Hey everyone,
I’ve been a long-time lurker on these forums and could really use your help in making a decision. I’m in the market for a lab-grown OEC for an anniversary ring, aiming for something between 2.75-3 carats with a budget of $3k for the stone.
Here are the options I’m considering:
Option 1: Purchase a lab-grown round brilliant (MRB) and send it to SW cutters. I've seen positive feedback from other PS'ers, but it means committing to the one stone they cut.
Option 2: Purchase a lab-grown OEC with IDJ. The advantage here is potentially exploring multiple OEC options, but I'm unsure about their inventory, the cutters they source from (i.e., are they as good as SW?), and the range of quality available.
Option 3: Exploring Parks Antique OEC selection. While he sells OECs regularly, the disadvantage is no customer service and having to buy what becomes available on his IG.
My main priority is finding a well-cut and sparkly stone. Since I’m not too familiar with OEC cuts, I’m relying more heavily on the vendor’s expertise. I do have some reservations about options 2 and 3, particularly regarding their sources and the expertise of the cutters. Though FWIW, I’ve had really positive experiences with past purchases from IDJ, but they’ve always been with MRB.
I’d really appreciate any advice or any other recommendations you could share on these options!
I’ve been a long-time lurker on these forums and could really use your help in making a decision. I’m in the market for a lab-grown OEC for an anniversary ring, aiming for something between 2.75-3 carats with a budget of $3k for the stone.
Here are the options I’m considering:
Option 1: Purchase a lab-grown round brilliant (MRB) and send it to SW cutters. I've seen positive feedback from other PS'ers, but it means committing to the one stone they cut.
Option 2: Purchase a lab-grown OEC with IDJ. The advantage here is potentially exploring multiple OEC options, but I'm unsure about their inventory, the cutters they source from (i.e., are they as good as SW?), and the range of quality available.
Option 3: Exploring Parks Antique OEC selection. While he sells OECs regularly, the disadvantage is no customer service and having to buy what becomes available on his IG.
My main priority is finding a well-cut and sparkly stone. Since I’m not too familiar with OEC cuts, I’m relying more heavily on the vendor’s expertise. I do have some reservations about options 2 and 3, particularly regarding their sources and the expertise of the cutters. Though FWIW, I’ve had really positive experiences with past purchases from IDJ, but they’ve always been with MRB.
I’d really appreciate any advice or any other recommendations you could share on these options!