OEC Engagement Ring for ME!

[Gypsy]

Hey ya'all, after many years absence I am stopping by to get some help for an engagement ring. For ME!

I don't need natural earth mined. But I do want an OEC. But being me, cut is primary. It has to just sparkle and perform well. And the faceting needs to be very nice.

I am willing to settle for flowery facets under the table. But... it's not my first preference. I had (once upon a time) a transitional diamond. And I adored it. So my preference is more of a Transitional. But if it's well cut, has great performance and pretty faceting and the price is right, I can be flexible on OEC v Transitional. I do like checkerboard faceting too. So that's another option for the old cut.

Size: 1.5 carats to 2 carats. Not much bigger. 1.8 carats is my sweetspot, but again, I can be flexible.

I would also prefer something that's not a D. As for lab reports: I am flexible as long as the vendor is reputable. Budget is low, I don't want to spend a lot of money on things, anymore. My life is very different now, and I love it. But I do want an engagement ring and being me: I can't wear a poorly cut stone. For the center stone: $1000 is about the range. I'd much prefer to spend less on it since I want a custom setting.

I'd really appreciate your suggestions. Both on vendors and diamonds. I've been out of loupe for a long time (couldn't resist the bad pun!). And I'm not looking to get back in. Just want something pretty.

 

[acaw2015]

@Gypsy Love seeing you here!

I hope someone more knowledgeable will chime in soon. The market is constantly changing and although I bought a lab less than a year ago it seems like I am already out of date. I got my omc at adiamor and I know that they also have oec. The hard thing is knowing what parameters to look for to get (a nice) oec in the search results. Easiest way to start is of course to search for a stone with a culet.
Same thing with ritani. The oecs are there but it takes some searching.
Btw, I am sure someone else has better answers for you.

 

[Gypsy]

@Gypsy Love seeing you here!

I hope someone more knowledgeable will chime in soon. The market is constantly changing and although I bought a lab less than a year ago it seems like I am already out of date. I got my omc at adiamor and I know that they also have oec. The hard thing is knowing what parameters to look for to get (a nice) oec in the search results. Easiest way to start is of course to search for a stone with a culet.
Same thing with ritani. The oecs are there but it takes some searching.
Btw, I am sure someone else has better answers for you.

Searching by culet is a great suggestion. Love it. And neither adiamor or ritani were on my list for OECs, so thank you for that too. I love your ring, so very pretty.

Thank you for the welcome!

 

[Karl_K]

Welcome back!!!!!!!! Congrats!!!!!!!!

 

[swingirl]

Oh wow!! So glad to see you here! And how exciting to be looking for an engagement ring. Congrats on your new wonderful life!! I'll be watching to see what you end up with. I know it'll be special and 100% Gypsy!

 

[Mreader]

Gonna tag @Inked who is picky w cut and gotten some dynamite labs.

 

[distracts]

HI GYPSY!!!!

 

[Gypsy]

Hello Karl, distract and swingirl! My old friends. How the heck are you guys? And thank you!

 

[Gypsy]

Gonna tag @Inked who is picky w cut and gotten some dynamite labs.

Thank you Mreader!

 

[Karl_K]

Hello Karl, distract and swingirl! My old friends. How the heck are you guys? And thank you!

I'm doing ok.
I am working for PS, kicking spammers and doing updates.
You may notice a lot of changes in the subforum list.
We added some new ones and removed some underused ones recently.
That was one of my projects.

 

[Gypsy]

I'm doing ok.
I am working for PS, kicking spammers and doing updates.
You may notice a lot of changes in the subforum list.
We added some new ones and removed some underused ones recently.
That was one of my projects.

Oh cool! I will take a look. Good idea. Just looked, I like the changes! Great job.

 

[16ocean]

Gypsy!
So great to "see" you (online). I am so happy you love your life and are searching for an engagement ring for --you--.
You have helped so many get an amazing rock and taught so many. Looking forward to see what you find and how you set it.

 

[Gypsy]

Gypsy!
So great to "see" you (online). I am so happy you love your life and are searching for an engagement ring for --you--.
You have helped so many get an amazing rock and taught so many. Looking forward to see what you find and how you set it.

OH! Thank you 16ocean, I really appreciate it. I've been out of the jewelry hunt for so long now, and I barely wear my jewelry at all. So I really appreciate the help. Thank you so much.

 

[16ocean]

It's like riding a bike . . . you don't forget how . You have the eye . . . just have to warm your muscles up again.
I -hear- you about wearing less jewelry.

 

[Gypsy]

For a setting: I've always loved bezels. So I am thinking of a thin bezel around the center and then having some sidestones in a tapered catherdral shank. I have an inspiration image, but I would need modifications on that design because I don't like the profile and the shank. And I'm am considering something like black rhodium around just the sidestones. Not sure about that though. Haven't found a picture that shows what I am thinking, there. I may have a look to see if Sholdt has something in that style, but I think I saw something similar years ago somewhere-- maybe Singlestone?

And for metal: not sure. Yellow gold is the fashion now and it looks good on me. But all my other diamonds are set in white. Maybe instead of black rhodium I can do a two tone, but I don't always love the look of that. Still figuring that out.

Who are the current affordable setting vendors with good bezels? Or should I ask in RT or Jewelry Pieces (great forum Karl!)?

And yeah, I've taken up gardening and I work from home so, not a lot of blinging opportunities. And honestly, most of my jewlery reminds me of my old life. And I was pretty miserable for a lot of that time (not with you all, but outside of PS), so I just don't wear it. Plus I have a lot of other financial priorities, and jewelry is dead last with the exception of this piece. But this will be a special new piece though, in a new style so... hopefully I will wear it everyday.

 

[Rfisher]

I am willing to settle for flowery facets under the table. But... it's not my first preference. I had (once upon a time) a transitional diamond. And I adored it. So my preference is more of a Transitional. But if it's well cut, has great performance and pretty faceting and the price is right, I can be flexible on OEC v Transitional. I do like checkerboard faceting too. So that's another option for the old cut.

Who’s old cut lab on here do you really enjoy the performance and faceting of?
One of the custom cuts or straight from vendor?
Alex has his special ‘cut in house’ ones but also carries the more mass cut ones. They’re different enough, imo to pay attention to.

 

[Gypsy]

Who’s old cut lab on here do you really enjoy the performance and faceting of?

Excellent question. On here? I don't know.

But this one I love's faceting and size: https://www.goodstoneinc.com/products/diamond?stock_num=E10435&stone_reference_id=20247&type=Lab_grown_Diamond&shape=Old European&proids=177307358 I don't think they sell the diamond separate though. And I don't love D color. My ideal color is J/K, but I know I'm not going to get that. But I prefer warmer tones. And I know nothing about the vendor or really how to evaluate MMD for quality.

And this one is good for a flowery style: https://ivyandrose.com/products/1-5...fjOakf3JduQil8AKvTi_of2AbzzcZ4EsMy-julxASy-SY but I want something larger than 7.2mm. Prefer 7.5mm to 8mm (a little over 8 is okay for the right stone but not much).

I would want to see an ASET on either, or you know, get it myself and see how I like it. Performance I can't tell from what's provided. But this one is lovely in terms of performance; https://ivyandrose.com/products/2ct...3-stone-14k-white-gold?variant=43220255047817

 

[Rfisher]

And have you checked loupetroop? They seem to go in spurts. Worth checking sporadically while you do your other searches.

I think going thru this forums threads that really show PS’ers handshots and videos will really help you ‘read’ vendors photos and be happy with the end result.

Quote
‘ And I know nothing about the vendor or really how to evaluate MMD.’

 

[Gypsy]

And have you checked loupetroop? lol.

Yes, and Preloved.

 

[Gypsy]

Who’s old cut lab on here do you really enjoy the performance and faceting of?
One of the custom cuts or straight from vendor?
Alex has his special ‘cut in house’ ones but also carries the more mass cut ones. They’re different enough, imo to pay attention to.

@Rfisher who is Alex?

 

[Rfisher]

@Rfisher who is Alex?

IG parksfinegroup. The lab ones or maybe it was the antique one. They split off at one time.
it’s been a while since I’ve looked - you’ll probably have to scroll back a bit to find the time where they were noting ‘our cut’ or whatever it was - to see the difference between the ones they noted ‘not cut by us’

 

[Gypsy]

@Rfisher They seem to have a good eye. I will reach out. Doesn't hurt, right?

 

[Rfisher]

@Rfisher They seem to have a good eye. I will reach out. Doesn't hurt, right?

Yes doesn’t hurt to reach out to parks. Also to Ivy&Rose to ask about them getting a lower color.

And
Just a suggestion for some reading info:

M

Thread 'OEC Opinions'

May 18, 2024

Option 1:
2,52, F, VS1

Loupe360

loupe360.com

https://www.igi.org/verify-your-report/?r=628401628

Option 2:
2.82, F, VS1

https://www.igi.org/verify-your-report/?r=631418185

Option 3:
2.51, F, VS1

https://www.igi.org/verify-your-report/?r=627471862

Option 4:
2.53, F, VS1

https://www.igi.org/verify-your-report/?r=627445081

Option 5:
2.71, G, VS1
...

• mccsbobo
• Replies: 18
• Forum: Lab-Grown Diamonds/Man-Made Diamonds (MMD)

 

[Gypsy]

Yes doesn’t hurt to reach out to parks. Also to Ivy&Rose to ask about them getting a lower color.

And
Just a suggestion for some reading info:

M

Thread 'OEC Opinions'

May 18, 2024

Option 1:
2,52, F, VS1

Loupe360

loupe360.com

https://www.igi.org/verify-your-report/?r=628401628

Option 2:
2.82, F, VS1

https://www.igi.org/verify-your-report/?r=631418185

Option 3:
2.51, F, VS1

https://www.igi.org/verify-your-report/?r=627471862

Option 4:
2.53, F, VS1

https://www.igi.org/verify-your-report/?r=627445081

Option 5:
2.71, G, VS1
...

• mccsbobo
• Replies: 18
• Forum: Lab-Grown Diamonds/Man-Made Diamonds (MMD)

Figured it out. Will check out the reading. Yeah, I don't love those actual diamonds though. Those culet's are huge, among other things.

AND: I am amending my desired size to 8mm. 7.8-8.2mm

 

[Rfisher]

This, too, for another search suggestion. Lovely transitional here -would be so cool and dreamy for you to find one in a lower color.

Thread 'Randomly found a perfect (to me) transitional cut!'

Oct 30, 2024

Originally posted in specialty cut grudge match - here she is! I sometimes go to Ritani and search for diamonds with large culets just to see what I can find. I don’t normally have much luck but to my surprise, I found this sweet little transitional cut that just spoke to me! Similar to when I got my warmer stone I just kept coming back to my open tab. The price was OK but then I remembered @DejaWiz using StoneAlgo and I hopped on over and found the same stone being sold by Daniel William Diamonds for less than half of Ritani’s asking price! I don’t know much about these cuts other...

• jaqjaqjaq
• Replies: 48
• Forum: Lab-Grown Diamonds/Man-Made Diamonds (MMD)

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• 
• 

 

[Gypsy]

That was great. I did find that same D I liked at Ritani:

1.81 Carat Round Lab Grown Diamond D Color VVS2 Clarity Very Good Cut | Ritani

1.81 Carat Round Lab Diamond VG Cut D Color VVS2 Clarity with diamond report number IGI #LG670446968

www.ritani.com

And this one: https://www.ritani.com/products/1-8...vvs2-clarity-igi-lg704529657-sku-d-5ul2aaw1rt

I don't want a D though.

 

[MMtwo]

I am so glad to see you !!!!!! I posted under moneymeister years ago and have missed you very much. I am a pretty terrible consultant for all things custom as I just bagged on my own project because I can’t color outside the lines, but I absolutely am going to love following your project and congratulations. I’m very excited for you!!!!!

 

[Gypsy]

I am so glad to see you !!!!!! I posted under moneymeister years ago and have missed you very much. I am a pretty terrible consultant for all things custom as I just bagged on my own project because I can’t color outside the lines, but I absolutely am going to love following your project and congratulations. I’m very excited for you!!!!!

HELLO MMtwo! Great to see you too! How are you? What project did you scrap? And thank you.

 

[MMtwo]

I am well enough, except down with diverticulitis this week. Starting to feel better.

About that folded project: I didn’t have a long project thread, but I had been toying with the idea of resetting a rather oddball emerald-cut diamond I own — an L-color, 1.7 ct deep Si2, very strong blue fluorescent stone with lots of quirky personality. It’s definitely more of a rock-collector piece than a PS-standard stone, though I know some of us have a soft spot for the weird ones.

The diamond itself is very clear in terms of body, but it’s also full of visible inclusions — little crystals that polka-dot the inside. Outside in bright light, it flashes with this odd pink or purplish glow (thanks, fluorescence). Indoors, it settles into more of a soft ivory.

Originally, I thought I’d do something fun and bold — a fluorescent three-stone setting that would play up its strange charm. But in the end, I chickened out. Between budget constraints, unknown design factors, and the fact that I’d literally just had it set last year, it started to feel more like stress than sparkle.

So instead, I sent it to Ritani for one of their Masterwork platinum halo settings. Ritani has been doing my goldwork for years and the product has been consistantly well done. It felt like a safer, cleaner choice, and more in line with what I can justify right now. The idea of spiraling into big $$$ territory again without a clear plan just wasn’t sitting right.




Anyhow...I'll see it's new dress in a few weeks.

And this is hopefully not too intrusive, as this thread it about you and not my wonky mis-adventures .

Not nearly as exciting your awesome ENGAGEMENT!!!!

How are you doing? I bet this group will help find something amazing!

 

[Gypsy]

I am really well. The ring is a partnership ring, more than an engagement ring (I just used common parlance as a short cut). I am pretty soured on marriage and I don’t need the government to regulate my relationships. Not actively planning on getting married anytime soon, though my partner would love it if we did. We live in TX for the time being and this state is stupidly conventional so we're doing the ring, and figuring out next steps down the line. And if we move to a state that recognizes domestic partnerships—TX doesn’t—then we won’t get married and instead we'll do a small, meaningful, partnership ceremony. However, if we get stuck here in TX for more than 2 years AND it makes sense we may get married.

Either way, we do plan to spend our lives together and are building something healthy and happy. And that's what matters ultimately.

Can't wait for your diamond's new dress. Always fun. And yeah, I like some quirk as well.