Selecting a small old mine cut

[Picabia]

Hello again,
I'm in the processes of putting together a pair of everyday studs for my (relatively new) wife. I inherited a small old mine cut stone that is approx. .4 carats, and I'm now looking for its mate. I've left the stone with Old World Diamonds, and they have apparently found a few matches for me to look at tomorrow. The price is right, but I'm not entirely sure what I'm doing. Here's the problem. Most of these old stones aren't certified. When they are they're EGL. Newly cut stones this size aren't too much more (and by this size I mean this spread, so smaller ct wt), and often come with certification. My dilemma is that I want to get a fair price for a decent stone. So what do I look for? Obviously the main issue is making sure the stones match. Since old mine cuts have somewhat unique personalities, the match will only be approximate. But with all else being equal, how do I ensure that I'm not paying a premium for what is basically an old department store diamond (if that question makes sense). How do I select a quality small mine cut stone instead of a somewhat generic stone without any expertise?
Thanks as always for the help!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Old World Diamonds is a reputable source and you will be paying retail. A lot of girls here have invested time in shopping for stones on ebay for antique stones at bargain prices, but that takes time and effort (as in buying stones that might not work and you have to resell). Since you are working on a smaller stone, I'd probably just pay the premium to have them match it. But ask for close up photos and post here before buying.

 

[Picabia]

I'm definitely going to pay the premium for them to match my stone. There's no way I could do that myself paging through online auctions and the small lots of vintage inventory at local shops. I guess I'm just wondering if there's anything I should look for--aside from a match.

PS I somehow have a "trade" badge on my account now. I don't know what that means, but I'm not looking to trade anything!

 

[mandasand]

Just let the admin know to remove the trade button...

I agree that going with OWD is probably the way to go. I wouldn't worry to much about the stones being graded EGL because that's pretty much the standard grading with old cut stones.

If you want a second option, you can send pics and specs to Erica with Jewels by Erica Grace. They also specialize in antique stones. Good Old Gold also has access to old cut stones.