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Please help us find a perfect OEC e-ring (1.5+ carat)

C

ckandsg

Rough_Rock
Joined
Oct 25, 2014
Messages
3
Hi everyone,

My boyfriend and I have officially begun e-ring shopping! We first went to a local B&M to find out what type of setting and stone I'd like. I liked a delicate halo setting (inspired by petite crescent Tacori settings) and I've looked at many Harry Winston inspired halo settings (VC, LM, Maytal Hannah, etc.) on Pricescope which I think are all lovely.

I've also learned about OEC on PS and have already contacted a number of vendors based on Charmy's post here (Thank you, Charmy!): [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/cushion-101-my-experience-in-making-a-harry-winston-halo.183473/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/cushion-101-my-experience-in-making-a-harry-winston-halo.183473/[/URL]

Our ideal budget for the engagement ring is $10K. It would be great if we could come under, but if we find a perfect diamond, we are willing to increase the budget.

My boyfriend is more concerned about the carat/size whereas it is important for me that we get a stone with a nice performance and without visible flaws. Also, since I want to do a halo setting, I'd rather not go below GIA K. In terms of size, we would like it to be at least 1.5 carat.

Adam at OWD thinks it would be very difficult to find a stone over a carat with the color and inclusion specs that we requested. I've looked at Grace and Erica's sites and GOG, and it seems like I would have to go lower on the size or color a well.
So I have mainly worked with Ilya at DZ and he's been really great. We are looking at a number of stones and hoping Ilya could send it one by one to us, but Ilya thinks it would be best if we can come out to Chicago. So for now, we plan to do that in the next couple months.

Here are some stones that we are considering:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-24ct-J-VS1-VINTAGE-OLD-EUROPEAN-CUT-EGL-USA-CERTIFIED-LOOSE-DIAMOND-ART-DECO-/400825717749?pt=Loose_Diamonds&hash=item5d531313f5
(I really like this stone, but it is over our budget. If we get the setting from Ilya (vs. Maytal Hannah), maybe we could still get it, but we are definitely maxing our budget limit.)

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-71c-EGL-USA-CERTIFIED-VINTAGE-OLD-EUROPEAN-CUT-DIAMOND-ANTIQUE-ROUND-3CT-LOOSE-/171577223595?pt=Loose_Diamonds&hash=item27f2cca9ab
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-25ct-IDEAL-EX-CUT-VS2-VINTAGE-OLD-EUROPEAN-DIAMOND-EGL-USA-CERTIFIED-ROUND-/151515238793?pt=Loose_Diamonds&hash=item2347031189
(Ilya's suggestions)

I just wanted to hear your thoughts on these stones and also see whether there are other routes I should explore before we go to Chicago next year and decide on the ring on the spot. Any warnings or potential stones that we should consider would be also much appreciated!
 
Mayk|1418667355|3801590 said:
Hands down I would call Grace.

Here's a great deal from a PS Member. This ring is stunning.

http://www.jewelsbygrace.com/loose-diamonds/1-ct-to-2-00/1-73ct-transitional-cut-in-leon-mege-3-sided-pave-solitaire-egl-k-si1.html#.VI8lEX48KK0
Click to expand...


I was actually going to post this exact same one! The LM setting has been sold so the diamond is loose.

Is 10k your total budget? or is that just for the diamond? I just want you to realize that a hand forged setting by LM/ VK / SK all start around 4.5k. That would be a very large portion of your budget should you decide to go that way.

I would also look into IDJ. They occasionally do get OEC's in. If you want you can contact me via LT or DB. There is a search group you can join who could all help you with the hunt for OEC's. :)
 
Seconding calling Grace, she may be able to source something.
 
Thank you, Mayk, SB621 and tmot14!

We actually looked at this stone and I also thought that the stone was very nice! I didn't call Grace about the stone because I prefer an OEC over a Tranny. I mean, if the setting was still available, this could have made our shopping process a lot shorter and easier. Anyway, I will definitely give Grace a call.

10K is my ideal budget for the whole ring (stone + setting) and yes, my budget will not allow a setting from LM / VK / SK.
But if I get a good deal on the stone, I think I might be able to afford Maytal Hannah (we had a couple conversations and she's been very nice and helpful) or I can also look for a pre-owned setting.

SB621, I will contact you via LT! Thanks so much!!
 
ckandsg|1418672783|3801641 said:
Thank you, Mayk, SB621 and tmot14!

We actually looked at this stone and I also thought that the stone was very nice! I didn't call Grace about the stone because I prefer an OEC over a Tranny. I mean, if the setting was still available, this could have made our shopping process a lot shorter and easier. Anyway, I will definitely give Grace a call.

10K is my ideal budget for the whole ring (stone + setting) and yes, my budget will not allow a setting from LM / VK / SK.
But if I get a good deal on the stone, I think I might be able to afford Maytal Hannah (we had a couple conversations and she's been very nice and helpful) or I can also look for a pre-owned setting.

SB621, I will contact you via LT! Thanks so much!!
Click to expand...

Sounds good!

I didn't want to burst your bubble but so many people get the impression that settings aren't that much and I think sticker shock hurts them hard when they realize exactly how much they costs. I'm a big fan of buying pre loved, off ebay or whatever other way possible to feel like I got a great deal. I'm hoping our search group will be able to assist!
 
 
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