Setting "Gladys": my new 4 carat OEC from JbEG

[misskittycat]

Mr K and I have been talking about a significant piece of jewelry for our tenth anniversary next year and I was very keen on getting a large antique diamond ring. I have been doing quite a bit of research about stones and what I like so that when the time came I would know what to look for and the kind of style that appealed to me. My holy grail was 4ct, small table, chunky facet pattern (but not too chunky) 10mm, no visible inclusions and a little bit of warmth but not too low coloured. I prefered an OEC but was open to the right cushion as well. If I found a beautiful 3ct stone that fit all of those parameters I would have considered a three stone ring but I think my heart lay with the honking solitaire idea.

Just over a week ago, Erica and Grace sent out their sneak peek newsletter and there, front and centre, was Gladys. She ticked all of the boxes. She is a cushiony OEC, a GIA L, no visible inclusions.... She made my heart go pitter patter.

http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.com/Jewelry/Loose-Diamonds/400ct-Old-European-Cut-Diamond/30664232_SSTH63#!i=2648514313&k=jQLQffg

After dropping a lot of hints, Mr K finally took the initiative and asked if I wanted to buy her. I immediately contacted Erica and a few days later, the deposit is now paid and she is (partially) mine.

I did check in with Adam at OWD but I think I faced the same challenges as Valmanin in that he doesn't seem to have a huge amount in the spec set that i have and the price range we were willing to pay. The best we could do was a full carat smaller in a beautiful OEC that was almost the same price. I have to say Gladys was more than Mr K had planned on spending but she is honestly an incredibly good deal. Or so I think!

So next steps - we need to find a setting for her. I have been tossing up between the Julia and the Sophie but Erica said this morning that they could also go custom if there was something else I liked. I currently have a halo engagement ring (and I honestly think that putting a halo on her wouldn't work for me day to day anyway) and want something classic but slightly vintage. I am in no particular hurry to have her set but would like to get her back to Australia before Christmas. Any brilliant suggestions?

 

[nowicanseethemoon]

Oh my goodness... you're such a lucky lady. I love that stone, but she was way out of the budget (for now anyway). I'm so glad you snatched her up! I am absolutely in love with the Julia setting, but that's because that's what fits my lifestyle and taste. I think with a big, gorgeous stone like your Gladys, you want her to be the star and since she's so large, you don't want too much else to distract from her. Is JbEG back to doing custom? I hadn't heard that, but how exciting. I'm anxious to hear what the great peeps around here suggest for you.

 

[misskittycat]

Thanks nowicanseethemoon. Lucky doesn't even begin to cover it, hey? Erica said the Jeweller they work with can do pretty much anything I want so I guess so. My concern is protecting the girdle a bit. I'm not tough on my rings but I don't want a boo boo if I can avoid it. I like the Julia but there is something about the simplicity of the Sophie that just gets me all aaaah. I have a couple of weeks to think.

 

[Rosebloom]

Re: Setting "Gladys": my new 4 carat OEC from JbEG

Oh I am so jealous!!! What a marvelous stone!

I love the JbEG settings but for that gorgeous rock I'd have Single Stone make the setting.

 

[misskittycat]

Oh, that would be amazing!! But unfortunately the budget doesn't stretch to Singlestone or LM or VC or SK. As much as I would like it to. What I like about the JbEG settings is they are more "a touch of vintage in a modern world" - as much as I'd like something truly vintage I don't think I would wear it all that frequently and I want to wear this ring all the time

 

[IE_Princess]

Congrats!!!!!

I prefer the Sophie. Something about the combination of modern/vintage doesn't speak to me in the Julia. But yeah, Single Stone! Go all out and get the perfect setting the first time around.

 

[Slickk]

Oh my Misskitty! That stone is divine. All I can say is WOW
I have no idea on setting it, but I would want Gladys to be the complete star. Congratulations!

 

[SB621]

If you don't want a halo I think a rosebud inspired setting would be marvelous! Especially with diamonds in the curved basket

 

[misskittycat]

If you don't want a halo I think a rosebud inspired setting would be marvelous! Especially with diamonds in the curved basket

SB621, when I think about what I would love, it's something like Venice's original setting. As much as I adore her in the halo, I also loved the simplicity of that setting. It was just heaven.

 

[ClassyRocks]

It is beautiful! I am so happy for you!

 

[Missy]

Gorgeous! I think it will look amazing in a solitaire setting! I prefer the Sophie setting for your stone but I don't think you could go wrong with either.

 

[yennyfire]

I think a rosé gold solitaire would be gorgeous!! Can't wait to see more photos!

 

[arkieb1]

Very Cool, I love this stone!!!! I have something sort of similar I found here in Australia recently and its sitting unset, so I will be very interested to see what you do with it.

 

[SB621]

If you don't want a halo I think a rosebud inspired setting would be marvelous! Especially with diamonds in the curved basket

SB621, when I think about what I would love, it's something like Venice's original setting. As much as I adore her in the halo, I also loved the simplicity of that setting. It was just heaven.

Thanks MKC! That setting is actually with Jbeg right now. They were going to melt it down since I had no use for it. If you have interest you could probably ask them to plop your Gladys in there to see if you think you like it in that type of setting. At least it can give you a visual. I personally loved it but my diamond wasn't completely symmetrical so it drove me crazy from the top down view. That and I really needed some extra sparkle as it was a little too simple for me. I'm just not a solitare girl. I don' t think they have melted it yet.

 

[junebug17]

Wow, gorgeous stone!! I know what you mean about a somewhat vintage setting that also has a bit of a contemporary feel to it...I want to reset my OEC and have been looking for a similar kind of setting - and they're not that easy to find lol. I think your stone would look lovely in the Sophie - here's a thread about Burk's modified Sophie - it has a split shank and cathedral sides, I think it is so pretty.

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/burks-upgrade-2-8ct-omc-in-jbeg.170918/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/burks-upgrade-2-8ct-omc-in-jbeg.170918/[/URL]

 

[misskittycat]

Gorgeous! I think it will look amazing in a solitaire setting! I prefer the Sophie setting for your stone but I don't think you could go wrong with either.

Thanks Missy! I really gravitate towards the four prong look. I think it might help make her look a little more cushiony?

I think a rosé gold solitaire would be gorgeous!! Can't wait to see more photos!

Yennyfire, that would be amazing! I don't own any rose gold at all - I might have to hunt something down to see how it looks on my skin tone. I have quite pale skin with a pink undertone. Erica will have the diamond Thurs/Friday and has promised more photos over the weekend so there will be more before I get the ring!

Very Cool, I love this stone!!!! I have something sort of similar I found here in Australia recently and its sitting unset, so I will be very interested to see what you do with it.

I found nothing like this in Australia, arkieb!! Other than at overpriced (but excellent quality) antique jewellers like Martin and Stein, Catanach's and Keshetts. And I am nowhere near good enough to try ebay for things like this. I bow down to you!!

Thanks MKC! That setting is actually with Jbeg right now. They were going to melt it down since I had no use for it. If you have interest you could probably ask them to plop your Gladys in there to see if you think you like it in that type of setting. At least it can give you a visual. I personally loved it but my diamond wasn't completely symmetrical so it drove me crazy from the top down view. That and I really needed some extra sparkle as it was a little too simple for me. I'm just not a solitare girl. I don' t think they have melted it yet.

I was a bit worried about the symmetry of "Gladys" too (I think she needs a new, more glam name, between us). I raised it with Erica and she said top down she is very symmetrical for an old cut. Apparently the pavillion facets are a little less than ideal and that's why it scored a Fair on the Symmetry grading. I completely get you on the more sparkle thing too. I think Venice looks fabulous in her new home. I'll email Erica this afternoon about whether they still have your old setting and whether she can take some photos of my stone in it to get a sense of what it would look like. I like the idea of a little bit of sparkle on the gallery. That would be very cool.

I had a chat with Mr K about the setting and we are both of the opinion that simple is best for the moment. He is completely open to a reset down the track, but for the moment I really want to wear her, get to know her personality and enjoy her in a reasonably simple setting. I'd love something like Wintotty's Leon Mege with the french cut shoulders but I think it's probably a bit too glam for me to pull off right now And I want this to be a ring I wear all the time. She's too pretty to sit in the bank vault.

I'm lucky enough to also have two great reference rings: the original Sophie and Julia rings were both made for stones almost exactly the same size as mine.

http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.com/SignatureSettingsPortfolio/Plain-and-Pave-Solitaires/The-Sophie-Solitaire-featuring/12794511_MHJVsv#!i=801843123&k=qWfRLdh

http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.com/SignatureSettingsPortfolio/Plain-and-Pave-Solitaires/The-Julia-Solitaire-featuring/12794553_8DFVw7#!i=822099855&k=Pc775fm

So much to think about.

 

[misskittycat]

Wow, gorgeous stone!! I know what you mean about a somewhat vintage setting that also has a bit of a contemporary feel to it...I want to reset my OEC and have been looking for a similar kind of setting - and they're not that easy to find lol. I think your stone would look lovely in the Sophie - here's a thread about Burk's modified Sophie - it has a split shank and cathedral sides, I think it is so pretty.

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/burks-upgrade-2-8ct-omc-in-jbeg.170918/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/burks-upgrade-2-8ct-omc-in-jbeg.170918/[/URL]

It's really challenging! I like Burk's modified Sophie but I think I like the look of the non-pave version more!

 

[Laila619]

I think a simple basket solitaire with double claw prongs (a la Boston Jeff's) would be perfect!!

 

[misskittycat]

Laila, I was thinking something along the same lines too. Great minds!! I got the idea from looking at JustGinger's Poppy. My only reservation is that the donut might be a bit big as I like my rings to sit together with as little gap as possible. But the Boston Jeff is just unbelievable. Double claws, sleek, stunning. Arrrgghh!! I think I need MOAR DIAMONDS (don't tell Mr K)....

 

[misskittycat]

I also Love Alistra's Belle in her original 1910 setting: [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/belle-of-the-ball.183344/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/belle-of-the-ball.183344/[/URL]

 

[Laila619]

Laila, I was thinking something along the same lines too. Great minds!! I got the idea from looking at JustGinger's Poppy. My only reservation is that the donut might be a bit big as I like my rings to sit together with as little gap as possible. But the Boston Jeff is just unbelievable. Double claws, sleek, stunning. Arrrgghh!! I think I need MOAR DIAMONDS (don't tell Mr K)....

I hear you, but I think a little gap between the e-ring and wedding band looks sexy! But if it bothers you, it might not work.

Congrats on your new stone by the way!

 

[junebug17]

Wow, gorgeous stone!! I know what you mean about a somewhat vintage setting that also has a bit of a contemporary feel to it...I want to reset my OEC and have been looking for a similar kind of setting - and they're not that easy to find lol. I think your stone would look lovely in the Sophie - here's a thread about Burk's modified Sophie - it has a split shank and cathedral sides, I think it is so pretty.

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/burks-upgrade-2-8ct-omc-in-jbeg.170918/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/burks-upgrade-2-8ct-omc-in-jbeg.170918/[/URL]

It's really challenging! I like Burk's modified Sophie but I think I like the look of the non-pave version more!

Oh sure - I just remembered her ring and thought I would mention it! I think a simple solitaire as Laila suggested would look beautiful! I think large stones like yours look very elegant set that way.

 

[misskittycat]

The more I look at it, JuneBug, the more I like it. The proportions are just dreamy. And the split shank is lovely.

 

[junebug17]

The more I look at it, JuneBug, the more I like it. The proportions are just dreamy. And the split shank is lovely.

Oh, it's gorgeous for sure! I love the split shank too!

 

[SB621]

Oh good I hope they haven't melted it yet and you can see some visual references. When I put Venice into her first setting as soon as I saw it I knew the solitare wasn't for me at all, so I'm just hoping you will see it and have a better idea of what you want.

 

[misskittycat]

Thanks Sarah! I literally just emailed Erica about it.

At the very least it might eliminate an option but I am quite keen on a solitaire I think and I always loved Venice's first setting. I like the unique shape and support structure. I'm not sure I want a plain, traditional solitaire - a Tiffany style 6 prong doesn't do anything for me, for example.

 

[SB621]

Well goodluck with whatever you decide on. I know the Boston Jeff setting is popular but it doesn't do much for me so I hear ya about the Tiffany 6 prong. I love the rosebud insired setting that DS suggested and what I ended up with the 1st time around. However, I think my AC just didn't fit the bill for it. I would still really love to do the full diamond version on a colored stone though

 

[valmanin]

misskittycat - First of all, congratulations!!! I considered that stone for myself...even contacted Grace when it was posted on FB, but in the end it was too much moola ! I am so glad you got it!

Since you like Just Ginger's setting, but were concerned with the donut, I thought I would post a pic of mine for reference. It is very similar to the "Boston Jeff" style but doesn't have a donut. I actually should have insisted on one (another case of not listening to DS who advised me to have them make the ring with a donut ) because I prefer for my rings to have space between them. Mine sits completely flush. So, hopefully that helps if you do consider a setting like this. I also wanted to mention that I do think this type setting on a round/ish stone gives it a cushioney vibe that I really enjoy!

 

[misskittycat]

Well goodluck with whatever you decide on. I know the Boston Jeff setting is popular but it doesn't do much for me so I hear ya about the Tiffany 6 prong. I love the rosebud insired setting that DS suggested and what I ended up with the 1st time around. However, I think my AC just didn't fit the bill for it. I would still really love to do the full diamond version on a colored stone though

Thanks - Erica got back to me overnight and said they still have the setting as well as another one Grace says will fit the stone so she is shipping those up this weekend and will take photos next week for me. Stay tuned!!

I like the Tiffany style 6 prong for smaller stones. I think in a jewel this big that style will sit far too high off my finger for comfort.

Valmanin, I love your ring but hadn't considered it because of the yellow gold! I think that style would look lovely in white gold. It reminds me a little of a modified Julia: http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.com/SignatureSettingsPortfolio/Plain-and-Pave-Solitaires/The-Julia-Surprise-Solitaire/14113210_Xzk22B#!i=1060009289&k=4gRSxmh I also love your slight split shank. So gorgeous.

 

[justginger]

Laila, I was thinking something along the same lines too. Great minds!! I got the idea from looking at JustGinger's Poppy. My only reservation is that the donut might be a bit big as I like my rings to sit together with as little gap as possible. But the Boston Jeff is just unbelievable. Double claws, sleek, stunning. Arrrgghh!! I think I need MOAR DIAMONDS (don't tell Mr K)....

I wear a plain yellow gold band (my mother's original wedding band) next to Poppy with a relatively small gap. My finger doesn't get pinched, but I have picked up the habit of clicking the rings together when I'm particularly fiddly. Here's a photo so you can see how much of a gap the donut causes, in case this is a style you're still considering.



Personally, when you've got a diamond at 10mm, I feel like structurally a donut is sort of non-negotiable. I wanted a ring I could wear daily, in and out of gloves, with no worries of stability or security - having a 10mm diamond on a non-donut band would have made me fret. I don't like having a big gap between rings, but nor do I like the idea that Poppy could come unseated.

You've nabbed a beautiful stone! I saw her in the Sneak Preview and loved her immediately. I adore my own cushion, but OECs as a whole are what really make my heart sing.