Old Mine Cut

[hashoresh]

In what price range would a person expect to pay for a well cut N-P Old Mine Cut diamond weighing 3.45 carats?

 

[tradergirl]

8-9K. I''ve got my eye on one like that.

 

[hashoresh]

Is this a truly accurate price? My local vendor quoted 16,000 as a good price.

 

[emeraldlover1]

What is the clarity? I would have thought it would be in the 15k range based on the comparitives I could find from well priced vendors.

 

[hashoresh]

He said VS1. And I could only find one pinprick inclusion under the loupe. But then he said it might have a "small chip" on the girdle that he could polish out IF there was one. So I asked him if he would be willing to remove it from the setting so that I could see the stone outside of the setting. He agreed to do it (I''m returning to look at it again early next week) and said that he would be willing to refund my money if, for any reason, I didn''t like it.

I''m still concerned because he quickly said VS1 then promptly mentioned the possibility of a chip.

 

[tradergirl]

Does it have to be that big. I know of a really nice one at $5900 that''s ~2.5ct.

And are you in a huge hurry? If not, I''d contact Erica at JBEG. They have some stuff that isn''t on the website yet. WTTW. I''d pay 16K when hell froze over.

 

[clgwli]

Honestly it is hard to say how much they would be worth. It truly depends on cut and clarity. There is one listed with a picture on Old World Diamonds for $12K but a bit smaller and Q in color. They have another 3 carat for almost $20K and another for even more.

http://www.oldworlddiamonds.com/inv_details.php?ID=1052&SHAPE=OM&PAGE=3

That one has a photo that might help you compare.

 

[hashoresh]

The one I am looking at has an extremely small culet, which is important to me.

What table and depth percentage should I be looking at to determine how well the stone compares to other very well cut stones?

He would have to measure it after taking it out for me to view.

 

[ChunkyCushionLover]

Date: 1/23/2010 10:51:46 PM
Author: hashoresh
The one I am looking at has an extremely small culet, which is important to me.

What table and depth percentage should I be looking at to determine how well the stone compares to other very well cut stones?

He would have to measure it after taking it out for me to view.

As a general rule you the best cut ones have tables in the 50 - 59 % range. Depths in the 64 - 70%(ideally 65 - 69) range. But the numbers matter much less than what it looks like as whole as there are a lot of numbers not available on the certificate. But when you buy a true antique OMC each one is treated as unique so you should take a look at many of them and decide if you like this particular one best. You could get an ASET image http://www.americangemsociety.org/newhandheldaset.htm and post it and we can tell you more, but most people shopping for a true OMC are not looking for an optimal light performance just a stone that speaks to them.

If you do want an optimized modern Old Mine Cushion you might like something like this http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/6209/ or ask Jon at GOG if he can cut you one in an even lower colour.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 1/23/2010 10:51:46 PM
Author: hashoresh
The one I am looking at has an extremely small culet, which is important to me.

What table and depth percentage should I be looking at to determine how well the stone compares to other very well cut stones?

He would have to measure it after taking it out for me to view.

It really depends as these stones are evaluated differently to modern rounds and are valued for their rarity and uniqueness, look at the stone as a whole to judge its beauty and optics, if you are buying online then images such as ASET are essential to help you choose.

 

[hashoresh]

Lorelei,

Do you think that $16,000 is a fair price for a stone that size? And if not, what price range should I expect to pay for an OMC stone in that color and clarity?

 

[Hest88]

Hash, if you''re looking for a very small culet, do you need to have a true antique? I suspect it''s not that easy to find an OMC with a very small culet. Would something like one of Good Old Gold''s new-cut August Vintage Cushions work?

 

[hashoresh]

I thought I might be able to buy more diamond for less money if I went with an older cut stone with considerable color. I do love the look of the old cut stones...and I like the idea of it being an heirloom stone, even if I didn''t inherit it from anyone in my family.

 

[clgwli]

Date: 1/24/2010 7:25:34 PM
Author: hashoresh
I thought I might be able to buy more diamond for less money if I went with an older cut stone with considerable color. I do love the look of the old cut stones...and I like the idea of it being an heirloom stone, even if I didn''t inherit it from anyone in my family.

I totally understand that. My last purchase was a transition cut diamond. I have another cut in the early 20s that is fabulous as well. Do you want the more cushion-y look of the OMC or would you be willing to look at round OECs and transition cuts? Both of those are much easier to find with small to v. small culets. I personally love ones with considerable color myself. Though both of my older stones are fairly colorless (about a G and about an I) which is odd since I am drawn to color.

I highly suggest peeking around old world diamonds some more to get an idea of what is out there. Even check e-bay just to compare what you see and get an idea as to what it is out there. It truly is hard to compare but I know there are some absolutely beautiful stones out there. I second checking Jewels by Erica Grace has a few loose stones as well to see if you can look at and compare as well and see what they have.

Personally I would have a hard time spending that money on a stone that big. Good luck with your vintage search!

 

[Hest88]

Date: 1/24/2010 8:45:57 PM
Author: clgwli
Do you want the more cushion-y look of the OMC or would you be willing to look at round OECs and transition cuts? Both of those are much easier to find with small to v. small culets.

Ditto. OECs and then transitions are newer and much more likely to have small culets. I do love the history of an antique diamond, so I also understand that appeal, but a vintage stone will have a nice bit of history as well as more of the look you prefer.

 

[hashoresh]

Okay.

I''ve called the vendor, and he is willing to include the antique setting with the stone for the same price. I told him that I wanted to see it under the loupe unset before making the commitment to buy, which he agreed to do. Is there anything else I should look for since I am not technically a diamond expert? I''m thinking of ordering the ASET meter just for my own use to take to look at the stone.