Newbie...please help! James Meyer ering vs loose OEC stone

[stevielaine]

Hello all,
I am new around here, but have been exploring the various forums, and loving all of the eye candy! The bf and I are not engaged yet, but have finally started to look at engagement rings! (We've only been together 10 years!)

Anyway, I started looking on Pricescope for ideas, and when I saw James Meyer's 1345 ring, I was instantly in love! I loved the simplicity of it, but also how delicate and unique the setting looked, and after researching about the OEC diamonds that he uses, I thought it all seemed perfect for me. So, I looked on his website, and he has a ring listed for sale for $5,950. It is a beautiful ring, 1.21 ct OEC, VS1 but the color is O-P. I do like warmer stones, but have never actually seen a diamond with this low of a color grade.

I sent him an email inquiring about the ring and his response was that it is a very bright, lively stone with a slight yellow body color. He said it is a beautiful stone, and a lovely shade. Here is a link to the ring http://jamesmeyerjewelry.com/wordpress/1467-2/#.UwLMXxXTmUk...... To me the ring looks lovely, and I have searched for O-P stones on this forum to see pictures, but have seen some that look very yellow, which I'm not too fond of, and some that are more of an ivory shade, which I do like. I don't want to offend anyone with o-p's but I don't want to look at my ring and it look "dingy". Can you experts tell me what you think of the ring?

He also sent me a picture of another stone that he has that is a 1.25ct VS2 J for about $8000. This stone didn't appeal to me.



Hopefully that uploaded correctly, but to me, the stone looks very uneven and I'm not a fan of the large cutlet.

So, I was a little disappointed. I understand that he only uses his own stones, and everyone that has posted about his rings seems to have been very pleased, but after seeing that stone, I just don't know. I don't know much about diamonds other than what I've learned so far on here, so please tell me if I'm wrong, and that is a great stone.

So I started looking for loose OEC diamonds, and came across jewelsbyericagrace.com where I found a couple of stones that I thought were pretty. I was hoping maybe to get some some feedback from some people who know more about this stuff than I do. So I will attach the links to the one's I like.

http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.com/Jewelry/Loose-Diamonds/121ct-Transitional-Cut-Diamond/34911492_67HGDp#!i=2942653051&k=2GD3rHQ

...my favorite, but also the most expensive! Cheaper than the JM stone though!

http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.com/Jewelry/Loose-Diamonds/103ct-OEC/32867974_MD7x2n#!i=2847243004&k=bXK8PDK

http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.com/Jewelry/Loose-Diamonds/111ct-Old-European-Cut-Diamond/33198910_WvfmG7#!i=2880276496&k=gC7MSsw

Then while I was looking into Jewels by Erica Grace I found this Erika Winters AMAZING Grace Solitaire Setting...

http://www.erikawinters.com/Engagement-Rings-Grace_Solitaire.html#.UwLMWRXTmUl

I could definitely go for that!

So, I'm very sorry for such a long rambling post, I was just hoping to get some help before I make any kind of decisions.

What do you guys think of the James Meyer ring with the O-P stone? Do you think I'd be better off going with a loose stone, and trying to find a different setting I love as much as JM's?

Any feedback on the loose stones I posted would be greatly appreciated! Thank you so much for your help, and also for your patience!

 

[arkieb1]

Re: Newbie...please help! James Meyer ering vs loose OEC sto

Honest opinion is I love Jim's work but the O/P is a nice stone that is definitely tinted, the bezel will hide some but not all of the colour. The second stone looks more like an Old Mine Cut than an OEC. Another option could be Jim's son Caleb has some ready made pieces also for sale in whiter colours;

http://www.calebmeyer.com/showcase.php?collection=Diamond%20Rings&status=forsale

http://www.calebmeyer.com/showcase.php?collection=Diamond%20Rings

You might be able to talk Caleb or Ann who trained under Jim to take one of JBEGs stones;


http://www.annmckaystudio.com/diamonds.html

Erika Winters new rings look amazing as well!!!! That could also be another great option.

 

[VRBeauty]

Re: Newbie...please help! James Meyer ering vs loose OEC sto

James Meyer's style is unique and if it speaks to you, it's hard to ignore the call!

I'll let the more knowledgeable posters comment on the O-P color. I have an OEC in that range but it's set in rose gold and not bezeled, so hard to compare. I've never thought of it as being "dingy" though, just warm, but it'd not going to be mistaken for an F-G-H stone!

I agree with arkieb1 that the second stone James offered looks more like an old mine cut than an OEC.

As to the other stones... were you thinking of asking JM to set an outside stone? Unless he's recently changed his policy (or is willing to bend it for you) I don't think he'll set customer's stones.

I bought my JM ring used (through Jewels by Erica Grace, as it happens), so I don't know if he has a return policy. If he does, it might be worth your while to check out the ring and see how you feel about it "in person."

BTW do you have a link to the ring you're considering? I wasn't able to find that style on his website.

 

[patricias]

Re: Newbie...please help! James Meyer ering vs loose OEC sto

I've had my eye on that piece for a while. I thinks it's a lovely ring. As for the O/P designation of the stone, I do believe that there's no such thing as a bad color. It's a matter of personal preference. You're not buying an investment, you're buying a family heirloom, and this one's a beauty. If the ring appeals to you and you like the stone, go for it. James Meyer does fantastic work.

 

[VRBeauty]

Re: Newbie...please help! James Meyer ering vs loose OEC sto

I just spotted the link you provided - LOL!

That's an iconic JM style - I have the three-stone version of that ring. Personally, I'd be tempted to buy it on the strength of the setting alone (I know, I'm a baaaad PS'er!). The diamond currently in the ring looks lovely, but it does have a noticeable tint. I still think you should check out JM's return policy, and see whether you can see the ring in person without making a final, final commitment.

 

[vintagelover229]

Re: Newbie...please help! James Meyer ering vs loose OEC sto

Hello all,
I am new around here, but have been exploring the various forums, and loving all of the eye candy! The bf and I are not engaged yet, but have finally started to look at engagement rings! (We've only been together 10 years!)

Anyway, I started looking on Pricescope for ideas, and when I saw James Meyer's 1345 ring, I was instantly in love! I loved the simplicity of it, but also how delicate and unique the setting looked, and after researching about the OEC diamonds that he uses, I thought it all seemed perfect for me. So, I looked on his website, and he has a ring listed for sale for $5,950. It is a beautiful ring, 1.21 ct OEC, VS1 but the color is O-P. I do like warmer stones, but have never actually seen a diamond with this low of a color grade.

I sent him an email inquiring about the ring and his response was that it is a very bright, lively stone with a slight yellow body color. He said it is a beautiful stone, and a lovely shade. Here is a link to the ring http://jamesmeyerjewelry.com/wordpress/1467-2/#.UwLMXxXTmUk........ To me the ring looks lovely, and I have searched for O-P stones on this forum to see pictures, but have seen some that look very yellow, which I'm not too fond of, and some that are more of an ivory shade, which I do like. I don't want to offend anyone with o-p's but I don't want to look at my ring and it look "dingy". Can you experts tell me what you think of the ring?

He also sent me a picture of another stone that he has that is a 1.25ct VS2 J for about $8000. This stone didn't appeal to me.



Hopefully that uploaded correctly, but to me, the stone looks very uneven and I'm not a fan of the large cutlet.

So, I was a little disappointed. I understand that he only uses his own stones, and everyone that has posted about his rings seems to have been very pleased, but after seeing that stone, I just don't know. I don't know much about diamonds other than what I've learned so far on here, so please tell me if I'm wrong, and that is a great stone.

So I started looking for loose OEC diamonds, and came across jewelsbyericagrace.com where I found a couple of stones that I thought were pretty. I was hoping maybe to get some some feedback from some people who know more about this stuff than I do. So I will attach the links to the one's I like.

http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.com/Jewelry/Loose-Diamonds/121ct-Transitional-Cut-Diamond/34911492_67HGDp#!i=2942653051&k=2GD3rHQ

...my favorite, but also the most expensive! Cheaper than the JM stone though!

http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.com/Jewelry/Loose-Diamonds/103ct-OEC/32867974_MD7x2n#!i=2847243004&k=bXK8PDK

http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.com/Jewelry/Loose-Diamonds/111ct-Old-European-Cut-Diamond/33198910_WvfmG7#!i=2880276496&k=gC7MSsw

Then while I was looking into Jewels by Erica Grace I found this Erika Winters AMAZING Grace Solitaire Setting...

http://www.erikawinters.com/Engagement-Rings-Grace_Solitaire.html#.UwLMWRXTmUl

I could definitely go for that!

So, I'm very sorry for such a long rambling post, I was just hoping to get some help before I make any kind of decisions.

What do you guys think of the James Meyer ring with the O-P stone? Do you think I'd be better off going with a loose stone, and trying to find a different setting I love as much as JM's?

Any feedback on the loose stones I posted would be greatly appreciated! Thank you so much for your help, and also for your patience!

I was going to buy a diamond from a PSer and have this lady (who's working with the best of the best and I think got the issues with replicas that I was seeing).

Charmy is selling a 1.65 M VVS2 for a good price and I can get you in touch with her if your interested. This is the etsy seller who said her jewelers could do it. Send her a message (she has done some great work with gemfever another PSer). I contacted a few vendors and in terms of 'getting it' she was the only one who did.

Caleb doesn't take outside stones and Ann McKay won't mess with JM styles and was more for her style rings but will accept outside stones.

https://www.etsy.com/people/yvonneraley?ref=pr_profile

ETA: Here is a nice stone
http://diamondbistro.com/category/216/Natural-Diamond-Center/listings/37506/142-ct-OEC-J-VS2-EGL-USA-Vatche-U113-setting.html

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: Newbie...please help! James Meyer ering vs loose OEC sto

I find it very frustrating when a vendor won't set a customer's stone. I don't think I'd be happy with O-P color for an engagement ring. And I do not like that loose diamond at all. If you like Erika's designs, which I think are unique and beautiful, I would go in that direction and get Grace to help you select a diamond. I'd probably stick to the GIA J-K territory. Those will have a little tint but will be attractive in an antique style setting.

 

[vintagelover229]

Re: Newbie...please help! James Meyer ering vs loose OEC sto

What I find tough is the prices. I mean I can understand a bit on his own stone things but when I can buy a 1 carat OEC of M color on DB or LT for 2500.00 and I send him a message and the only stones he has in my budget are 1 carat (same color/clarity) and they are 4500.00 I can't pay that price. Not because I don't think his craftsmanship isn't worth the money (which his normal setting runs 1300.00 which IMO is very fair) but because I'm not paying 2k more for a stone I can get else where. If it was closer in price I would be more likely to pay it just because I understand I can't expect pre-loved prices from a vendor trying to make a living but I like a good deal more than I like anything!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: Newbie...please help! James Meyer ering vs loose OEC sto

I agree, VL. I would possibly consider his pricing if the diamonds were outstanding, but I know we can find better ones than what I am seeing.

 

[teobdl]

Re: Newbie...please help! James Meyer ering vs loose OEC sto

I have loved James Meyer's pieces since the moment I saw them. I really can't describe why I'm so drawn to them. It was not a great surprise when I learned that his jewelry is on collection at the Smithsonian.

The settings, IMO, are way, way underpriced. If you're overpaying on the stone, you are more than making up for it in design, craftsmanship, and lure of owning a classic piece by a celebrated American jeweler.

Ann McKay has a very nice, similar setting called the Peony, which I adore. I considered having her make an e-ring after JM confirmed to me that his no outside stone policy is firm. She also has great prices--I think about $1500-1600 for that setting.

ETA: I would trust Jim Meyer's eye for interesting stones. I think PSers are generally weary of just letting someone choose a diamond for them (and with good reason), but he is a seasoned craftsman who truly cares about making beautiful pieces of art.

 

[stevielaine]

Re: Newbie...please help! James Meyer ering vs loose OEC sto

Hi Guys,

Thanks so much for all of the responses. I really appreciate it! I spoke with Jim again via email, and asked him if we could look at the ring in person, and return it if it wasn't right for us. I also asked him for the GIA report for the O-P stone. He was very nice and helpful and said that yes, he could ship us the ring to look at before making a final decision, and did send me the GIA cert. Not that I know much about it, but I will include it here.


He also said he has someone else who is interested in the ring.

I appreciate all of the suggestions, I have checked out Caleb Meyer and Ann McKay's websites, but I just think I want something more simple, a lot of their designs seem to have a lot going on. I'm not even a fan of the JM design with the leaves on it, I just like simple, unique and elegant as well. That's not too much to ask is it? That's what I like about the Grace solitaire by Erika Winters too, but it's quite a bit more expensive.

So, I'm not sure what I'm going to do. I did ask him about using outside stones and he said that he likes to choose the stones best suited for his settings. I understand that I guess, and I do agree with teobdl that his settings seem to be if not underpriced, at least very reasonable, IMO. He also said he has a few cushions available, so I might ask him about those.

I will probably have him send us the ring to look at, if it is still available. I just don't want to pass it by without even seeing it in person. If it is too tinted for me, I will prob send it back and if he doesn't have any other stones that I like, I guess I will start the search for a diamond and a setting that I like individually.

Can anyone tell me about dealing with JBEG? Would she/they be able to help me find a beautiful stone without knowing much about it myself? And did anyone have any opinions about the stones that I posted?

Or maybe someone on here can help me find a stone???

So thanks again guys! I really appreciate your help and advice!

 

[arkieb1]

Re: Newbie...please help! James Meyer ering vs loose OEC sto

Erica from JBEG is going to be designing rings again with her new business, I wonder if you find a stone either from her or Grace if you show her what you want then she might be able to make a simple Meyer style bezel ring for you.

 

[vintagelover229]

Re: Newbie...please help! James Meyer ering vs loose OEC sto

Don't worry about the other interested party on the JM ring since I won't be buying it My husband and I were discussing selling my e-ring stone but he's still attached to it for some reason. So needless to say that JM ring won't be having a home with me.

If you want a better priced stone I highly recommend checking out that etsy seller for a JM quote. She told me in all white gold a setting with the same guy that works for Tiffany will be working on it-will be under 1500.00 if you don't do 2 tone.

 

[kellc]

Re: Newbie...please help! James Meyer ering vs loose OEC sto

Charmy is selling a 1.65 M VVS2 for a good price and I can get you in touch with her if your interested. This is the etsy seller who said her jewelers could do it. Send her a message (she has done some great work with gemfever another PSer). I contacted a few vendors and in terms of 'getting it' she was the only one who did.

Sorry I'm totally butting into this thread - is there a place where the 1.65 is listed online? I check DB and LT pretty obsessively, but maybe I'm missing somewhere. I'm looking for an old cut in a similar weight!

 

[vintagelover229]

Re: Newbie...please help! James Meyer ering vs loose OEC sto

Charmy is selling a 1.65 M VVS2 for a good price and I can get you in touch with her if your interested. This is the etsy seller who said her jewelers could do it. Send her a message (she has done some great work with gemfever another PSer). I contacted a few vendors and in terms of 'getting it' she was the only one who did.

Sorry I'm totally butting into this thread - is there a place where the 1.65 is listed online? I check DB and LT pretty obsessively, but maybe I'm missing somewhere. I'm looking for an old cut in a similar weight!

I reached out to her on FB to see if she had anything she wasn't using and she happened to have something perfect for me but alas-my husband isn't ready to let our diamond go no matter how much money we'll make on it.

Here is an old LT listing to contact her
http://loupetroop.com/listings/settings/palladium-ring-setting-in-great-condition