New link for OEC ring -- Good/Bad deal???

[mom 2-3]

Sorry about that. The old link was broken!

I have just been turned on to old cuts -- and you all have some of the most beautiful rings out there!!!!

I posted this question on another thread.

I have just started my search & found this ring OEC Ring


Any opinions on quality would be great!!!!

 

[HeartingDiamonds]

Link''s broken, M23!

 

[mom 2-3]

OK so i am not so good at this link thing -- here it is again!!!!!


http://antiqueengagementrings.com/shopping/shopexd.asp?id=2039

 

[mom 2-3]

Date: 1/23/2009 10:48:14 AM
Author: HeartingDiamonds
Link''s broken, M23!

Thanks Grace L.

I was hoping that you mihgt weigh in.

I know (given past posts and expertise) that you will you give me your HO, good, bad or ugly

mom 2-3

 

[HeartingDiamonds]

M23, the setting is pretty. As far the diamond goes, can''t comment much.

Take this with a grain of salt though, as photos are hardly enough for anyone to judge how a diamond looks IRL.
If this is something that is truly eye-catching to you, purchase it on spec and see how it looks in person. Then, and only then, can you really tell if you love it.

 

[LGK]

Personally, I don't love the proportions. Of course it's something that is best to judge IRL, but 51% depth is way too shallow for my taste in OECs, and that coupled with a flat looking crown and a huge table (65%), you may have a bad fisheye situation. If it is pretty, and not really odd looking, it will probably be heavily balanced towards white light return over fire, which is not my personal preference.

That being said, the price seems good for what it is. If you've seen it in person and like it, that counts for the whole ballgame, really.

ETA: Definitely check the fine print on this website's return policy- I'm vaguely remembering that there's some catch that I read about in some thread on PS somewhere, like a restocking fee or something... could be mis-remembering though.

 

[ericad]

I agree with Grace that photos can only tell you so much and ultimately, the diamond just has to be beautiful to you. If the return policy allows it, you might want to see it in person.

Here are the possible red flags I see:

1. UGL graded M, SI2. This must be factored in when considering whether or not the specs are accurate (do some research regarding UGL here on PS - I have never worked with UGL, and can't offer an opinion as to accuracy or reputation). Also, not all SI2's are created equal - is it eye clean? Are there chips to the stone? What's the nature of the inclusions?

2. Let's assume that the stone is accurately graded an M, SI2 - price seems way too low considering it includes a setting. This leads me to wonder about the make of the diamond and accuracy of grading.

3. I hedge this by saying it's very difficult to evaluate diamonds based on photos, but this stone might have a brown tint. At least it appears to be a possibility based on the way the pics look on my monitor. IF it has a brown tint, that will look very different from an M with a lemony tint and might contribute to the low price. Make sense? Also, in old cuts the lower colors often face up very white. We have had M's that face up like I's because they are beautifully cut. But in the pics, I see a lot of tint in the face up position. This is not a bad thing if the color and light play are pleasing.

Case in point: Here is another of their rings, but note it's a GIA certed L, VS1. Look at how white the stone faces up, not to mention the faceting. The 1.4 you linked is being sold as only 1 color grade lower than this stone, however the face up appearance is much more tinted and the price of the L is, appropriately, much higher.

http://antiqueengagementrings.com/shopping/shopexd.asp?id=2111

 

[Liane]

I''m not a diamond expert by any means, and so I''ll defer to more knowledgeable posters about the merits or flaws of this particular stone. However, I did get my engagement ring through antiqueengagementrings.com, so here''s what I can tell you about that:

Leigh''s completely honest about the grading of his diamonds (if anything he might be a touch hard on them; he graded my stone as an SI2, whereas an independent appraiser from Dave Atlas'' old shop graded it as an SI1. In any case it''s eye-clean and I love it so, you know, not a big deal either way). He has a 30-day return policy with a no questions asked, 100% money-back guarantee. His prices are very reasonable for what he offers.

His antique repro settings are cast, so the detail is not as crisp as it would be if they were hand-engraved. (This is part of why the prices are so good.) However, the workmanship is very good on my ring; the melee diamonds are securely set and the ring shank is sturdy despite its delicacy.

One downside is that Leigh can be hard to contact via email. I''m not sure if this is an overactive spam filter issue or what. One of my emails went totally unanswered. I think it is better to reach him by phone if you have any questions.

The diamond that I own is an absolute beauty. It''s an I-colored OEC with blocky faceting and lots of fire. It has a remarkable crystal inclusion that''s visible under 10X magnification and, under 30X, resolves into the shape of a flying bird (wings, tail, head and all. It even has a tiny beak). Since one of my weird little quirks was that I wanted a diamond that had one flaw, you can imagine how much I love this rock.

My suggestion would be to call Leigh and ask him any questions you have about the ring. He''ll be honest with you. If it sounds good, go ahead and order it; there''s a 30-day easy return policy so if it doesn''t work out, you have plenty of time to send it back.

 

[chrono]

Not something I would get; the stone isn''t very OEC-like with a shallow depth, large table and no pillowtop aka high crown height.

 

[coatimundi_org]

Yes, the 51% depth with a 65% table is a combo I''d avoid.

The stone that Erica D. posted above is much more pleasing.

 

[mom 2-3]

Thanks for being so forthcoming and generous with your comments, I truly appreciate the time it takes to respond

Grace L - Thanks for weighing in!!!

littlegreykitten - You helped me understand the specs a little more, I was wondering about how they looked.

Erica D - I will read the threads on UGL. I do have the feelign that the quality is just not there because of similar size/color stones are selling for a lot more!

Liann - Thanks for relaying your experience with this shop, good to hear.

Chrono - Thanks as well

I am going to have to learn how to inerpret these specs. I sort of felt like I had it figured out with rounds - these are a whole different game

I will keep searching & learning about these cuts. I really see that you get what you pay for!!


mom 2-3