Please help me find an OEC!

[hollandaisey]

Hi all! I'm new here and need advice! I want to buy a small OEC for a replacement engagement ring (probably between .5-1cts) and honestly, I'm not sure where to start. Everything I've found online makes it seem like the best bet is to look at vintage jewelry and I'm trying to do that but it's so hard to tell from vendor pics online! I'd like to keep it as close to $1000 as I can... Any help would be so much appreciated! I'd like it set in a yellow gold solitaire so color isn't as important to me...

 

[Gypsy]

Do you have a size in mind? Color? Anything?

 

[hollandaisey]

I'm pretty open because I plan to have it reset. I'd love it to be around 6mm and eye clean. I would prefer it to be pretty round as I know they can be unevenly cut. As far as color goes, I'd go all the way up to a K or L without blinking.
I know this is kind of open-ended and I really appreciate your help!

 

[Gypsy]

It's not the open ended thing, it's the budget thing. I don't know what you'd have to sacrifice to get to 6mm. Honestly a 6mm stone is going to be way over budget.

Here are two that recently sold, so you can see the prices on them.
http://www.jewelsbygrace.com/loose-diamonds/under-1-ct/85ct-old-european-cut-diamond-est-to-be-s-t-vvs-vs.html#.U9HalrHrDYs 5.7mm S/T color for 1125

5.7 x 6mm http://www.jewelsbygrace.com/loose-diamonds/under-1-ct/80ct-old-european-cut-diamond-gia-k-vs2.html#.U9HakLHrDYs 1650


I just don't think you are going to get to 6mm in your budget from a vendor that sells stones with lab reports.

I have an uncerted K 5.5 mm that I wouldn't sell for 1,000. (It's not for sale, I'm just making a point).

If you look at the bottom of this listing you'll see that a 5mm K OEC is what your budget gets you in a graded stone from a reputable vendor: http://us3.campaign-archive2.com/?u=8d004706942b7478223219e58&id=28a06d1ff8&e=0a0ec02c6b

 

[Gypsy]

This is what a 6mm stone is going to cost you at K: http://www.loveaffairdiamonds.com/0-92ct-old-european-cut-diamond-gia-k-vs1/


This is what is for sale for 1000: http://www.loveaffairdiamonds.com/0-59ct-antique-cushion-cut-diamond-gia-h-si1/

 

[Gypsy]

I can't see what the measurements of this one are: http://www.ebay.com/itm/0-82c-OLD-EUROPEAN-CUT-ANTIQUE-VINTAGE-LOOSE-DIAMOND-CAPE-M-VS2-ROUND-ENGAGEMENT-/400745821508?pt=Loose_Diamonds&hash=item5d4e4ff544

 

[arkieb1]

http://www.loveaffairdiamonds.com/0-55ct-old-european-cut-diamond-uncerted-j-k-vs2-si1/

Contact Grace from Jewels by Grace, Erica from Love Affair Diamonds via email and ask them what else they have at the moment that is not listed.

Adam also has a stash of unlisted stones he is easier to get via phone;

http://www.oldworlddiamonds.com/contact.php

Otherwise I'd say places like Ebay and Rubylane are going to be better for hunting a bargain.

 

[misskittycat]

Contact Erica from Love Affair Diamonds - she is sorting through a parcel of sub 1ct OECs and cushions at the moment. She might have something that fits the bill if you are willing to go for an uncerted stone but I think your budget is going to be incredibly restrictive. She found me a pair of almost 2tcw OECs for studs (both a fraction over 6mm) but I had a much bigger budget.

 

[the_mother_thing]

You should email both Erica (Love Affair Diamonds) and Grace (Jewels by Grace) and see if they have something that might not be on their website that meets your needs. I recall Erica got a recent drop of <1 ct stones and might have something close that can work. Both are a treasure to work with and really know their stuff, speaking from first hand experience. Good luck!

ETA: Shoulda read on before responding, lol. Didn't know others had suggested the same. But at least you know they come recommended.

 

[Missy]

I am going to also recommend Adam at OWD because he has a large inventory (not always online) and he works with you regarding pricing. Give him your budget and what you hope to find and he will do his best to get you what you want. Call him don't email him.

I find many vendors on Ruby Lane are overpriced so not sure if you will be able to find a bargain there but it couldn't hurt to look. I also second asking Erica and Grace what they can find in your price range. And keep checking DiamondBistro and LoupeTroop as you never know when a good deal will pop up.

Good luck!

 

[alene]

You may want to check out Diamondzone on eBay also. Though I've never personally bought from them, I've read good things about them on PS and their prices seem quite reasonable.

 

[Dreamer_D]

You may want to check out Diamondzone on eBay also. Though I've never personally bought from them, I've read good things about them on PS and their prices seem quite reasonable.

They are good, but count on the color grading being very off from GIA standards on uncerted stones. More in line with liberal EGL estimates in my experience and based on reports from other PSers. Prices are fair for what you get, though. Lower than "retail" but higher than "wild west" ebay buys.