My ebay journey...I "coin"dn't be happier!!!

[pandabee]

I have been on a journey to make my own diamond pendant, one that I could wear to represent my accomplishments through professional school and just a nice closet staple. I tried on some sizes at T&Co and settled on what was 0.5cts for them. Unfortunately, I acquired a 0.5-0.6ct old cut and of course it was much deeper cut than their DBTYs so I felt that it fell short of my vision. Thanks to some tips from some fellow PSers, I found this little gem being sold by a coin collector...

First the seller photos:




And my attempt at photographing the girdle chip (by the prong right in the front) and also the most yellow it shows

 

[pandabee]

Once I got the stone, here are some dark shots under my loupe, mostly to show the patterning (forgive me for my macro photography skills need lots of practice...I think that means I need to buy more diamonds )

 

[pandabee]

Center was sold as "1+ carat" K SI2, 6.4mm across and 4.3mm deep. Both myself and the appraiser guessed it at 1.2 but when weighed it came out to 1.11cts which I am fine with. Appraiser called it an L SI2 so we'll stick with K/L as I think it faces up extremely white.

Finally, I decided (after getting multiple quotes) to send it to GOG to place in a bezel pendant. I had gone back and forth between a sliding pendant and a fixed style as in the original DBTY but ultimately I like having something that is movable plus I like to play with my pendants. Sarah was very patient as she worked with me through the process and was terrific despite all my nitpicking.

The end result: a "stock" bezel setting fitted to my stone, with sides shaved down as thin as humanly possible, with milgraining added to the sides. Chain is 14k and 14" long with a 1" extender. You can see how good of a job they did as this is the original thickness of the bezel as they received it:


GOG glam shots:

 

[pandabee]

And finally, some modeling and perspective shots.


I have a video too but am trying to figure out how to post it according to the rules...will try to get some better pictures as long as there is some sunshine tomorrow!

Edit for spelling. Egads. Sorry!!!

 

[stci]

Gorgeous! Congrats!

 

[madelise]

Maybe this will inspire me to finally get mine done. It's so beautiful, PB!

 

[bright ice]

Beautiful pendant

 

[artdecogirl]

Lovely! They did a great job with the bezel

 

[Chewbacca]

"Coin"dn't! Ya big geek!

Can't believe how big it looks! I loved it in the ring, but I do think it suits its new home.

 

[ForteKitty]

It looks fantastic!!! The pattern is gorgeous!!

 

[HopeDream]

So lovely! It looks great on you!

GOG did a great job of customizing the bezel.

 

[junebug17]

It is absolutely gorgeous pandabee!!! Looks amazing and very big lol! Has a great presence around your neck, I love how it looks on you!

 

[Kim N]

Pandabee, the OEC is gorgeous, and the pendant looks huge on your neck! Wear it in good health!

 

[missy]

Oh my, it's gorgeous Pandabee! And what an impressive size for a pendant. Enjoy in health and happiness!

 

[Dandi]

Wow, it pays to do your research! What a stunning result, it looks HUGE and so white!!

 

[Enerchi]

Fantastic find and great ebay skills! that's a beautiful OEC pattern! And what a fantastic job GOG did on thinning down the bezel - it makes the diamond look even larger!!

Great job, Pandabee!!

 

[chrono]

GOG's work is amazing; it looks like two completely different pendants where one was swallowing the diamond and the other is nothing but yummy diamond goodness. It actually looks bigger!

 

[motownmama]

LOVE the bezel!

 

[StacylikesSparkles]

Love it! I'm pretty sure I need a bezel pendant in my life!

 

[stargurl78]

Beautiful stone and pendant! They did a beautiful job on the bezel!!!!!!

 

[SB621]

Beautiful! Congrats on your ebay find! I love the revamp!

 

[kathley]

Gorgeous!

 

[pandabee]

Thank you stci, madelise, bright ice, artdecogirl, Chewbacca, ForteKitty, HopeDream, junebug17, Kim N, missy, DandiAndi, Enerchi, Chrono, motownmama, FancyPantsSparkles, stargurl78, Sarahbear621, and kathley!!!! Truly appreciate all the love!

madelise - yes you definitely need to get on that girl!!! Join the ever growing club!!!
Chrono - just to clarify, the original bezel was not my diamond but just the stock image of the bezel. I didn't see a before shot of the original setting but I was given this shot before the milgrain was added and it was still too thick for me:

(nom nom nom)

I wish I could take credit for the ebay skills, but I must give a shoutout to GemFever, madelise, and of course ForteKitty for their expert sleuthing and advice! I forgot to mention that this was my first ebay purchase...and I'm sure it won't be my last!!!

 

[Love4Chanel]

I love this pendant! Good for you for finding this gem on Ebay!

 

[distracts]

GORGEOUS!!!

 

[yennyfire]

Awesome job!! Congrats!!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Love it!!! They did a nice job on the setting!

 

[ericad]

Stunning! I LOVE the look of old cuts set in sleek modern bezels. Enjoy your beautiful new pendant - it's gorgeous!

 

[two_little_birds]

LOVE it!

It looks beautiful on you!

 

[pandabee]

Thanks Love4Chanel, distracts, yennyfire, diamondseeker2006, ericad, and two_little_birds!!! So exciting to have such important posters come in to say they like my necklace