Opinions of this Vintage 1.4 CT OMC engagement ring and band

[brut]

You all are were so helpful on my last post, thought I'd ask another question I had on my quest for an engagement ring. I was looking at this, but don't know much about Etsy or the Jewler listed on the page. Any thoughts?

http://www.etsy.com/listing/99324794/vintage-18k-white-gold-antique-old-mine

Thanks!

 

[marymm]

Re: Opinions of this Vintage 1.4 CT OMC engagement ring and

I've had very good experience with several Etsy vendors - but the vendor you linked to is quite new to Etsy and has only made one sale - I googled the vendor and found only one review (negative) for his bricks & mortar store. The vendor's Etsy return policy is "return for a full refund less shipping within 7 days from receipt." For me personally, I would rather go with a vendor with a longer record of sales and many positive reviews - I'd also prefer a longer return period but for the right ring/vendor I'd consider a 7-day return period.

In terms of the ring itself, to my eyes the OMC center stone does not seem to go with the style of the setting and matching band - I think a modern round brilliant would work better. You may well love it though - if you were to go forward with the purchase, while you're in the return period I'd recommend finding an independent appraiser experienced with antique cut diamonds and have him to give you his professional opinion.

 

[brut]

Re: Opinions of this Vintage 1.4 CT OMC engagement ring and

I don't know that much about jewelry (that's why I'm here so your input is valuable...thank you! So I can learn, what about the style leads you to feel a RB would look better with the setting?

I looked around a bit more. His website is miskajewelers.com and he has 0 reviews on Google or Yelp. He's been on Facebook since 2010, but only has 64 "friends". Think I should keep looking. However, I would still appreciate other opinions of the ring. Would love to learn more.

Thanks!

 

[marymm]

Re: Opinions of this Vintage 1.4 CT OMC engagement ring and

I don't know that much about jewelry (that's why I'm here so your input is valuable...thank you! So I can learn, what about the style leads you to feel a RB would look better with the setting?

Oh that is just my personal opinion - the setting to me is mainly lines and angles which comes off to me as precise and symmetrical - and the OMC looks to be a rounded cushion and perhaps a bit wonky in shape and with a large/very large culet - the two just don't seem to complement each other *in my opinion* - but again, there is no right or wrong - you may love the mix and find it most pleasing to your eye.

The other thing I noticed about the ring listing is that all but one of the photos show the center stone from basically the same angle - there is no face-front shot of the center stone let alone a a close-up shot - so it is impossible to see the facet pattern or the culet position. And, in the absence of a GIA or EGL certificate, I would tend to guess the center stone color is more likely to be I/J.

Here's the link to that one review I had found on google - [urlhttp://www.yellowpages.com/state-college-pa/mip/sj-miska-goldsmiths-jewelers-9736212][/url].

 

[swingirl]

Re: Opinions of this Vintage 1.4 CT OMC engagement ring and

Are you looking for an Edwardian antique ring? Or are you looking for a reproduction: newly made but looks antique? Or are you just starting to get ideas? Do you have an idea of the style of ring your girlfriend likes?

 

[brut]

Re: Opinions of this Vintage 1.4 CT OMC engagement ring and

Are you looking for an Edwardian antique ring? Or are you looking for a reproduction: newly made but looks antique? Or are you just starting to get ideas? Do you have an idea of the style of ring your girlfriend likes?

She sent me that link

We're just starting to get ideas and look around. She does like the antique look...but she also likes newer square(ish) diamonds with a relatively plain band.

If I were going to set parameters for a new ring they would be:

5-7k budget (wide, I know. Would rather stay near 5, but if it really knocked us out I could do 7. This is one of the reasons we're a bit drawn to antique rings, seems you can get more for your money, but maybe that's not the case)
1-1.25 CT Asscher, Cushion or Radiant (Yes, I know this one's not square, but at least it's "wonky"
Fairly simple ring and band in white gold

Sorry, I realize this is a pretty wide net right now, I plan on narrowing it down as we continue to look and learn more from all of you!

 

[brut]

Re: Opinions of this Vintage 1.4 CT OMC engagement ring and

Oh that is just my personal opinion - the setting to me is mainly lines and angles which comes off to me as precise and symmetrical - and the OMC looks to be a rounded cushion and perhaps a bit wonky in shape and with a large/very large culet - the two just don't seem to complement each other *in my opinion* - but again, there is no right or wrong - you may love the mix and find it most pleasing to your eye.

The other thing I noticed about the ring listing is that all but one of the photos show the center stone from basically the same angle - there is no face-front shot of the center stone let alone a a close-up shot - so it is impossible to see the facet pattern or the culet position. And, in the absence of a GIA or EGL certificate, I would tend to guess the center stone color is more likely to be I/J.

Here's the link to that one review I had found on google - [urlhttp://www.yellowpages.com/state-college-pa/mip/sj-miska-goldsmiths-jewelers-9736212][/url].

I see what you're saying now, that's a pretty good observation. Also, I think all the angles being the same does seem a bit suspicious. Plus, that's hardly a reassuring review. I emailed and asked to see the GIA he mentions. We'll see if he sends it.

 

[Enerchi]

Re: Opinions of this Vintage 1.4 CT OMC engagement ring and

You've come to the right place, that's for sure ! you'll get LOTS of ideas here!

Have you checked out oakgem on eBay? or www.newyorkestatejewelry.com???
also
http://antiqueengagementrings.com/shopping/default.asp

Very inspirational!

 

[brut]

Re: Opinions of this Vintage 1.4 CT OMC engagement ring and

You've come to the right place, that's for sure ! you'll get LOTS of ideas here!

Have you checked out oakgem on eBay? or www.newyorkestatejewelry.com????
also
http://antiqueengagementrings.com/shopping/default.asp

Very inspirational!

That second site has some AMAZING rings. http://antiqueengagementrings.com/shopping/shopexd.asp?id=3329 would be perfect...Sigh...Unfortunately for the ring budget, we just bought a house. Guess you have to have priorities

I thought these looked pretty good, any thoughts?

http://antiqueengagementrings.com/shopping/shopexd.asp?id=2669
http://antiqueengagementrings.com/shopping/shopexd.asp?id=3517 (this looks pretty promising)
http://antiqueengagementrings.com/shopping/shopexd.asp?id=3607
http://antiqueengagementrings.com/shopping/shopexd.asp?id=3493

 

[AnneinGA]

Re: Opinions of this Vintage 1.4 CT OMC engagement ring and

Have you checked out jewelsbyericagrace.com?

Here's a LOVELY ring in your budget (the first one on the top of the page)
oh, and the second one
oh, and the third one (you might be able to negotiate the price)

http://jewelsbyericagrace.com/antique_vintage_and_reproduction_rings_page_2

 

[Enerchi]

Re: Opinions of this Vintage 1.4 CT OMC engagement ring and

Of the 4 you posted, I'd agree with your #2 - the promising one. That appeals to my taste the most. Asschers face up smaller than RB's so the .91 in the last post, will not look as visually large as a RB of that same ct weight.

I like #2 - good call! and good pricing, too!

Many also recommend speaking with Mark at www.engagementringsdirect.com to look at replica's and discuss your budget and wants with him.

 

[brut]

Re: Opinions of this Vintage 1.4 CT OMC engagement ring and

Have you checked out jewelsbyericagrace.com?

Here's a LOVELY ring in your budget (the first one on the top of the page)
oh, and the second one
oh, and the third one (you might be able to negotiate the price)

http://jewelsbyericagrace.com/antique_vintage_and_reproduction_rings_page_2

We looked at her site a couple of days ago, she has some beautiful rings. For some reason none of them really struck the fancy of my future fiancé, but we're keeping her site under surveillance

 

[brut]

Re: Opinions of this Vintage 1.4 CT OMC engagement ring and

Of the 4 you posted, I'd agree with your #2 - the promising one. That appeals to my taste the most. Asschers face up smaller than RB's so the .91 in the last post, will not look as visually large as a RB of that same ct weight.

I like #2 - good call! and good pricing, too!

Many also recommend speaking with Mark at www.engagementringsdirect.com to look at replica's and discuss your budget and wants with him.

Another great tidbit. .91 is smaller than I'd like, so if it faces up even smaller, it's not what I want. Which of the square-ish diamonds face up the largest? Think I would get some traction with a post titled "which square type cut is the best?

 

[LibbyLA]

Re: Opinions of this Vintage 1.4 CT OMC engagement ring and

brut,

Alas, the squarish cuts tend to face up smaller because they tend to be deeper than some other cuts.

Would you consider a round (old European cut) in a squarish head? I'm attaching a couple of photos of my 3/4 ct. OEC as an example. The ring was $1700. For your budget, you should be able to find something really nice if something like my ring is an option. There are some people here who are great at finding beautiful OEC rings. FWIW, I'm a size 8 ring finger on my left hand. This is neither a small or large diamond, but the slight illusion setting makes it look a lot larger. The rim around the diamond is so narrow that you don't even see it, it just look like part of the diamond.

liz

 

[brut]

Re: Opinions of this Vintage 1.4 CT OMC engagement ring and

brut,

Alas, the squarish cuts tend to face up smaller because they tend to be deeper than some other cuts.

Would you consider a round (old European cut) in a squarish head? I'm attaching a couple of photos of my 3/4 ct. OEC as an example. The ring was $1700. For your budget, you should be able to find something really nice if something like my ring is an option. There are some people here who are great at finding beautiful OEC rings. FWIW, I'm a size 8 ring finger on my left hand. This is neither a small or large diamond, but the slight illusion setting makes it look a lot larger. The rim around the diamond is so narrow that you don't even see it, it just look like part of the diamond.

liz

Yes, we would. Like I said, we're just beginning our search and exploring what we (she) likes.

She has expressed interest in several OECs in a square setting. I see what you mean about it looking bigger. That's a great looking ring...thanks for posting it!

 

[LibbyLA]

Re: Opinions of this Vintage 1.4 CT OMC engagement ring and

brut,

I have been on a bit of a binge buying lower-priced antique/vintage wedding jewelry, but I wasn't looking for anything like that ring. I don't even like square diamonds or square heads. It caught my eye the first time I saw it, it kept popping up in my searches, and I kept visiting it periodically for weeks. I finally decided to go for it. I love all the vintage rings I've bought, but this one is my absolute favorite. The flashes of pastel color are amazing.

I bet you'll get some great suggestions because there is a dedicated group of OEC/OMC lovers here who keep an eye out for beautiful old diamonds even when they aren't personally in the market.

Appraisal by my local jeweler has it as an I-J SI1, so not especially high color or high clarity, but it's a beautiful diamond. Here's another photo.

liz

 

[LibbyLA]

Re: Opinions of this Vintage 1.4 CT OMC engagement ring and

Anne,

I agree with you about those first three rings! I'd take any of them (or any of the others, but if we're sticking to brut's budget, it's the ones you mentioned).

liz

 

[mandasand]

Re: Opinions of this Vintage 1.4 CT OMC engagement ring and

I saw this one...it's $5725

http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.com/Jewelry/Rings-Antique-Vintage/128ct-Antique-Cushion-Cut/17519628_zNjRnP#!i=1335787839&k=gTbgdfR

 

[brut]

Re: Opinions of this Vintage 1.4 CT OMC engagement ring and

So, the jeweler of the ring in my original post replied. On the website it says:

features a 1.40 carat old mine cut diamond having a G.I.A. clarity grade of SI1 and color grade of H

When asked for the GIA, he said:

There is no GIA cert on this ring. (not unuasual for a diamond of this age) The ring does come with a 100% mony (sic) back guarantee if you are not completely happy. I am attaching a copy of the appraisal for your inspection.

He wrote the appraisal.

Pass.

Thanks for all the comments though, fun thread!

 

[Enerchi]

Re: Opinions of this Vintage 1.4 CT OMC engagement ring and

WHOA! Bullet dodged there, brut! Glad he replied with those comments - it just makes you feel better when you walk away from something like that, doesn't it?

 

[ariel144]

Re: Opinions of this Vintage 1.4 CT OMC engagement ring and

Here is one of the prettiest antique platinum settings I have seen. This company has great stuff. Was reading their reviews and they can be a bit upity, but I think you might be able to get 10% off based on one shoppers experience. This has an OEC but set in a square setting. The finger coverage looks amazing for a 1.12c stone. I think it is new on their site because i've been watching their inventory for a while and have never seen this one.

Anyway it is really an amazing ring!...and in your budget. Good luck on your search.

http://www.abrandtandson.com/Art_Deco_Platinum_Diamond_Engagement_Ring_1.12ct.html#product_detail

Oh, sorry they are saying it is an OMC but looks round to me...anyway the filigree is beautiful.

 

[vinjewels]

Re: Opinions of this Vintage 1.4 CT OMC engagement ring and

That ring is awesome! brut, enjoy the process. There's so much out there in regards to vintage pieces. Personally, the ring ariel144 posted is my favorite so far.

 

[Gypsy]

Re: Opinions of this Vintage 1.4 CT OMC engagement ring and

I know of quite a few nice pieces in that budget on ebay.

My personal opinion is that if you aren't in a hurry, see if you have any vintage/antique jewelers near you and go with her to try on some pieces in person. Look at the old cuts and see what you think of them in person. See what styles look good on her hands. And also get an idea of color tolerances. With old cuts you are usually looking at the J-K range, but if well cut they can face up remarkably white in some light.

There are a lot of options. Buy a complete ring. Buy a lovely antique stone and reset into a vintage style piece or even a true antique setting that is looking for a stone.

Here a few 'food for thought' ebay posts (and keep in mind some of them will be snatched by lurkers).

http://www.ebay.com/itm/180799739177?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649 Lovely stone. Pretty setting (probably can be carefully sized two sizes up). I'd adore this one, personally. I'd ask for unedited photos but with the return policy it's a good risk if you like the actual ring as a whole. Probably not an H (unless they unset it and graded it) but probably faces up like one or close to it.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/140586057275?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649 Nice stone GIA graded. And I'd see if this setting would work for it: http://www.ebay.com/itm/270869342484?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

This one is just insane for that price: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120909802191 If you like the setting, the stone is breathtaking. Probably a J. Ask for unedited photos and a no questions asked return policy. (I usually just tell a seller that I can't responsibly spend the amount of money they want with no return policy and they usually give me one), even if they don't give you a return policy I would personally be willing to risk this one if I loved it because it is covered by ebay protection and their listing has a enough detail that you can recover.

Just food for thought. But if anything really strikes the "LOVE IT" zone, the minus with ebay is you need to act pretty quickly.

 

[LibbyLA]

Re: Opinions of this Vintage 1.4 CT OMC engagement ring and

brut,

There are at least three possibilities in the preloved forum, although a couple of them may not be quite as large as you'd like. Two are loose stones and the other is in a simple fishtail (squarish) setting. Any of these would allow you to get the setting you want.

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/forum/preloved-ps-jewels/beautiful-6-2mm-oec-i-si-t174606.html']https://www.pricescope.com/forum/preloved-ps-jewels/beautiful-6-2mm-oec-i-si-t174606.html[/URL]

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/forum/preloved-ps-jewels/0-97ct-oec-i-vs2-egl-t173769.html']https://www.pricescope.com/forum/preloved-ps-jewels/0-97ct-oec-i-vs2-egl-t173769.html[/URL]

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/forum/preloved-ps-jewels/large-oec-for-sale-t174818.html']https://www.pricescope.com/forum/preloved-ps-jewels/large-oec-for-sale-t174818.html[/URL] (The diamondbistro price is $100 less than the ebay price)

liz

 

[ariel144]

Re: Opinions of this Vintage 1.4 CT OMC engagement ring and

If it were "my" budget, I would have to go with one of these proven performing stones on GOG, my favorite being the L AVR as it faces up the largest. with a round stone you can always set it in a square setting, but these Antique custom cuts are so beautiful and CUT trumps color any day. Watch the videos on GOG and educate yourself and then you can make an educated decision. Although that 1.57 OEC on DB and ebay looks pretty nice and already set.

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9317/

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9026/

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9272/

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/7493/

 

[LibbyLA]

Re: Opinions of this Vintage 1.4 CT OMC engagement ring and

Ariel,

Setting not included with the 1.57!

liz

 

[ariel144]

Re: Opinions of this Vintage 1.4 CT OMC engagement ring and

The setting included was a plain solitaire setting not the paved setting. It showed it on the DB listing I believe but can't pull up that link now.

 

[brut]

Re: Opinions of this Vintage 1.4 CT OMC engagement ring and

@Enerchi Yes, dodged the bullet thanks to all of you!

@ariel144 @Gypsy @LibbyLA Thanks so much for the links, those are definitely some good ones to consider.

@vinjewels Thanks! We are enjoying the process, it's fun. I look forward to learning more on this forum.

 

[Mayk]

Re: Opinions of this Vintage 1.4 CT OMC engagement ring and

I am no expert but saw this on eBay... It's lovey and has 14 day return...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/230786927341?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649#ht_17228wt_922

If its already posted above sorry. I didn't click all the links. I just thought this one was nice and might remain within budget.

 

[brut]

Re: Opinions of this Vintage 1.4 CT OMC engagement ring and

I am no expert but saw this on eBay... It's lovey and has 14 day return...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/230786927341?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649#ht_17228wt_922

If its already posted above sorry. I didn't click all the links. I just thought this one was nice and might remain within budget.

It is pretty, but their policy clearly states:

Returns are not readily accepted due to the high risk of stone swapping and internet fraud. We want happy, repeat buyers. Should there be a problem with your item, you must contact us within 48 hours of receipt. If a return is necessary, you must ship the item back within 7 business days and provide tracking information

and

If you disagree with our policy, DO NOT BID on our items. PLEASE ASK ALL QUESTIONS PRIOR TO BIDDING. WE DO NOT REFUND FOR BUYER'S REMORSE!!

That policy is not for me, but thank you very much for the suggestion