NYC Diamond District Help - Antique Diamonds

[elrohwen]

Hey folks. I used to be a regular PS member but I've been gone a few years. I'm looking for some help with antique diamonds, specifically for earrings (preferably already set, but I'm open). I'm open on specific cut (old mine vs OEC vs transitional), color, clarity, etc.

I live close enough to NYC that my mom suggested a trip to the diamond district to look at earrings or stones in person. I've walked through there before and the general vibe was "used car sales". I know that many of the stores operate by appointment only and are not visible at street level. Any suggestions for what I should look into for antique stones and jewelry, or where I should go in NYC?

 

[ecf8503]

Have you checked out Good Old Gold's site recently? They have newly-cut rounds and cushions in the vintage style called August Vintage. Guaranteed superb optics. That's where I'd go (just because I "need" ideal).

Isn't Old World Diamonds in NYC?

 

[elrohwen]

Yep, OWD is on my list They don't have much pre-set, but I could work around that for the right stones at the right price. I do like some of the original vintage settings though and might have a tough time finding someone to make a reproduction setting (though I could settle for something simple and modern). OWD used to list pre-matched pairs on their site, but it looks like they've redesigned it since I was last there and I can't find them.

I do like the GOG August stones, but I really don't require great optics, especially on earrings. Actual antique stones also have a certain appeal for me, even if they aren't perfect. Low colors don't bother me a bit. I will definitely check out their site though, as I haven't been through it in a while. That's a great option that I didn't consider.

 

[heididdl]

Good old Gold is on the island but they have old cuts. TThe only other ones I know on 47th is IDJ and ERD....but I don't know how much they deal wiith the older cuts. They are right across the street from one another so it is worth a look see.

 

[gemmyblond]

You might try M. Khordipour in the diamond district. They have lots of genuine old cut stones of all sorts/budgets/sizes, both loose and set in earrings. Their websites are mkhordipour.com and newyorkestatejewelry.com, I think. They have far more inventory in person than on their site (which is not updated very often, in my experience).

I don't know how their prices or service compare with Old World Diamonds, sorry. I just know that they do specialize in old stones and have for quite awhile. (Note that they close early on Fridays in case you are planning to make a trip to NYC.). Good luck.

 

[sweetpea&babycorn]

http://www.newyorkestatejewelry.com/ is Israel Rose, and I love perusing their website.

Another option is Leigh Jay Nacht - also lovely rings and such: http://antiqueengagementrings.com/shopping/

Leon Mege is also in NYC and has antique diamonds, but I don't think he sells them loose

Hope you find what you're looking for, and HAVE FUN!

 

[Sakuracherry]

If you have time, visit pippin vintage on 17th street. When I stopped by last week, they had a pretty pair of OMB earrings for $4000 or so. I believe it was over 1ct each.

 

[Gypsy]

You can call GOG or ERD and ask them to get in pairs for you. That's an option too.

 

[elrohwen]

Thank you all for the help! My budget is pretty small, so hopefully someone will have what I'm looking for.

gemmyblond's comment made me wonder - are all of the stores closed on weekends? I wouldn't mind taking a day off to go down, I just hadn't considered that and many don't list hours on their websites (just "by appointment only").

 

[gemmyblond]

Sorry, I made a mistake above. M. Khordipour's other site (besides their name) is estatediamondjewelry.com. (Brain and fingers were momentarily disconnected!)

Re: open hours. Yes, (in my own experience) many of the dealers/jewelers in the dia district are shut for the Sabbath from mid-Friday afternoon through some or all of the weekend. Many of the street-level retailers do remain open -- but the upstairs and by-appt-only folks and many of the estate and antique dealers who have booths in the various exchanges and buildings are all closed (as of mid-Friday). So if you are considering making a Fri/weekend trip, probably better to confirm in advance what the open hours are with each vendor/dealer.

Good luck and have fun finding your stones!

 

[elrohwen]

Thanks! That's what I figured once I thought about it, but it didn't occur to me at first.

I live within 90min of the city, so it doesn't really matter when I go except that I'd have to plan ahead and take a day off of work. We wouldn't be staying the night or anything.