New to OECs

[jj9]

Like most of the posters here, I'm new and in need of help. I've been trying to find a diamond for my very patient GF but with my small budget, I have yet to find one. With diamond prices so high, I don't think I can get the size I want (1.7 - 1. with $5K. So I decided to go vintage and look at estate jewelry. I thought this may be a good fit for her because her favorite book of all time is the Great Gatsby and loves anything from that era. I've been looking at JBEG and Old World Diamonds but nothing in my budget and specs that I want. I've tried ebay but I'm not comfortable making such a big purchase there.

I would love to hear any suggestions. Also, do you think my budget is unrealistic for the size I want? The reason I'm stuck on that size is because my grandmother has a simple mounting that she inherited from her mom. It is very simple. It has 8 prongs and looks octagonal (??). I think that setting would be perfect for the vision I want. As a recent grad, money is tight and I plan on purchasing a house in the near future. So most of my money is tied to the house.

Thank you all in advance!

 

[Rhea]

I think that you're aiming a bit high for your budget. Diamonds have a significant price jump as certain carat weights, and OEC's aren't any different. I was shopping for some recently and noticed a considerable price increase at 1 carat. I think that 1 1/2 carats will have another price jump. Will your setting fit a smaller diamond?

 

[Dreamer_D]

On ebay if you find a good deal you can get a 1.7ct to 2ct stone in a vintage mount for about $8000. Full retail would be well over $10k. ETA: I have seen about 2-4 stones on ebay sell in the $4000 to $5000 range at the 1.7ct mark, but that is from watching every day for months and months. Prices have gotten higher of late. Also, stones 1.5ct+ are very rare on ebay. So you can pay less than $8k. But there have been three recent ebay purchases around that size posted on PS that went in that range: 1.7+ ct for $8k to $10k in a mount.

I think with your budget you can aim for a nice 1.0 to 1.2ct diamond in a nice setting second hand.

Here are a couple nice ones on DB:

http://diamondbistro.com/category/216/Natural-Diamond-Center/listings/30915/113-M-VS1-diamond-with-GIA-cert-platinum-ring-sz6.html

http://diamondbistro.com/category/216/Natural-Diamond-Center/listings/30738/Old-European-Cut-OEC-143c-71mm-Plat-Diamond-Ring.html

If you want to buy from a retailer than you are looking at $7500+ for the smae size. Unless you are ok going very very low in color?

Anyways, I think perhaps set more modest goals now and plan an upgrade later

 

[yennyfire]

Ditto to what Dreamer said and to be honest, unless someone here with OEC experience volunteers to help you, I wouldn't go with stones on eBay...you just don't have the eye to look for them. Many of us have been looking for years and still don't have the educated eye that Dreamer, Yssie and a few others here do. I'd go with a smaller stone now with a vendor with a good track record and an upgrade policy. The other option as Dreamer pointed out is Diamond Bistro. Again, run any choices by the experts here before purchasing.

Good luck!

 

[Dreamer_D]

Ditto to what Dreamer said and to be honest, unless someone here with OEC experience volunteers to help you, I wouldn't go with stones on eBay...you just don't have the eye to look for them. Many of us have been looking for years and still don't have the educated eye that Dreamer, Yssie and a few others here do. I'd go with a smaller stone now with a vendor with a good track record and an upgrade policy. The other option as Dreamer pointed out is Diamond Bistro. Again, run any choices by the experts here before purchasing.

Good luck!

I also agree with this, and not only because Yenny gave my ego a stroke with her compliments I would not buy an expensive OEC on ebay unless I had a lot of experience. I got my stone on ebay, but bought many smaller diamonds first to get my feet wet.

 

[eh613c]

I agree with previous posters that you will want someone to help you. I think your best option is to stick with your budget, lower your size requirement and let her know that you're open to upgrading the stone on your 5th or 10th wedding anniversary or when you can afford it. I think it's difficult enough for guys to find "the one" with modern and fancy cuts but I think it's even harder with older stones. I made my first purchase of OECs weeks ago and it takes a lot of time and patience. Many of the members here go with JBEG, Old World Diamonds and Engagement Rings Direct (I think, someone correct me if I'm wrong). So good luck on your quest.

 

[plummiecat]

Here are 2 that look promising. I just purchased a ring from this seller and I couldn't be happier. Check out his feedback. He usually accepts offers about 30% or so off the asking price. He also has a good return policy and the packaging he uses is gorgeous.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Beautiful-1-16-ct-Old-European-Cut-Vintage-Diamond-Ring-/320952747690?pt=Diamond_Solitaire_with_Accents&hash=item4aba4646aa#ht_1919wt_952

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Beautiful-0-70-ct-Old-European-Cut-Antique-Diamond-Ring-/320952739254?pt=Diamond_Solitaire_with_Accents&hash=item4aba4625b6#ht_1931wt_952

Good luck in your search!