Need your collective wisdom to help me decide!

[KristyDarling]

Hello, old friends!

It's been awhile…I think the last time I was around these parts was in 2012 when I introduced my OMB halo ring. I have a milestone birthday coming up in a few months and DH acquiesced (only a *little* reluctantly) when I floated the idea of a "celebration ring"….which shall take the form of an e-ring. Thing is, I'm torn between two options:

1) OEC/OMC in a flowy solitaire setting like Valmanin's ERD creation (https://www.pricescope.com/blog/jewel-week-rose-gold-solitaire-355-carat-old-european-cut-diamond) but in platinum. Or is rose gold better for creamy OECs? Or maybe even a super-delicate octagonal milgrain bezel solitaire. Based on preliminary research, I think my budget could handle a fiery 2 - 2.5 ct stone with K/L/M/N/O/P color.

2) Emerald cut in a simple platinum solitaire setting with double claw prongs. My budget should cover a 2 ct J or I color with VS clarity, maaaaybe H stone with SI but eye-clean clarity. Don't think I'd want to go lower than a J with an emerald cut.

I know, they're two completely different animals, but I love them both for different reasons! OECs are fiery and I love chunky facets. ECs are minimal, clean, and elegant. FYI, I already have two e-rings: my 14-year-old original -- a 1.37 ct MRB in a platinum filigree solitaire setting with side baguettes. And my 3.14 ct OMB in a Harry Winston-style halo ([URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/3-14ct-omb-in-hand-forged-halo-setting-by-mark-at-erd.174860/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/3-14ct-omb-in-hand-forged-halo-setting-by-mark-at-erd.174860/[/URL]). Which of the two options above would YOU choose to round out this little e-ring family?

I think both stone options above would offer similar finger coverage (old-timers around here know I'm a shameless size girl!). Cut quality and clarity are obviously important, especially with ECs, but I know OECs/OMCs can throw serious fire despite poor cut/clarity ratings. For both options, I know I'll have to sacrifice color in order to get the size, coverage, and performance that I want. I'm fine with some warmth but not sure how comfy I am with straight-up butter, so if you have suggestions for settings that will brighten diamond color, I'm all ears.

HELP ME!!!! I know it's a purely personal decision, but PS folks are so great at coming up with considerations that may not be obvious. And yes, I do plan to visit a couple shops to look at these options IRL (Lang's and Shreve's, probably). I thank you in advance. Fire away!!!!

 

[Missy]

Gosh Kristy, that's a fun dilemma to have!!! And I have to say you cannot go wrong with either choice and there are always more milestone birthdays and other occasions coming up so one day you might be able to add 4 to your little e ring family!

Speaking from my POV and my personal aesthetic sense I love them both LOL. Seriously though, I would first go for the big OEC and then get an elegant sophisticated emerald cut. I just love the big old chunky facets only an old cut can offer. They just go on and on and on. And color shows up differently with OEC's vs emerald cuts which are less forgiving regarding color I believe.

As for setting I love platinum all the way but different colors light look better in different metals. It depends. So I would keep that open till you find the exact diamond you fall in love with and then decide.

Good luck with this fun decision!

 

[Gypsy]

HIYA KD! How are you?

I ADORE the setting of Valmann's creation.

But I also love the contrast of the EC to what you have now.

That said... you'll get a lot more spread from an OEC.

Can I ask budget?

 

[artdecolover71]

well...I would say add a step cut to your collection because you don't have any yet and they are fabulous and oh, so elegant!

 

[MissGotRocks]

Hi! We have missed you! Glad to see you back!

Both of your options sound gorgeous but if it's to be an ering I'm going to vote OEC round. The emerald would be pretty too but I guess I'm looking for a little more contrast with your current ring. Guess it also depends on what pops up first in your shopping journey!

 

[arkieb1]

That's a difficult one for me because I love Emerald Cuts and I love OECs. I think an OEC would look different enough to what you already have to add one to the collection and an Emerald would be totally different. It might depend on what you come across as to what you end up with. Either way I am sure it will be something beautiful!!!!

 

[m-2-b]

I'm in the step cut boat, too, for you! I think you need a contrast to your other ER's--I can't wait to see what you decide upon!

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

Step cut(s). Colored stones. Mix/match. (Center could be the " big" colored stone, or the reverse but ykwim)

cheers--Sharon

 

[Asscherhalo_lover]

The first setting gets my heart beating! The only way a step cut would win for me is if it was much much larger, like 4cts. At the same size, I would choose the first. (Coming from a step-cut owner!)

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Well, you and I have the same top three, but I started with an AVR. I think the OEC is most similar to your OMC, and I guess that would be my only hesitation. The emerald cut would be something totally different, but I have a 2.3 ct AVR and I know it is going to take about a 2.5 ct EC at minimum to make me happy. I think you'd be more happy with an EC at least 3 cts.

So an OEC at 2.5 cts+ or and EC at 3 cts+ would get my vote. Actually, I think you'd like the OEC closer to 3 cts as well considering the size of your OMC in the halo.

 

[Rosebloom]

What a fun dilemma!! I agree with DS that after your amazing current rings I wonder if the size of the two options you are considering will satisfy (unless you are looking for something smaller to have different options). Having seen Asscher Girl and Woofmama's K color emerald cuts I would urge you to check some out in person. They are GORGEOUS. That might allow you to get closer to 2.5 cts which would look ginormous on your tiny hand.

 

[swingirl]

Welcome back. Nice to see you around and glad to hear you are adding to your collection of bling. Such a dilema, tho!!

 

[distracts]

I would go with the emerald cut because it is the more different of the two options. Variety is the spice of life!

 

[KristyDarling]

Gosh Kristy, that's a fun dilemma to have!!! And I have to say you cannot go wrong with either choice and there are always more milestone birthdays and other occasions coming up so one day you might be able to add 4 to your little e ring family!

Speaking from my POV and my personal aesthetic sense I love them both LOL. Seriously though, I would first go for the big OEC and then get an elegant sophisticated emerald cut. I just love the big old chunky facets only an old cut can offer. They just go on and on and on. And color shows up differently with OEC's vs emerald cuts which are less forgiving regarding color I believe.

As for setting I love platinum all the way but different colors light look better in different metals. It depends. So I would keep that open till you find the exact diamond you fall in love with and then decide.

Good luck with this fun decision!

Hi Missy!! I love the way you think. So true that there will be other big occasions to celebrate in the future so I shouldn't sweat either choice. Thanks for your very sensible advice!

HIYA KD! How are you?

I ADORE the setting of Valmann's creation.

But I also love the contrast of the EC to what you have now.

That said... you'll get a lot more spread from an OEC.

Can I ask budget?

Hi Gypsy!! I've emailed you with my budget and can't wait to hear what you think!

well...I would say add a step cut to your collection because you don't have any yet and they are fabulous and oh, so elegant!

Totally agree. ECs are the epitome of elegance! They have such a regal, effortless presence.

Hi! We have missed you! Glad to see you back!

Both of your options sound gorgeous but if it's to be an ering I'm going to vote OEC round. The emerald would be pretty too but I guess I'm looking for a little more contrast with your current ring. Guess it also depends on what pops up first in your shopping journey!

Hi MGR! Thanks for weighing in! I do miss having a big ole round, as you can tell from my reluctance to update my super-ancient avatar photo!

That's a difficult one for me because I love Emerald Cuts and I love OECs. I think an OEC would look different enough to what you already have to add one to the collection and an Emerald would be totally different. It might depend on what you come across as to what you end up with. Either way I am sure it will be something beautiful!!!!

Thanks, Arkieb! It's true, it's a win-win either way, and it very well may come down to what is available in my budget!

I'm in the step cut boat, too, for you! I think you need a contrast to your other ER's--I can't wait to see what you decide upon!

Hiya mom2boys! An EC would be a total departure from the two stones that I already have. I've loved step cuts since forever and can't get them out of my mind! But I keep telling myself that if it's not now, it WILL happen for me at some point!

HI:

Step cut(s). Colored stones. Mix/match. (Center could be the " big" colored stone, or the reverse but ykwim)

cheers--Sharon

Hi Sharon! Interesting idea to use a colored gem! Problem is I have too many white diamond "wants" to fulfill before I head down the slippery slope of colored stones. I plan to someday graduate to alexandrite or sapphire.

The first setting gets my heart beating! The only way a step cut would win for me is if it was much much larger, like 4cts. At the same size, I would choose the first. (Coming from a step-cut owner!)

Asscherhalo, your gorgeous ring is one of the reasons I can't get step cuts out of my head…darn you, lol!! But, I'm afraid you may be right about the size issue. Sadly an EC over 2cts is not in the cards for me right now.

Well, you and I have the same top three, but I started with an AVR. I think the OEC is most similar to your OMC, and I guess that would be my only hesitation. The emerald cut would be something totally different, but I have a 2.3 ct AVR and I know it is going to take about a 2.5 ct EC at minimum to make me happy. I think you'd be more happy with an EC at least 3 cts.

So an OEC at 2.5 cts+ or and EC at 3 cts+ would get my vote. Actually, I think you'd like the OEC closer to 3 cts as well considering the size of your OMC in the halo.

Hi, DS! Okay, are we the same person?? Everything you say rings totally true.

What a fun dilemma!! I agree with DS that after your amazing current rings I wonder if the size of the two options you are considering will satisfy (unless you are looking for something smaller to have different options). Having seen Asscher Girl and Woofmama's K color emerald cuts I would urge you to check some out in person. They are GORGEOUS. That might allow you to get closer to 2.5 cts which would look ginormous on your tiny hand.

Thanks, Rosebloom! Your comment makes me think I need to keep K or even L color ECs in the mix. (thanks for reminding me that Asschergirl's stone is a K! I lust after her ring!)

Welcome back. Nice to see you around and glad to hear you are adding to your collection of bling. Such a dilema, tho!!

Hi swingirl!! Thanks my friend. Yes, this is the best kind of first-world problem to have! I feel very lucky!

I would go with the emerald cut because it is the more different of the two options. Variety is the spice of life!

Indeed!! I do love having choices. It'll be wonderfully luxurious to have a 3-diamond "wardrobe."

 

[KristyDarling]

Thanks so much, everyone!! I knew that by coming here, I'd get some really great, balanced feedback. Also, do you guys know me or what!?! As much as I love and fiercely crave an EC, deep down I'm not sure that the size queen in me would be satisfied with a 2-carater. I think you're right that I'd need at least a 2.75ct or even 3ct EC to be fully happy. I think I was ruined forever by the 3.56 RB that I had back in the day!

That said, my 3.14ct cushion halo is pretty large, and I don't need to match nor exceed its spread. It would just be nice to come somewhat close. Unless I can miraculously find a well-cut 2.75-3ct EC in my budget that faces up pretty white, I'm leaning toward finding the fieriest, whitest, largest OEC that I can. At least, that's my feeling for today!

Please keep your thoughts and ideas coming! Also, feel free to share your favorite simple solitaire setting for an OEC!