Newbie here looking for advice on buying an OEC e-ring

[soxfan]

I wouldn't have anyone else try to recreate a dahlia. It's not even that expensive- I'd have CVB do it.

 

[soxfan]

I've never even heard of ring concierge- what is it?

 

[Missy]

I've never even heard of ring concierge- what is it?

https://www.instagram.com/ringconcierge

 

[OFY]

https://www.instagram.com/ringconcierge

she's very social media savvy and has very instagrammable hands. It doesn't hurt that her antique ring is gorgeous as well but I hate the idea of giving my money to a middleman when all the vendors recommended here are creating the jewelry themselves. I also worry about a game of broken telephone when I place an order and communicate what I want to someone, who then has to communicate that same thing the bench they contract out to... I'm picky about details and that feels like it leaves too much room for error

 

[liaerfbv]

I think you’re not understanding what we are telling you. If you want to communicate directly with the person who will make your ring, you need to find a bench jeweler who will work with the public (not very common). Most of the vendors recommended on PS use third party benches and do NOT do the work themselves. So overwhelmingly anyone you pick - Caysie, Ring Concierge, David Klass, etc etc are going to be the “middleman” communicating what you want to their bench jeweler.

 

[liaerfbv]

This is one bench jeweler who I believe will work directly with clients.

https://www.instagram.com/cjd_sako

 

[LLJsmom]

Give yourself some time and get to know the PS vendors so you can get comfortable eventually working with them directly. You don’t need to go through a third party. That is what we are all here for.

 

[LLJsmom]

https://loupetroop.com/listings/rin...-gorgeous-k-vs-transitional-diamond-solitiare

Here is a stunning tranny I’ve seen IRL multiple times. It is super bright and sparkly and lively. A very experienced PSer is selling this because she recovered her lost ering and cannot keep both. I would recommend his one but since you don’t know me you would not necessarily trust me. Grace has it in her stock so if she is in NYC you would email her and arrange to see it. It’s the second one from the left in the pic below.

 

[OFY]

I think you’re not understanding what we are telling you. If you want to communicate directly with the person who will make your ring, you need to find a bench jeweler who will work with the public (not very common). Most of the vendors recommended on PS use third party benches and do NOT do the work themselves. So overwhelmingly anyone you pick - Caysie, Ring Concierge, David Klass, etc etc are going to be the “middleman” communicating what you want to their bench jeweler.

I've never used David Klass but was under the impression that he is a bench jeweller (albeit with an expanded operation who might not personally do all the work, similar to Leon Mege for example). I know Caysie isn't a bench jeweller but I thought she herself is a CAD designer. Perhaps RC also does CADs but I was under the impression that she does not.

 

[OFY]

https://loupetroop.com/listings/rin...-gorgeous-k-vs-transitional-diamond-solitiare

Here is a stunning tranny I’ve seen IRL multiple times. It is super bright and sparkly and lively. A very experienced PSer is selling this because she recovered her lost ering and cannot keep both. I would recommend his one but since you don’t know me you would not necessarily trust me. Grace has it in her stock so if she is in NYC you would email her and arrange to see it. It’s the second one from the left in the pic below.

I love this. But if you can visit OWD in person I would, it's kind of my dream!

 

[Octo2005]

I've never used David Klass but was under the impression that he is a bench jeweller (albeit with an expanded operation who might not personally do all the work, similar to Leon Mege for example). I know Caysie isn't a bench jeweller but I thought she herself is a CAD designer. Perhaps RC also does CADs but I was under the impression that she does not.

Someone should start a thread as to which have there own bench.

I was under the impression that CVB and David Klass did have their own , so I am surprised to hear that she/he sends it out for production. Anyone know about the other designers?

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I've never used David Klass but was under the impression that he is a bench jeweller (albeit with an expanded operation who might not personally do all the work, similar to Leon Mege for example). I know Caysie isn't a bench jeweller but I thought she herself is a CAD designer. Perhaps RC also does CADs but I was under the impression that she does not.

No, David Klass is a jeweler with a retail jewelry store who uses a bench to make the rings.

Caysie of CVB Inspired Design is not a CAD designer, she is a gifted jewelry designer (and artist) who designs mostly original pieces and some antique inspired pieces. She has a team with various talents...a CAD artist, an outstanding bench, and diamond cutters who custom cut some of her small stones for rings and other pieces. She designs and manages every job herself.

It would be extremely rare for one person to have the time and ability to do all of these tasks. Any top jewelry designers have a team making their pieces.

 

[LLJsmom]

I love this. But if you can visit OWD in person I would, it's kind of my dream!

Absolutely. If you're in NYC and you're interested in old cuts, you would be doing a disservice to yourself not to visit OWD, just to have the opportunity to see a selection. It would be performing due diligence before committing to any stone. I'm not saying buy from Adam, but go see the stones. He's got a lot. See them in various colors and sizes, so you can learn what is driving your criteria. I promise you won't regret it.

 

[foxinsox]

Absolutely. If you're in NYC and you're interested in old cuts, you would be doing a disservice to yourself not to visit OWD, just to have the opportunity to see a selection. It would be performing due diligence before committing to any stone. I'm not saying buy from Adam, but go see the stones. He's got a lot. See them in various colors and sizes, so you can learn what is driving your criteria. I promise you won't regret it.

My biggest regret from our honeymoon in NY is not arranging to go see OWD - I felt like I’d be wasting his time since we weren’t looking to buy but it would have been an amazing experience.

 

[LLJsmom]

My biggest regret from our honeymoon in NY is not arranging to go see OWD - I felt like I’d be wasting his time since we weren’t looking to buy but it would have been an amazing experience.

Not at all @foxinsox . Next time you have the chance go see him. It's totally fine that you're not ready to buy. The first time I saw him in NYC, missy took me in November, and I totally could not buy a thing. I told him before hand. He doesn't mind because those gorgeous old cuts sell themselves. I came across my K and loved it. Couldn't afford it. Wasn't ready to let go of my F either. Couldn't imagine myself wearing an OEC. But that K buried itself deep in my subconscious. And 6 months later, when suddenly I did have the funds, without hesitation, I thought of that stone. So Adam may not sell to you now, or ever, but you get to know him and he becomes a resource in case you ever are in the market. It's not a waste of his time because seriously you and he never know what can happen. It's the same with Layla and her tranny. We saw it at one of Grace's shows at least about a year before she had the opportunity to buy it. We saw it, liked it, wasn't in the market, but that little bugger entranced us all. And then when the opportunity came up, Layla remembered her. And if it's meant to be, it will be yours. So please give yourself a treat next time you're in NYC and go enjoy an afternoon of beautiful bling at OWD.

 

[foxinsox]

@LLJsmom oh I know that now and I really wish I had done it cos it’ll literally be years before we’re back in NY.
Tho we will definitely be back as I spent 7 of our 11 days there sick as a dog with the worst flu I’ve ever had, courtesy of an unknown guest at our wedding so we have a Honeymoon Do-Over to do. Probably for a significant anniversary which could be ideal timing for a visit to OWD!

 

[LLJsmom]

@LLJsmom oh I know that now and I really wish I had done it cos it’ll literally be years before we’re back in NY.
Tho we will definitely be back as I spent 7 of our 11 days there sick as a dog with the worst flu I’ve ever had, courtesy of an unknown guest at our wedding so we have a Honeymoon Do-Over to do. Probably for a significant anniversary which could be ideal timing for a visit to OWD!

Best plan EVER!!! Tack that visit to a major anniversary and HELLO UPGRADE!!! Woo-hoo! Maybe you want to surprise the DH with it.

 

[foxinsox]

Ha! He’s already expecting it so I don’t know that I could surprise him

 

[Pandemonium35]

Oh you guys rock! (no pun intended haha) Thanks so much for all of the links and information. I was able to meet up with Jewels by Grace today and look at a few OECs. She only had 2 in settings (not the one LLJSmom posted) but she had 3 other OEC loose diamonds around the 2 ct point and they were all beautiful but I really loved a very flowery one she had (this one! still thinking about it and looking at my pics and videos haha https://www.jewelsbygrace.com/2-07ct-old-european-cut-diamond-gia-j-vs2-2112). That may be the one for me! I definitely want to see Adam from OWD as well but he is only open 9-6 M-F and I can't take any time off from work for the next couple of weeks so I'll have to wait until after that to go. Taking y'alls advice on seeing as many OECs as I can in real life before making the big decision .

 

[Aphloz]

Caysie is a gifted designer and does have a bench that completes her work just like most talented designers. Fine rings can be cast or handforged. If you go into Tiffany or Cartier, etc, you will find that most of their jewelry is cast, so that is not an issue. You want high quality work regardless of the method of fabrication.

I could start a site right now and copy and adapt antique rings and sell them. That is a HUGE difference from someone talented in design like Caysie.

That signature ring from RC you are talking about is too thin. Gold particularly wears away over time and those rings made in gold would never make it for 50 years. The platinum is softer and I can see them bending out of shape over time. I am considering having a similar ring made by Caysie, but it will definitely be more than 1.5mm for the main shank. That is a well known antique design, so anyone can make it (and make it better).

As far as diamonds go, Caysie has an excellent relationship with Adam from OWD and Jonathan of August Vintage for OECs and new OECs. I know she has other contacts as well. She wouldn't quote you a price like that for the whole ring. It depends on the actual cost of the diamond!!! She can tell you the cost of the setting. I haven't gotten a quote yet, but I have similar rings to show her. I love that design! The thing I have experienced with Caysie is that when I give her inspiration pics, her design always is better than the original.

What would be the appropriate description for the described antique design? I am doing my research and love the RC signature antique design but would go to a local jeweler I have a relationship with. I know I can show the photo's of the RC ring and the one designed by Caysie. Just would like to do more research and would like to know the antique design name.

 

[Moonie]

What would be the appropriate description for the described antique design? I am doing my research and love the RC signature antique design but would go to a local jeweler I have a relationship with. I know I can show the photo's of the RC ring and the one designed by Caysie. Just would like to do more research and would like to know the antique design name.

I did the same thing - I'm getting my setting (and diamond) with Mark Broumand who said he would be able to do the design. Her signature antique is a replica of an Edwardian antique setting itself (not sure if it has an exact name though)

 

[Aphloz]

I did the same thing - I'm getting my setting (and diamond) with Mark Broumand who said he would be able to do the design. Her signature antique is a replica of an Edwardian antique setting itself (not sure if it has an exact name though)

Thank you so much!