Mistake made...French Cut 1.0 tcw or OEC 1.25 tcw Eternity Band

[tlfiore]

Ugggghhhhh...good day everyone. So why do I do this stuff?

I have about zero budget left to purchase another diamond ring. So, what do I do? I make an offer on another ring. That's what I get for not feeling well today and plopping myself down in my chair to read, BROWSE and whatever...

I should have asked for your help first because I know I will feel more comfortable with feedback from the experts and kind people here on PS!

A little history...some of you will remember Caysie of CvB Inspired Designs is customizing a very unique ring for me because I have a lovely diamond (OEC 2.34, P-Q, VSI, 8.3 mm x 8.1 mm) I procured for a lovingly pre-owned CvB Casablanca Setting that was going to become homeless (the diamond...not the setting). The Casablanca does not work for me at all, so now I have this humongous stone with no place to put it and I do not want to return it because I think it is a very lovely stone.

So, enter Caysie (who I adore) and we come up with the following design concept:


Remember this...the "Kithara" or "Lyre" Ring?

So, when I receive my finished ring, I do hope to wear it (most days) with my monster Ben Moses platinum replica 1.5 tcw, E-F, VVSI half-eternity antique diamond platinum band:

Remember this monster? Lovely hands, NOT! Look at how SHORT my fingers are, no???

So...just for kicks and giggles, I locate a few bands over the past few weeks to "change things out" a bit when I wear my CvB ring 'cause the Lyre and the Ben Moses will be lots of diamond...for me.

I've been watching this item for MONTHS now on eBay...I LIKE the piece a lot...but I'm not sure I LOVE it. And it seems a wee-bit overpriced to me. Don't think I want to put $2000 out on this ring.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Antique-1920s-1ct-Old-FRENCH-Cut-VS-G-Diamond-Platinum-Eternity-Band-Ring-SZ-5-5/401258716899?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649

Then rather hastily, I just "Made An Offer" on this ring, an offer I think will be rejected.
https://www.rubylane.com/item/1711222-47070/Vintage-1-25-ctw-Diamond-Eternity

I LOVE this ring a lot but 1) I'm concerned the diamonds are not true OEC cuts, 2) I'm concerned it will be as monstrous as my Ben Moses half eternity band, and 3) I'll have to either approach my jeweler to insert a 0.5 spacer bar (to increase the size), or approach Caysie to request a similar, nearly identical custom setting for me that fits (it will have to be in white gold...I cannot afford any more platinum)

So, what are your thoughts??
The French Cut Band, the OEC or neither???
THANK YOU MY FRIENDS, in advance for your help and advice!!!

 

[sarahb]

I like the look of the OEC eternity--those french cuts in that band may be too small to fully appreciate the french cut style. Of course, this is JMHO, but what a fun dilemma to have. BTW, your ering is gorgeous!

 

[tlfiore]

I like the look of the OEC eternity--those french cuts in that band may be too small to fully appreciate the french cut style. Of course, this is JMHO, but what a fun dilemma to have. BTW, your ering is gorgeous!

(((Sarah)))...you are so sweet, you are! Thank you for your prompt reply and for the great feedback! Yes, the French Cut Eternity does look a wee-bit wonky to me...but I think that adds to its sweetness. The Kithara or Lyre Ring is gonna be kinda ornate. So, I want something a bit sleek to wear with it (on occasion). And while most of the very ornate "European Marriage Union" engravings and all on my Ben Band have long worn off (I tell my husband "the ring is worn like my heart is worn"-lolol), the band is still quite elaborate.

Sigh...this will be fun today...and thank you for the comments about my CvB ring...thank you!

 

[tlfiore]

I like the look of the OEC eternity--those french cuts in that band may be too small to fully appreciate the french cut style. Of course, this is JMHO, but what a fun dilemma to have. BTW, your ering is gorgeous!

Sarah...do you think the diamonds in the Ruby Lane ring are true OECs? Is it possible 'cause I cannot tell from the photos...

 

[whitewave]

I have no idea what to tell you other than I have several of oldtreasures's pieces on my watch list!!! I would only wear a 5.5 in my dreams, so I hadn't seen this one.

 

[tlfiore]

I have no idea what to tell you other than I have several of oldtreasures's pieces on my watch list!!! I would only wear a 5.5 in my dreams, so I hadn't seen this one.

Well, thank you whitewave! I always appreciate and enjoy your input! I think the French Cut from oldtreasure on eBay is really nice...and with the little research I've done, the price seems to be within the ballpark. It's a pretty ring...just not sure I should purchase it right now. But those original French Cut Eternity Bands are so hard to come by. Erica at LAD has one listed and it is very pretty but I'm afraid it's too large for my horribly arthritic fingers My arthritis is awful-smile.

 

[SimoneDi]

@tlfiore you have a gorgeous ring in the making! Caysie is truly talented and I am sure that your bespoke ring will be nothing short of amazing!
Here is my best advice for you - go with neither ring. I find the French cut band to be slightly overpriced and as others have said, the frenchies seem rather small to really appreciate them.
Regarding the RL band - I see that the band has been increased at some point in the past as a small piece has been added and this I find compromises the structure of the ring. I have a band like that, and what happened is - from little wear, the band broke where the addition was included.
If I were you, I would wait a little if you don't have the budget now and actually commission Caysie for a band. Her work is so amazing! I recently got the Anastasia band with French cuts and those are just amazing! She can also advice you which style may look best with your new ring. You already have a pretty round cuts band.

 

[whitewave]

Oh, yeah, I think I forgot to say how amazing your ring from Caysie's will be. So cool!!

 

[tlfiore]

@tlfiore you have a gorgeous ring in the making! Caysie is truly talented and I am sure that your bespoke ring will be nothing short of amazing!
Here is my best advice for you - go with neither ring. I find the French cut band to be slightly overpriced and as others have said, the frenchies seem rather small to really appreciate them.
Regarding the RL band - I see that the band has been increased at some point in the past as a small piece has been added and this I find compromises the structure of the ring. I have a band like that, and what happened is - from little wear, the band broke where the addition was included.
If I were you, I would wait a little if you don't have the budget now and actually commission Caysie for a band. Her work is so amazing! I recently got the Anastasia band with French cuts and those are just amazing! She can also advice you which style may look best with your new ring. You already have a pretty round cuts band.

SimoneDi...thank you so much for your thoughtful and prompt reply. Thank you thank you for taking a closer look at both bands.

Yes, the OEC on Ruby Lane seems compromised 'cause it does look sized, etc in the past...the description may even say so...I cannot recall. And the French Cut Band is beautiful...I love the daintiness of it 'cause you see how I struggled to wear the Casablanca.

I am actually concerned about how massive my 2.34, 8.3 mm x 8.1 mm OEC will look in the new Kithara setting-lolol. Caysie and I had many a discussion about keeping the 8.3 mm in the Casablanca, selling the entire thing and having her make the Kithara for a smaller stone. Doing so means I'll have to hunt down ANOTHER OEC, put out more money for a new stone, sell the Casablanca, etc...ugggghhhh. Really do not want to go there.

And I do believe I got a good price on my 2.34 OEC...it was under $9500 and it really is a lovely pretty coppery-colored, warm beautiful stone. I'm just not accustomed to something so large! But I love the Casablanca setting, so I hoped it all would work for me.

I like the idea of owning ONE previously loved, authentic antique ring, though. If oldtreasure would come down a bit on the French Cut, I may purchase it. Just thinking!

Thanks again for the feedback! I appreciate your thoughtfulness a whole lot!!!

 

[tlfiore]

Oh, yeah, I think I forgot to say how amazing your ring from Caysie's will be. So cool!!

Thank you, whitewave! I hope the ring is as amazing in person as it is in sketches and CADs. With all the recent events that transpired for Caysie during this past week, I've not wanted to bother her about my ring. I felt badly for Caysie, I really did 'cause she's such a sweet woman and she tries so darn hard to please people...her customers.

Anyhow, I believe she IS waiting for me to send the Casablanca (diamond is in it, of course) to her bench, so the OEC can be removed and reset in my new setting. Then I guess Caysie will take photos and I'll see my ring. The past week's PS drama took some of the "wind out of my sails" but it's all good. I may send the ring back to Caysie for some etching, engraving, etc...something we never discussed. We shall see! Thanks again for replying

 

[SimoneDi]

SimoneDi...thank you so much for your thoughtful and prompt reply. Thank you thank you for taking a closer look at both bands.

Yes, the OEC on Ruby Lane seems compromised 'cause it does look sized, etc in the past...the description may even say so...I cannot recall. And the French Cut Band is beautiful...I love the daintiness of it 'cause you see how I struggled to wear the Casablanca.

I am actually concerned about how massive my 2.34, 8.3 mm x 8.1 mm OEC will look in the new Kithara setting-lolol. Caysie and I had many a discussion about keeping the 8.3 mm in the Casablanca, selling the entire thing and having her make the Kithara for a smaller stone. Doing so means I'll have to hunt down ANOTHER OEC, put out more money for a new stone, sell the Casablanca, etc...ugggghhhh. Really do not want to go there.

And I do believe I got a good price on my 2.34 OEC...it was under $9500 and it really is a lovely pretty coppery-colored, warm beautiful stone. I'm just not accustomed to something so large! But I love the Casablanca setting, so I hoped it all would work for me.

I like the idea of owning ONE previously loved, authentic antique ring, though. If oldtreasure would come down a bit on the French Cut, I may purchase it. Just thinking!

Thanks again for the feedback! I appreciate your thoughtfulness a whole lot!!!

Of course it is your decision in the end! I would just hope for you to be completely satisfied with your reset and choices in the end! I do love your OEC, it appears to be a beautiful stone! Few of us will complain about a stone being "too big" lol but I do have a friend who specifically wanted a small stone, so I can understand that we all have different preferences. The price also appears to have been great on it. I would think about your options long and hard though before you proceed with the new reset. You need to be comfortable with the size of your diamond. I know how easy is to get excited over resetting and start on adding band purchases, etc. I have been/am there myself however, you don't want to overdo it and you don't want to get it wrong this time around.
A word of advice regarding antique rings - my very first engagement ring & wedding band were true antiques form the Art Deco era and they are fragile! I had to 1. Fix the shank on my ering 2. Change the shank completely 3. my wedding band needed to be touched up as well and both pieces were very thin (less than 2mm) I loved them to death, but they would have not lasted a lifetime without being worked on frequently, even if they were not stolen before their time..

 

[tlfiore]

@SimoneDi thank you for writing again and expressing such a thoughtful reply! You have given me a lot to think about.

Well, the Ruby Lane seller of the OEC 1.25 ct Eternity Band got back to me and her counter-offer is good but I'm definitely going to pass on that ring. I AM concerned about the integrity of the band and having any additional enlargements done to it. I think if I were to go the RL route, it would be to procure the diamonds and at some point have Caysie make a new band

I actually do NOT own much jewelry...non at all, actually...so Caysie's project is and will always be very special to me. Actually, my 15th year of marriage, my 60th year of life and being cancer free for approximately 3 years (I have Stage 2 Grade 2 Breast Cancer with Mets) are all upcoming milestones, ergot THE RING!!!! So, the ring is very special to my husband, John and me. John adores the antiquity of Caysie's designs, as do I.

With that said, I hear you about "old rings." I currently have a precious, 5-stone, 1.50 tcw, Old Mine Cut Parisian Diamond Ring on consignment with Erica at LAD (another very sweet woman). My husband purchased the ring for me when we were in France and I loved it...wore it with my Ben Mose's Monster Wedding Ring (as my DH and I call my current platinum diamond wedding band) some of the time AFTER REPAIRS!

When I returned home to the USA and brought the OMC ring to my then estate jeweler (repairs), he told me "all prongs needed re-tipping, a few diamonds were loose and the band needed to be built up." So, that was 4 tips per stone x 5 stones @ $35-$40 per tip (white gold), diamond reset and a new lower shank above the cost we paid for the ring (overpaid, of course).

Now, the ring is PRISTINE and lovelier than ever...the tips are gorgeous...and I hope the new owner loves the piece as much as I do. Hopefully, selling the OMC will take some of the sting out of purchasing my 2.34 tcw OEC Diamond and my Casablanca Setting (used from Diamond Bistro or Loupe Troupe...cannot recall)-lololol-we are not rich people

 

[tlfiore]

Ohhhhh @SimoneDi I forgot to say I am so sorry your rings were stolen...that's awful. Actually happened to me, too...first marriage...not great rings but special...people laying down carpeting in our apartment condo scooped stuff from our drawers and my ER and WB happened to be in one of those scooped drawers

 

[whitewave]

Congratulations on 3 years cancer free! My husband had stage II of III and he has been cancer free for nearly 20 years. LOVE and HUGS, You deserve something special.

 

[tlfiore]

Congratulations on 3 years cancer free! My husband had stage II of III and he has been cancer free for nearly 20 years. LOVE and HUGS, You deserve something special.

Thank you @whitewave for your kind thoughts. I am so happy to hear your husband has been cancer free for 20 years...wonderful news and inspiring to hear stories like yours!

 

[MollyMalone]

Wouldn't it be nice if these two vendors had provided their calipered measurements of the band's width and thickness? But at least they provided the weight. I'd give a pass on the OldTreasure ring as well. 1.8 grams is awfully lightweight for a platinum band with 1.0 ctw diamonds. By way of comparison, were you to buy a contemporary version of the ring from Stuller, a size 5.5 in platinum, with 1.25 cts of channel set diamonds, would weigh 5.16 grams (I went to Stuller's web site to look for comparables because their pages are typically set up to change the indicated weight when you pick a different metal & ring size than the online catalog's default settings).

Congratulations on your upcoming milestones, causes for celebration indeed!

 

[Matthews1127]

If you can procure the diamonds in the band, be certain that they ARE OEC's, and use them for a future project with Caysie to complimentbthat bespoke beauty, then that is my opinion.
Best of luck!!!

 

[tlfiore]

Wouldn't it be nice if these two vendors had provided their calipered measurements of the band's width and thickness? But at least they provided the weight. I'd give a pass on the OldTreasure ring as well. 1.8 grams is awfully lightweight for a platinum band with 1.0 ctw diamonds. By way of comparison, were you to buy a contemporary version of the ring from Stuller, a size 5.5 in platinum, with 1.25 cts of channel set diamonds, would weigh 5.16 grams (I went to Stuller's web site to look for comparables because their pages are typically set up to change the indicated weight when you pick a different metal & ring size than the online catalog's default settings).

Congratulations on your upcoming milestones, causes for celebration indeed!

WoW...thank you so much for this! You see? Replies like this are one of the many reasons I love the folks out here on Price Scope! I would NEVER have thought to do the comparison research like you did @MollyMalone ...that is super...now you really have me thinking 'cause I believe OldTreasures just got back to me with a reply to my "offer." It's nothing binding but I don't even want to look at the email now 'cause I do like the ring...it is so unique

I'm sure OldTreasures' French Cut Eternity will still be quite expensive.

 

[tlfiore]

If you can procure the diamonds in the band, be certain that they ARE OEC's, and use them for a future project with Caysie to complimentbthat bespoke beauty, then that is my opinion.
Best of luck!!!

Yes...exactly...my thoughts exactly. But how will I know? I imagine I can purchase the item (making sure there is a return policy), examine it, take it to my local jeweler here in Tecumseh and take it from there. Not sure I trust all the folks who sell "Antique" jewelry. I'm not implying people are dishonest...uneducated and uninformed is more like it! Thank you!

 

[Matthews1127]

Yes...exactly...my thoughts exactly. But how will I know? I imagine I can purchase the item (making sure there is a return policy), examine it, take it to my local jeweler here in Tecumseh and take it from there. Not sure I trust all the folks who sell "Antique" jewelry. I'm not implying people are dishonest...uneducated and uninformed is more like it! Thank you!

I agree...you must ensure there is a solid return policy. I'd take it to a trusted jeweler, and have them examined. If they turn out to be what you want, you know you've made the right move. If not, return it, and be patient.

 

[sarahb]

Sarah...do you think the diamonds in the Ruby Lane ring are true OECs? Is it possible 'cause I cannot tell from the photos...

tlfiore, sorry to be just getting back to your thread, we had a somewhat busy afternoon today!

I wish I could be of more help, but its almost impossible to tell if all the stones are OEC's in that 1.25 Ruby Lane band, which I also liked.

I'd also have to agree with others, maybe having Caysie make something to go with your ering would be the best bet. On the upside, you'll be in control of the outcome & materials that go into making it, on the downside, it won't be an absolute true antique--which'd be o k with me. What a fun project--good luck!

 

[tlfiore]

tlfiore, sorry to be just getting back to your thread, we had a somewhat busy afternoon today!

I wish I could be of more help, but its almost impossible to tell if all the stones are OEC's in that 1.25 Ruby Lane band, which I also liked.

I'd also have to agree with others, maybe having Caysie make something to go with your ering would be the best bet. On the upside, you'll be in control of the outcome & materials that go into making it, on the downside, it won't be an absolute true antique--which'd be o k with me. What a fun project--good luck!

Thank you, @sarahb for replying to me. Well, it's all good 'cause I think I'm going to pass on the OEC band...seems like it needs too much work and what's the point? I could always reconnect with Old World Diamonds if I decide to have a custom band made with OECs. I don't want a monster band...I have one already. I'd like something sorta dainty to wear now and again with my CvB "Kithara Ring"-smile.

Also, no, no and NO on the French Cut Eternity Band. Seller was a bit confusing & curt in her reply and refused to come down even $.01 (which is alright...her right), It's just as well 'cause I'm thinking I am not a huge fan of the channel set eternity bands with wee French Cut stones...they just don't do much for me...the stones are pretty but I sorta get a headache looking at them because they seem to be all over the place (to my eye)!

 

[MollyMalone]

It's likely that both of those vintage rings are daintier than that particular Stuller (I picked that one because (a) the diamonds aren't, e.g., cut-down pave so there's less metal weight than when the stones are set in a channel/between rails, and (b) I could play with the numbers so as to arrive at size 5.5 ring with similar ctw). Still, the OldTreasures one is nearly 1/2 the weight of the Ruby Lane one. So for many reasons, think you're wise to take it out of the running.

French cut diamonds are really expensive, especially the nicest ones. Think you'll enjoy reading this article by Yoram Finkelstein (PS Trade member name, diagem), even if you (and most of the rest of us) can't afford a parcel of his French cuts:
http://gemconcepts.net/french-cut-diamonds/
Yoram is the exclusive cutter of the beautiful Octavia diamonds; indeed, it was he who produced the original prototype. The fascinating Octavia story, including how ordinary PSers played a role, is so nicely described here by Trade member Karl_K who was instrumental in its development:
https://www.pricescope.com/journal/one_consumer’s_journey_trade

P.S. I think it would be a PIA to assemble your own parcel of small stones (parcels of decent old cuts in the size-number you'd need don't seem easy for consumers to come by), and the total cost could quite possibly end up pricier than you'd like. And who knows -- after you receive Kithara from Caysie, you may decide to do in a different direction altogether, e.g., an engraved band; that could be an exquisite (and comfortably affordable) alternative!

 

[tlfiore]

It's likely that both of those vintage rings are daintier than that particular Stuller (I picked that one because (a) the diamonds aren't, e.g., cut-down pave so there's less metal weight than when the stones are set in a channel/between rails, and (b) I could play with the numbers so as to arrive at size 5.5 ring with similar ctw). Still, the OldTreasures one is nearly 1/2 the weight of the Ruby Lane one. So for many reasons, think you're wise to take it out of the running.

French cut diamonds are really expensive, especially the nicest ones. Think you'll enjoy reading this article by Yoram Finkelstein (PS Trade member name, diagem), even if you (and most of the rest of us) can't afford a parcel of his French cuts:
http://gemconcepts.net/french-cut-diamonds/
Yoram is the exclusive cutter of the beautiful Octavia diamonds; indeed, it was he who produced the original prototype. The fascinating Octavia story, including how ordinary PSers played a role, is so nicely described here by Trade member Karl_K who was instrumental in its development:
https://www.pricescope.com/journal/one_consumer’s_journey_trade

P.S. I think it would be a PIA to assemble your own parcel of small stones (parcels of decent old cuts in the size-number you'd need don't seem easy for consumers to come by), and the total cost could quite possibly end up pricier than you'd like. And who knows -- after you receive Kithara from Caysie, you may decide to do in a different direction altogether, e.g., an engraved band; that could be an exquisite (and comfortably affordable) alternative!

Thank you so much for this! In reading the articles (thank you!) and viewing the lovely photos...YES...beautifully cut French Cut Diamonds are exquisite. I do see what folks mean about the "beauty" of these French Cuts being lost in small, itsy-bitsy diamond sizes...totally. Larger FC diamonds are beautiful.

And yes...I hear you and you are totally correct about rummaging for small stones, getting them to match, setting them all, etc. Cannot recall if it's Rothschild in Pittsburgh or A Brandt & Sons who offers a beautiful band with nearly 40 OMC stones...it is gorgeous...but it's a size 9 or 9.5 and obviously could never be resized. But I may take another peek at it with a custom band in mind.

And YES...I am already thinking, "Well perhaps a beautiful simple platinum or WG band may do the trick to switch out with my Ben Moses Monster, now and again...wear something simple with my Kithara!"

Thanks so much for all the great information. I'm gonna try locating that beautiful Size 9 with the OMCs...

 

[tlfiore]

@MollyMalone so, I found the OMC ring and yes it is a Size 9.5! But I love the stones so much, at least in the photos. I'm thinking perhaps writing the seller, making an offer and at some point in the future (if I purchase this), having Caysie design a complimentary band with the stones for my Kithara!
https://www.abrandtandson.com/colle...platinum-mine-cut-diamond-eternity-band-80ctw

Don't know why but I love th look of these stones! I love the way the diamonds articulate with each other...makes the ring look like a solid diamond band with round stones, yet with imperfections...not like a modern ring!

Sigh...wish it wasn't so darn large! Who wore this thing in 1901, for cryin' out loud!!!

 

[MollyMalone]

@MollyMalone so, I found the OMC ring and yes it is a Size 9.5! But I love the stones so much, at least in the photos. I'm thinking perhaps writing the seller, making an offer and at some point in the future (if I purchase this), having Caysie design a complimentary band with the stones for my Kithara!
https://www.abrandtandson.com/colle...platinum-mine-cut-diamond-eternity-band-80ctw

Don't know why but I love th look of these stones! I love the way the diamonds articulate with each other...makes the ring look like a solid diamond band with round stones, yet with imperfections...not like a modern ring!

Sigh...wish it wasn't so darn large! Who wore this thing in 1901, for cryin' out loud!!!

Hey, I thought I'd click on the link & see a higher price tag : - ) And they do have a 3-day notice/7-day return policy, which gives you some time to live with it.

Would be keenly interested in what you think once you have it in hand (were you to audition it)! The stones in that ring are not the greatest: they look to be pretty crudely cut (perhaps they really were done at the mine!) & there may be a couple that are cloudy (altho' perhaps the photography isn't doing justice to the clarity). Please know that I say this without any snarky ill-will. My e-ring, which I chose, was a mid-Victorian, peachy gold ring with diamonds accenting the 2 emeralds. My father-in-law, who was in the diamond trade, openly despised it. He would have disliked it even if the diamonds were outstanding examples of the genre, but his low opinion of it was, in part, because the OMCs didn't all resemble each other & you didn't need a loupe to see that a couple were indeed wonky. I loved the ring for many reasons, however, so his opinion didn't matter to me. And you might very well love the collective appearance of the stones in this eternity band.

But the reality is that just that as plenty of contemporary diamonds are duds, there are lots of markedly included, dull, and otherwise crappy diamonds from bygone days. And I fear that there are people out there (not to say you're one of them) who are getting taken in by the romantic veil of "old mine cut" or "old European cut" cast over a piece that actually isn't a worthwhile purchase.

 

[tlfiore]

Hey, I thought I'd click on the link & see a higher price tag : - ) And they do have a 3-day notice/7-day return policy, which gives you some time to live with it.

Would be keenly interested in what you think once you have it in hand (were you to audition it)! The stones in that ring are not the greatest: they look to be pretty crudely cut (perhaps they really were done at the mine!) & there may be a couple that are cloudy (altho' perhaps the photography isn't doing justice to the clarity). Please know that I say this without any snarky ill-will. My e-ring, which I chose, was a mid-Victorian, peachy gold ring with diamonds accenting the 2 emeralds. My father-in-law, who was in the diamond trade, openly despised it. He would have disliked it even if the diamonds were outstanding examples of the genre, but his low opinion of it was, in part, because the OMCs didn't all resemble each other & you didn't need a loupe to see that a couple were indeed wonky. I loved the ring for many reasons, however, so his opinion didn't matter to me. And you might very well love the collective appearance of the stones in this eternity band.

But the reality is that just that as plenty of contemporary diamonds are duds, there are lots of markedly included, dull, and otherwise crappy diamonds from bygone days. And I fear that there are people out there (not to say you're one of them) who are getting taken in by the romantic veil of "old mine cut" or "old European cut" cast over a piece that actually isn't a worthwhile purchase.

@MollyMalone oh please do not ever apologize to me for anything said, especially when you've taken out the time to help me...thank you! I'm relatively new to all of this and PS, so I was saddened in recent days to see the consternation and drama with another topic, yet surprised people couldn't thicken their skins a bit, take it all in stride and move on. Oh well...to each his/her own but nonetheless, I am grateful for your time, knowledge and input. Thank you.

And your input has been invaluable because I'm going to pass on the OMC ring with the notion of it "morphing" into a new project someday. It's just not something I wish to undertake at this time. And I'm fearful I'll by this gargantuan ring that will sit in a drawer forever.

You identify a valid point, which I've not thought of 'til you raised it! Yes, I do love the aesthetics of old and yes, I have "bought into" the OEC, OMC and Rose Cut diamond craze that has recently hit.

I'm not a young gal, so I recall a few relatives (grew up rather poor, so no one had many baubles) owning these true antique beauties (like my paternal grandmother...sadly her wedding set from the 1910s or so was stolen from my dad's home after she passed and he held the rings for "safekeeping")

So, I've always had a soft-spot and affinity for this genre of aesthetics and the time period...late Victorian-to-Art Deco Roaring 20s. But you are so so so correct! Just like there exist poorly cut stones and such presently, there's a lot of junk, too from by-gone days, I'm sure. And I do not have the knowledge (or the pockets) to risk knowing the difference-lololol.

Think I'll keep browsing for something old, relatively intact that can be worn upon arrival, worn now 'n again with the Kithara. And in the future, who knows, right???

Thanks again and YOU are invaluable! I've enjoyed this correspondence a whole lot!!!

 

[tlfiore]

@MollyMalone. And I almost forgot...I'm relieved the woman with the French Cut Eternity Band declined my offer...ditto for the shop with the OEC Band (although that shop clearly states the band has been resized at least once).

As an aside, YOU INSPIRED ME to do a bit more research (right???), which I did yesterday. In doing so, I recognize that a while back, I previously purchased a little ol' eternity band from the vendor selling the French Cut Eternity weighing 1.8 mgs. You may be able to tell it takes a LOT to frazzle me (regarding certain things-smile), so it didn't register (or really matter) when I purchased the lil' ring. But reading more thoroughly this time 'round, I see a few people have complained about vendor misrepresentation (mainly of tcw). And I think this speaks directly to your point about characteristics and quality of old stones, old jewelry, in some ways.

So, when I received my lil' wonky eternity band back in February (which I love, btw), my immediate thought was "Hmmmmm...this thing does NOT look like a 1.0 tcw diamond eternity band...no way." So, in my own way, I did the math at that time (approximate diamond mm size X number of diamonds, etc) and for sure, the tcw is definitely closer to 0.60 or 0.70!!!! No big deal, I thought. PEOPLE MAKE MISTAKES (I think) 'cause they are uninformed, not dishonest, right? Diamonds in old rings are tough to quantify.

So, with that experience in mind, plus feeling a bit "blown off," combined with the (very few) poor ratings for misrepresentation, I definitively decided to pass on the French Band. To me, the price doesn't seem awful...I'm more concerned about paying THAT price for something potentially misrepresented, frankly. AND I DETEST RETURNING STUFF! I rarely do so...ever. I don't think I've ever sent a restaurant meal back-lololol! And I do recognize it is impossible to recall repeat customers when a vendor has lots of sales (which this vendor does have)...but it's all good

I have operated a few shops...nothing too fabulous...designing, creating hand-made Venetian Bead & Crystal Jewelry (no longer do so due to arthritis). I occasionally sell restored Victorian Era items. Over the years my combined sales totaled under 500, or so...nothing really. I was/am more of a hobbyist but I ALWAYS recognized a returning customer...I had a system!! I wanted to be true to my word & fulfill any promises I made, etc. More so, it was critical for me to acknowledge a returning customer 'cause repeat customers comprised about 35% of my sales!

Also, acknowledging repeat customers makes people feel important, as they should feel. And yes to me, ALL my customers were/are important!! I always try sending along a "little extra gift," earrings or something from Italy whenever I can!!

Funny because my husband spotted the lil' band on me yesterday and said "Where did you get that thing from...looks like it came out of a gumball machine!"

OUCH!!!!!

 

[CSpan]

As an aside, YOU INSPIRED ME to do a bit more research (right???), which I did yesterday. In doing so, I recognize that a while back, I previously purchased a little ol' eternity band from the vendor selling the French Cut Eternity weighing 1.8 mgs. You may be able to tell it takes a LOT to frazzle me (regarding certain things-smile), so it didn't register (or really matter) when I purchased the lil' ring. But reading more thoroughly this time 'round, I see a few people have complained about vendor misrepresentation (mainly of tcw). And I think this speaks directly to your point about characteristics and quality of old stones, old jewelry, in some ways.

So, when I received my lil' wonky eternity band back in February (which I love, btw), my immediate thought was "Hmmmmm...this thing does NOT look like a 1.0 tcw diamond eternity band...no way." So, in my own way, I did the math at that time (approximate diamond mm size X number of diamonds, etc) and for sure, the tcw is definitely closer to 0.60 or 0.70!!!! No big deal, I thought. PEOPLE MAKE MISTAKES (I think) 'cause they are uninformed, not dishonest, right? Diamonds in old rings are tough to quantify.

So, with that experience in mind, plus feeling a bit "blown off," combined with the (very few) poor ratings for misrepresentation, I definitively decided to pass on the French Band. To me, the price doesn't seem awful...I'm more concerned about paying THAT price for something potentially misrepresented, frankly. AND I DETEST RETURNING STUFF! I rarely do so...ever. I don't think I've ever sent a restaurant meal back-lololol! And I do recognize it is impossible to recall repeat customers when a vendor has lots of sales (which this vendor does have)...but it's all good :tongue:

I realize this is a few years old but I was looking at oldtreasures on ebay and had similar thoughts about their representation of items. Along with difficult to see photos.