Question about August Vintage Diamonds

[mandasand]

I have been debating back and forth about what kind of diamond I want in my vintage-style halo setting I picked out from Gabriel & Co. Now I'm really liking the August Vintage Cushion or August Vintage Round (I know, I'm a flip-flopper). I have no idea if any other vendors sell NEWLY cut old faceting diamonds, other than GOG. I think ERD does, but they don't have any online inventory in my price range.

I was looking online at one AVC, but I am worried about the "L" color. I generally don't like warmth, but I'm curious if this old faceting structure diamond faces up white? Any insight here would be awesome!
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9212/

I am also debating if I should get an AVC or AVR. I think they both look lovely from the videos I saw online.
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9272/

It is very hard to wrap my head around what I like better. I have been trying to look through pictures and videos.

 

[mandasand]

One more thing, I want a diamond under 1 ct. I think there is more demand for larger diamonds in these cuts. Also, here is the setting I picked:
http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER7527W44JJ

I may or may not have Gabriel modify it to a plain shank.

 

[Boogins]

That is my favorite gabriel & co setting! I think a plain shank would be gorgeous in that. I definitely prefer the avc in that size range. Although I have never seen these diamonds in person, it is my opinion that the corners of the avc will read larger than the avr of a similar size. Plus, I am personally not a huge fan of halos on round stones. That avc you listed should be stunning regardless of setting though. As for the color, it is such a personal thing. Everyone will have a slightly different opinion about the same diamond. I think people who have been into diamonds for a few years grow to love all of the color ranges in various applications. But many first timers looking for the e-ring often have trouble getting past the "mind clean" issues of warmer diamonds. All I can tell you is that if I had it to do over, I wouldn't hesitate to get an L! Those are my two cents. best of luck to you! I think you are off to a fantastic start.

 

[mandasand]

I am worried the L is going to be too warm. Has anyone seen one in person?

 

[Lotus99]

What about the J color AVC: http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9206/

 

[Enerchi]

I'd go with the AVC J Lotus listed - just strikes my eye as visually more 'catching' than the L (which relieves you of the concern re: colour) and it is so beautiful and unique ... not that the AVR isn't!

Your setting selection is gorgeous! I think it suits any of the stones with the pave on the shank - I'd keep it!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I think that is a beautiful setting and needs the shank to match due to the milgrain edge on the halo. They have other diamond halos with the plain shank that I like, but they don't have milgrain around the halo.

I think the AVC would be perfect in a cushion shaped setting. I love AVR's, too, but that particular setting looks like it would really be pretty with the AVC. I just saw someone's video of a setting with a lower color AVC (I think)...maybe L or M. I'll have to see if I can find it.

 

[mandasand]

I was reading a thread and someone purchased an L and said that while they love the diamond, they would probably go for a higher color for the next stone (I think that means colorless, near colorless, I always get high and low confused). Will there be much difference between the J and L?

Gabriel also makes this setting for a round (the halo is still cushion shaped).
http://www.gabrielny.com/engaged/style/ER7525W44JJ

It was also confirmed that the other setting fits a round or cushion. I saw it in person with a .62 H&A round. I really liked that diamond because it had good spread, but it's gone now (from our local B&M). I had some modern cushions I wanted to see and the jeweler said he had them, but then said that since he's brought in several settings and stones and my BF didn't want to decide quickly, that he couldn't keep bringing stuff in if he wasn't going to pull the trigger. We are annoyed now.

I also found these:
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9344/
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9411/
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9211/

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9272/
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9103/
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9274/

 

[firelover]

Hi! I recently bought an L AVC from GOG.. I too was concerned about the warmth especially with a halo. Also, I saw lots of AVC's and and AVR in person. here is what I think

1) Yes, you will some vanilla sheen when you keep the diamond alongside a say G. But then this cut loves a little bit of warmth, in my opinion.
2) when L was kept in a halo setting, it looked fine. Infact, Jon posted a picture of N in a halo. Look for it. Its looks wonderful.

3) With the Gabriel setting with miligrain, a little warmth might actually make it look more "authentic"

4) AVR's are beautiful beautiful diamonds. I had never seen any rounds I liked before I saw AVR's. it was love at first sight! But for that specific setting - I think AVC's are a better fit.

Personal choice between the L and J - I would go for the J - not because of color but its just draws me in. its more attractive.

Hope this helps.

 

[CaratLover2]

I too am interested in putting an L AVC in a halo.

I found a post yesterday of an L AVC in a halo - while photos are not the best judge of colour - it may help to give you at least some idea - [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/l-is-for-lovely-my-1-43-l-avc-in-custom-halo-by-bgd.164823/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/l-is-for-lovely-my-1-43-l-avc-in-custom-halo-by-bgd.164823/[/URL]

 

[mandasand]

Thank you for posting that. Yes, I think that would be too warm for me.

 

[firelover]

I too am interested in putting an L AVC in a halo.

I found a post yesterday of an L AVC in a halo - while photos are not the best judge of colour - it may help to give you at least some idea - [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/l-is-for-lovely-my-1-43-l-avc-in-custom-halo-by-bgd.164823/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/l-is-for-lovely-my-1-43-l-avc-in-custom-halo-by-bgd.164823/[/URL]

One more....its an M AVC in a halo....there is a video link in the link.

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/gog-avc-in-victor-canera-emilya-halo.175419/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/gog-avc-in-victor-canera-emilya-halo.175419/[/URL]

 

[CaratLover2]

I too am interested in putting an L AVC in a halo.

I found a post yesterday of an L AVC in a halo - while photos are not the best judge of colour - it may help to give you at least some idea - [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/l-is-for-lovely-my-1-43-l-avc-in-custom-halo-by-bgd.164823/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/l-is-for-lovely-my-1-43-l-avc-in-custom-halo-by-bgd.164823/[/URL]

One more....its an M AVC in a halo....there is a video link in the link.

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/gog-avc-in-victor-canera-emilya-halo.175419/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/gog-avc-in-victor-canera-emilya-halo.175419/[/URL]

OMG ... it's so beautiful! I'd love me one of those

 

[firelover]

This is making me rethink halo....note that the pave on the halo is H-I color to match with the center stone..

 

[GemFever]

I have an L-colored AVC, and it faces up very white. I can see the yellow only when I tilt it sideways. Since it's set in 4 prongs, it's fairly visible in some light conditions. But I think in the setting you linked it won't be all that noticeable. That said, I'd go for the J too.

 

[mandasand]

I suppose the J is a better value than the I:
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9344/

But, this one is higher color but lower clarity and there seems to be a lot of inclusions:
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9411/

I actually like the faceting of the G. I just don't know which one would be better at this point. I still also like the AVR, but I think I may be striking out on those options. Would a .60 AVR be too small in that halo? Also, would a .73 AVC be too small? Arg!

 

[ariel144]

What about the AVC .92 K SI2...that faces up larger and looks like it has small amount of leakage??

Personally I would choose the .80 I SI2 AVR, it faces up 6mm x 6mm and you can set a round stone in a square halo and get the same effect.

I kept looking for a cushion because i love the square chunky cuts until I saw those AVR's and I love the facet pattern on them best. Choose what is pleasing to your eye. I'm sure they will do a video comparing a couple of these stones. I've probably watched almost every video on GOG to educate myself.

Good luck, you have a lot of excellent choices.

 

[mandasand]

Hi Ariel,
It looks like Jonathan has a video comparing the K with an M. I can see the warmth in the M much more than the K. But, I'm curious how the K would look next to a higher color? Does the K look warm to anyone? I just see lots of different colors happening, which I think is the point of the AVC...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQGzBff8WXU&list=UUEV7slr-i-VduBBnfv9MxhA&index=1&feature=plcp

 

[GemFever]

I'm a bit on a picture binge with two new antique cushions I got over the weekend, and in one of the pics I compare the color of the old mine cushion (which is EGL G-H, so maybe an H-I in real life?) to my L AVC. You can see the difference, I think. I hope you don't mind me posting the pic. The L does face up pretty white, it's the contrast that gives it away. (the AVC is wrapped in foil, I was trying to recreate the bezel environment). So if your halo would be a whiter color, something to think about.

 

[mandasand]

I can see the difference. I'm thinking the L will be too warm. Not sure if the K will be any better. Perhaps I should try to shoot for an I. I'm just trying to maximize my budget because the August Vintage line is really expensive.

 

[novicediamond]

I had the AVC K and M on hold over the weekend and asked for the video, I couldnt decide and Drasked both Lynsa and the gem guy which one they'd pick, both said the M had subtle more presence and they preferred it, I wad worried too on the warmth but the PS posts of M's etc in halo's have persuaded me to go for it, also saw lots of warm halo's on Diamonds by Lauren site...so now I can't decide between a halo for the M or a solitaire 4 prong with melee thank...what's is everyone's preference for an M stone.?

 

[CaratLover2]

How to set an M? That's a loaded question ... I think a cushion looks wonderful in a halo, regardless of the colour. However, in relation to K/L/M, most people would advise you to set these stones in a plain setting, because putting them with other stones or in a halo will enhance their body colour. Especially if it's an e-ring.

IMHO it seems to me the consensus is that J and above or N and below is quite OK to put in a halo. That just leaves K/L/M where the setting will have a HUGE impact on the over-all look of the ring.

For Example -

Some people wouldn't consider an M coloured stone at all - it will be too warm for them.

Others would consider an M, but only if they can play down the colour by setting it with colour calibrated side stones - like this [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/bad-pricescoper-fantastic-avc-lm-creation.161471/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/bad-pricescoper-fantastic-avc-lm-creation.161471/[/URL] or like this [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/feel-the-warmth-leon-mege-calibrated-french-cuts-avc.155906/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/feel-the-warmth-leon-mege-calibrated-french-cuts-avc.155906/[/URL]

Others will consider halos:
coloured ones like this, which help play down the contrast - [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/gog-leon.134985/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/gog-leon.134985/[/URL] or
with normal F/G melee like this [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/l-is-for-lovely-my-1-43-l-avc-in-custom-halo-by-bgd.164823/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/l-is-for-lovely-my-1-43-l-avc-in-custom-halo-by-bgd.164823/[/URL]
or with H/I melee like this which also help play down the contrast a little [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/gog-avc-in-victor-canera-emilya-halo.175419/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/gog-avc-in-victor-canera-emilya-halo.175419/[/URL]

What would I do? That's a really tough question. I think more than a few of us are struggling with that very same question at the moment!

 

[mandasand]

Thanks Catlover! I know, it seems like many people are looking for AVCs! Based on the fabulous links you posted, I think I may be okay with the "J" and it is more comfortable for the budget. I was also thinking last night that perhaps I should get something even a little smaller, since Gabriel & Co makes the ring to order based on the diamond weight. Say, .50-.60 in a higher color.
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8847/

But, the price of that 55 point is in line with 70+ points in in I-J range.

So far, these 3 are my favorite:
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9206/
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9411/
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9344/

 

[CaratLover2]

I think the J is probably a safe bet if you are concerned about colour - but just bear in mind a J is not a G!

For the sake of completeness - I've said nothing about how much impact metal colour can have on these stones. This is a remarkable thread that includes a 5-stone AVC J/K set in white metal and a 3-stone AVC M set in yellow gold. Although there are only 2-3 colour grades between the stones - the difference is like night and day!

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/m-avc-three-stone-in-yellow-gold.175160/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/m-avc-three-stone-in-yellow-gold.175160/[/URL]

 

[mandasand]

I correct myself - I thought you were a CAT lover instead of a CARAT lover. Haha! Anyway, it makes sense that the lower colors would look more yellow set in yellow cold because it picks up the reflection. I can only assume that if set in white gold, it picks up the white tones of the metal. One big concern I have, also with it being in a halo, is that J or K will show warmth. I won't have any idea until I get the ring on my finger and that makes me nervous!

This is totally lame, but I used to have a 1ct SI1 J RB (ungraded) from my ex husband, so I'm sort of feeling weird about getting a stone close to 1 ct (because I think it looks too gaudy for me and my style) and anything that says J or 1 ct makes me think of that jerk. I always thought the diamond was beautiful so I do have a frame of reference. I never thought it looked warm. HOWEVER, the few modern cushions I've seen tend to show warmth more than rounds.L ooking at the GOG videos, it seems like these AVCs show ALL KINDS of color, as part of the allure - blues, yellows, pinks, etc. So, maybe it's just my own messed up head.

Looking at the three top picks (and I haven't ruled out a 4th being the .93 K, which also looks lovely in the video), if I was to get the .76 I VSI, when you add the potential GOG discounts and setting it's $750 more than the least expensive choice of the .73 J. Maybe this is all negligible because I can't tell if there is much difference in size between a .73 and .76.

 

[CaratLover2]

I correct myself - I thought you were a CAT lover instead of a CARAT lover. Haha! Anyway, it makes sense that the lower colors would look more yellow set in yellow cold because it picks up the reflection. I can only assume that if set in white gold, it picks up the white tones of the metal. One big concern I have, also with it being in a halo, is that J or K will show warmth. I won't have any idea until I get the ring on my finger and that makes me nervous!

This is totally lame, but I used to have a 1ct SI1 J RB (ungraded) from my ex husband, so I'm sort of feeling weird about getting a stone close to 1 ct (because I think it looks too gaudy for me and my style) and anything that says J or 1 ct makes me think of that jerk. I always thought the diamond was beautiful so I do have a frame of reference. I never thought it looked warm. HOWEVER, the few modern cushions I've seen tend to show warmth more than rounds.L ooking at the GOG videos, it seems like these AVCs show ALL KINDS of color, as part of the allure - blues, yellows, pinks, etc. So, maybe it's just my own messed up head.

Looking at the three top picks (and I haven't ruled out a 4th being the .93 K, which also looks lovely in the video), if I was to get the .76 I VSI, when you add the potential GOG discounts and setting it's $750 more than the least expensive choice of the .73 J. Maybe this is all negligible because I can't tell if there is much difference in size between a .73 and .76.

In relation to size, the .93 cushion will be smaller than a 1ct RB!

 

[novicediamond]

Caratlover2 - Thanks soo much for your very thoughtful and helpful post, I reckon it doesnt matter really what I do with it, Id be happy with any of the combinations you posted there I will post photos when mine is finished........

 

[mandasand]

I think I have some good options and we are not in a big hurry so there may be new ones that come up and others that get snatched up. My BF does like to take his sweet time, I will leave it up to him on when he wants to pull the trigger. I actually cannot even guarantee I'll get the AVC or even an AVR. I showed him everything but I don't know if he already has something in mind. I know he is annoyed with our current jeweler too, so hopefully I am helping him to make the decision. I really want the AVC but he also wants to surprise me. He asked me what I liked and I showed him a couple things. We did look at the Gabriel setting in person so I'm pretty decided about that. I just hope I get an August vintage!