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autumngems

autumngems

Ideal_Rock
Premium
Joined
Jul 24, 2003
Messages
3,014
How does one decide? I am on the fence as to which one to buy. I know of a stunning OEC and then there is the upgrade options if I go MB. UGGGHHHH
 
Have you contemplated settings? Some settings lend themselves to mb more than oec? I also feel like a mb conveys look at me look at me and the oec is more of a Romantic vision. That’s the way I see it.
 
nala said:
Have you contemplated settings? Some settings lend themselves to mb more than oec? I also feel like a mb conveys look at me look at me and the oec is more of a Romantic vision. That’s the way I see it.
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If I went with OEC I would like something by CVB if I went MB i would do a simple 6 prong as I would eventually upgrade and don't want to lose money on a $$ setting.
 
Each have flavors. I think modern rounds are more precise- obviously and nobody shoot me- but more clinical and generally, colder looking. It's a very different flavor.

Do you want big flashes or more splinter like flashes? Does the idea of a perfect stone appeal? An oec won't be perfect math/ angles and will probably have imperfections, which a modern stone will not have.
 
How about a newly cut OEC with precision optics? Victor Canera and Distinctive Gems both have them
 
My heart belongs to OEC but I love me a good MRB. Hard decision!
 
Can you compare an OEC and MRB side by side? I know you don’t have either one yet, but I think having the visual in person might tip you one way or the other.
 
I have and love MRB's that were given to me. I guess studs and hoops also have MRB's that I have chosen. But I lean toward chunky facets and bold flashes, even step cuts. So I do have some of each. But if I can only choose one I would go OEC.
 
Ooh just went through this dilemma. Went with OECs but I still have my MRB. The upgrade policies are really nice though.
 
elizat said:
Each have flavors. I think modern rounds are more precise- obviously and nobody shoot me- but more clinical and generally, colder looking. It's a very different flavor.

Do you want big flashes or more splinter like flashes? Does the idea of a perfect stone appeal? An oec won't be perfect math/ angles and will probably have imperfections, which a modern stone will not have.
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I find it interesting you said this and I appreciate your courage to do so as I know what you mean. I have read similar comments and I can see the point where rings with H&A all look the same, no character. Before H & A, each diamond had its own look.
 
@autumngems did you own a mb in the past? If so, what was your experience with it?
 
If I were in the market for a round diamond, I would opt for a OEC in a heartbeat.

They are more pleasing to my eyes compared to MRBs.

OECs are not common in UK at all, and I was fortunate to see one in person when I met up with @mochiko42 in HK back in 2015 when she still had her gorgeous OEC.

DK :))
 
headlight said:
I find it interesting you said this and I appreciate your courage to do so as I know what you mean. I have read similar comments and I can see the point where rings with H&A all look the same, no character. Before H & A, each diamond had its own look.
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Thanks! Yes, it is preference for sure!

I personally struggle to see the difference between H & A diamonds. I have looked at multiple threads comparing them and my eyes can't register a difference. I know that many people love them because they are cut to precision, have the ability to have perfect proportions, but they are missing that special something for me.
 
I would tell you to weight the options carefully. If anything, buy a small OEC & see if you love it as much as you think you will. A mistake can be costly. I gave up a great H&A to buy an OEC. Loved all the pics, the flashes of chunky colour all of it. The vendor selling the stone & the vendor making the ring, both said, oh the stone is perfect for a bezel. Got the ring, and it sucked. Was dark in the centre most of the time. They were both surprised the stone acted that way. The only time it was lively was if I was under a tree. How can you possibly enjoy your ring when the only time it looks fantastic is in under a tree? It was incredibly disappointing & frustrating. An emotional roller coaster I didn't expect to be on. I sold it & moved right back to the MRB. I will never go back to owning an old cut. I'm perfectly happy with my modern rounds. They sparkle, they shimmer, they are the bomb. I have spoken to many people who went from modern to vintage back to modern. I have had a lot of modern stones & they don't all look the same to me. But what they do have is reliable performance & for ME, that's the element I have to have. Buy a tester OEC, a faker or a small diamond for a test drive before you commit with both feet jumping in. You have to decide what is best for you.

Edited to add...

When I sold my OEC, I wanted to go with a vendor who had a great upgrade program. I had lost a lot of money with that OEC adventure & I didn't want to lose anymore. I find OEC's way overpriced. I bought a stone with WF & am on my 4th upgrade with them now.
 
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Personally, I prefer the MRB. I’m not a huge fan of vintage styles and I feel like OECs lend themselves best to vintage looks. I’m not against them per se, and sometimes I see some gorgeous ones, but I prefer modern cuts and styles. So as a choice it’s very personal.
 
I like the juxtaposition of a vintage setting with modern stones. I’ve done it twice now. Lol. That satisfied my vintage itch so to speak. That might be a nice option if you go with a modern stone.
 
I would advise definitely trying them on and comparing them side by side. You can get a feel for whether you like slower, chunkier flashes of light vs more splintery brilliance! Also, you may get a taste for what kind of OECs you like. A badly cut OEC is not as beautiful as a well-cut MRB IMO, but a beautifully cut OEC is dreamy.
 
What size are you looking at? For smaller stones (under 1.5ct) I prefer MRB, larger I prefer OEC.

Would love a really big really warm OEC at some point. I can dream!
 
autumngems said:
How does one decide? I am on the fence as to which one to buy. I know of a stunning OEC and then there is the upgrade options if I go MB. UGGGHHHH
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On the basis of this info only, I’d go for the OEC. “Stunning” beats the potential for upgrade in my book. Stunning makes your heart pitter patter now and you might not ever want to exercise an upgrade option (or find that it’s not exercisable in any realistic way in the future anyway, depending on the vendor). If your tastes do change in the future, there’s always the option to sell pre-loved or repurpose the stone. I’d take a possible financial hit in the future for something I view as stunning in the right here and now.
 
I went from F MRB to K OEC, about 3 years ago. Do I regret it? Complicated question. Do I miss a high colored precision cut MRB? YES. For me, I realized that as I get older, I appreciate higher colors more. And I know I want the blingy flashiness of a super ideal cut. The MRB I had before was not, even though it had good specs. If I got an MRB now, I would not compromise.

Would I be willing to give up my OEC for it? NO. Because I know I would also miss the gorgeous colorful flashes and big chunky facets too much. So @1ofakind said it best. I need one of each. That's just me.

The tricky part is with OECs, you aren't going to love every OEC. When I was searching, I went a good two years without seeing one IRL that I loved. But when I found one, I fell HARD. (I am a firm believer that YOU must fall in love with it. And because they aren't at every mall, you would need to rely on vendors with good eyes to narrow your selection.) Adam from OWD showed it to me in November 2016 (I think) and I could not buy it at that time. Almost a year later, when I had the opportunity, I went back to ask if it was still there, and it was. It was the one I could not forget. That's the thing. OECs are not perfect, but they are unforgettable.
 
I wish I had a series of breeds of OEC to show, but the flavours do exist in round shapes too - www I could hardly choose!- & I am properly fascinated with the possibility of combining contrasting types of brilliance in one piece [may I have them all - a diamond sampler!]
 
JPie said:
Can you compare an OEC and MRB side by side? I know you don’t have either one yet, but I think having the visual in person might tip you one way or the other.
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Unfortunately no
 
I sold my AVR so I could get into the upgrade loop with CBI. But someday I want to buy another OEC.
 
Only you can decide, but if you don’t mind, I’ll share my experience with you. For my 60th my DH asked what I’d like. I’d never had an ER, although lots of other jewellery over the years. My plan was to go visit WF and look at their ACA’s having seen many gorgeous examples posted here.

I met another PSer, and she’d recently got an OEC, I must admit, I was really surprised how beautiful it was because I don’t think any of the photos I’d seen here do them justice.

Soooooo, that was the plan, but then we booked an unexpected trip which took us to NY. We were very fortunate to meet up with @missy, who arranged a visit to Old World Diamonds to look at OEC’s. If I’m honest, I thought I’d enjoy the visit, but I’d probably go with an ACA. Well, Adam brought out about 20 gorgeous OECs, talked me through all of them, with absolutely no pressure. During the visit to NY, Missy told me she wanted to sell Bea (now Bella) and would I be interested. Despite the lovely examples Adam showed me, Bella was something else. The rest is history, there’s just something about them, and for me, the fact that they have a past makes them more special.

I’ve met another PSer who recently got an ACA, don’t get me wrong, it’s beautiful , but I’m very happy with my choice.
 
LLJsmom said:
I went from F MRB to K OEC, about 3 years ago. Do I regret it? Complicated question. Do I miss a high colored precision cut MRB? YES. For me, I realized that as I get older, I appreciate higher colors more. And I know I want the blingy flashiness of a super ideal cut. The MRB I had before was not, even though it had good specs. If I got an MRB now, I would not compromise.

Would I be willing to give up my OEC for it? NO. Because I know I would also miss the gorgeous colorful flashes and big chunky facets too much. So @1ofakind said it best. I need one of each. That's just me.

The tricky part is with OECs, you aren't going to love every OEC. When I was searching, I went a good two years without seeing one IRL that I loved. But when I found one, I fell HARD. (I am a firm believer that YOU must fall in love with it. And because they aren't at every mall, you would need to rely on vendors with good eyes to narrow your selection.) Adam from OWD showed it to me in November 2016 (I think) and I could not buy it at that time. Almost a year later, when I had the opportunity, I went back to ask if it was still there, and it was. It was the one I could not forget. That's the thing. OECs are not perfect, but they are unforgettable.
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My apologies @autumngems for a slight sidebar.
LLJsmom, your new avatar picture is so gorgeous! You have such a spectacular ring.
I get you about our tastes changing. I love both MRBs and old cuts. I love colored stones too! My tastes blow with the wind really, I love sparkles and appreciate both old and new. Good luck, I hope you find the perfect stone for you!
 
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