K color acceptable in 1.4ct AVC ??? (Cushion Halo Setting)

[Rhino]

Re: K color acceptable in 1.4ct AVC ??? (Cushion Halo Setti

And I do hope you aren't going with GOG for the setting. I have not yet seen pave of theirs that can compare to ERD (or other premium pave vendors).

Hi Gypsy,

I am wondering what you mean about our pave? Which ring(s) have you had in your hands and compared that we have made for clients? We are always striving to make things better so if you can point me to specific examples I am always open to constructive criticism.

Regards,
Jonathan

 

[Gypsy]

Re: K color acceptable in 1.4ct AVC ??? (Cushion Halo Setti

No. I have not held a GOG custom setting in my hands. I have held ERD, BGD, Leon, Steven (which I own), Maytal, and Singlestone in my hands. Oops, and at the last GTG in Vegas, a Victor. Why haven't I held a GOG pave in my hands? Because PSers don't go to GOG for pave. If it's CAD they go to ERD or BGD, if it's not CAD they go to Leon, Steven, Maytal, Victor or Mike R. And if it's vintage they go to Singlestone or 23rd Street.

But I've seen plenty of custom work posted here over the years, and from GOG. And comments like this are the reason that when you do a search on PS you will see that GOG is NEVER the recommended vendor (and not just by me) for pave: [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/avc-in-halo-setting.189940/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/avc-in-halo-setting.189940/[/URL] (Compared to Victor Canera workmanship is inferior). Here too: [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/ring-and-setting-from-good-old-gold.193595/#post-3525247#p3525247']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/ring-and-setting-from-good-old-gold.193595/#post-3525247#p3525247[/URL]

GOG's pave in pictures is bulky in comparison to the vendors that are recommended. And the custom execution is just not very crisp when compared to other vendors.

I'm not going to spend an hour looking for past projects because the search function on PS is as refined as it would need to be.

There is often too much metal and the execution is not crisp and the spacing of the stones too far apart, if I have time later I will find examples and post them. But I do not have time now. And frankly I don't want to tear apart someone's ring, that they love, that they wear. When people post their rings that they've bought we give them compliments or keep quiet. I don't want to tear down someone's ring and hurt their feelings. But if I can show some examples in a way that might not be hurtful, I will try.

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/comparison-photos-of-my-victor-canera-sk-leon-ring-setting.166496/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/comparison-photos-of-my-victor-canera-sk-leon-ring-setting.166496/[/URL] This is what we recommend.

 

[CharmyPoo]

Re: K color acceptable in 1.4ct AVC ??? (Cushion Halo Setti

Can I entice you on this one? It has a 14 day return policy - get it, check it out with an appraiser ...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/ANTIQUE-PLATINUM-2-05-CTTW-OLD-MINE-CUT-DIAMOND-RING-1-40-CT-CENTER-DIAMOND-/171132575458?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27d84bdee2

OR

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Cushion-Old-Mine-Cut-Diamond-Engraved-Engagement-Platinum-Ring-/141050722694?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item20d7473986

If you decide on it, you can pull out the diamond and put it in the setting you want.

 

[Gypsy]

Re: K color acceptable in 1.4ct AVC ??? (Cushion Halo Setti

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/a-collection-of-halos.121549/page-26']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/a-collection-of-halos.121549/page-26[/URL] Here you can see all the different halos and judge for yourself.

I'm not going to slam other PSers rings by pulling old rings and criticizing them. I don't want to hurt feelings as that is not fair.


Jonathan, if you want to bring a collection of GOG pave to the next GTG in Vegas, maybe that will revise my opinion.


I'm not saying that the work is average. It's not. It's above average, especially the newer stuff you've been putting out. But it's still not to the same level as what I've seen (and held) by other vendors. I'm not going to recommend something I don't think is the same quality as the other vendors.

 

[Laila619]

Re: K color acceptable in 1.4ct AVC ??? (Cushion Halo Setti

OMG, I would snap up that K color AVC in a heart beat! It's gorgeous! And an August Vintage is truly beautiful. No one else would have one like hers. I think the K color is really appealing in a cut like the AVC. It just sort of suits the cut. Set it in the Maytal setting and call it a day!

 

[yssie]

Re: K color acceptable in 1.4ct AVC ??? (Cushion Halo Setti

Wait a minute.

Jon, if you see this, I am confused on the clarity enhancement issue. Can you elaborate?
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/10940/#script

GOG states that the stone is clarity enhanced, and shows before and after photos of the enhancement.

AGSL states clearly that it will NOT grade fracture filled stones:
The AGS Laboratories will issue Laboratory Grown grading reports for loose, colorless lab-grown diamonds that weigh 0.23 carats or more. The AGS Laboratories will not issue grading reports for simulants, mounted stones, or for those that have undergone treatments such as fracture filling or coating. A Laboratory Grown grading report may be issued for laser-drilled diamonds, but this treatment will be disclosed in the report.


A) Was the stone laser drilled to bleach the crystal and then sent to AGSL?

This is the only way it would be eligible for the AGSL report, but I don't see a laser drill inclusion on the report, nor do I see any other indication of treatment disclosed as per the AGSL spec above.

B) Was the stone fracture filled?

SFGuy's post states that a GOG rep assured him that The enhancement was laser done and is completely reversible.

Completely reversible would indicate fracture filling, unless there's another reversible treatment I'm unaware of? Which would mean that either the AGSL report is out of date (was issued "before enhancement"), or that AGSL has made an exception and issued a report for a fracture filled stone with no disclosure of treatment (seems very unlikely), or that AGSL has made an exception and issued a report for some other reversible laser treatment without any notation of laser drilling or other treatment (also seems very unlikely).

So... sent to AGSL, received the SI2 clarity grade, then laser treated/fracture filled afterward?

 

[Gypsy]

Re: K color acceptable in 1.4ct AVC ??? (Cushion Halo Setti

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/were-engaged-pics-of-my-avc-in-erd-custom-micro-pave-halo.151072/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/were-engaged-pics-of-my-avc-in-erd-custom-micro-pave-halo.151072/[/URL] ERD Halo.

Compare with amount of metal in these: http://www.goodoldgold.com/Settingvideos/Tacori_Settings/gog_ring_videos/ (some of them are GOG's own bench, not all, make sure you are looking at actual GOG work when comparing).

Also compare profile of ring. GOG halo is flat, ERD halo has tilt. Less metal is seen.

You'll notice that ERD ring is from 2010.

ERD and BGD have a long history of getting it right. That's why I recommend them for CAD.

 

[Rosebloom]

Re: K color acceptable in 1.4ct AVC ??? (Cushion Halo Setti

As Woofmama mentioned, I have an AVC five stone band that are Ks. These stones are glorious. I am just mesmerized by them! They occasionally look white white and they mainly appear to be a beautiful slight off white creamy color. But when next to a band of FG ideal cut MRBs, the tint is unescapable. If you want an untinted looking stone, I'd recommend that you either go higher in color or don't do a halo. Now, my stones are tiny compared to yours - each just under .3cts - so that may have an impact on what I notice. And some stones tend toward yellow, others brown, others gray. The specific shade of your stone will also dictate how it looks in various situations.

I have never seen one, but others have had halos made with single cut melee and felt that it was a better compliment (ie contrasted less) to the warmer stones.

Good luck!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: K color acceptable in 1.4ct AVC ??? (Cushion Halo Setti

When I was looking at AVR's and AVC's, I did send for an L and M AVC to look at. They were gorgeous stones and the cut is outstanding. I definitely think they are better cut than the ones at ERD. My AVR is I color, and that was as low as I wanted to go for my solitaire e-ring. However, I thought an AVC in a slightly lower color and set in a whiter halo would be absolutely gorgeous! I love the contrast. SB has a beautiful low color antique cushion in a halo, and it makes a beautiful engagement ring. So I would probably do K color with a halo for an e-ring, but as others have said, this is a very personal preference. I agree that you should send for the stone to look at before setting it so you'll know. They are more beautiful in person, I can assure you! And in NYC for a pave halo, I'd probably go with Steven Kirsch who does outstanding pave work, and I know he has set GOG stones before.

 

[ericad]

Re: K color acceptable in 1.4ct AVC ??? (Cushion Halo Setti

We've set many warmer colored stones into halos and they look stunning! With a K color, you will see a hint of warmth in the center stone against the melee of the halo. You can find a vendor who can use lower colored melee, for less contrast, which should work nicely for a K. But in a halo, the center stone may look a bit ivory toned in certain lighting, compared to the halo.

The contrast is one of the things that people usually love about warmer colored diamonds. It gives an antique diamond (or antique repro, like the AVC) that extra little bit of character and old world charm. I like to play up the warmth by using stark white melee (to flaunt it, like, "Yeah, it's a K, BAM!"), but it's a matter of personal preference.

 

[asscher_girl]

Re: K color acceptable in 1.4ct AVC ??? (Cushion Halo Setti

My EC is a K, it's an antique, roughly 100 years old. The setting is a French reproduction of an antique setting, set in platinum with G-H melee. Sometimes I see the creaminess of my K but most of the time it looks very white. I like the slight contrast between my center stone and the melee.

Here's my thread with tons of photos of my ring. [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-5-yr-anniversary-upgrade-2-52-emerald-cut-diamond.187820/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-5-yr-anniversary-upgrade-2-52-emerald-cut-diamond.187820/[/URL]

I really do like a bit of warmth in antique or (repro antique) stones, it gives so much more character and romance to the stone.

 

[marymm]

Re: K color acceptable in 1.4ct AVC ??? (Cushion Halo Setti

OP - honestly no one call tell you what you will find pleasing to your eye - however, if you were looking for a white G/H/I diamond and are concerned about seeing tint, IMHO I do not think a K will work for you.

GOG has an excellent return policy - buy the K, have it shipped to you loose, examine it in every type of lighting condition, especially the kind of lights the stone (and its wearer) would spend the most time in. Pair it with different color metals to see how the K performs. To get an idea as to halo contrast, if you don't own jewelry with small diamonds, perhaps buy an inexpensive CZ eternity just so you can see high-color melee next to the K center stone.

 

[msop04]

Re: K color acceptable in 1.4ct AVC ??? (Cushion Halo Setti

OP - honestly no one call tell you what you will find pleasing to your eye - however, if you were looking for a white G/H/I diamond and are concerned about seeing tint, IMHO I do not think a K will work for you.

GOG has an excellent return policy - buy the K, have it shipped to you loose, examine it in every type of lighting condition, especially the kind of lights the stone (and its wearer) would spend the most time in. Pair it with different color metals to see how the K performs. To get an idea as to halo contrast, if you don't own jewelry with small diamonds, perhaps buy an inexpensive CZ eternity just so you can see high-color melee next to the K center stone.

This. Exactly.

 

[Rhino]

Re: K color acceptable in 1.4ct AVC ??? (Cushion Halo Setti

And a good morning to everyone! Hope everyone had a great weekend.

Hi Gypsy,

Let me begin by saying I have neither the desire or the time to go around in circles with you but this was all I needed to know.

No. I have not held a GOG custom setting in my hands.

Your post does raise other questions and there are also some issues I'd like to point out and clarify.

But I've seen plenty of custom work posted here over the years, and from GOG. And comments like this are the reason that when you do a search on PS you will see that GOG is NEVER the recommended vendor (and not just by me) for pave: [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/avc-in-halo-setting.189940/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/avc-in-halo-setting.189940/[/URL] (Compared to Victor Canera workmanship is inferior). Here too: [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/ring-and-setting-from-good-old-gold.193595/#post-3525247#p3525247']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/ring-and-setting-from-good-old-gold.193595/#post-3525247#p3525247[/URL]

Not sure if you actually read the comments by badabling but in the latter thread she clarifies and states ...

"The setting is beautiful but I thought VC's workmanship was better (I have a VC halo) but GOG's was also much cheaper than VC. I guess you get what you pay though that's not to say GOG is bad just VC is better. I'm sure most people outside PS would not notice the difference."

The truth is this Gypsy. My firm utilizes the setting work of many manufacturers and benches.

I can utilize benches that do great work (to the point of most consumers not noticing the difference, even from a VC/LM etc.) as badabling's states above at a much less expensive price, to the setting work of the least expensive benches (and from firms that even you recommend) to designers that are on par with the best who set for some of the big names we are all familiar with. As badabling states ... you get what you pay for.

Ie. We feature settings and setting work that covers the gamut from Gabrielle, BeverlyK, etc. to that of Vatche', Tacori, Mark Morrell, etc. While I carry them all you can't even begin to compare the work of benches from the former to the latter. It's no comparison. badabling and others in those threads pay high compliments to the setting and the work and other PS'rs have emailed me saying that what you are supposedly showing of "bad work" from GOG is in fact just fine.

Mind you I'm not claiming perfection either. There are times our manufacturers will fudge a job, even if it is rare, it can and does happen. What I ensure however is that all of our clients are taken care of and the consistent theme here, regardless of any setting that leaves GOG is the QA of my assistants. Marie, Lynda, Darren & Vicki will inspect that ring to ensure it is as perfect of a job that we can expect from that setting company. We'll photograph it and at times will also video it before it leaves here to go to the client. We are not ashamed of our work and proudly display it. If you should ever have the opportunity to actually *see* a setting that came from our firm and you feel the need to sharply criticize, please take a moment to ask me personally (and you know how to contact me personally) which of our setters/benches did the particular job. I am more than happy to share and listen to whatever constructive criticism you have to offer that bench and our utilization of it. It may interest you to know we have dropped firms because of problems with their setting work.

Hi Yssie

Wait a minute.

Jon, if you see this, I am confused on the clarity enhancement issue. Can you elaborate?
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/10940/#script

GOG states that the stone is clarity enhanced, and shows before and after photos of the enhancement.

AGSL states clearly that it will NOT grade fracture filled stones:
The AGS Laboratories will issue Laboratory Grown grading reports for loose, colorless lab-grown diamonds that weigh 0.23 carats or more. The AGS Laboratories will not issue grading reports for simulants, mounted stones, or for those that have undergone treatments such as fracture filling or coating. A Laboratory Grown grading report may be issued for laser-drilled diamonds, but this treatment will be disclosed in the report.


A) Was the stone laser drilled to bleach the crystal and then sent to AGSL?

This is the only way it would be eligible for the AGSL report, but I don't see a laser drill inclusion on the report, nor do I see any other indication of treatment disclosed as per the AGSL spec above.

B) Was the stone fracture filled?

SFGuy's post states that a GOG rep assured him that The enhancement was laser done and is completely reversible.

Completely reversible would indicate fracture filling, unless there's another reversible treatment I'm unaware of? Which would mean that either the AGSL report is out of date (was issued "before enhancement"), or that AGSL has made an exception and issued a report for a fracture filled stone with no disclosure of treatment (seems very unlikely), or that AGSL has made an exception and issued a report for some other reversible laser treatment without any notation of laser drilling or other treatment (also seems very unlikely).

So... sent to AGSL, received the SI2 clarity grade, then laser treated/fracture filled afterward?

Yes. On occasion we'll get in AVC's or AVR's that have eye visible inclusions that I will want to make invisible. We'll send them to AGS or GIA first to establish the grade and then we'll get it enhanced and publish that fact on the diamonds page.

Thanks for asking.

Kind regards,
Jonathan