Poll: What would you choose for #10? AVC, OEC, MRB

[hmr_mama]

I'm starting the daydream process for my tenth wedding anniversary (in a couple years--I always seem to jump the gun ). These are the options I'm tossing around.

Option 1:
Large, lower color AVC in a Victor Canera Halo (Emilya, but I would want it to be more substantial--perhaps a cathedral shank)
Pros: I really want this ring to be an heirloom piece. I love the idea of a lower color AVC, gives the impression of antique lace. Love that.
Cons: I've never actually seen an AVC or any antique cushion for that matter. Will I love it as much in person as I do in the videos?

Option 2:
2.5 oec (GIA J) in the Victor Canera Donna.
Pros: Cheapest option; large flashes like option 1; lovely facet pattern; love the idea of true antique.
Cons: I've never seen an OEC in real life either. A cavity near the girdle kinda freaks me out.

Option 3:
2.5 MRB (H or I) in the Victor Canera Donna
Pros: Trade-in my current diamond to lower the cost.
Cons: Don't know if I want to get rid of my solitaire; won't have any antique vibe, too modern?

So, that is my brain. What would YOU choose?

I've only included square/cushion shapes because round halos look silly on my finger.

 

[hmr_mama]

For those of you that don't obsessively stalk the VC website, here are the links to the settings:

http://www.victorcanera.com/jewelry/engagement-rings/the-emilya-halo-solitaire-with-antique-cushion.html

http://www.victorcanera.com/jewelry/engagement-rings/the-donna-split-shank-halo.html

 

[yennyfire]

Remind me what your er is??

 

[hmr_mama]

1.5/I/VS2/ACA set in a cathedral solitaire.

 

[distracts]

If you love OECs and antique cushions in pictures, you will in real life. I had that worry too until I saw some in real life and they were just mesmerizing and completely perfect. I got a sapphire e-ring because I thought I didn't like diamonds - it turned out I just hadn't found the diamonds I liked. If there is an Intergem near you, there are usually some dealers of antiques there that have OECs and occasionally antique cushions. If not, scout out hole-in-the-wall jewelry repair shops - in my experience those are where the antiques lurk.

 

[yssie]

Canera will no longer set GOG AVCs.
http://www.victorcanera.com/faq/

 

[ariel144]

If you love OECs and antique cushions in pictures, you will in real life. I had that worry too until I saw some in real life and they were just mesmerizing and completely perfect. I got a sapphire e-ring because I thought I didn't like diamonds - it turned out I just hadn't found the diamonds I liked. If there is an Intergem near you, there are usually some dealers of antiques there that have OECs and occasionally antique cushions. If not, scout out hole-in-the-wall jewelry repair shops - in my experience those are where the antiques lurk.

What is an "Intergem"? thanks

 

[hmr_mama]

If you love OECs and antique cushions in pictures, you will in real life. I had that worry too until I saw some in real life and they were just mesmerizing and completely perfect. I got a sapphire e-ring because I thought I didn't like diamonds - it turned out I just hadn't found the diamonds I liked. If there is an Intergem near you, there are usually some dealers of antiques there that have OECs and occasionally antique cushions. If not, scout out hole-in-the-wall jewelry repair shops - in my experience those are where the antiques lurk.

I have to be honest, I had to google "Intergem". Thanks for the heads up! I live in a small town--we have ONE 'jewelry' store--they make most of their money selling large rocks that people use for bookends. Do you have an opinion regarding my poll? I think PSers have about the best jewelry taste ever and am curious what others would pick.

 

[hmr_mama]

Canera will no longer set GOG AVCs.
http://www.victorcanera.com/faq/

Thanks Yssie. I totally spaced that. If I used a similar setting from Steven Kirsch, what would your choice be?

 

[hmr_mama]

If you love OECs and antique cushions in pictures, you will in real life. I had that worry too until I saw some in real life and they were just mesmerizing and completely perfect. I got a sapphire e-ring because I thought I didn't like diamonds - it turned out I just hadn't found the diamonds I liked. If there is an Intergem near you, there are usually some dealers of antiques there that have OECs and occasionally antique cushions. If not, scout out hole-in-the-wall jewelry repair shops - in my experience those are where the antiques lurk.

What is an "Intergem"? thanks

http://www.intergem.com/

 

[jstarfireb]

I chose the modern RB because they suit my tastes more than OECs or antique cushions, it's the most practical option with the trade-in, and I prefer colors no lower than J-K. But the Emilya setting is very pretty too.

 

[milton333]

Not on your list, but an Octavia is my dream upgrade, and I'd suggest you consider it. Unique, great light performance like a modern RB, but different and distinctive. Squarish shape you like. You could set it in Art Deco-ish type of setting, maybe something from ERD's Royal T collection.

 

[mama_monkey]

what a great dilemma!

so, if it was me, I'd go for the OEC in a heartbeat bc i love the idea of the old timey craftsmanship & so on. That said, I think I voted for the AVC for you b/c somehow, reading from your post, it seems like that might be the best fit for you??? Not sure why I'm getting that vibe. .. but in any case, a good compromise btwn the MRB and the OEC.

Also, from what I understand, a good OEC appears to be harder to find, and I guess AVCs are almost by definition good, I reckon?

but this neglects the setting issue.

full disclosure: All of my alleged OEC love notwithstanding, I am someone who wanted an OEC but ended up with an MRB b/c I fell in love with a setting from a seller which required I buy from them (and they only had MRBs). Still, my pledge is to buy an OEC as my next purchase. But I"m digressing.

i know you have a few years to go, but, as the boy scouts say: be prepared!

 

[Gypsy]

First, at Jonathan from GOG's request, Victor is no longer setting AVC's. So... option one is not possible any longer.




Second, I do not like Donna for an OEC. I prefer the Ann Marie. http://www.victorcanera.com/jewelry/engagement-rings/the-anne-marie-split-shank-halo.html

I can't make a choice without a picture of the OEC. As they are not interchangeable, and have to be chosen on a case by case basis, it depends on how nice the OEC is. But if the OEC is nice... I'd rather have an OEC than anything else on the list. Cavity issue-- I'd get an appraisal and see what the appraiser's opinion is.

I would not get a MRB.