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Help! OEC vs. AGS Ideal

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guyneedshelp

Rough_Rock
Joined
Nov 5, 2008
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21

I really need some help deciding on which stone to use for an engagement ring for my girlfriend.


I recently purchased a knockout 2.6 G Eye-clean SI1 AGS Triple Ideal. It''s a .2 on the HCA, its optimal symmetry is amazing (H&A depending on definition), and faces up big (9mm diameter).


When I mentioned the purchase to my mother, she told me about some family rings in a safety deposit box that I may want to consider. As we do not live near each other, she had to send me pictures. One really stood out to me and I think it has a lot of potential. It is an round Old European cut, dimensions are 7.9mm. She brought it to a jeweler for his estimate of the stone''s quality and he told me he thought it was at least a G color and could not find any inclusions under 10x. I have yet to see the stone in person.


I am excited about potentially saving (a lot) of money, but at the same time, I want to make sure I get her something that she will be truly happy with. My girlfriend likes rings with big spread
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and I am concerned about going down in size with the OEC. I plan on using Leon Mege for the setting. I was thinking of doing a halo: http://www.artofplatinum.com/4images/details.php?image_id=466 because I think it could be a great antique look, but I am worried that the style is too "trendy." Also, the durability of the paves is a concern. I am also considering doing a three stone, but I don''t know how an OEC would look in such a setting. Would I use OECs or pears as sidestones?

Any advice/comments would be GREATLY appreciated, thanks!

PB050049.jpg
 
What is her personal style taste? If she loves antique settings and rings than the family OEC would be an awesome pick. However, if she likes modern stones than stick with the current stone you purchased. You could also have you mom take the rings to an independent appraiser if you want to learn more about them. The picture looks stunning though!
 
She has told me a lot about what she DOESN''T like in rings, but has a hard time making up her mind on what would be her "perfect" ring. She likes the classic solitaire (http://www.artofplatinum.com/4images/details.php?image_id=350) because it would be durable and flexible to dress up or down, but also thinks it is a little "boring." However, she says this not realizing she is getting such a large stone. She also likes the classic solitaire with pave shank (http://www.artofplatinum.com/4images/details.php?image_id=471) because it has some flair to it, but is worried about potentially damaging it. She really likes round three stone rings with diamonds of similar proportion because she says they look the best on her hand, but that option doesn''t really fit well with the two stones I have (unless I could match the OEC).
 
Is the diamond selection going to be a surprise? Do you you think she will appreciate receiving a family stone? If so, you should consider using the OEC and getting her a 3-stone ring. Its making a comeback in a BIG way and it is not impossible to source a matched pair (unless you are under a time crunch). I''m sure that Leon can source them.

May I say - the ring you posted is STUNNING!! I absolutely love it!
 
Well, it looks like a gorgeous OEC. It''s definitely a personal taste question... if your girlfriend is into any types of antiques, or has a more ornate/girly sense of style, she might well adore an OEC! If she''s more the minimal modernist, I''d go with the RB.

Is there any way you can slyly test the waters a bit? While it''s hard for me to imagine ANYONE being disappointed with that OEC, I suppose there''s the off chance she might not love an antique.

If you do go with the OEC, just don''t tell her you had a much-bigger stone picked out!
 
Date: 11/6/2008 3:21:22 AM
Author: LittleGreyKitten
Well, it looks like a gorgeous OEC. It''s definitely a personal taste question... if your girlfriend is into any types of antiques, or has a more ornate/girly sense of style, she might well adore an OEC! If she''s more the minimal modernist, I''d go with the RB.

Is there any way you can slyly test the waters a bit? While it''s hard for me to imagine ANYONE being disappointed with that OEC, I suppose there''s the off chance she might not love an antique.

If you do go with the OEC, just don''t tell her you had a much-bigger stone picked out!
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I agree.
 
Date: 11/6/2008 1:41:55 AM
Author: HeartingDiamonds
Is the diamond selection going to be a surprise? Do you you think she will appreciate receiving a family stone? If so, you should consider using the OEC and getting her a 3-stone ring. Its making a comeback in a BIG way and it is not impossible to source a matched pair (unless you are under a time crunch). I''m sure that Leon can source them.

May I say - the ring you posted is STUNNING!! I absolutely love it!
Click to expand...

Thank you for all of the responses. When you say, "It''s making a comeback in a BIG way," are you referring to OECs or three stone rings? It is a surprise, but I have been asking her about all sorts of questions about settings, etc. So I guess the timing is a surprise, but the fact that I plan on asking her sometime is not.
I think her favorite is a three stone round ring, but would it look the same with OECs rather than round brilliants? I just wish the OEC was the same size or larger so I wouldn''t feel guilty using it. With the round I bought, I don''t have much more in my budget for sidestones, but by using the OEC I would have room to add bling to compensate. I think she would really like having something unique and special. I guess the question becomes, what''s the best way to bolster the OEC''s size so I don''t feel guilty about using it. Here''s a picture of the round:


makingmefeelguilty.jpg
 
How about using the OEC, as she will have the family history there to be unique. Then, have LM source two additional smaller OECs to make a gorgeous splash. The added bling will be enough that you, and she, won''t feel that a single thing is lacking!
Best wishes!
BB
 
Whoa !!! That''s a gorgeous RB.

My personal taste would be the antique cushion but I suspect your GF may prefer the larger modern RB if she is interested in spread and presence. Older stones are an acquired taste and not everyone appreciates them.
 
Oh that is a FABULOUS round!!! Really gorgeous!!! I would choose that round in a heartbeat but as alas neither of these diamonds are for me
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, you must pick the one you believe your GF would like the most...
 
Date: 11/6/2008 8:36:04 AM
Author: purrfectpear
Whoa !!! That''s a gorgeous RB.


My personal taste would be the antique cushion but I suspect your GF may prefer the larger modern RB if she is interested in spread and presence. Older stones are an acquired taste and not everyone appreciates them.
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Agreed...the OEC is gorgeous but based on what your GF has said I also think she''d prefer the modern stone. Antique stones have their charm but many people don''t appreciate the things that charm some of us about the older stones...
 
That''s a tough call the OEC is gorgeous
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but so is the RB. Is it possible to give her the option? I would love that OEC set in platinum by Leon, it would be gorgeous
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In a perfect world I would give her both. I would like to give her the option, but I feel like that will take a lot of the surprise/excitement out of it. I don''t mind talking to her about preferences, but I think the final decision should be a surpise. I don''t want to mention an antique stone, because I think that could be a great surprise as well.

I talked to Leon and he did not think I should do a three stone ring with two other OECs. He thought that the OEC should go into a more antique setting, and a three stone while not "modern," wouldn''t best suit a OEC. He recommended something such as: http://www.artofplatinum.com/4images/details.php?image_id=470&mode=search or http://www.artofplatinum.com/4images/details.php?image_id=387&mode=search.

While I think that milgrain and a halo would suit the OEC very well, my girlfriend does not like milgrain. So maybe Leon''s first option could work. Any thoughts?
 
One thing I wanted to mention, as that is an old cut stone, sometimes they can sustain chips etc ( as can any diamond) over the years, so maybe it might be an idea to get it checked out by an appraiser before deciding just in case?
 
If I were in your shoes I think I would go with the OEC. First, it doesn''t sound like your girlfriend has communicated she must have a RB cut stone, so you won''t be risking her being disappointed in the stone. The OEC is been in your family and will always carry that sentimental history with it, plus the stone will be totally unique. You could always get her a RB or RB three stone down the line for an anniversary or special celebration.
In addition, going with the OEC will allow you to save some money and stretch your budget, which for most people is a good thing no matter how you look at it and not something to feel guilty over.

I think having the OEC set in a Leon setting will look amazing and she will fall in love with the ring because the criteria she gave you is broad enough to allow that to happen.
That along with being proposed to by the man she loves and seeing how much thought, effort, and consideration went into the ring I think will be enough to make it perfect in her eyes.

I''m sure Leon and you could come up with a setting that fit the stone well, but was still in her style range and didn''t use milgrain.

Obviously, just my thoughts and if you do end up going with the RB, I''m sure she will love that too for the same reasons.
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Date: 11/6/2008 10:47:29 AM
Author: guyneedshelp
In a perfect world I would give her both. I would like to give her the option, but I feel like that will take a lot of the surprise/excitement out of it. I don''t mind talking to her about preferences, but I think the final decision should be a surpise. I don''t want to mention an antique stone, because I think that could be a great surprise as well.

I talked to Leon and he did not think I should do a three stone ring with two other OECs. He thought that the OEC should go into a more antique setting, and a three stone while not ''modern,'' wouldn''t best suit a OEC. He recommended something such as: http://www.artofplatinum.com/4images/details.php?image_id=470&mode=search or http://www.artofplatinum.com/4images/details.php?image_id=387&mode=search.

While I think that milgrain and a halo would suit the OEC very well, my girlfriend does not like milgrain. So maybe Leon''s first option could work. Any thoughts?
Click to expand...
I really like the one in the first link. You can use your extra money to buy a gorgeous band to go with it.
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I'm completely biased (my e-ring is a 2.1 ct OEC) but I would go with the OEC and put the money you saved into a fabulous setting! Leon does amazing work. Maybe do a three stone haloed to get the extra size you're worried about. Something similar to this?

danksett.jpg
 
I vote OEC also. No surprise there. Given that the stone is a family heirloom, that significance far outweighs the the larger size of the RB (which is lovely, btw), in my opinion. I love the first Leon setting you posted. You should also check out some of the settings at Single Stone. This is a lovely setting, with a more delicate halo:

http://singlestone.com/site.php?page=collections&catID=3&pID=50&startRow=3http://

Of course, if your gf is a very modern sort of girl, she may not love this type of setting as much.
 
Hi GNH,

To clarify my earlier response - I was talking about 3-stone rings (OECs have been popular again for many years now) making a comeback. And why not - its classic, timeless and elegant.

Hard to call this one - I would personally love a family stone, but your GF may not and may really be drawn to the size and sparkle of the modern RB.

I would take your GF to a family gathering where she will NOT miss seeing the OEC on your mom''s hand. Observe her reaction to it. If she appears lukewarm to it or does not even notice it (of course, your mom''s hand has to be within grabbing distance of her at all times), then you will have gotten your answer. But if she flips and admires the ring, then you know you SHOULD use it. Either way, you would have gotten a sense of her preference.

Good luck!
 
Wow Burk that is absolutely gorgeous
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I am leaning towards using the Old European Cut stone. A local jeweler told my mother he thinks the stone is a G color or better and he couldn''t see any inclusions under a loupe. I think this would make the stone pretty rare, because I think most OEC stones are normally lower in color? Anyway we are having it appraised on Tuesday by Chuck Stoddard, who is listed on pricescope under independent appraisers, so I will know the details then.

I think I am going to go with a Leon Mege halo setting. Do you think this setting: http://www.artofplatinum.com/4images/details.php?image_id=344 would still look good with white single cut paves, rather than pink ones on pink gold?
 
Most definitely!!
 
That would look amazing! Be sure to post when it''s done!
 
I can think of so many reasons to go with the OEC:

1. Preserving a piece of history and passing along a family heirloom
2. A diamond that''s unlike anything others in her circle are likely to have - truly unique
3. A very rare and valuable stone at G color
4. The one of a kind chunky monkey firey character that only old cuts can offer
5. With a gifted diamond you can go crazy with a killer setting!

I could go on and on
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BUT, my own personal preferences aside, what matters most is getting her something that SHE loves and will be proud and happy to wear. If you do some research here on PS about antique diamonds, old european cuts, OECs, etc. you will see how precious and valuable and desirable they are!

And for what it''s worth, I think that LM halo would be STUNNING! If you search his catalog you will see several pieces featuring OECs and OMCs.

Best of luck with your decision!
 
Ok the computer ate my first post so here goes another try.

First of all you have great taste and are to be commended for putting so much thought into her ring.

Second of all is there any possible chance that she could have possibly seen the first one you picked out? One thing that I have learned from Pricescope is that we ladies can be bloodhounds when it comes to the ring process. I have read more than one post where ladies have found their carefully hidden rings/diamonds. So that is one thing to be careful of. You would not want to have her have seen and fell in love with the first stone only to present her with a different one.

People have different priorities and tastes with diamonds. Some love sentimental old stones with special family history (swoon) and others like the look of modern cuts, some like big stones and some like smaller stones. Old cuts and new cuts have very very different looks. So as others have wisely said it all depends on her personal style. If she likes rings with big spread I would pay attention to that. Any hint that a lady drops she loves for her guy to remember.

These are both amazing diamonds to choose from. Have fun congrats and best luck!


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Mrs.2Artists
 
Mr. 2Artists here.

So, Mrs. 2Artists just excitedly showed me this thread and introduced me to your dilemma. Here''s my 2 cents: I hear you about the money thing. We men tend to think of these things in those terms quite often. But don''t underestimate how much this will potentially mean to your lady. She hopes to look at this symbol every day for the rest of her life! So if you haven''t done something unwise to get this for her, then consider it money well spent. My guess is that if spread is her priority in a diamond, she''ll probably be happiest with the stone you bought for her- it is absolutely gorgeous!

Now, on the other hand, you have to know your audience. Realize that most of the people posting in this thread (ourselves included!) are probably mostly lovers of OEC stones. That''s an acquired taste, however, so be careful. You''ll have to determine what your lady''s taste is and plan accordingly. Some ladies love the sentimentality of an older family stone but frankly some may prefer to have something that *you* picked especially for them.

Even though I love OECs myself, my inclination here is to vote for the stone that you bought because you noted that spread is important to her. But, you will have to be the one to decide. Let us know how it turns out!

Great job and Good luck!

Mr. 2Artists
 
It'' going to be gorgeous. Please come back and show us.
 
MMT~I think so too! I really considered setting my OEC in it. I ended up with a Fay Cullen setting, though.

Whatever guyneedshelp does with the stone, it''s going to be fabulous!! I can''t wait to see the finished product!
 
Ok, I have some news about the OEC. The appraisal came back and it was identified at an "early" round brilliant. Anyway, long story short, the clarity of the stone is VVS1 and the color is G, so the appraisal value is very high and my Mom doesn''t want to part with it. I cannot blame her, and so I have moved onto plan B, which is the AGS Ideal I bought.

I am a little concerned about the clarity of the stone. See thread: https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/need-help-with-ags-ideal-round.100254/
but it may be too late to change my mind anyway as it has already been shipped to Leon Mege. Now the question becomes what setting for this round. I know I am going to go with a solitaire, the question is whether I should go with the classic solitaire with plain band or diamonds on the shank? My concern is durability and losing stones with the diamonds on the shank. It would certainly be annoying & expensive to go through this shipping/insurance process to get stones replaced. Also, it would be nice to use an ultrasonic on it. My girlfriend would probably prefer the diamonds on the shank if I asked her now, but the question is whether she would like that best over the long run...?
 
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