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Please help me pick a fiery OEC/OMC

C

classicstyle

Rough_Rock
Joined
Sep 9, 2024
Messages
17
Happy Friday! Longtime lurker, first time poster :)

In the market for an antique cut diamond for an engagement ring. Looking at both OEC rounds and OMC cushions. *I'm a novice, so looking for any / all advice (and grace, as I'm bound to mis-explain/name what I'm looking for!).

My priorities are:
  • Maximize amount of fiery pastel flashes,
  • consistency across facets (in brightness, contrast, and symmetry - with minimal dark spots or shadows/windowing and no crushed ice areas or too disproportionately long facets that stand out/draw attention)
  • From this group, I've learned I also like the more pillowy table / higher crown (which I'm not sure any of these have)
Currently between two stones: link to all videos
  1. 3.02ct OEC, VS1, E -- for $7,802
  2. 2.60ct "modified OMC cushion" (per jeweler), VS2, E -- for $7,252
I feel both are beautiful...so, can I go wrong? Or are there better out there (balancing price with size, more pastel fire, pillowy-er top, etc.)? Really out of my element here.

NOTE: for context, these were sourced by a local jeweler I have been working with on ring design...which ended up being fairly basic and perhaps not much custom at all: A dainty bezel with an open cathedral (by Bonnie and tik tok = round examples (closely matches current design, only a little daintier on the bezel than tik tok)...cushion example (most similar bezel I could find with an OMC shape)).

Can someone please help/weigh in? - Looking for feedback on stones, prices, or even alternatives! Total budget ~$10K. Was quoted a little under $2K for design. Was hoping for something bigger than 2.5 carats. My fingers/knuckles are not dainty. Your help is GREATLY appreciated!

*please excuse the poor photography; no clue how all of you take such beautiful pictures!!*
 
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Hello and welcome! I am a HUUUGE lover of OECs! I also love the flashes of pastel colors. THere are a bunch of rts on here who can guide you. I personally just like what I like, and I LOOOVE the big broad flashes of pastels, i like a flowery petal pattern. @Dreamer_D is extremely well educated and knows OECs backwards and forward! Also @lovedogs @0-0-0

So, not an expert, BUT i have purchased I dont know 8 OEC? 2 I specifically cut and the rest i found just searching the internet. In my opinion you can do WAY better for that price. I just sold a loose 5 carat OEC for $3600 that was cut to tolkowsky ideals.

I have been toying with selling one of my 2 actual personally recut to ideal proportions OECs, It's 5.8 carats but I paid $10k and planned on listing it for $5k and was thinking "NO ONE will pay this much for it, I wont bother" - No one is paying $1000 a carat anymore let alone over $2k a carat!!

On the OEC you posted, all the center mains go dark at once, thats not considered a good thing, they should alternate on and off.

Its tough in the videos because whoever is modeling is moving them really fast but the faceting doesnt look like the flowery petals, they look thinner. The table is 57 which most here would say is too big.

I cant stress enough how over priced that is though.

The cushion I guess you could say is rare because if you want a cushion you would generally want that cushiony shape, this almost looks oval to me. If you like it then I guess you could consider it but I dont like the oval shape it just looks like a bow tie then, It doesnt have the cool cross shape of a OMC. Again, it's super over priced for what it is.

If you are paying that much i would go to Jon at distinctive gem or Victor Canera because theirs are beautiful

If you are not in a rush then i HIGHLY recommend Alex Parks on Instagram (parksantiquelab) because his prices are reasonable like $900/carat or so and his are gorgeous but he doesnt stock huge inventory

Even check preloved here , because there was a really pretty OMC halo on there

What do you think of this 4 carat kind of old mine looking cushion from ritani for 3400?

4.34 Carat Cushion Lab Diamond IGI LG645467636 | Ritani

4.34 Carat Cushion Lab Diamond VG Cut H Color VS1 Clarity with diamond report number IGI #LG645467636
www.ritani.com www.ritani.com
 
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Inked said:
If you are not in a rush then i HIGHLY recommend Alex Parks on Instagram (parksantiquelab) because his prices are reasonable like $900/carat or so and his are gorgeous but he doesnt stock huge inventory
Click to expand...

Thank you so much for the reply. I think I am going to pass on these two and look more into Alex Park or the other two you mentions as theirs are stunning and I’d rather more forward with someone I can trust that specializes in these cuts.

I actually have had my eye on these two from the AP Instagram. Thoughts?


 
I was coming to say the same thing as inked about the original ones that you posted. Neither one of them really cuts the mustard for me. Both have a very flat kind of lifeless look in the facets under the table which I find is a really common problem with lab diamonds. I think it’s because often they’re cutting them from round brilliant cuts and so the proportions just aren’t right to translate into the antique cut. Typically the table is too big and the depth is not enough to really re-create what an antique looks like.

On the other hand, those one’s from Alex Park are really fantastic and I would probably consider either one of them. I’m less confident about the OEC because when I look at the lab report, the proportions aren’t quite what I would like to see. However… and if I say this, you better put that stone on reserve… that cushion is amazing. It is exactly what I look for in an old style cushion. It looks incredibly authentic, and I would personally buy it for my own collection if I were in the market.
 
You've got some very good advice so far. Those lab diamonds you posted are so over priced and not great examples.

Alex Park specialises in antique cuts and has some of the most authentic cuts. He can also do a very nice bezel setting if that's what you're after and it'll probably end up being half of your 10k budget.

That link that you posted on Instagram from Gemhoarder with the antique cushion bezel was done by David Klass which is also an option. You could buy the stone from Alex and have DK make a setting for you. Both are very good options.
 
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Dreamer_D said:
I was coming to say the same thing as inked about the original ones that you posted. Neither one of them really cuts the mustard for me. Both have a very flat kind of lifeless look in the facets under the table which I find is a really common problem with lab diamonds. I think it’s because often they’re cutting them from round brilliant cuts and so the proportions just aren’t right to translate into the antique cut. Typically the table is too big and the depth is not enough to really re-create what an antique looks like.

On the other hand, those one’s from Alex Park are really fantastic and I would probably consider either one of them. I’m less confident about the OEC because when I look at the lab report, the proportions aren’t quite what I would like to see. However… and if I say this, you better put that stone on reserve… that cushion is amazing. It is exactly what I look for in an old style cushion. It looks incredibly authentic, and I would personally buy it for my own collection if I were in the market.
Click to expand...

Both were already claimed, but they have 3 unposted that I’m waiting for more info on in the meantime, I’ve been searching around.

What do you think of this one: https://www.distinctivegem.com/products/3-18ct-g-vvs2-square-vintage-cushion-cut-lab-grown-diamond ?
 
The cut is not authentic antique looking if that’s what you are after. It might be a nice sparkly stone. Hard to tell from the images but the vendor can likely offer other kinds of images or video. How does that price compare to what Park offers if IG? The price seems high based on what I have seen labs going for these days.
 
Yeah the newer cut stones are a bit too perfect imo. Depends if you prefer this over the more quirky omc. You have a good budget so you can buy this stone and still get a CVB setting which is going to be so nice. If that's what you'd like. But budget wise Alex's prices are the best. I would wait for his options. I really like Alex's omc as some of them are modelled off genuine antique stones.
 
Dreamer_D said:
The cut is not authentic antique looking if that’s what you are after. It might be a nice sparkly stone. Hard to tell from the images but the vendor can likely offer other kinds of images or video. How does that price compare to what Park offers if IG? The price seems high based on what I have seen labs going for these days.
Click to expand...

I will report back when they share pics and prices! I’m anxiously awaiting their reply!
 
I have some updates / options!! @Dreamer_D @maryjane04

These are from AP, VC (who does not cut lab but will source diamond, and hand-forged setting), and By Bonnie (sourcing & "handmade" setting).
  1. 3.01 OEC, E, VS1, IGI -- for $2,800 (diamond only) video of diamond
  2. 3.03 OMB, E, VS1, IGI -- for $3,300 (diamond only) video of diamond
  3. 2.54 OMB, F, VS1, IGI -- for $1,800 (diamond only) video of diamond
  4. 3.06 OEC, E, VS1, IGI -- for ~$8,500 (price includes setting) video of diamond
  5. 2.71ct OEC, F, VS1, GIA -- for $8,500 (price includes setting) video of diamond
  6. 3.01, OEC, G Color, VS1, GIA -- for $9,500 (price includes setting)
    video of diamond
  7. 3.04, OEC, F, VVS, IGI -- for ~$8,500 (price includes setting) video of diamond (really liked this one, but I feel like there's something weird inside that's visual when you get to ~45 degrees from front until ~90 degree/side view...also wonder if this one would be dark at center all at once)
  8. 3.00, OEC, E, VS1, IGI -- for ~$8,500 (price includes setting) video of diamond
(potential settings provided so far: hand-forged cathedral bezel or hand-forged tulip basket bezel )

Let me know your thoughts! Also open to any other suggestions / places to look...TIA!
 
I would exclude 8, 2, and 3 as I think the cuts are all off in ways that will negatively impact optics. All the others are nice! The black is obstruction from the camera. It won’t look that way in person until you hold it very close to your face.
 
Dreamer_D said:
I would exclude 8, 2, and 3 as I think the cuts are all off in ways that will negatively impact optics. All the others are nice! The black is obstruction from the camera. It won’t look that way in person until you hold it very close to your face.
Click to expand...

Woohoo, progress!! Thanks so much for all your help/feedback!
 
Dreamer_D said:
I would exclude 8, 2, and 3 as I think the cuts are all off in ways that will negatively impact optics. All the others are nice! The black is obstruction from the camera. It won’t look that way in person until you hold it very close to your face.
Click to expand...

I was leaning towards #4, #6, or #7 for their color flashes/liveliness -- but these screen shots of #7 are what I can't figure out. Is this internal graining?
1731966471989.png1731966487763.png1731966496446.png1731966503780.png
 
Im Not an expert on labs but it looks weird. @Kim N may know.
 
classicstyle said:
I was leaning towards #4, #6, or #7 for their color flashes/liveliness -- but these screen shots of #7 are what I can't figure out. Is this internal graining?
1731966471989.png1731966487763.png1731966496446.png1731966503780.png
Click to expand...

Yes, that looks like internal graining. Is it a CVD diamond? I like the cut a lot, though.
 
lulu_ma said:
This 4 ct stunner was just listed by a long time PSer!

P

Sold Post in thread '4.01ct OEC Lab diamond in Platinum David Klass solitaire setting. Recut by Southwest Diamond Cutters.'

4.01 OEC HPHT Lab Diamond ring In Platinum David Klass Setting. Recut by Southwest Diamond cutters! | Loupe Troop

loupetroop.com loupetroop.com
  • Like
Click to expand...

Oh my goodness that is stunning. Absolutely gorgeous. I’m actually considering it / whether I could pull off a diamond of that size (bc I would never ever want to take it off!)
 
classicstyle said:
Oh my goodness that is stunning. Absolutely gorgeous. I’m actually considering it / whether I could pull off a diamond of that size (bc I would never ever want to take it off!)
Click to expand...

DSS (diamond shrinkage syndrome) is real! :D

Check out diamdb.com. You can input the stone dimensions and see how it would look on your finger.
 
classicstyle said:
Oh my goodness that is stunning. Absolutely gorgeous. I’m actually considering it / whether I could pull off a diamond of that size (bc I would never ever want to take it off!)
Click to expand...

I think it will be more cost effective for you to get the 4ct :D they say go big or go home right?

And the fact that it's half of what the other rings cost.

I agree with Dreamer, 2&3 are out. 4-8 are pretty steep but it includes the setting. I mean for the sake of half the price please just get the 4ct lol if size is the only issue you have then it's a small issue lol. Save that other half of your budget and get the #1 by AP if you think 4ct is too big (lol give it a week and I'm sure you'll get used to it).
 
For $8500 you could also buy a nice natural antique. I guess I don’t really understand spending 2x the cost of the lab diamond on a setting.
 
Dreamer_D said:
For $8500 you could also buy a nice natural antique. I guess I don’t really understand spending 2x the cost of the lab diamond on a setting.
Click to expand...

So this week has been a lot of soul searching and DIGGING through antique / estate jewelry and loose diamond sites based on everyone’s recommendations across this site for filtering etc. Also wore ordered/wore around a moissanite solitaire — and I really don’t think I can go much beyond ~9mm in spread for daily wear (unless it’s the most spectacular natural unicorn within budget…). Otherwise I would’ve already snatched up the perpermintpatty or Inked’s insanely gorgeous labs.

That said, I’m still making my way through the lovely, long list of recommended sites/vendors shared on Antique forum, but a couple have caught my eye that I keep returning to. One in particular I truly didn’t expect to still be available that I’d love your thoughts on initially! — 2.54 natural OEC yellow gold solitaire
(if it is a winner, I hope I didn’t just hand it to someone else by posting here ).

Also open to—and grateful for!—any recommendations or things you’ve seen around that may fit the ~2.5-3.5, OEC/OMC bill so grateful for all the help so far!!!
 
classicstyle said:
So this week has been a lot of soul searching and DIGGING through antique / estate jewelry and loose diamond sites based on everyone’s recommendations across this site for filtering etc. Also wore ordered/wore around a moissanite solitaire — and I really don’t think I can go much beyond ~9mm in spread for daily wear (unless it’s the most spectacular natural unicorn within budget…). Otherwise I would’ve already snatched up the perpermintpatty or Inked’s insanely gorgeous labs.

That said, I’m still making my way through the lovely, long list of recommended sites/vendors shared on Antique forum, but a couple have caught my eye that I keep returning to. One in particular I truly didn’t expect to still be available that I’d love your thoughts on initially! — 2.54 natural OEC yellow gold solitaire
(if it is a winner, I hope I didn’t just hand it to someone else by posting here ).

Also open to—and grateful for!—any recommendations or things you’ve seen around that may fit the ~2.5-3.5, OEC/OMC bill so grateful for all the help so far!!!
Click to expand...

Does it have a lab report? I like the cut though in some angles the central facets go dark all at once. Without a report is very hard to judge the value. Also curious if the vendor has a return policy. Have you seen Diamond this tinted? It’s very different from a D color lab?

If you want to find a natural diamond then I’d suggest posting in rocky talky.
 
classicstyle said:
So this week has been a lot of soul searching and DIGGING through antique / estate jewelry and loose diamond sites based on everyone’s recommendations across this site for filtering etc. Also wore ordered/wore around a moissanite solitaire — and I really don’t think I can go much beyond ~9mm in spread for daily wear (unless it’s the most spectacular natural unicorn within budget…). Otherwise I would’ve already snatched up the perpermintpatty or Inked’s insanely gorgeous labs.

That said, I’m still making my way through the lovely, long list of recommended sites/vendors shared on Antique forum, but a couple have caught my eye that I keep returning to. One in particular I truly didn’t expect to still be available that I’d love your thoughts on initially! — 2.54 natural OEC yellow gold solitaire
(if it is a winner, I hope I didn’t just hand it to someone else by posting here ).

Also open to—and grateful for!—any recommendations or things you’ve seen around that may fit the ~2.5-3.5, OEC/OMC bill so grateful for all the help so far!!!
Click to expand...

I actually love it and it's a good price too. I think the darkness is from obstruction rather than a bad cut. I would ask the vendor for the GIA cert and videos in indoors lighting.
 
Here’s one with a cert and I’m guessing a viewing period:

47jewelry.com

2.42 Carat Old European Cut Diamond color O Clarity VS1

Shape:Old European Cut, Carat Weight:2.42, Color Grade:O, Fancy Color:N/A, Fancy Color Intensity:N/A, Fancy Color Overtone:N/A, Clarity Grade:VS1, Length:8.80 , Width:8.58 , Depth:5.25 , Cut Grade:N/A, Polish:Good, Symmetry:Good, Fluorescence:None, Stone Ratio:1.03, Table %:44, Depth %:60.4...
47jewelry.com 47jewelry.com
 
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