Looking for big OEC for 25th anniversary, ~$25k

[cardinalsfan]

Hi PriceScope, I've read lots of your threads with interest. This website is full of knowledgeable people, and I'd love to get your advice on the anniversary gift I want to buy for my wife. Our 25th anniversary is coming up this June.

I'm in the market for a stone that's 4+ carats. Ideally, 4.5 carats. My wife has gotten obsessed with OECs, and it didn't take long for Google to direct me to your many threads about OECs.

My budget is a little tight ($25k, maybe stretch to $27-28k), but I know lots of you are really good at finding stones within people's budgets.

I found this auction on eBay a couple days ago, but I didn't know enough to feel comfortable bidding on it. If this gets re-listed, is this a good diamond? Was the price that it sold at a great deal?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/230969912837?orig_cvip=true

In the meantime, what do you think of this 4.20 carat diamond on Jewels by Erica Grace? I understand they're a highly recommended vendor here.

http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.com/Jewelry/Rings-Antique-Vintage/420ct-Old-European-Cut-Diamond/23037854_rz37Lb#!i=1862976679&k=x8SjzcS

Thanks!

 

[yennyfire]

I love the JBEG stone. It would be worth seeing in person for sure. Is this meant to be a surprise for your wife? If so, my only concern is that I think she should see any stone you're considering to ensure that she likes the color. Taking her to see an N in a modern round won't be close to what you'd see in an oec. That's a mighty big purchase to make without her input. Just my .02.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I will have to agree that she needs to see and approve any stone within the return period. I almost think it would be a better idea for you to take her on an anniversary trip to NYC and have an appointment with Old World Diamonds and take her there to see a few and let her choose. I know I personally would probably not want N color or SI in a stone that large. The inclusions were easily seen in that ebay diamond, for example. The JBEG diamond is pretty and has potential, but I really can't tell anything about the color or clarity from those pictures (or whether it is round enough). Anyway, I'd leave yourself open to 3 carat range stones because you'll have more options. I'd much rather have a great 3 ct stone over a 4 ct that is not.

 

[SB621]

For another option I would also contact Adam at Old World Diamonds. I'm not a fan of his website at all, so either call or email him to see what he has in stock. I have noticed that the majority of us that have larger old cuts tend to lean towards Adam as he has more in inventory.

However I also love JbEG and have purchased from them before. My only question is how color sensative is your wife?

 

[Circe]

Heh, I was watching that eBay auction out of sheer curiosity - I like a big rock, but that one had almost no crown, and I'm not sure it'll be a good performer. It was a gamble.

For a sure thing, on the other hand ... Add me to the chorus recommending OWD and JBEG.

 

[CharmyPoo]

The ebay stone is nice and I highly doubt it is coming back. The seller is really good with amazing customer service and I would not hesitate to buy from him (I have on numerous occasions). Keep watching his auctions as he gets old stones all the time.

 

[Circe]

Charmy, the 11% crown wouldn't be a concern for you? (Sorry to thread jack, OP - common wisdom on the old cuts is constantly evolving around here, so when an interesting cut issue arises, it's hard to resist ....)

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I wouldn't buy an 11% crown, personally.

 

[ForteKitty]

The ebay ring wont be returned. I recognize the buyer, and that person appears to be a reseller of some sort, but not under the same ebay name. I have been outbid by that person a lot, and they purchase tens of thousands of dollars worth of jewelry on ebay each week.

It was a really good deal, regardless of crown height. The pattern looks good. While it might not have as much fire as a diamond with higher crown, it will be white and sparkly.

 

[CharmyPoo]

I only looked at the pic on my phone and didn't notice the crown height.

 

[Circe]

The ebay ring wont be returned. I recognize the buyer, and that person appears to be a reseller of some sort, but not under the same ebay name. I have been outbid by that person a lot, and they purchase tens of thousands of dollars worth of jewelry on ebay each week.

It was a really good deal, regardless of crown height. The pattern looks good. While it might not have as much fire as a diamond with higher crown, it will be white and sparkly.

Huh, interesting! The stone reminds me a lot of the brooch that GemFever just returned ... and she did say it performed well.

At any rate, moving back to the original topic ... CardinalsFan, I like the JBEG stone a lot. I think it's a good price, and I think it has a pretty make - looks almost like an OMC to me with that faintly cushion-y outline!

 

[cardinalsfan]

Hi everyone,

Thanks for your great advice. I agree that she needs to see any stone before I buy it, but if I at least have a few stones in mind before I tell her about them, then the *idea* will be a surprise. I do know she's open to lower colors in an OEC. She's seen a few O-Ps in smaller sizes and liked them.

Too bad that the eBay stone likely won't be relisted, but at least I know that the JBEG stone is a good option. I'll also talk to Adam.

Thanks again! If you have any more input on the JBEG stone or others you may know about, please tell!

No worries about threadjacking. I love reading this stuff!

 

[junebug17]

I love JbEG and I purchased my ring from them. The 4.20 is very pretty, but the center facets of the stone look dark to me in pics where it's facing forward and in the video.

 

[valmanin]

The ebay ring wont be returned. I recognize the buyer, and that person appears to be a reseller of some sort, but not under the same ebay name. I have been outbid by that person a lot, and they purchase tens of thousands of dollars worth of jewelry on ebay each week.

It was a really good deal, regardless of crown height. The pattern looks good. While it might not have as much fire as a diamond with higher crown, it will be white and sparkly.

Okay...I feel like super sleuth detective here! But, apparently the person Fortekitty mentioned being outbid by is none other than the Ruby Lane vendor Timeless Antiques. She bought that stone for $25K and has listed it for $79K.

http://www.rubylane.com/item/514555-rl-983/4-24-European-Cut-Diamond

The interesting thing to me is I actually met up with her a while back to look at one of her larger diamonds and she is a lovely older lady. She couldn't figure out how to take better pictures for me so I took them myself when we met up. Not the type that I think of as an Ebay shark!

Anyhow...just thought I would share.

 

[ForteKitty]

Wow, great detective work!!! I recognize about 70% of her stuff.

 

[Circe]

THAT IS HILARIOUS.

Same thing with this lovely ring: http://www.rubylane.com/item/514555-rl-965/3-46-Carat-European-Diamond

Dover sold it a few weeks ago for ... 2, maybe 3K? Now it can be yours for 9k.

I actually have nothing against buying and reselling jewelry for a profit: it's the name of the game.

However, is it just me, or are some of those prices a tad ... unrealistic? I mean, seriously, 79K? I wouldn't have paid the 25K for an 11% crown, but SEVENTY NINE?

 

[two_little_birds]

However, is it just me, or are some of those prices a tad ... unrealistic? I mean, seriously, 79K? I wouldn't have paid the 25K for an 11% crown, but SEVENTY NINE?

+1

 

[valmanin]

THAT IS HILARIOUS.

Same thing with this lovely ring: http://www.rubylane.com/item/514555-rl-965/3-46-Carat-European-Diamond

Dover sold it a few weeks ago for ... 2, maybe 3K? Now it can be yours for 9k.

I actually have nothing against buying and reselling jewelry for a profit: it's the name of the game.

However, is it just me, or are some of those prices a tad ... unrealistic? I mean, seriously, 79K? I wouldn't have paid the 25K for an 11% crown, but SEVENTY NINE?

Well, the 9K is a "sale" price. So, I bet the 79K will go "on sale" soon enough.

 

[yennyfire]

Yikes...that's just nuts!!

 

[Dreamer_D]

It was a really good deal, regardless of crown height. The pattern looks good. While it might not have as much fire as a diamond with higher crown, it will be white and sparkly.

I agree. I have owned a cushion with similar proportions and it was perfection in terms of faceting and light play. I like that make a lot. Maybe not as firey, but gorgeous in other ways and little to no leakage or obstruction!

 

[Dreamer_D]

The ebay ring wont be returned. I recognize the buyer, and that person appears to be a reseller of some sort, but not under the same ebay name. I have been outbid by that person a lot, and they purchase tens of thousands of dollars worth of jewelry on ebay each week.

It was a really good deal, regardless of crown height. The pattern looks good. While it might not have as much fire as a diamond with higher crown, it will be white and sparkly.

Okay...I feel like super sleuth detective here! But, apparently the person Fortekitty mentioned being outbid by is none other than the Ruby Lane vendor Timeless Antiques. She bought that stone for $25K and has listed it for $79K.

http://www.rubylane.com/item/514555-rl-983/4-24-European-Cut-Diamond

The interesting thing to me is I actually met up with her a while back to look at one of her larger diamonds and she is a lovely older lady. She couldn't figure out how to take better pictures for me so I took them myself when we met up. Not the type that I think of as an Ebay shark!

Anyhow...just thought I would share.

Well now that is interesting! Thanks for sharing your sleuthing!

I admire the stuff at that RL store but have always found the prices high for that type of estate selling.

 

[Circe]

It was a really good deal, regardless of crown height. The pattern looks good. While it might not have as much fire as a diamond with higher crown, it will be white and sparkly.

I agree. I have owned a cushion with similar proportions and it was perfection in terms of faceting and light play. I like that make a lot. Maybe not as firey, but gorgeous in other ways and little to no leakage or obstruction!

Interesting! It may be a matter of preference, then - not unlike the difference between people who love eternities vs. people who are happy with 5-or-7 stones. For me, the profile matters as much as the top-down appearance ... but it's good to know it won't necessarily affect light performance.

 

[two_little_birds]

This one is slightly smaller than 4ct, but beautiful...

http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.com/Jewelry/Rings-Antique-Vintage/362ct-Old-European-Diamond/26944767_CRDXBL#!i=2258493669&k=W2rW6PC