OLD CUT EXPERTS: 1.88 L/SI1 OEC - Pulling the Trigger?

[LJL]

Hi everyone!

I have reserved this stone - http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9691 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkMQ4Gp778w&feature=youtu.be - its also in this video (its always the one on the far left)


and I'm hoping to get some feedback from some of our experts here. The vendor says its actually an M and I am satisfied with the eyecleanliness Ultimately just wanted a good sized OEC with good optics both in natural light and artificial. Looks to be a pretty good performer, great price, all that.

(and yes, I know the 2.24 is gorg, but its 50% more money that we dont have ) If its "the one", Im thinking of setting it in rose gold, but not sure ..

 

[Dreamer_D]

I am not used to evaluating video of old cuts, and as you know (hopefully ) the way your eyes see the diamond and the way a video captures things is quite different. Video is also different than still photos, from which I am more familiar with extrapolating real life appearance. The lighting that Jon uses in the diamond dock also is not the best for evaluating old cuts, which typically don't perform well in strong overhead lighting. Anyways, there are limits to video for evaluating oldies, in my opinion.

I think its worth seeing in person. It appears to have a bit of the maltese cross under the table, I suspect it might have pretty stark contrast zoning under the table -- where some pavilion mains are black and others light up.In the first half of the video you can see it pretty well where one half of the table is lit and the other half is dark, so some pavilion mains are turning on and off in concert. But that is characteristic of old cuts. You will need to see it to know what you think for sure. It comes down to personal taste a little at this point, and the look you are after. It also may not look like that in real life viewing.

I hate to say it but the 2.2 looks the best of the bunch

 

[Dreamer_D]

I justed looked at the GOG link, I didn't see it before. I like the specs and the photos and imaging look nice. Worth seeing in person.

 

[LJL]

Sighhhh that damn 2.24 - and its a good price too, just not in our budget.

I think that ultimately, I knew some things would need to be sacrificed in my OEC search - esp since I am/was looking for a stone that performs better than most OECs in indoor lighting... .I really think this stone does meet my OEC-specific reqts (pattern under table, smallish culet, very bright in pretty much all lighting) while still meeting my measurables (size, price, color, clarity, upgrade pol).

The only thing Im not into - which I know others ARE - is the wonk. Which I think can be sort of downplayed depending on how its set.

I did notice the on-off areas - like in the video where the bottom half of the facets are "off" while the top are "on" - is this something that stays that way or if the stone was turned, would it be split half-half down the middle?
..Thanks for your help Dreamer!

 

[Dreamer_D]

Can't judge from photos or video anymore than I said, you need to see it in person now. Before you set it.

Wonk -- its not wonky. It has a slight cushiony outline. I like that. I suspect in person you can't see it.

 

[LJL]

bump for more opinions! moving on this stone pretty soon!

 

[Deactivated member 42515]

I'm no expert at all, but I don't think I like the maltese cross. But then again, it may not be that noticeable in real life. I was looking at that 2.24 and thinking about getting it if the 1.93 I got didn't work out. You and I were on similar paths on OECs for a little bit with similar budgets. But, to get what I want and to be truly happy with my purchase I had to spend an extra 2 or 3k. I know that this is not an option for you or you wouldn't be hesitant to purchase the 2.24... I agree with dreamer that your best bet is to take a look see yourself.
Have you expressed to Jon how much you love the 2.24? Is there a way for him to make that work for you?