JBEG ring and my search for a nice cushion and setting

[smokey99]

So Ive been scouring the vintage/estate resources and not coming up with a whole lot. I've found a few nice looking (by the specs) cushions on BGD, WF and GOG. I also found a nice looking ring from JBEG but I'd like to get some feedback on it.

http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.com/Jewelry/Rings-Antique-diamonds/128ct-Antique-Cushion-Cut/17519628_zNjRnP#1333469254_XrW3JMr

My main concerns are the diamond (does it look like its damaged/chipped at all?) and the prong settings. I got a response from Grace who said that one of the prongs looks like it was likely damaged when the stone was taken out to be weighed (which they would repair). Outside of that, what are your thoughts on the ring? I love the vintage look of fishtail prongs, but these (in closeup pics) seem a bit crude and not symmetrical as found in this other example:

http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.com/SOLD-ITEMS-1/143ct-Old-European-Cut-Diamond/11839065_LP2zGr#836961330_qtJYY


Ultimately, I would LOVE to have a setting just like this second one. I know she would love it. But I could also go the route of a WF micro pave with a cushion from one of the other vendors as well. I dont think I'll be able to match the size/spread of the jbeg ring for that price (Its a 1.28ct K SI2, 6.85mm x 6.40mm) though either. My most important factors for the ring are light performance and size. I want it to flash lots of color and not look small on her (size 4.5ish) finger.

Here are the stones Ive saved in searches. I'd love to get some opinions/feedback. The first four are lower priced, smaller spread and lower spec'd but still reasonable:

BGD 1.02 H SI1 ex http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamond/diamond-details/?product_id=32248772
BGD 1.03 I VS2 ex http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamond/diamond-details/?product_id=30970458
BGD 1.04 I VS1 ex http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamond/diamond-details/?product_id=30970457
BN 1.06 J VS1 vg http://www.bluenile.com/cushion-cut-diamond-1-carat-very-good-cut-j-color-vs1-clarity_LD00122533

and a couple BGD signature AGS ideal cushions which would be about $1k-$1500 more, however they'd have a larger spread and better cut/light performance

BGD 1.06 J VS1 Ideal http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamond/diamond-detail/?product_id=AGS-1040400870007
BGD 1.15 J VVS1 Ideal http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamond/diamond-detail/?product_id=AGS-1040400870002
BGD 1.06 J VVS1 Ideal http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamond/diamond-detail/?product_id=AGS-1040400870006

 

[slg47]

The first four from BGD we can't really comment on since you really need images for a cushion. The last few look nice but are more of a modern cushion than the JbEG one. If you like the JbEG one perhaps get it appraised loose?

Do you know if she likes a more antique style ring or a modern ring? Also do you know how she feels about color?

 

[vintagelover229]

I LOVE the ones from JBEG. I don't think you can go wrong there (color or not). I think she's going to love whatever you get and those rings are unique and I think she'll love the fact that you just can't walk into any old store and pick out one that looks like hers. Here is another site to check out that also has settings in case you haven't seen it.

http://antiqueengagementrings.com/shopping/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=20


Another option is to get a AVC or and AVR from GOG and have the setting custom made. It doesn't matte the size on a well cut stone IMO because they have a life and personality all their own!

http://antiqueengagementrings.com/shopping/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=20

ETA: If you don't find what your looking for on antiqueengagementrings I'd give them a call. They are super nice to work with and if you email him the picture of the setting you love he may or may not have something in his case that will work. He has a ton of stuff and his most popular goes up on the site, so don't hesitate to call and see if he's got something special tucked away just waiting for you

 

[tyty333]

Cant really evaluate the 4 middle (virtual) stones. We have to have pictures. The last 4 or so bgd stones dont really
float my boat as far as looking old.

I like the first jbeg stone/ring you picked, however the setting is only ok.

Edit - what about this stone...its a lower color (L) and $4700 which saves you a little money for the
setting.
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/7806/
Here is an M color for about $4k
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/7743/

 

[smokey99]

Cant really evaluate the 4 middle (virtual) stones. We have to have pictures. The last 4 or so bgd stones dont really
float my boat as far as looking old.

I like the first jbeg stone/ring you picked, however the setting is only ok.

Edit - what about this stone...its a lower color (L) and $4700 which saves you a little money for the
setting.
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/7806/
Here is an M color for about $4k
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/7743/

I dont necessarily need the stone to look "old". I know she didnt want a round stone and Im worried about the fragile corners on princess cuts, so the chunky bigger flashes of light on a cushion just seemed like the way to go. What I like about the settings with the fishtail prongs is that they give the appearance of a more squared shape, and they just look very nice too. I understand what you are saying about the middle stones (no pictures).
What about the BGD signature stones didnt you like? The more modern cut? I like that they have a nice size spread for their ct weight and they have ideal light performance. They should still be chunkier than a standard princess which to me has tiny facets. As for the color and her preferences...she doesnt really wear much jewelry and the only ring Ive seen on her is a cheap old pinky ring As long as the center stone faces up pretty white and looks color balanced with the side stones/melee, then Im good.

I like your GOG recommendations although the first one might put me over my intended budget (I wanna be below $6K for sure). The second might need a look though

 

[vintagelover229]

Not sure what your budget is but this is AMAZING!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/VS1-1-81CT-Vintage-ENGAGEMENT-RING-PLATINUM-Estate/270739046690?ssPageName=WDVW&rd=1&ih=017&category=152869&cmd=ViewItem

 

[smokey99]

Not sure what your budget is but this is AMAZING!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/VS1-1-81CT-Vintage-ENGAGEMENT-RING-PLATINUM-Estate/270739046690?ssPageName=WDVW&rd=1&ih=017&category=152869&cmd=ViewItem

That is very pretty, you're right! But, a bit out of my price range. Im looking around $5k-6K tops

The hunt continues...

 

[kennedy]

Not sure what your budget is but this is AMAZING!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/VS1-1-81CT-Vintage-ENGAGEMENT-RING-PLATINUM-Estate/270739046690?ssPageName=WDVW&rd=1&ih=017&category=152869&cmd=ViewItem

That is very pretty, you're right! But, a bit out of my price range. Im looking around $5k-6K tops

The hunt continues...

What about this one?

http://www.etsy.com/listing/75704512/edwardian-platinum-topped-filigree

 

[smokey99]

Not sure what your budget is but this is AMAZING!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/VS1-1-81CT-Vintage-ENGAGEMENT-RING-PLATINUM-Estate/270739046690?ssPageName=WDVW&rd=1&ih=017&category=152869&cmd=ViewItem

That is very pretty, you're right! But, a bit out of my price range. Im looking around $5k-6K tops

The hunt continues...

What about this one?

http://www.etsy.com/listing/75704512/edwardian-platinum-topped-filigree

Definitely not a fan of that setting. The stone looks nice though, but not at the overall cost. I think Im between getting a setting like the JBEG ( http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.com/SOLD-ITEMS-1/143ct-Old-European-Cut-Diamond/11839065_LP2zGr#836961330_qtJYY ) or doing a petite micro pave like the White Flash version.
Of course, custom would be an option as well, but I have no idea what the cost would be for duplicating a seeting like the JBEG one above...?

 

[tyty333]

Cant really evaluate the 4 middle (virtual) stones. We have to have pictures. The last 4 or so bgd stones dont really
float my boat as far as looking old.

I like the first jbeg stone/ring you picked, however the setting is only ok.

Edit - what about this stone...its a lower color (L) and $4700 which saves you a little money for the
setting.
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/7806/
Here is an M color for about $4k
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/7743/

I dont necessarily need the stone to look "old". I know she didnt want a round stone and Im worried about the fragile corners on princess cuts, so the chunky bigger flashes of light on a cushion just seemed like the way to go. What I like about the settings with the fishtail prongs is that they give the appearance of a more squared shape, and they just look very nice too. I understand what you are saying about the middle stones (no pictures).
What about the BGD signature stones didnt you like? The more modern cut? I like that they have a nice size spread for their ct weight and they have ideal light performance. They should still be chunkier than a standard princess which to me has tiny facets. As for the color and her preferences...she doesnt really wear much jewelry and the only ring Ive seen on her is a cheap old pinky ring As long as the center stone faces up pretty white and looks color balanced with the side stones/melee, then Im good.

I like your GOG recommendations although the first one might put me over my intended budget (I wanna be below $6K for sure). The second might need a look though

The BGD stones are fine then. I thought you were looking for an older looking cut that is the only reason they werent floating my
boat.

 

[vintagelover229]

http://www.etsy.com/listing/74306538/old-european-cut-92-diamond-engagement?ref=sr_gallery_27&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_query=old+european+diamond+ring&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_ship_to=US&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=

http://www.etsy.com/listing/77263930/sale-art-deco-platinum-diamond?ref=sc_2

I realize this is at the top of your budget but you could always offer them 6k for the ring and see if they'd take it. Beautiful checker board pattern on this transitional cut diamond

http://www.etsy.com/listing/76906621/charming-92-carat-art-deco-diamond?ref=sr_gallery_9&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_query=old+european+diamond+ring&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_ship_to=US&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_page=3&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=

This stone is beautiful!
http://www.rubylane.com/item/494298-12271B/Diamond-Platinum-Engagement-Ring-c

Also if your not set on a particular style James Meyer has an amazing ring (he no longer takes custom orders so getting one of his rings is rare now a days because he's retired and does it on the side).

http://www.jamesmeyerjewelry.com/pieces/1405.htm

A very nice semi-mount that you can put a loose stone in
http://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-40ct-DIAMOND-PLATINUM-1ct-RING-MOUNTING-1950-/230495379729?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item35aa986111

Another one
http://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-09-DIAMOND-PLATINUM-1ct-RING-MOUNTING-1950-sz9-/230495392853?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item35aa989455

A bit over budget but you can ask the seller if she'll accept offers
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Art-Deco-Platinum-Diamond-Engagement-Ring-1-07cts-G-VS1-/290601047091?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item43a92c1433

I hope this helps and good luck!

 

[smokey99]

Thanks for digging up all of these for me VL!
That Rubylane stone is very pretty. I wish it was a little bigger

 

[Rhea]

That ruby lane ring is stunning!

What is the minimum carat weight or mm size you're after again? They don't always go hand and hand. I own a 0.26 transitional diamond which faces up as a 0.30-0.35 because it's 4.4mm.

 

[smokey99]

That ruby lane ring is stunning!

What is the minimum carat weight or mm size you're after again? They don't always go hand and hand. I own a 0.26 transitional diamond which faces up as a 0.30-0.35 because it's 4.4mm.

Id like it to be in the 6mm+ range. Of course a well cut diamond with great light performance is still going to rock a larger stone that performs poorly though, so...
But yeah, 6mm ish would be nice. The JBEG ring in the OP is a 1.28 but measures 6.85x6.40mm which is quite large.

 

[Rhea]

Older cut stones don't play by the size and mm rule, yet still can look amazing!

So 6mm it is. But you seem to be leaning toward rounds a bit as well? Or are you set on a cushion?

 

[stci]

I have a doubt since many month that JBEG use a flash filter to make the video of the diamond exactly like Diamond by Lauren. Perhaps I'm wrong but.... I think it's better to look at the photos instead of the videos. Just my 2 cents.

 

[ericad]

LOL, what's a flash filter?

Stci, I give you my word, the only tool I use to take photos is my Canon Powershot G11 and the sun and trees outside. I do spend unnatural amounts of time on my nails, being one of the two primary JbEG hand models, but that's the extent of my artificial manipulation

Get yourself a good camera with good macro function, get outside in good lighting (dappled shade is my fave) and I assure you, you will achieve photos and videos just like ours. I actually never do anything but point and shoot - don't even know how to manually adjust anything, I just use the auto setting on the camera (and macro setting for the vids), and for every 20 pics and video we post, there are 40 in the trash that didn't turn out. We don't even use a photo box or any kind of artificial lighting - all pics and video are taken outside, under the rain or sun, usually with my dog's butt wagging in the background, or my daughter chattering and me shushing her, lol. Very high tech, I know I can't even figure out how to mute the camera's microphone, let alone get all fancy-schmancy with filters!

We're very proud of the accuracy of our pics and video, and the fact that the only thing we EVER do is crop - we never manipulate lighting, or alter photos after we've taken them. I would venture to guess that every single customer of ours here on PS will attest to the fact that our photos and video accurately represent the piece they've purchased. In fact, we often hear that our photos and video don't do the pieces justice - that they look even better in person, so just imagine how stunning antiques look in real life!

I am flattered that you're so impressed by our videos that you suspect some type of manipulation. Thanks for the nice compliment

 

[smokey99]

Older cut stones don't play by the size and mm rule, yet still can look amazing!

So 6mm it is. But you seem to be leaning toward rounds a bit as well? Or are you set on a cushion?

You're right about the older stones and size. As for rounds- I dont want the prong setting and stone to appear round. Thats why I was still onboard with a setting that has the fishtail prongs set at the 'corners" which gives the diamond a more square/cushion look.

I wouldnt do a standard set solitare round as I know she doesnt like that look.

 

[smokey99]

LOL, what's a flash filter?

Stci, I give you my word, the only tool I use to take photos is my Canon Powershot G11 and the sun and trees outside. I do spend unnatural amounts of time on my nails, being one of the two primary JbEG hand models, but that's the extent of my artificial manipulation

Get yourself a good camera with good macro function, get outside in good lighting (dappled shade is my fave) and I assure you, you will achieve photos and videos just like ours. I actually never do anything but point and shoot - don't even know how to manually adjust anything, I just use the auto setting on the camera (and macro setting for the vids), and for every 20 pics and video we post, there are 40 in the trash that didn't turn out. We don't even use a photo box or any kind of artificial lighting - all pics and video are taken outside, under the rain or sun, usually with my dog's butt wagging in the background, or my daughter chattering and me shushing her, lol. Very high tech, I know I can't even figure out how to mute the camera's microphone, let alone get all fancy-schmancy with filters!

We're very proud of the accuracy of our pics and video, and the fact that the only thing we EVER do is crop - we never manipulate lighting, or alter photos after we've taken them. I would venture to guess that every single customer of ours here on PS will attest to the fact that our photos and video accurately represent the piece they've purchased. In fact, we often hear that our photos and video don't do the pieces justice - that they look even better in person, so just imagine how stunning antiques look in real life!

I am flattered that you're so impressed by our videos that you suspect some type of manipulation. Thanks for the nice compliment

I just wanted to say that your photos and videos have been BY FAR the best I have seen from any of the antique/vintage/repro shops on the web. Pictures from all angles in HD quality photo and video is such a huge bonus for a person shopping without seeing in person.
Also, thank you for your kind and timely responses and for 'keeping an eye out' for something that might suit me.