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Searching for an antique engagement ring, budget under 2k

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bookworm218

Rough_Rock
Joined
Sep 9, 2012
Messages
2
Hello everybody,
I'm new to posting, but I have been lurking and learning in the Pricescope community for several months. My significant other and I are going to be engaged soon, and him and I are selecting my ring together. I would really like an antique diamond ring, preferably set in platinum, but white gold is good too. I am pretty much set on an OEC diamond (I do like some OMCs too), I am just absolutely in love with the chunky, flowery facets. Our budget is under $2000, but I'm trying to keep it as low as possible of course. I just really want something special with history, and something that wont look too miniscule on my size 7.5 finger! Anyway, here are the rings I'm leaning towards right now, I'd appreciate any thoughts you have on these, and any suggestions for other rings you might have.

1. My favorite so far,
http://www.ebay.com/itm/ORIGINAL-VINTAGE-ENGAGEMENT-RING-0-79CT-CENTER-DIAMOND-H-SI1-OLD-EURO-CUT-RETRO-/170954054034?pt=Diamond_Solitaire_Rings&hash=item27cda7d992

2. Not sure about the illusion setting here, but I do like this ring. http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-2ct-VINTAGE-EURO-CUT-IDEAL-CUT-VS1-ORIGINAL-DIAMOND-ESTATE-ENGAGEMENT-RING-OLD-/170953528026?pt=Diamond_Solitaire_Rings&hash=item27cd9fd2da

3. I think I would also be happy with this OMC ring: http://www.ebay.com/itm/0-85ct-ORIGINAL-VINTAGE-OLD-MINE-CUT-DIAMOND-H-SI1-ANTIQUE-ENGAGEMENT-RING-OMC-/150959626984?_trksid=p2047675.m1850&_trkparms=aid%3D222002%26algo%3DSIC.FIT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D11%26meid%3D3949769256699741801%26pid%3D100011%26prg%3D1005%26rk%3D1%26sd%3D170930234551%26

Thank you for your help!
 
Re: Searching for an antique engagement ring, budget under 2

If you look at the hand shots, the second one will give you the most visual bang for the buck. I got a .75 ct. OEC ring with an interesting illusion head from that vendor and it looks way bigger than it really is. I would be happy with any of those. I think they're all beautiful.

liz
 
Re: Searching for an antique engagement ring, budget under 2

I would also check:
http://antiqueengagementrings.com/shopping/default.asp
http://jewelsbyericagrace.com/
http://www.langantiques.com/products/type/engagement-rings

I have been in contact with all three vendors and they are all really wonderful to work with. I would recommend these vendors more than My Diamond Zone. I know many people have had good luck with DZ, but the photos aren't very good which would worry me. Perhaps you can get better photos before you buy.
 
Re: Searching for an antique engagement ring, budget under 2

At the bottom of this page: http://www.jewelsbyericagrace.com/antique_vintage_and_reproduction_rings

there is a "Lisa" setting with a .39 ct. OEC. I just had a "Lisa" made for a .79 old cut oval and love that setting. The head is an illusion head but it's not at all obvious because the illusion part is created by the top edges of the six hearts that made the basket.

There are several other rings on that page that are within your budget.

liz
 
Re: Searching for an antique engagement ring, budget under 2

bookworm218|1354741038|3323387 said:
Hello everybody,
I'm new to posting, but I have been lurking and learning in the Pricescope community for several months. My significant other and I are going to be engaged soon, and him and I are selecting my ring together. I would really like an antique diamond ring, preferably set in platinum, but white gold is good too. I am pretty much set on an OEC diamond (I do like some OMCs too), I am just absolutely in love with the chunky, flowery facets. Our budget is under $2000, but I'm trying to keep it as low as possible of course. I just really want something special with history, and something that wont look too miniscule on my size 7.5 finger! Anyway, here are the rings I'm leaning towards right now, I'd appreciate any thoughts you have on these, and any suggestions for other rings you might have.

1. My favorite so far,
http://www.ebay.com/itm/ORIGINAL-VINTAGE-ENGAGEMENT-RING-0-79CT-CENTER-DIAMOND-H-SI1-OLD-EURO-CUT-RETRO-/170954054034?pt=Diamond_Solitaire_Rings&hash=item27cda7d992

2. Not sure about the illusion setting here, but I do like this ring. http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-2ct-VINTAGE-EURO-CUT-IDEAL-CUT-VS1-ORIGINAL-DIAMOND-ESTATE-ENGAGEMENT-RING-OLD-/170953528026?pt=Diamond_Solitaire_Rings&hash=item27cd9fd2da

3. I think I would also be happy with this OMC ring: http://www.ebay.com/itm/0-85ct-ORIGINAL-VINTAGE-OLD-MINE-CUT-DIAMOND-H-SI1-ANTIQUE-ENGAGEMENT-RING-OMC-/150959626984?_trksid=p2047675.m1850&_trkparms=aid%3D222002%26algo%3DSIC.FIT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D11%26meid%3D3949769256699741801%26pid%3D100011%26prg%3D1005%26rk%3D1%26sd%3D170930234551%26

Thank you for your help!
Click to expand...

I like the first one best. I've contacted this seller before and they're very helpful. You could ask them for additional pics and videos. They sent me a nice handshot video that was helpful.

I haven't checked out what others have posted but I see they've listed other antique dealers which is a good idea to check out :)
 
Re: Searching for an antique engagement ring, budget under 2

I prefer Ruby's pic, but it's not for me, so what do YOU prefer????
 
Re: Searching for an antique engagement ring, budget under 2

Ruby found you a good 'un. :)
 
Re: Searching for an antique engagement ring, budget under 2

Thank you all so much for your help! I am looking at all of the suggested sites and will update the board when I've come to the decision, but right now I think I'm leaning toward's rubys ebay find! I still have a lot more that has been suggested here to look through, though. Thanks again, you are all wonderful!
 
Re: Searching for an antique engagement ring, budget under 2

Here's one I've had on my watch list for awhile:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/330838387100?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

Send the seller a message asking them if they'll take $1500. I made an offer before and they didn't want to budge much, but then they came back a couple weeks later telling me that they would take $1595. It's not white gold, but if you can get it for the right price you could have the diamond reset into a simple 4 or 6-prong setting for $150-250. (Americanset on eBay sells simple prong settings for cheap.) The only problem with the diamond is that there is a feather under one of the prongs, but it is a nice size for under $2000.

ETA: I ended up not purchasing it since I found something else, but had they told me sooner I might've pulled the trigger on it! It has a nice chunky look, and faces up like a modern 1ct at 6.5mm. But it's probably around ~1.12ct more or less since most old cuts around the 1ct mark face up around 6-6.1mm.
 
Re: Searching for an antique engagement ring, budget under 2

Xiriah, that ones's so pretty! Nice find!
 
Re: Searching for an antique engagement ring, budget under 2

Thanks purplesparklies! I put that little note on my post since I didn't want the OP to think there was anything wrong with the ring. If I was in the market for an old cut e-ring this would be my pick!
 
Re: Searching for an antique engagement ring, budget under 2

Xiriah|1354816351|3324504 said:
Thanks purplesparklies! I put that little note on my post since I didn't want the OP to think there was anything wrong with the ring. If I was in the market for an old cut e-ring this would be my pick!
Click to expand...

Really? It looks like an I1 or I2 clarity to me and super dark under the table. It hasn't been certified or appriased, so it's just what 'they" think is an SI2/J. I wouldn't recommend it for an e-ring, maybe a pendant or broach.
 
Re: Searching for an antique engagement ring, budget under 2

mandasand|1354828976|3324732 said:
Xiriah|1354816351|3324504 said:
Thanks purplesparklies! I put that little note on my post since I didn't want the OP to think there was anything wrong with the ring. If I was in the market for an old cut e-ring this would be my pick!
Click to expand...

Really? It looks like an I1 or I2 clarity to me and super dark under the table. It hasn't been certified or appriased, so it's just what 'they" think is an SI2/J. I wouldn't recommend it for an e-ring, maybe a pendant or broach.
Click to expand...

I think the darkness may just be the photography. I don't see any terrible inclusions there... I actually thought the Empire26 ring that ruby linked looked quite included, but I can't tell if that's just the photography. The description says you can't see anything up close, and yet they don't let you example their photos up close (though the loupe/zoom function). I like that coinstacker's photos are larger and clearer. Not to mention that the diamond is bigger! And a normal return policy... I'd check that one out first. No beautiful antique setting though, so if that's important to the OP, that one is out.
 
Re: Searching for an antique engagement ring, budget under 2

Hey Bookworm! Just wanted to support the vote for Leigh Jay Nacht. I was there at the end of October, had the opportunity to go to their office and meet with Leigh and Winona and try my unset OEC into a variety of settings. They are LOVELY people (I know --- you aren't "BUYING" the people...) but really worth a phone call to run some ideas past them and see what they could offer in your budget. There are other items not always on the internet, that they may know about. Their pieces were gorgeous!

Its definitely worth giving them a call - say Hi! from Enerchi when you talk to them :bigsmile:
 
Re: Searching for an antique engagement ring, budget under 2

mandasand|1354828976|3324732 said:
Xiriah|1354816351|3324504 said:
Thanks purplesparklies! I put that little note on my post since I didn't want the OP to think there was anything wrong with the ring. If I was in the market for an old cut e-ring this would be my pick!
Click to expand...

Really? It looks like an I1 or I2 clarity to me and super dark under the table. It hasn't been certified or appriased, so it's just what 'they" think is an SI2/J. I wouldn't recommend it for an e-ring, maybe a pendant or broach.
Click to expand...

I've been perusing eBay for awhile and trust me, it's hard to find a ~1ct OEC that faces up ~6.4 or 6.5mm for under $2000. You have to have a keen eye and keep checking back because deals get snatched up fast. I came across this one a while back and it hasn't been snatched up since it doesn't have OEC, old european or old mine cut in the title. It couldn't hurt to purchase it and just see it in person or even take it to an independent appraiser. The seller has a decent return policy and good feedback from what I can see.
 
Re: Searching for an antique engagement ring, budget under 2

ruby59 said:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/BREATHTAKING-DETAIL-ANTIQUE-SINGLE-80CT-DIAMOND-18K-WHITE-GOLD-ENGAGEMENT-RING-/130811346205?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1e74f6bd1d

I know this is at the top of the budget, but imo it is gorgeous.
Click to expand...

Pretty!!!
 
Re: Searching for an antique engagement ring, budget under 2

Enerchi|1354830386|3324764 said:
Hey Bookworm! Just wanted to support the vote for Leigh Jay Nacht. I was there at the end of October, had the opportunity to go to their office and meet with Leigh and Winona and try my unset OEC into a variety of settings. They are LOVELY people (I know --- you aren't "BUYING" the people...) but really worth a phone call to run some ideas past them and see what they could offer in your budget. There are other items not always on the internet, that they may know about. Their pieces were gorgeous!

Its definitely worth giving them a call - say Hi! from Enerchi when you talk to them :bigsmile:
Click to expand...

I agree! It depends on the style you like too...they have some pretty Art Deco style rings in the $2k price range. OR, you can have them pick an OEC and set it in one of their replica settings.
 
Re: Searching for an antique engagement ring, budget under 2

ruby59|1354746956|3323512 said:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/BREATHTAKING-DETAIL-ANTIQUE-SINGLE-80CT-DIAMOND-18K-WHITE-GOLD-ENGAGEMENT-RING-/130811346205?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1e74f6bd1d

I know this is at the top of the budget, but imo it is gorgeous.
Click to expand...

Oh my goodness! Please don't get this one!!!! It's SOOOO dirty! I can't believe they're saying that's SI clarity! That's got to be an I2!! I'm sorry, but I would absolutely never recommend a diamond like this. Have you checked out Old World Diamonds? Or JBeg?

This one's gorgeous and it's $2050...

http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.com/Jewelry/Rings-Antique-Vintage/51ct-OEC/25697832_9FzdgR#!i=2123741069&k=DJ4jWHn
 
Re: Searching for an antique engagement ring, budget under 2

Here is another one I found:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/REDUCED-NO-...51142490?pt=US_Fine_Rings&hash=item27cd7b6c5a

They list the quality as VS2, but I think it might be lower... In some photos it looks clean and in others it looks like it might have some inclusions. They have a 14-day return policy so if you're interested, you could look at it in person and return it if you don't like it. I would also ask the seller if they know the dimensions of the diamond.
 
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