total all set into a hand forged platinum ring.

diamondsbylauren.com

1.08ct Y-Z VVS2 Old Mine Diamond Ring

This branded Diamonds by Lauren yellow diamond ring has an antique style old mine cut in a halo setting.

diamondsbylauren.com

 

[newtojewels]

More inspiration from Andria Barbone:

Stunning Elongated Old Mine Cut Fancy Yellow Diamond with Unique Side Stones

Stunning Fancy Yellow Old Mine Cut Diamond with Unique Side Stones The Celeste ring is an AB original design. The ring centers a GIA-certified 3.67-carat Old Mine Cut diamond of Fancy Light Yellow color, SI1 clarity. To either side of the center stone are two very rare, uniquely-shaped antique...

andriabarbone.com

Fancy Intense Yellow Old Mine Cut Diamond Three Stone Ring

Fancy Intense Yellow Old Mine Cut Diamond Three Stone Ring The Marielle 3.17 ring is an AB original design made right here in NYC. The ring centers a GIA-certified 3.17-carat Old Mine Cut diamond of Fancy Intense Yellow color, VS1 clarity. On one side of the center stone is a GIA-certified...

andriabarbone.com

 

[newtojewels]

Sorry to keep spamming your thread, but this may still be available if you're open to ovals:

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[TXwidow]

it sounds as though this new stone/ring would NOT be a replacement for the ER? So a right hand ring? an alternate' ER? So many ER 3 stone have identical 'shape' stones that if you are wanting something NOT like an ER but still perhaps a 3 stone then I would look for (perhaps) side stones that were not diamonds (semi-precious) OR side stone with a totally different shape than the center stone and perhaps some that have already been mentioned, a 'non-white' diamond for the center stone.

 

[TnTWalter]

thanks for the replies. To clarify some questions.

I want to wear it on my left hand so it will replace current 3 stone ring.

I guess I'm fine with it looking E-ring y. I was picturing in my head an elongated cushion with half moon side stones or baguettes. Or something like the idea of a Cora [but with OMC] which I'll attach a picture of below.

I do not want color but I don't mind warmer stones [up to M ish].

Appreciate the help.

I saw that Oval and it's intriguing but doesn't 'wow' me like OMC Cushions.
I know I want a different shape than my current OEC. I have short fingers so I feel like elongated cushion or possibly marquis pear oval might be good but I'm drawn to the old cuts.

Thank you.

 

[oncrutchesrightnow]

Have you considered getting a solitaire now and resetting to a 3-stone in a few years?

 

[Dreamer_D]

Elongated cushions are the rarest of all old cuts!

 

[TnTWalter]

Crutches, Do I want to buy a solitaire and wait a few years? Hmm. I'm at the age where I know we are never promised tomorrow and I'd prefer to jump on something that works sooner than later. BUT If there is the most amazing solitaire, then I'd definitely consider it.

Dreamer, I didn't realize elongated cushions are the rarest, but that would be just my luck. Like I said I fell in love with the shape a couple years ago and I have short fingers so I'd rather a rectangle than a square to give me length. I also like pears but they don't seem as sparkly. I've never been an oval or marquis girl, but never say never.

I've seen a few this week that were nice but either sold too quickly or didn't 'wow' so I have faith. I'm also not as good as many of you at seeing the potential or the issues with stones. I have followed several threads ver the years where people have fun jumping in sending ideas and visions, etc. so I thought I'd throw it out there.

Appreciate the help!

 

[maryjane04]

Have you seen Idor Diamonds on IG? They seem to have a lot of spready elongated cushions.

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[TnTWalter]

Have you seen Idor Diamonds on IG? They seem to have a lot of spready elongated cushions.

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those are amazing!! I sent a DM. Thank you!

 

[maryjane04]

those are amazing!! I sent a DM. Thank you!

Let us know how you go. I have never reached out to this vendor and have no clue about their pricing. But I think from what I read they do both labs and natural.

 

[Dreamer_D]

With old cuts I would encourage i you you to avoid “spready” stones as that usually means shallow and the light play and liveliness of the stone will suffer. And I would say to stay open about shape. Because old cuts are rare and you cannot just order one your like. It’s true some vendors like Andrea Barbone advertise “spready” stones like it’s a good thing but why look like dead glass to me. They also have elongated cushions more often but their prices are sky high.

I can probably count on one hand the number of elongated cushions I’ve seen around here in the last 20 years.

I don’t think the shape of the stone does much of anything for how your finger looks anyway.. but I suppose people differ in that opinion. I’d say look for the best cut and not the best outline of the stone. Sparkle is what will wow you every day. If you want an enlarged shape an interesting setting can create that outline for you.

 

[newtojewels]

With old cuts I would encourage i you you to avoid “spready” stones as that usually means shallow and the light play and liveliness of the stone will suffer. And I would say to stay open about shape. Because old cuts are rare and you cannot just order one your like. It’s true some vendors like Andrea Barbone advertise “spready” stones like it’s a good thing but why look like dead glass to me. They also have elongated cushions more often but their prices are sky high.

I can probably count on one hand the number of elongated cushions I’ve seen around here in the last 20 years.

I don’t think the shape of the stone does much of anything for how your finger looks anyway.. but I suppose people differ in that opinion. I’d say look for the best cut and not the best outline of the stone. Sparkle is what will wow you every day. If you want an enlarged shape an interesting setting can create that outline for you.

I 100% agree with everything Dreamer says, as usual!

Since you're interested maybe in a marquise type shape, how pretty is this Erika Winters setting?

Virginia:


Or the Georgia:


Very blingy Heidi Gibson Rockefeller:


Or go modern with something like the Frank Darling clutch three stone:


Obviously there are other choices too, but those are all settings that would add some length and might not feel super engagement-y depending on your tastes.

 

[TnTWalter]

With old cuts I would encourage i you you to avoid “spready” stones as that usually means shallow and the light play and liveliness of the stone will suffer. And I would say to stay open about shape. Because old cuts are rare and you cannot just order one your like. It’s true some vendors like Andrea Barbone advertise “spready” stones like it’s a good thing but why look like dead glass to me. They also have elongated cushions more often but their prices are sky high.

I can probably count on one hand the number of elongated cushions I’ve seen around here in the last 20 years.

I don’t think the shape of the stone does much of anything for how your finger looks anyway.. but I suppose people differ in that opinion. I’d say look for the best cut and not the best outline of the stone. Sparkle is what will wow you every day. If you want an enlarged shape an interesting setting can create that outline for you.

great points Dreamer. Thank you so much. I've read your guide before. Need to find it again. And you're right. I was admiring my ring in the lighting this morning and I love a good sparkle!

any thoughts on the oval that cjd-sako has and newtojewels posted ?
I'm still considering that one and waiting for another to come back from GIA.

appreciate the help.
Trish

2.15ct N SI1 GIA-certified antique oval diamond (8.85 x 7.30 x 4.79mm)​

 

[Dreamer_D]

great points Dreamer. Thank you so much. I've read your guide before. Need to find it again. And you're right. I was admiring my ring in the lighting this morning and I love a good sparkle!

any thoughts on the oval that cjd-sako has and newtojewels posted ?
I'm still considering that one and waiting for another to come back from GIA.

appreciate the help.
Trish

2.15ct N SI1 GIA-certified antique oval diamond (8.85 x 7.30 x 4.79mm)​

It’s a very interesting and rare cut. I suspect it is a little flat/dark under the table area based on the images and the proportions. But if you are collecting it for rarity then maybe it doesn’t matter so much. Antique ovals are even rarer than elongated cushions!

Here is one of the only others I’ve seen on here, which I think has better cut in terms of edge to edge brightness and lively faceting under the table. It belongs to @yennyfire . It’s a good comparison. But like I said, it’s not like you can just order one of these puppies up with the proportions you want.

Let me preface this by saying that I may take Dreamer's sage advice and set the stone in a super simple solitaire, since my goal in selling my 5+ ctw ering was to have something smaller that I would be comfortable wearing everyday, as opposed to a gorgeous ring that I rarely wore at all. That said though, I am not typically a solitaire kind of girl and am usually attracted to three stone rings. I have also found a couple of halo's that I really like. For reference, the stone measures 9.26x7.60x5.52mm and my ring size is a 5.5. Here's a couple of photos of the stone:




Here's a photo showing the settings that I really like, if I were to decide to set the stone in it's "forever" home as opposed to what may be a temporary solitaire setting:



I have spoken with Victor about making the halo ring with a shank like the one on the moonstone ring (though more delicate) and the halo using single cut stones in a milgrained semi-bezel like the paraiba ring. (images 1 & 2). My other favorite is #6, which is a Singlestone setting. Heather is currently putting together a CAD that would show me what the oval stone would look like in that setting.

So, which is your favorite setting and why? If you don't care for any of them, I'd love to see what you'd do with this stone if it were up to you....

Thanks!

ETA: Not sure why the photos of the stone are so large and the rings are so small...I'll work on that and try to post a better photo shortly.

 

[TnTWalter]

How do I attach a video?

 

[Dreamer_D]

How do I attach a video?

You upload it to YouTube or imgur then link here

 

[LightBright]

It’s a very interesting and rare cut. I suspect it is a little flat/dark under the table area based on the images and the proportions. But if you are collecting it for rarity then maybe it doesn’t matter so much. Antique ovals are even rarer than elongated cushions!

Here is one of the only others I’ve seen on here, which I think has better cut in terms of edge to edge brightness and lively faceting under the table. It belongs to @yennyfire . It’s a good comparison. But like I said, it’s not like you can just order one of these puppies up with the proportions you want.

Since we are talking about @yennyfire’s one of a kind stone, I thought I’d share this one that reminds me of it.

It’s not an exact match but along the same lines. If I could buy it I would!

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[TnTWalter]

Honest thoughts on this stone.
Details
3.54cts L, I1 [mostly twinning wisps]
Old Mine Brilliant
9.99x9.14x5.66mm
table 52% girdle 61.9%
slightly large cutlet
No florescence

 

[TnTWalter]

Since we are talking about @yennyfire’s one of a kind stone, I thought I’d share this one that reminds me of it.

It’s not an exact match but along the same lines. If I could buy it I would!

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saw that one. and it is stunning.

 

[TnTWalter]

Here's another video of the 3.54carat OMC

I sent a message to whitney to see if that oval's available and if by chance it's in my price range. I didn't realize she was selling it without the setting. The setting is lovely though.

There's another stone I'm waiting for details on. Should hear Friday.

Also I found some settings I saved.

 

[TnTWalter]

Here's a 2.58ct K VS2 9.06x8.91x4.79 46% T 58.8% G

another OM but not elongated. How does it compare to the 3.54 carat?

Thanks.

 

[Dreamer_D]

Honest thoughts on this stone.
Details
3.54cts L, I1 [mostly twinning wisps]
Old Mine Brilliant
9.99x9.14x5.66mm
table 52% girdle 61.9%
slightly large cutlet
No florescence

I’m not sure I’d like an I1 based on twining wisps. I think they are affecting the optics, there are some weird reflections in both videos. Could be worth evaluating in person but I’m cautious. Cut is hard to assess and I think it’s the wisps.

 

[TnTWalter]

I’m not sure I’d like an I1 based on twining wisps. I think they are affecting the optics, there are some weird reflections in both videos. Could be worth evaluating in person but I’m cautious. Cut is hard to assess and I think it’s the wisps.

i wasn't sure what he meant by the twinning wisps are invisible. I was leery about the I1 but like the carat size. sigh. I need to be patient.

Thanks.

 

[Dreamer_D]

Here's a 2.58ct K VS2 9.06x8.91x4.79 46% T 58.8% G

another OM but not elongated. How does it compare to the 3.54 carat?

Thanks.

It’s shallow and it’s showing in the under table area.

Part of the appeal of OMCs is the high table. It creates 3D volume in the stone. It’s lost in a shallow stone where the diamond looks very flat in profile. I’ve seen well cut cushions with flatter crowns. I would call this one moderately well cut. You can see both the leakage in a circle just inside the periphery and the lack of activity under the table. The facet pattern overall is decent. Maybe worth seeing in person. But it’s flat pancake table is less appealing IMO.

Do you live near any antique stores so you can visit and see how different styles of cut look in real life?

i wasn't sure what he meant by the twinning wisps are invisible. I was leery about the I1 but like the carat size. sigh. I need to be patient.

Thanks.

Id be more positive about an I1 based on a singular, large, visible inclusion. But based on whisps all through the stone I’m concerns about how many there must be to warrant that grade.

 

[TnTWalter]

It’s shallow and it’s showing in the under table area.

Part of the appeal of OMCs is the high table. It creates 3D volume in the stone. It’s lost in a shallow stone where the diamond looks very flat in profile. I’ve seen well cut cushions with flatter crowns. I would call this one moderately well cut. You can see both the leakage in a circle just inside the periphery and the lack of activity under the table. The facet pattern overall is decent. Maybe worth seeing in person. But it’s flat pancake table is less appealing IMO.

Do you live near any antique stores so you can visit and see how different styles of cut look in real life?


Id be more positive about an I1 based on a singular, large, visible inclusion. But based on whisps all through the stone I’m concerns about how many there must be to warrant that grade.

i thought it seemed shallow as well. just trying to figure out how to tell certain things when looking. appreciate the help!! i am 4 hours from chicago if there are any recommended stores in that area?

 

[Dreamer_D]

i thought it seemed shallow as well. just trying to figure out how to tell certain things when looking. appreciate the help!! i am 4 hours from chicago if there are any recommended stores in that area?

Isn’t Ivy and Rose in Chicago?

 

[TnTWalter]

Isn’t Ivy and Rose in Chicago?

I had no idea. That's awesome. I think I need a road trip and I think Idor is there as well?

I'm off to Baltimore this week but maybe I'll have to road trip in August. Thanks!

 

[LightBright]

I like this elongated antique old cut.

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