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Looking for an E-Ring on a budget! Advice, please!

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jd_1006

Rough_Rock
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Jun 30, 2009
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Hi, I''ve been lurking this forum for a few weeks and absorbing a ton of information. My GF likes antique settings and I believe to have found the perfect one at antiqueengagementrings.com(it''s the second Art Deco one, and I attached a picture but I''m not sure it worked).

I have a $3,500ish budget and the setting I want is already $1,500, leaving $2000 or so for the diamond. I''m a little flexible with the budget but I don''t want to go too much over. I understand that people tend to look for loose diamonds primarily at the three websites, goodoldgold.com, whiteflash.com, and jamesallen.com . I''m a little nervous about picking out a diamond and want to enlist some help. I"m looking for a round diamond, Color H or higher, SI2 or higher, ideal or better cut and probably from .7 carats and larger. There''s a ton of diamonds that fit these specs, but which one is the best? What am I supposed to be looking for? I''ve gone through the tutorials on the various reports but I''m still a little overwhelmed.

Also, would you recommend that when I find the diamond I want that I send it to antiqueengagementrings.com and have them set it, since it is a designer setting? Does anybody have any experience with working with them?

Thanks for your input!

Ring1562352659.jpg
 
Welcome JD!

Just curious before we begin, is it a modern round brilliant diamond you want or an old cut? I am just wondering if as well as an antique style setting, you might actually be wanting an old cut?

If it is a round you are looking for, then basically cut is incredibly important to give you a beautiful diamond, then colour and clarity fall within budgetary constraints and personal preference.

If you like we could suggest some diamonds which might suit you once we are sure of what you want?

Also I am not very familiar with antiqueengagementrings but some of the others might have experience with them.
 
Date: 6/30/2009 3:07:59 PM
Author: Lorelei
Welcome JD!


Just curious before we begin, is it a modern round brilliant diamond you want or an old cut? I am just wondering if as well as an antique style setting, you might actually be wanting an old cut?


If it is a round you are looking for, then basically cut is incredibly important to give you a beautiful diamond, then colour and clarity fall within budgetary constraints and personal preference.
Click to expand...

The description of the setting says it "accomodates a .7 to 1.1 carat round stone." I''m assuming that means a round brilliant diamond. What do you mean by an old cut? Thanks so much for the quick reply!
 
That''s a good point Lorelei. Of course with the new OEC GOG has recently come up with, now there is also the option of well cut antique styled stone too.
 
Date: 6/30/2009 3:12:09 PM
Author: jd_1006

Date: 6/30/2009 3:07:59 PM
Author: Lorelei
Welcome JD!


Just curious before we begin, is it a modern round brilliant diamond you want or an old cut? I am just wondering if as well as an antique style setting, you might actually be wanting an old cut?


If it is a round you are looking for, then basically cut is incredibly important to give you a beautiful diamond, then colour and clarity fall within budgetary constraints and personal preference.
Click to expand...

The description of the setting says it ''accomodates a .7 to 1.1 carat round stone.'' I''m assuming that means a round brilliant diamond. What do you mean by an old cut? Thanks so much for the quick reply!
Click to expand...
You are most welcome! By an old cut I mean stones which are usually antique such as Old European Cuts etc, if you check out this website they have examples.

www.jewelsbyericagrace.com

But it sounds as if you are looking for a modern round brilliant in that case.
 
Date: 6/30/2009 3:13:47 PM
Author: Chrono
That''s a good point Lorelei. Of course with the new OEC GOG has recently come up with, now there is also the option of well cut antique styled stone too.
Click to expand...
Oh yes......
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Attached is a picture of my transition stone. Note how it has a flower-ish pattern. OECs will also have a smaller table and high crown which helps give off huge flashes of colour. Modern rounds tend to have an arrow pattern visible under certain lighting.

OECfaceting.jpg
 
GOG = Good Old Gold, correct?

I was looking on their site and I didn''t see the cut you mentioned?

I''m thinking a modern round brilliant is probably the way to go.
 
Would and OEC be shallower than a modern round brilliant? With the filagree setting that could be better.
 
No, the opposite. An OEC is typically a little deeper because it needs the crown height for the rainbow light return.
 
Date: 6/30/2009 4:04:17 PM
Author: Chrono
No, the opposite. An OEC is typically a little deeper because it needs the crown height for the rainbow light return.
Click to expand...
Ditto, the crown angles are steep usually which along with a smaller table can enhance fire/ coloured light.
 
I think a modern round brilliant is the way to go. I''m not seeing many OEC''s on any websites. Any recommendations?

I did get in touch with Leigh at antiqueengagementrings.com and he said they will set diamonds from another vendor, but does that mean i have to get some sort of insurance?

Thanks again for the prompt responses!
 
Have you contacted GOG? Sometimes he hasn''t had time to update all the stones on his website, especially the newer stuff like the OECs.
 
Usually the case. Unless he says he will cover damage on the stone during setting, best to buy a loose stone insurance.
 
The ACA looks good. Check with WF to make sure it is eye-clean.
 
Date: 6/30/2009 4:19:47 PM
Author: jd_1006
I think a modern round brilliant is the way to go. I'm not seeing many OEC's on any websites. Any recommendations?
Click to expand...
For OEC's

GOG--my first choice would be his new OEC's because they will have better light performance
www.jewelsbyericagrace.com
www.oldworlddiamonds.com

The ACA you selected is beautiful if you want to go with a modern RB.
 
Did you take a look at this ring: http://antiqueengagementrings.com/shopping/shopexd.asp?id=2167

It is a similar style to the one you are interested in and about the size you are looking for. A GIA graded J diamond can face up very white. If you like it, I would think about asking the vendor for some better pics and whether it is eye-clean.
 
Date: 6/30/2009 4:26:48 PM
Author: Stone-cold11
Usually the case. Unless he says he will cover damage on the stone during setting, best to buy a loose stone insurance.
Click to expand...
It used to be the case that it was very difficult to get insurance to cover a loose diamond whilst setting, I don''t know if it is possible now...

You could try these companies to see if they will cover you but like I say this type of insurance can be a bit challenging to obtain.

www.touchstoneinsurance.com

www.chubb.com

www.jewelersmutual.com
 
Date: 6/30/2009 5:17:32 PM
Author: bigdiamondtinygal
Did you take a look at this ring: http://antiqueengagementrings.com/shopping/shopexd.asp?id=2167


It is a similar style to the one you are interested in and about the size you are looking for. A GIA graded J diamond can face up very white. If you like it, I would think about asking the vendor for some better pics and whether it is eye-clean.
Click to expand...

Not so hot on the side stones. But thanks for the suggestion, I appreciate it!
 
Here''s another option from GOG

at .83 carats, its a tenth of a carat bigger than the other two stones in this thread, but it has an I in color.

Sarah from GOG says because the cut is so great it will look whiter. I''ve been leaning towards F, G, and H because of the platinum setting, is that a legitimate concern?

Does GOG have discounts for pricescope people like whiteflash?
 
Here''s another one.

Seems like that price is really low compared to some of the others i''m looking at. Does it look like there''s a catch?
 
Date: 7/1/2009 1:47:25 PM
Author: jd_1006
Here''s another one.

Seems like that price is really low compared to some of the others i''m looking at. Does it look like there''s a catch?
Click to expand...
This one has potential, make sure though that the grade making cloud which is noted on the plotting diagram is not negatively affecting brilliance, if not then it could be a contender. Ask for a hearts image too from the vendor if interested.
 
Date: 7/1/2009 1:52:02 PM
Author: Lorelei
Date: 7/1/2009 1:47:25 PM

Author: jd_1006

Here''s another one.


Seems like that price is really low compared to some of the others i''m looking at. Does it look like there''s a catch?
Click to expand...

This one has potential, make sure though that the grade making cloud which is noted on the plotting diagram is not negatively affecting brilliance, if not then it could be a contender. Ask for a hearts image too from the vendor if interested.
Click to expand...

How would I can I measure the brilliance, just take a representative''s word? Or is there a test that will show it?
 
Date: 7/1/2009 1:58:11 PM
Author: jd_1006

Date: 7/1/2009 1:52:02 PM
Author: Lorelei

Date: 7/1/2009 1:47:25 PM

Author: jd_1006

Here''s another one.


Seems like that price is really low compared to some of the others i''m looking at. Does it look like there''s a catch?
Click to expand...

This one has potential, make sure though that the grade making cloud which is noted on the plotting diagram is not negatively affecting brilliance, if not then it could be a contender. Ask for a hearts image too from the vendor if interested.
Click to expand...

How would I can I measure the brilliance, just take a representative''s word? Or is there a test that will show it?
Click to expand...
Ask for their gemologist Julianna to inspect it for you, she has a good eye and a good rep and will be able to advise.
 
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