Please advise on this OEC..

[arjunajane]

Hey all,

As some may know, I have been on the hunt for an OEC for some time, and have had a couple misses already

I am on a pretty tight budget, so options are slightly limited.

I have come across this one, but due to the photography and the reflections in the pics, I am having trouble telling whether it is pretty or no. I have contacted the seller asking for more pics, but often their communication is slow..
I would love if anyone who has looked at more old stones than I can tell me whether this looks like a nice stone or no - as a comparison, what I'd love is one of the "flowery" OEC's or transitionals such as what is sold by Jewels by Erica Grace. I am happy to give links or example pics if need be.

Pls excuse that I've had to crop the pics, I would prefer to try to keep the look of the whole ring outta the picture..

Any opinions are welcome !

 

[arjunajane]

second pic.
Thanks in advance for any advice !

 

[LGK]

Unfortunately the pics aren't that great- way too much glare and not very sharp, it's hard to get a real grasp of it's look. From the limited info in the pics, I'm kinda meh on the overall look of it- it doesn't look terrible but the pattern does look more random-y than I like in an OEC... I like the mid-to-late ones, with the more snowflake-y look and more ordered/symmetrical facets, and this looks a bit earlier to me. The teensy weensy table, and the more chaotic looking facets, suggests that to me anyway.... Actually, I'm wondering if what I'm not liking with the pattern is the Kozibe effect visible when you're looking straight down- a small enough table, and that'll happen. I like seeing Kozibe when the stone is tilted but not when the table's so little it doesn't need tilt to show up. I kinda think that's a personal preference thing though, too.

It could be nice, though, depending on how it performs in the middle of the stone, and your taste- but, if I'm remembering right, you're looking for a more flowery/quilty looking one, right? This one just doesn't look like that to me... but of course, it could be the pics. It's tough enough to buy an old cut online even with good pics...

Oh, and although the color looks like it's off color towards yellow, if you haven't already I'd ask to make sure there's no top-brown going on... I like off colors towards pure yellow or even greyish, but top browns I am not a fan of, myself. Again personal preference, but it'd be nice to know in advance if you think it'll bother you at all.

Hey, what happened with your ebay OEC/OMC? Do you still have that? Was it just too early a style for your taste? It looked like a pretty stone if I remember right!

I should go to bed!

 

[arjunajane]

Thankyou so much LGK, I was hoping you could help - you give such great advice ! Pretty much what you've said describes my concerns, if I can just clarity a couple things pls..

Date: 11/2/2008 4:08:00 AM
Author: LittleGreyKitten
Unfortunately the pics aren't that great- way too much glare and not very sharp, it's hard to get a real grasp of it's look. From the limited info in the pics, I'm kinda meh on the overall look of it- it doesn't look terrible but the pattern does look more random-y than I like in an OEC... I like the mid-to-late ones, with the more snowflake-y look and more ordered/symmetrical facets, and this looks a bit earlier to me. The teensy weensy table, and the more chaotic looking facets, suggests that to me anyway....

Exactly what you've described is what I am after - mid to late, even transitional. I was wondering whether they were random facets or if it was just the pics.
Question - what does the small table indicate?

Actually, I'm wondering if what I'm not liking with the pattern is the Kozibe effect visible when you're looking straight down- a small enough table, and that'll happen. I like seeing Kozibe when the stone is tilted but not when the table's so little it doesn't need tilt to show up. I kinda think that's a personal preference thing though, too.

Sorry for my ignorance, but what does the kozibe mean, and how do you spot it?

It could be nice, though, depending on how it performs in the middle of the stone, and your taste- but, if I'm remembering right, you're looking for a more flowery/quilty looking one, right? This one just doesn't look like that to me... but of course, it could be the pics. It's tough enough to buy an old cut online even with good pics...

You're spot on about my tastes, I will keep my fingers crossed for more pics..

Oh, and although the color looks like it's off color towards yellow, if you haven't already I'd ask to make sure there's no top-brown going on... I like off colors towards pure yellow or even greyish, but top browns I am not a fan of, myself. Again personal preference, but it'd be nice to know in advance if you think it'll bother you at all.

It is allegedly a J/L - I'm with you on colour too, don't mind warmer or even slightly yellow tones, like Sonoma's new stone. They wouldn't bother me.
Again, a question - what is the definition of top-brown please?

Hey, what happened with your ebay OEC/OMC? Do you still have that? Was it just too early a style for your taste? It looked like a pretty stone if I remember right!

Yes, it was too OMC-ish for my desires, and I returned it. I just didn't fall in love with it, so the hunt continues..!
I should go to bed!

Thankyou so much for your help LGK - please go to bed if you must, I can wait for your replies !
xx

 

[strmrdr]

It looks like one I would love to have with the small table and high crown. yummy!
But it isn't the style your looking for.
It also looks like there are some rather large chips in the girdle.

 

[arjunajane]

Date: 11/2/2008 5:12:43 AM
Author: strmrdr
It looks like one I would love to have with the small table and high crown. yummy!
But it isn't the style your looking for.
It also looks like there are some rather large chips in the girdle.

Thanks Strm..I know this is kinda a silly question, but are you able to give me some pointers on good things to look out for/ask to find the type I'm after?
I know what they look like when I see them, but I don't know what nuances/cut factors cause the look - does that make sense?
The seller has said it has no chips or nicks - perhaps a relection of the setting?

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 11/2/2008 5:12:43 AM
Author: strmrdr
It looks like one I would love to have with the small table and high crown. yummy!
But it isn''t the style your looking for.
It also looks like there are some rather large chips in the girdle.

Yes it does.....

AJ - did you keep the other stone you found a little while back?

 

[arjunajane]

Date: 11/2/2008 5:19:07 AM
Author: Lorelei

Date: 11/2/2008 5:12:43 AM
Author: strmrdr
It looks like one I would love to have with the small table and high crown. yummy!
But it isn''t the style your looking for.
It also looks like there are some rather large chips in the girdle.

Yes it does.....

AJ - did you keep the other stone you found a little while back?

Really, you both saw it huh? hrmm..I will have to ask again I guess.

Lorelei, no I sent it back - it was very pretty, but just not what I''m after.

 

[strmrdr]

Date: 11/2/2008 5:19:04 AM
Author: arjunajane

Date: 11/2/2008 5:12:43 AM

Author: strmrdr

It looks like one I would love to have with the small table and high crown. yummy!

But it isn''t the style your looking for.

It also looks like there are some rather large chips in the girdle.

Thanks Strm..I know this is kinda a silly question, but are you able to give me some pointers on good things to look out for/ask to find the type I''m after?

low/mid 50s for the table,high crown, flower petal look.
or find a pic of one you like and send it around asking for one like it.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 11/2/2008 5:21:30 AM
Author: arjunajane

Date: 11/2/2008 5:19:07 AM
Author: Lorelei

Date: 11/2/2008 5:12:43 AM
Author: strmrdr
It looks like one I would love to have with the small table and high crown. yummy!
But it isn't the style your looking for.
It also looks like there are some rather large chips in the girdle.

Yes it does.....

AJ - did you keep the other stone you found a little while back?

Really, you both saw it huh? hrmm..I will have to ask again I guess.

Lorelei, no I sent it back - it was very pretty, but just not what I'm after.

Look at around 10 o'clock and 1 and 2 o'clock AJ and you can see what appear to be chips on the girdle.

That is a shame about the other stone, but good for you for not settling - you will find the one!

 

[arjunajane]

Date: 11/2/2008 5:25:43 AM
Author: strmrdr

Date: 11/2/2008 5:19:04 AM
Author: arjunajane

Date: 11/2/2008 5:12:43 AM

Author: strmrdr

It looks like one I would love to have with the small table and high crown. yummy!

But it isn''t the style your looking for.

It also looks like there are some rather large chips in the girdle.

Thanks Strm..I know this is kinda a silly question, but are you able to give me some pointers on good things to look out for/ask to find the type I''m after?

low/mid 50s for the table,high crown, flower petal look.
or find a pic of one you like and send it around asking for one like it.

Ya, I do usually offer to send a pic - but due to small budget, I''m pretty much hunting ebay. Otherwise I would''ve just bought one of Erica Grace''s fine specimens already, lol !
cheers.

 

[beaujolais]

I love the small table. Unfortunately, it is hard to tell with the setting and glare.

Now, do you like the setting or would you change it? Remember, it costs $ to get and change the setting, so that can make it less of a bargain.

I don't think this has the flower petal look you are going for, though? You like the ones with more symmetry in the pattern, I think.

 

[Lorelei]

AJ, you could maybe contact ericagrace and see if they could locate a diamond in your price range? You never know!

 

[coatimundi_org]

Hi AJ--
I see the chips as well.

Have you tried http://oldworlddiamonds.com or Single Stone? I don't know what size you're looking for, but Old World has a lot of stones. I'd also give Ari at Single Stone a call. I recently worked with him (he fixed up prongs on a ring for me) and he's great--and a great source for OECs--he may be able to point you to more vendors. I'd call up vendors and give them the budget and see what they could come up with.

There's also the option of waiting until you budget opens up a bit, though I know this is hard for any PS'er!

I'm learning this patience bit myself!

Good Luck you!

 

[arjunajane]

Date: 11/2/2008 5:30:51 AM
Author: Lorelei

Date: 11/2/2008 5:21:30 AM
Author: arjunajane

Date: 11/2/2008 5:19:07 AM
Author: Lorelei

Date: 11/2/2008 5:12:43 AM
Author: strmrdr
It looks like one I would love to have with the small table and high crown. yummy!
But it isn't the style your looking for.
It also looks like there are some rather large chips in the girdle.

Yes it does.....

AJ - did you keep the other stone you found a little while back?

Really, you both saw it huh? hrmm..I will have to ask again I guess.

Lorelei, no I sent it back - it was very pretty, but just not what I'm after.

Look at around 10 o'clock and 1 and 2 o'clock AJ and you can see what appear to be chips on the girdle.

That is a shame about the other stone, but good for you for not settling - you will find the one!

Yeah, I think you're right...time to move on I guess!
I have been in contact with E.G - and they have been a wonderful help. Grace is so much fun to chat with about stones!
I was actually about to get something when the xchange rate started to dive, and hence my budget shrunk significantly..

 

[arjunajane]

Date: 11/2/2008 9:22:09 AM
Author: sonomacounty
I love the small table. Unfortunately, it is hard to tell with the setting and glare.

Now, do you like the setting or would you change it? Remember, it costs $ to get and change the setting, so that can make it less of a bargain.

I don''t think this has the flower petal look you are going for, though? You like the ones with more symmetry in the pattern, I think.

Hey Sonoma,
the setting on this one is actually quite lovely. Usually the options on ebay I don''t like the settings, but I would be more than happy to wear this one untilI had money for a reset. It is a decent filigree repro.
You may be right that its not the look I''m after, however I wouild still like to see more pics and ask again about the chips before I write it off (good price)..

How is your setting choice going sweet?

 

[arjunajane]

Date: 11/2/2008 9:49:03 AM
Author: coatimundi
Hi AJ--
I see the chips as well.

Have you tried http://oldworlddiamonds.com or Single Stone? I don''t know what size you''re looking for, but Old World has a lot of stones. I''d also give Ari at Single Stone a call. I recently worked with him (he fixed up prongs on a ring for me) and he''s great--and a great source for OECs--he may be able to point you to more vendors. I''d call up vendors and give them the budget and see what they could come up with.

There''s also the option of waiting until you budget opens up a bit, though I know this is hard for any PS''er!

I''m learning this patience bit myself!

Good Luck you!

Hey Coats,
I''m pretty sure SS would be outta my budget at the moment. You''re right that I could wait and try to increase the budget - but I am going back to study next year, so I''m predicting my jewellery budget will get smaller before it improves, lol !

I have looked at OWD before, but to be honest I find their database really quite hard to search...

I should probably contact them direct though.
Cheers hon for the suggestions.

 

[HeartingDiamonds]

Jumping into the fray here, AJ!

I agree with LGK''s (visual) assessment of the stone above - the faceting is fairly random and much less symmetrical than you are looking for...DEFINITELY no flowery pattern that I could discern from the 2 photos.

The kozibe effect is when you see the culet being reflected around it - making it look like there are multiple culets or random "holes" around the stone. We see this in about 40% of the diamonds that we come across with, mostly with cushions, OMCs, and earlier OECs.

I find that the flowery look you are going for could be found in diamonds with slightly larger tables, typically around the 50-ish%, like an the photo I am attaching below, with a 55% table.

Hard to comment on the color unless we see the stone in person, although I am inclined to think that the stone is much warmer than a J (the stone above is a certed J, and you do not see the same tint that you see in the stone above). Top brown stones are warmer stones that have a brownish hue to them rather than a yellow tint.

The hunt continues!!

 

[arjunajane]

Date: 11/2/2008 10:56:46 AM
Author: HeartingDiamonds
Jumping into the fray here, AJ!

I agree with LGK''s (visual) assessment of the stone above - the faceting is fairly random and much less symmetrical than you are looking for...DEFINITELY no flowery pattern that I could discern from the 2 photos.

The kozibe effect is when you see the culet being reflected around it - making it look like there are multiple culets or random ''holes'' around the stone. We see this in about 40% of the diamonds that we come across with, mostly with cushions, OMCs, and earlier OECs.

I find that the flowery look you are going for could be found in diamonds with slightly larger tables, typically around the 50-ish%, like an the photo I am attaching below, with a 55% table.

Hard to comment on the color unless we see the stone in person, although I am inclined to think that the stone is much warmer than a J (the stone above is a certed J, and you do not see the same tint that you see in the stone above). Top brown stones are warmer stones that have a brownish hue to them rather than a yellow tint.

The hunt continues!!

Hey Grace sweetheart!
Thankyou for chiming in and answering my questions, thats awesome - I''ve always wondered what the name for that culet reflection is, lol..admittedly, I am not a huge fan of it.
Funny that you should use that pic, that stone is my new favourite from your site - I was just over there checking it out!

Again, cheers for the info...I''m starting to think I should just wait until the dollar improves and shop with you guys like a smart person...

Anywho, late here, better be off to bed..

 

[beaujolais]

Really? I LOVE the kozibe effect. That would be a big plus in my deciding to buy something. Few things say vintage stone like kozibe effect.

 

[arjunajane]

Date: 11/2/2008 11:32:09 AM
Author: sonomacounty


Really? I LOVE the kozibe effect. That would be a big plus in my deciding to buy something. Few things say vintage stone like kozibe effect.

Yeah, I like it too - just not for the type of stone I''m looking for. The pic that Grace posted above is pretty much the perfect example..

 

[arjunajane]

What about this one LGK and Grace - is a lil bit more than was hoping to spend, but it looks like a winner yes?
(don''t worry about the photo, I have already asked the seller, it is due to the light source they are using)..

 

[beaujolais]

Oh, now that looks very much like what you said you were looking for. I really, really, really like it.

The patterning is not too busy either, as I think they can sometimes be.

 

[ericad]

Looks very promising!

 

[strmrdr]

Date: 11/2/2008 8:15:28 PM
Author: arjunajane
What about this one LGK and Grace - is a lil bit more than was hoping to spend, but it looks like a winner yes?

(don''t worry about the photo, I have already asked the seller, it is due to the light source they are using)..

looks good
any other pics?

 

[arjunajane]

Thanks everyone, thats what I thought - I''m glad you all agree.

Strm, there are plenty of good pics from all angles, but I''m kinda worried about lurkers beating me to it if I decide to buy it..
Let me know if there is something in particular you''d like to see and I''ll post that ok.

 

[HeartingDiamonds]

Veddy, veddy pretty!! And seems to be what you are looking for too.

Waiting with bated breath...

 

[arjunajane]

Date: 11/2/2008 10:56:30 PM
Author: HeartingDiamonds
Veddy, veddy pretty!! And seems to be what you are looking for too.

Waiting with bated breath...

Hey Honey ! thanks for looking in - I have sent you a message through your website..I''m currently at work and don''t have access to my email, so if need be and you''re happy to you can reply to me here..

Hope to hear from you soon !
cheers
AJ xx

 

[LGK]

The second one! Yes yes! The pattern is lovely, just the way I like. The culet, I bet, is going to be so small it's barely visible to the naked eye. Medium to larger-for-an-OEC size table. Looks like a late-ish OEC, possibly even verging on transitional. GORGEOUS!

The first one could be a nice stone, but I think it's going to look more like an OMC with older-cut characteristics. The super small table is often (though not as a hard & fast rule) indicitive of older stones... and that, combined with the random look, makes me think it isn't going to look like you want. The color looks even yellower than my N color does in pics, too.

I vote second one, all the way! If you can stretch your budget it looks totally worth it. Do you know any of the #s on it? I'd want to see the depth somewhere in the 60%-65% as a general rule of thumb, with around 62ish being what I tend to shoot for if possible... mostly just to get a good face up size but still keep some FIC-like fire. And a profile shot would tell you if the crown is high and pillowy. (The crown %s on my two favorite OECs are around 17%, if that is ever helpful for you, but it's hardly like that's the ONLY good crown %.)

If you can't get any measurements on the stone, just check it for fire in the center. I have one OEC that has a pretty pattern, but compared to my two others the center just kinda... sits there and does nothing, all the fire comes from the edges. That's what you don't want

(I have no clue what it's proportions are other than it is rather shallow in the pavillion- I suspect it's around 58% depth, though the crown is still high.)

Oh, and if you want to shop with OWD at all, just call them (though for you, it might be a middle-of-the-night call, right?) Adam is very helpful and will pull stones for you over the phone and review them. Their pics are so-so all too often. I think their prices have gone up some, but so have everyones...

Glad Gracie was able to answer your questions while I was snoring away, annoying my husband (darn cold!)

 

[arjunajane]

Wow LGK, you sure do have a wealth of knowledge ! I am trying to keep up with all the info you are giving, lol...

The seller doesn't have any measurements..

I will be very happy if its a transitional ! It does have a return policy too..

Here is a pic from the side if that helps, but I don't think it really shows the crown? It does admittedly look very pretty in the pics - and it is a great price, IF I lived in US - lol..

And yes, Grace is always such a doll to answer all my Q's

I hope you shake your cold soon sweet!