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How to find an OEC/OMC

mandasand

mandasand

Brilliant_Rock
Joined
Jan 9, 2012
Messages
667
Hi PSers,
I am curious what methods old cut lovers use to find OEC/OMC stones and/or engagement rings?

We've been looking online at AVCs and also at Leigh Jay Nacht. I originally wanted something small, like a .60-.80 cushion but now I am feeling more drawn to the flower pattern of an OEC/AVR. I had in my possession a .93 ct early RB (I/J-K color) from the 50s. While I was advised on this forum that the stone was not a good performer, I thought the size was nice on my finger. It seems like I may have a hard time finding something in the .90 range in the $5k max budget for stone/setting.

I feel kind of silly that we are still in the process and I keep coming back here for advice...you are all probably sick of me now. We have been going through a lot of changes with our jobs and this has delayd his original plan...he intended for us to be engaged by this point. But life happens!

Here are a few stones/settings I found that I like, but I am not really sure I know what to look for in an old cut:
.94 ct OEC. $3835 http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.com/Jewelry/Rings-Antique-Vintage/91ct-Old-Mine-Cut-Diamond/23731961_JjL4CV#!i=1921874742&k=W3gvGjk

.79 ct OEC. $3360 http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.com/Jewelry/Rings-Antique-Vintage/79ct-Old-European-Cut-Diamond/25067850_9kpML8#!i=2054212012&k=KQsrPBQ

1.23 ct OEC $5175 (I could get this mounting separate if I source my own stone...it costs $1.3k in platinum
http://antiqueengagementrings.com/shopping/shopdisplayproducts.asp?search=yes&bc=no&CatalogId=3972

.68 OEC $3975 http://antiqueengagementrings.com/shopping/shopexd.asp?id=3728

.94 ct round brilliant (older cut OEC to modern transitional) $4495 http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.com/Jewelry/Rings-Antique-Vintage/80ct-est-Round-Brilliant-D/23220844_ztmx79#!i=1872133628&k=PTmpqr6

Stones only:
The only AVC left in our budget that is a good size: http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9492/
AVRs??? Not sure which one
.93 transitional from JBEG $3880 http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.com/Jewelry/Loose-Diamonds/96ct-Loose-Transitional-Cut/24448854_n3s3wt#!i=1994225365&k=pvkGB8M
1.01 OEC from JBEG $3570 http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.com/Jewelry/Loose-Diamonds/103ct-OEC-Old-European-Cut/25698218_LcsW9F#!i=2123767552&k=hkrM7CM

I am waiting for the sneak peek newsletter from JBEG and maybe there will be some new options.

Thanks for reading and giving feedback!!
 
Hi Mandasand!
http://antiqueengagementrings.com/shopping/shopexd.asp?id=3972

I did visit LJN when I was in NYC, and I tried on that setting (setting only, not with the stone in it) and it is a beautiful setting - it was too delicate for my chunky monkey hands, but looked beautiful!

What would your WB plans be? When I tried it on with my diamond band, it wasn't flush but it wasn't too badly angled away. Just thought I'd share that little bit of info for you! Lovely to meet both Leigh and Winona!!

screen_shot_2012-11-02_at_8.png
 
 
You'll have to decide early on if you want a true antique cut stone or a modern, antique-like cut. They are both beautiful in their own right, but they are different beasts and you will save yourself a lot of time if you commit to searching for only one of them. :))

Searching for a new stone is relatively easy - get in touch with the three appropriate vendors (GOG, ERD, and VC) and discuss. If they don't have something suitable now, all you can do is wait.

As for true antique cuts - this is more time and labor intensive. There are some nice and fairly priced stones on eBay if you do the legwork to locate them. JbEG don't appear to have anything that fits what you're wanting and is really attractive at the moment. You can email the ladies though and see if they have anything lurking in the background - it sometimes takes awhile to get new pieces listed when they first receive them, so your perfect stone may already be in their safe.

And of course, as I always recommend, contact Adam at Old World Diamonds. His available inventory is staggering. Mention that you were sent by PS, want X, Y, and Z, including budget, and see what he comes back with over a couple of weeks. I think you will be pleasantly surprised by the quality and pricing of his old cuts.

And please post your candidates here so we can all see, and the old cut experts can weigh in. You'll find your perfect stone in no time! :bigsmile:
 
I plan on wearing a wedding band and it does not need to be flush with the ER. I plan on wearing the wedding band alone sometimes because I travel internationally for work. I like this band:
http://antiqueengagementrings.com/shopping/shopdisplayproducts.asp?search=yes&bc=no&CatalogId=2894

I would love a true antique and I think my SO is more open to it. He doesn't really like used things, but after having seen the family friend's ring, he was okay with looking at true vintage rings.

Reading this forum, good performing OECs can be hard to find and I'm no expert. It makes me nervous especially since we will likely buy online. I feel comfortable with GOG and LJN because we've had good interactions with them thus far. Sounds like JBEG is stellar too but I haven't reached out yet.
 
BTW, we live 2 hours from SF and have talked about going to Lang's to see some antique rings in person. My job is transferring to the San Diego office in April and we'd like to get engaged before I move, SO will join me in 2014 because he's stationed at a local base here and can't move with me until he retires from the AF. It's been a stressful time for us recently because I'm dreading being separated.
 
Mandasand

Hi!! I just wanted to pop by and echo justginger's sentiments on contacting Adam at Old World Diamonds. I had fallen in love with Poppy (justginger's) and KSmom's cushions and decided to just go for it!! :lol:
I have owned an AVC before and really wanted another but my budget just would not meet my size preference. So I decided antique was the way to go!

Adam was wonderful. I explained who I was, that is, a PS'er with high standards but a very small :wink2: budget!! :bigsmile:
He then pulled out all the stops for me. I owe you a thread ;)) . However, I would urge you to reach out to him as he has an amazing eye for antique stones plus he found me an outstanding platinum setting for such a teeny tiny amount!! It is :love:


So I ended up with the most beautiful and amazing 1.31 antique cushion, in a platinum setting with four tiny antique diamonds as support. :tongue: And all within your budget!! :praise:

It is my everyday solitaire that I wear with my original wedding band of 18ct yellow gold. I save my VC Emilya and matching eternity for dress up days and nights.

I will post pictures for you next week hopefully! Good luck in your search. I am sure the right diamond is just waiting for you to find her!!

:wavey:
 
susimoo said:
Mandasand

Hi!! I just wanted to pop by and echo justginger's sentiments on contacting Adam at Old World Diamonds. I had fallen in love with Poppy (justginger's) and KSmom's cushions and decided to just go for it!! :lol:
I have owned an AVC before and really wanted another but my budget just would not meet my size preference. So I decided antique was the way to go!

Adam was wonderful. I explained who I was, that is, a PS'er with high standards but a very small :wink2: budget!! :bigsmile:
He then pulled out all the stops for me. I owe you a thread ;)) . However, I would urge you to reach out to him as he has an amazing eye for antique stones plus he found me an outstanding platinum setting for such a teeny tiny amount!! It is :love:


So I ended up with the most beautiful and amazing 1.31 antique cushion, in a platinum setting with four tiny antique diamonds as support. :tongue: And all within your budget!! :praise:

It is my everyday solitaire that I wear with my original wedding band of 18ct yellow gold. I save my VC Emilya and matching eternity for dress up days and nights.

I will post pictures for you next week hopefully! Good luck in your search. I am sure the right diamond is just waiting for you to find her!!

:wavey:
Click to expand...
Yes we need pictures please!!! Sounds gorgeous!
 
That sounds perfect! I'm looking forward to getting the specs and seeing pics.

JustGinger-thanks for letting me know you don't think JBEG has any stones that would work for me.
 
justginger said:
You'll have to decide early on if you want a true antique cut stone or a modern, antique-like cut. They are both beautiful in their own right, but they are different beasts and you will save yourself a lot of time if you commit to searching for only one of them. :))

Searching for a new stone is relatively easy - get in touch with the three appropriate vendors (GOG, ERD, and VC) and discuss. If they don't have something suitable now, all you can do is wait.

As for true antique cuts - this is more time and labor intensive. There are some nice and fairly priced stones on eBay if you do the legwork to locate them. JbEG don't appear to have anything that fits what you're wanting and is really attractive at the moment. You can email the ladies though and see if they have anything lurking in the background - it sometimes takes awhile to get new pieces listed when they first receive them, so your perfect stone may already be in their safe.

And of course, as I always recommend, contact Adam at Old World Diamonds. His available inventory is staggering. Mention that you were sent by PS, want X, Y, and Z, including budget, and see what he comes back with over a couple of weeks. I think you will be pleasantly surprised by the quality and pricing of his old cuts.

And please post your candidates here so we can all see, and the old cut experts can weigh in. You'll find your perfect stone in no time! :bigsmile:
Click to expand...
I also second Adam for your search. It's like he has his whole inventory in his brain and the moment you tell him your requirements, his brain goes "ding ding ding" and he has found you something awesome. I never had a hiccup working with him and he really really tries to give you everything you want. He actually surprised me by doing more for me than I ever imagined a vendor to do.

I also would call jbeg and not just peruse their site. They are really really awesome ladies and I was in touch with Erica for a while during my search for an OEC. They have diamonds lined up sometimes that haven't gotten on to their site yet. Jbeg really makes you feel like family so it won't hurt to just give then a ring.

I hope that you find an OEC/OMC you love. But the search and the anticipation is so much fun also!
 
Should I be asking for:
6.2-7 mm VS1-SI1 H-J color

What else should I request regarding the polish and symmetry? Looking at OWD online, many have good or fair but looking at GOGs AVRs, they are all VG or excellent. Should I also be concerned with an SI1 J color EGLUSA graded stone because it's probably off some clarity and color? I know antique diamonds are often graded by EGL which has become the standard but should I try to find a GIA stone instead?

I mentioned before that I am totally comfortable with GOG and I love that I could upgrade in the future, but I don't want to have to settle either.
 
mandasand|1352042842|3298438 said:
I mentioned before that I am totally comfortable with GOG and I love that I could upgrade in the future, but I don't want to have to settle either.
Click to expand...


Then contact Jon. I can't say enough how happy I was with his service. I know everyone here on PS is an Adam lover, but Madelise is a Jon lover :love: He has the same access to the same stones, but I prefer all the science-y stuff he's able to perform, and I love his buyback policy.. for y'kno.. if one day I need to sell my kidneys and diamonds to put food on the table. *Knocks on wood.

But for an OEC in that size range, would you consider buying from a non-retailer? Like Ebay? Even ask around on pre-loved, to see if anyone has anything?

Or can you get your .93-er recut into an OEC-style? Yes, it won't be an 'authentic' oldie, but at least you can put it to some up-cycling?

And when you get yourself situated in SD, make sure to visit H Moradi in La Jolla! :love: Just for some blingasms.
 
mandasand|1352396562|3301230 said:
I reached out to Erica and she recommended the following diamond:
http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.com/Jewelry/Loose-Diamonds/96ct-Loose-Transitional-Cut/24448854_n3s3wt#!i=1994225365&k=pvkGB8M

The price is $3885 but there is room for negotiation. Thoughts?
Click to expand...

I like that stone, but I wonder about its clarity. It either has a bit of lint on it, or I can clearly see the inclusion/s around 9 o'clock. In real life I have very good eyesight and that would bother me. I really dig the facet patterning under the table though, so if it is just surface junk, I would be interested. I haven't had experience in stones this size lately, so can't comment on the pricing. I think there are other people around here who would be very knowledgeable about that aspect. :))
 
Thanks Ginger! I will have to ask about that. I really love the flower patterning...I guess it's called "snowflake."

There is also another stone they just got, 6.06 mm (.87) H VS1 for $3500
http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.com/Jewelry/Loose-Diamonds/87ct-Old-European-Cut-Diamond/26264363_cQG9jQ#!i=2187001418&k=Z9X8g2j

Madelise - I never did contact Adam. I guess I just felt like with Sandy it would be too soon. Perhaps next week I'll just reach out to Jonathan and see if he can help me. I was working with Sarah before on AVCs.
 
madelise|1352422459|3301546 said:
mandasand|1352042842|3298438 said:
I mentioned before that I am totally comfortable with GOG and I love that I could upgrade in the future, but I don't want to have to settle either.
Click to expand...


Then contact Jon. I can't say enough how happy I was with his service. I know everyone here on PS is an Adam lover, but Madelise is a Jon lover :love: He has the same access to the same stones, but I prefer all the science-y stuff he's able to perform, and I love his buyback policy.. for y'kno.. if one day I need to sell my kidneys and diamonds to put food on the table. *Knocks on wood.

But for an OEC in that size range, would you consider buying from a non-retailer? Like Ebay? Even ask around on pre-loved, to see if anyone has anything?

Or can you get your .93-er recut into an OEC-style? Yes, it won't be an 'authentic' oldie, but at least you can put it to some up-cycling?

And when you get yourself situated in SD, make sure to visit H Moradi in La Jolla! :love: Just for some blingasms.
Click to expand...


Hi Madelise

I was just wondering how you know that Jon has access to all of the same stones? I am not trying to start anything here or with you I am just curious because this is not the first time I have read a comment like this and I am not sure how Jon would have access to Adam's stones. Sure there are OECs available to all but Adam has his own private collection. Does Jon have access to that too?

And I am both a Jon and an Adam lover, as I am have done business with both. I live in NY and have personally met and worked with both of them-and they are both beyond fabulous. So really I am just curious because I never got the impression that Jon has access to as many stones as Adam, especially Adam's personal inventory.
 
Mandasand - here are some pics from my visit with LJN. Spent a wonderful visit with Leigh himself - INCREDIBLY nice guy! - and met Winona who was such a sweetheart! Beautiful repro settings and some stunning OEC/OMC set in originals! Wow - fantastic selection and very nice showroom. Any chance you can get to NYC to play???

Not sure how far along the process you are, but wanted to share these with you

img_2453.jpg

img_2455.jpg

img_2459.jpg

img_2460.jpg
 
Enerchi|1352508805|3302246 said:
Mandasand - here are some pics from my visit with LJN. Spent a wonderful visit with Leigh himself - INCREDIBLY nice guy! - and met Winona who was such a sweetheart! Beautiful repro settings and some stunning OEC/OMC set in originals! Wow - fantastic selection and very nice showroom. Any chance you can get to NYC to play???

Not sure how far along the process you are, but wanted to share these with you
Click to expand...
Wow Enerchi those settings are gorgeous! you must have had a great time!
 
From personal experience, it's best to find one vendor that you click with and stick with them. When I was getting my OEC, I contacted every old cut vendor I could think of. And that ended up being a mistake because a big part of the inventory was being used for myself from different vendors not knowing that they were all looking for the same person. But, I personally would use Adam. GOG is awesome and Erica and Grace are sooo nice. But I feel like Adam has the BIGGEST most hands on inventory that he can just pull the moment you call/email.
 
Enerchi-I'm head deep in process...looking for almost a year now. I love the LJN setting you first posted...that has been decided since July. Now we are going back and forth on the stone. I think we've found one at GOG, but the BF is worried why the price is so low. Waiting to get info back from GOG. I like that I can trade up if I go with an AVR...maybe not go much larger in size, but in color and clarity.
 
oooh!!! do tell - you've chosen a setting??? HAve you posted pics of it somewhere??? Both of these above were 2 of the setting finalists in my journey! They are both repros but I did have the opportunity to see the originals of each - very detailed repros - they put a LOT of work into them and it shows!

Can you share with us the setting you are looking at?

Good luck on the diamond hunt :halo:
 
Enerchi|1352517780|3302382 said:
oooh!!! do tell - you've chosen a setting??? HAve you posted pics of it somewhere??? Both of these above were 2 of the setting finalists in my journey! They are both repros but I did have the opportunity to see the originals of each - very detailed repros - they put a LOT of work into them and it shows!

Can you share with us the setting you are looking at?

Good luck on the diamond hunt :halo:
Click to expand...

It's setting 3082: http://antiqueengagementrings.com/shopping/shopdisplayproducts.asp?search=yes&bc=no&CatalogId=3972

I'm looking at a stone from GOG that comes just under 6 mm, but it's still larger than what I originally was looking at. We are waiting on pictures from GOG.

BF and I talked about diamonds yesterday. He say even though he knows I would love a true antique ring, he is worried that I will end up feeling weird about it. He pointed out that I think our house has "bad vibes" from the previous owners and I wanted to "cleanse" the house and it's only 5 years old. He asked me to imagine a ring that is 100 years old what kind of "vibes" I would pick up from it. We actually had a good laugh about it.
 
mandasand|1352654407|3303380 said:
Enerchi|1352517780|3302382 said:
oooh!!! do tell - you've chosen a setting??? HAve you posted pics of it somewhere??? Both of these above were 2 of the setting finalists in my journey! They are both repros but I did have the opportunity to see the originals of each - very detailed repros - they put a LOT of work into them and it shows!

Can you share with us the setting you are looking at?

Good luck on the diamond hunt :halo:
Click to expand...

It's setting 3082: http://antiqueengagementrings.com/shopping/shopdisplayproducts.asp?search=yes&bc=no&CatalogId=3972

I'm looking at a stone from GOG that comes just under 6 mm, but it's still larger than what I originally was looking at. We are waiting on pictures from GOG.

BF and I talked about diamonds yesterday. He say even though he knows I would love a true antique ring, he is worried that I will end up feeling weird about it. He pointed out that I think our house has "bad vibes" from the previous owners and I wanted to "cleanse" the house and it's only 5 years old. He asked me to imagine a ring that is 100 years old what kind of "vibes" I would pick up from it. We actually had a good laugh about it.
Click to expand...

I saw that and I tried it on!!! It is gorgeous IRL! I think you will be very happy with it! For my purpose, as a RHR, it was too engagementy for what I was going for... but it was a BEAUTY!!! Very nice choice!!! Unfortunately, the picture taking process did not start until we were almost leaving - sometimes, the neurons do not always fire right from the start... :roll:
 
I think patience is key when you're looking for a true antique stone.

I like to use my local jeweler, and it took about four years for him to come across *the* antique stone for me. Of course, not everyone is willing to wait this long, but in the end I was glad I did. I wore a modern cushion in the meantime, and loved that stone, too. For me, I had to see the stones in-person, pictures just wouldn't do it.
 
mandasand|1352654407|3303380 said:
BF and I talked about diamonds yesterday. He say even though he knows I would love a true antique ring, he is worried that I will end up feeling weird about it. He pointed out that I think our house has "bad vibes" from the previous owners and I wanted to "cleanse" the house and it's only 5 years old. He asked me to imagine a ring that is 100 years old what kind of "vibes" I would pick up from it. We actually had a good laugh about it.
Click to expand...

Mandasand, good luck in your search! I'm curious about this point you mentioned on the history of the stone. What did you think about it? I have had similar thoughts before, but kind of pushed them to the back of my mind. I figured if I give the stone a lot of love and affection, all other history will be just history.
 
GemFever said:
mandasand|1352654407|3303380 said:
BF and I talked about diamonds yesterday. He say even though he knows I would love a true antique ring, he is worried that I will end up feeling weird about it. He pointed out that I think our house has "bad vibes" from the previous owners and I wanted to "cleanse" the house and it's only 5 years old. He asked me to imagine a ring that is 100 years old what kind of "vibes" I would pick up from it. We actually had a good laugh about it.
Click to expand...

Mandasand, good luck in your search! I'm curious about this point you mentioned on the history of the stone. What did you think about it? I have had similar thoughts before, but kind of pushed them to the back of my mind. I figured if I give the stone a lot of love and affection, all other history will be just history.
Click to expand...
DH also brought this up when I was looking for my OEC. Something about it being used in the holocaust. I made a thread about it and researched but it seems that it was used for good.
 
YayTacori|1352668060|3303530 said:
GemFever said:
mandasand|1352654407|3303380 said:
BF and I talked about diamonds yesterday. He say even though he knows I would love a true antique ring, he is worried that I will end up feeling weird about it. He pointed out that I think our house has "bad vibes" from the previous owners and I wanted to "cleanse" the house and it's only 5 years old. He asked me to imagine a ring that is 100 years old what kind of "vibes" I would pick up from it. We actually had a good laugh about it.
Click to expand...

Mandasand, good luck in your search! I'm curious about this point you mentioned on the history of the stone. What did you think about it? I have had similar thoughts before, but kind of pushed them to the back of my mind. I figured if I give the stone a lot of love and affection, all other history will be just history.
Click to expand...
DH also brought this up when I was looking for my OEC. Something about it being used in the holocaust. I made a thread about it and researched but it seems that it was used for good.
Click to expand...


LOL! I had the same idea cross my mind.. so it's not unwarranted. :o) I remember watching an old MTV sponsored film, where Beyonce's character buys an old antique piece of jewelry that gave her bad luck. Sparkly stuff stole my attention away, and I don't think of it anymore.
 
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