Help with OEC stones

[Stardust]

I''m looking for an OEC stone. The vendors I''m aware of (oldworlddiamonds, singlestone, and artdecodiamonds) don''t have photos online. I feel as though I''m constantly bugging them by asking for different photos, but the only way I know how to tell is through photos. So that I''m asking for the right photos, what should I be looking for table and depth wise?

Do you know of any other vendors who deal in antique stones?

 

[chrono]

A good start would be a table in the low 50s (even in the 40s) are fine. The smaller the better.
Depth in the mid 60s is sweet. Too deep and the stone will look small.
Crown height: the higher the better. Anything over 15% at the minimum.
It would be great if you can find a stone that has a girdle of at LEAST VThin. It is the EX Thin that I would be concerned about.

If you have pictures of OECs that you like, maybe you can show them the patterning that you adore (large chunks). Some patterns appear more random and disorganized, others show a "flower" faceting.

 

[Nicrez]

Not sure why you are looking at photos when you would best be served looking at them in person. If you can go visit antique jewlery shops near you or even pawn shops (believe it or not). Because they are antique it means that every single diamond cut will be different. The facets, the proportions, the look, then the color and clarities. To me, when buying an OEC I can not buy on specs alone, as that will take maybe months to years to locate. You have to be open and just go with what appeals to your eye, in my opinion, and that needs to be done in person, under different lighting conditions...That's why the OEC truly is amazing. It's response to different light...

Chrono gives some good measurements for online shopping, so see if that works, but truly they are not calibrated and measured like a modern round brilliant. Who knows your best diamond might be set in an antique setting in a shop somewhere and not online, Sarined and waiting for your call...

 

[kathleenmv]

Hi Stardust!

I just got my OEC from Singlestone. (I need to update my thread!) Ari will provide photos for you, and he''s great to work with.

artdecodiamonds has photos on their website (at least they did when I was looking there). Just search under European Cut diamonds and you''ll find an image as well as a digital copy of the lab report.

Hope that helps!

Kathy

 

[elmo]

oldworlddiamonds was very responsive when I was looking...they say up front if you want a photo of anything just ask. And the photos are usually very good. They have one of the biggest inventories in the business. I agree with Chrono on what to look for, and if you communicate what you want to a specialist like this, they will (should) know exactly what you're looking for and be able to make good suggestions. Of course get your eyes "calibrated" so you know when to move on something.

 

[Stardust]

Nicrez - being in another country that doesn''t have much to do with diamonds, I really don''t want to continue to look here. The dollar is weak right now and there''s no way I could afford what I want in pounds. I don''t know of a single pawn shop, and high quality stones are few and far between, not to mention the size I would want. But if you know of any place in London outside of the typical Hatton Garden, etc, I''d be willing to see what they can offer. I have months and years to wait for sure and I''ve requested several photos in the past, just want to know what to exclude before I end up asking for photos of everything...which I''m getting close to by now

 

[CaityJ]

Date: 8/16/2007 5:48:55 PM
Author: Stardust
But if you know of any place in London outside of the typical Hatton Garden, etc, I''d be willing to see what they can offer.

Are you absolutely certain you want a new stone/new ring? The dealer I got my ring from is in London at Gray''s Antique Market (John Joseph). He also has a website: john-joseph.co.uk. Rings appear to be his specialty and he has no shortage of lovely pieces with OEC stones. There are a number of quality vintage/antique jewellery dealers at Gray''s, in addition to John Joseph.

Just a thought! Good luck with your search!