Is this 1.63 OEC a contender?

[CharmyPoo]

Assuming the OWD stone is EGL and AVR is AGS?

 

[Huldak]

No, OWD is a GIA graded Old European Brilliant. AVR is AGS, yes.

 

[Hera]

Sounds like it's going to be a tough choice!!!! That oec is so gorgeous!!! I have a bias towards genuine old cuts so that's what gets my vote. Good luck and look forward to seeing what you keep!!!

 

[sparks1007]

Sounds like it's going to be a tough choice!!!! That oec is so gorgeous!!! I have a bias towards genuine old cuts so that's what gets my vote. Good luck and look forward to seeing what you keep!!!

+1

 

[Huldak]

Re color: I mentioned that far away, the AVR looks overall whiter/brighter due to the more uniform reflection from all facets of light. I'm not sure that's true in all lighting situations, it was true late last night sometimes. To be honest, I was struggling to find differences. I'll have time to take another look tomorrow in daylight. However, when light is not reflecting off the table at a distance, when I'm looking at the diamonds in most lighting conditions down at my hand, my eye consistently picks the lower color stone, the AVR, as being warmer.

 

[Huldak]

Sounds like it's going to be a tough choice!!!! That oec is so gorgeous!!! I have a bias towards genuine old cuts so that's what gets my vote. Good luck and look forward to seeing what you keep!!!

+1

Thanks Hera and Sparks! Actually, when we saw the AVR and the JBEG stones this weekend, we both thought they looked big. Too big. Especially as I have slender, short fingers. We ordered a smaller AVR, here: http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/11284/
I was pretty sure that was going to be the one, although I wasn't sure about the cut which seems a little different (bigger table, shallower crown, larger culet) than the AVR I have in hand. (As an aside, looks like it's been kicking around while, has anyone seen it in person?). Anyway, that will hopefully arrive tomorrow.

So I wasn't expecting to keep the OWD stone simply based on size. But it's thrown me for a loop. I went into this favoring AVRs but I wasn't expecting this stone. To me, finding something like this cut 100 years ago (I should say, having it found for me -- if only it was an ebay purchase! I'm not that brave), and cut so well, is just so cool and so rare I'm really torn. I find myself not wanting to give it up. My precious.

 

[luvmysparklies]

Huldak-
The stones that you posted are all pretty. I want to thank you for the comparisons you are doing and to the posters who gave their opinions. This thread really helps those of us wanting to continue (or begin!) learning what to look for in a well performing OEC. May I ask, can you give more observations about the late OEC you sent back? It seems like you are really leaning toward the true old cut so far. Again, great thread!!!

 

[Fancygems]

I would not give up that late OEC, a piece of history! An art!

 

[Dreamer_D]

Welll... before you get too romantic, ask some pointed questions about any recutting done on the OEC from OWD! If the antiquity of the cut is a deciding factor for you, then you need to confirm that NO recutting was done of the pavilion facets or crown. Girdle repolish would be ok perhaps, or an overall polish. If it is not a true antique, which in my book means no "tweaking" of the cut for optics at all... then seems like its an even playing field between the two diamonds from the perspective of antiquity.

I think you should just pick the one you like best. And don't get a smaller one. You will get used to the size.

ETA: There is nothing wrong with tweaked old cuts in my book, but if you are choosing a diamond because of the romance of its age... well I personally want some direct statements that the diamond still has the same facet pattern that was originally cut.

 

[Huldak]

Huldak-
The stones that you posted are all pretty. I want to thank you for the comparisons you are doing and to the posters who gave their opinions. This thread really helps those of us wanting to continue (or begin!) learning what to look for in a well performing OEC. May I ask, can you give more observations about the late OEC you sent back? It seems like you are really leaning toward the true old cut so far. Again, great thread!!!

Oh I'm so glad you think it helpful and I too am so appreciative for the opinions of those who know more than I do (it's a long list).

My first impression of the late OEC was that it was a million pinpicks of sparkles. I wanted chunks, I wanted to see facets, and so I was disappointed immediately. I think that was the main difference that I could see. Oh, and color. I could see the warmth of both J's, the AVR and the late OEC, and I didn't like it much. BF, on the other hand, said he could see it but it didn't bother him.

It's a bit difficult because I could tell the OEC was an awesome performer, but I'm sure some of the nuances of what the late OEC might have been lacking escaped me. Just not enough experience or knowledge I think. And I'm assuming here it was lacking, and it wasn't just my preferring the older cut vs. the newer. Also, the AVR was the same color and just a bit larger than the late OEC, but 50% more in price! So you're paying for that difference and depending upon what your priorities maybe the late OEC is it. It was a pretty stone certainly. I would choose a smaller AVR for the same money, but then I might want a smaller stone anyway.

 

[Huldak]

Welll... before you get too romantic, ask some pointed questions about any recutting done on the OEC from OWD! If the antiquity of the cut is a deciding factor for you, then you need to confirm that NO recutting was done of the pavilion facets or crown. Girdle repolish would be ok perhaps, or an overall polish. If it is not a true antique, which in my book means no "tweaking" of the cut for optics at all... then seems like its an even playing field between the two diamonds from the perspective of antiquity.

I think you should just pick the one you like best. And don't get a smaller one. You will get used to the size.

ETA: There is nothing wrong with tweaked old cuts in my book, but if you are choosing a diamond because of the romance of its age... well I personally want some direct statements that the diamond still has the same facet pattern that was originally cut.

lol. It's my engagement ring. It's romantic!

No seriously, thanks. I just sent Adam an email.

 

[CharmyPoo]

There is no such thing as too big. My first e-ring was 1.5 ct and I thought it was HUGE for a long time and now it is normal. My OEC (to become my ering) is 2.5 ct. My fingers are 2.75. Don't go for smaller thinking you want smaller ... you get used to it real quick.

I would trade size for color. I am very picky with color and don't want to see color in my e-ring. H is the lowest I would go. If the J is bothering you, go higher in color. People usually develop a "dislike" for the color over time but if you already feel it now ... you should address it.

 

[CharmyPoo]

I would buy this one .. you can sell me the setting as finders fee
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=380772787913&ssPageName=ADME:X:RTQ:US:1123

A few others in your price range
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Stunning-antique-style-diamond-ring-w-206-carat-Old-European-Cut-diamond-/141120401105

Too warm?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/245-OLD-EUROPEAN-CUT-DIAMOND-ORIGINAL-VINTAGE-PLATINUM-FILIGREE-ENGAGEMENT-RING-/400610476469

 

[Dreamer_D]

Welll... before you get too romantic, ask some pointed questions about any recutting done on the OEC from OWD! If the antiquity of the cut is a deciding factor for you, then you need to confirm that NO recutting was done of the pavilion facets or crown. Girdle repolish would be ok perhaps, or an overall polish. If it is not a true antique, which in my book means no "tweaking" of the cut for optics at all... then seems like its an even playing field between the two diamonds from the perspective of antiquity.

I think you should just pick the one you like best. And don't get a smaller one. You will get used to the size.

ETA: There is nothing wrong with tweaked old cuts in my book, but if you are choosing a diamond because of the romance of its age... well I personally want some direct statements that the diamond still has the same facet pattern that was originally cut.

lol. It's my engagement ring. It's romantic!

No seriously, thanks. I just sent Adam an email.

HOnestly, just get the one that you like better Do you really have no preference?

 

[Huldak]

Charmy, you are a good enabler! That first one is especially pretty. It's caught my eye before.

Dreamer, I really am having a hard time picking a favorite. Tomorrow will be the first time I can see them in natural daylight.

Reality is, I probably want an AVR of about 1.4-5 ct, I or higher color. In an ideal world, SI clarity to keep the price down. It's just not out there. So maybe the 1.26 will do it. I'm really glad you mentioned that about the cut of the OEC. Thinking it wasn't a true OEC totally took the magic away, and I'd rather have that happen now while I'm still in the return window.

 

[Hera]

Who said the stone was re-cut? Did Adam tell you it was? Don't let the magic go away until you get confirmation about this!

 

[CharmyPoo]

I think the AVRs are great but OECs have such a charm to them. I own a E VS1 AVC and it is my daily e-ring. However, I can tell you that I my antique OECs. I can't stop looking at them and I believe I am forever a converted OEC lover. There is a certain type of OEC that I love (both of my larger OECs are like this) - small flower center. You can have a small table but large petals ... I like small tables with tiny flowers.

I can't wait to get a larger true OMC as well.

 

[Huldak]

I spoke with Adam. The stone was not recut. He said the most they might do is touch up a nick.

The 1.26 arrived. It's really lovely. I like the large culet.

 

[Dreamer_D]

Well that is good about the OEC.

If you don't have a preference, perhaps none is for you?

 

[Huldak]

Actually I'm sending back the OEC to OWD.

The OEC is truly amazing, in the end I decided that I am just more comfortable with the guaranteed performance of the AVR and the policies of GOG. That's just me. I'm going to keep the smaller AVR. It really is bringing me joy to look at it and I am comfortable with the size.

Adam was great, very nice about the return. Sorry old cut lovers! The good news is, if anyone is looking for an amazing 1.66 I VS1 OEC, Adam will have one tomorrow ... maybe another PSer can get it.

I can't thank everyone enough for the input and letting me share my choices and pictures with you, Hera, Dreamer, Charmy and others. We're going to a Single Stone retailer over Thanksgiving to look at settings, so hopefully I'll have some pretty SMTB pictures soon!

 

[Huldak]

Update. I just went down to FedEx and retrieved the box with the OEC. Like a crazy person. I am going to go hide out now until I've made a decision.

 

[CharmyPoo]

What is it that you don't like about the OEC (without consideration to the AVR)? If we can pinpoint this then I think your decision is a lot easier. It's easy to look at AVRs because they are all essentially the same. Each and every OEC is COMPLETELY different. I have seen over 50 OECs now and although some are similar ... no two are identical. If you can figure out what you don't like the OEC, I would suggest getting one more OEC so you can really compare.

 

[Huldak]

What is it that you don't like about the OEC (without consideration to the AVR)? If we can pinpoint this then I think your decision is a lot easier. It's easy to look at AVRs because they are all essentially the same. Each and every OEC is COMPLETELY different. I have seen over 50 OECs now and although some are similar ... no two are identical. If you can figure out what you don't like the OEC, I would suggest getting one more OEC so you can really compare.

Big decisions scare me. The OEC feels less "reversible" a decision. That's a big factor.

The OEC is not perfect (and by that I mean not perfectly cut as a modern stone is). So I may second guess my decision as I think about the imperfections.

The OEC is a little big. For a number of reasons that trips me up. On the other hand, if you ask me what my dream diamond is -- it's that 1.63 D AVR for $27k. It's bigger than this OEC. I'd deal with it. So maybe that's my answer right there.

When Dreamer said maybe neither is for me, I resisted that idea. Thinking, no, I love them both!!! But, what I probably really want is a bigger, whiter AVR. Maybe 7.2 mm, G.

BF's views are also a factor (and this relates somewhat to size). He was raised to be *very* frugal. So that steers me in the direction of smaller. I want to honor his feelings just as he's honoring mine by getting me a diamond in the first place, even though he doesn't want to buy one (although actually affording it is not the issue). It's becoming a stressful thing. On the other hand, we're doing a really good job of talking it out, and that makes me happy. It bodes well for our future.

 

[Huldak]

Just to wrap up this thread and give it closure - I'm returning the OEC. Keeping the AVR for now, but also keeping an eye out for one bigger to come into inventory, and maybe a higher color.

I've always wanted an AVR, and I think I just kind of got sidetracked. Again, Adam was still very pleasant, even the second time I told him I was returning.

 

[Dreamer_D]

Just to wrap up this thread and give it closure - I'm returning the OEC. Keeping the AVR for now, but also keeping an eye out for one bigger to come into inventory, and maybe a higher color.

I've always wanted an AVR, and I think I just kind of got sidetracked. Again, Adam was still very pleasant, even the second time I told him I was returning.

Given everything you have said, I think this is a very good plan! You can work on your SO and eventually get the dream AVR you want. I have seen an AVR in person and it is a spectacular cut. Nothing wrong with liking the perfection! I like it too! I appreciate new and old cuts for different reasons. Anyways, can't wait to see your ring!

 

[Huldak]

Thank you Dreamer!