Should I pull the trigger?

[Keeliamira]

I’ve been on the hunt for an ACC/OMC over 2.5cts for quite a while now. This week I came across the ring below. It’s a little under 3.5ct K SI1 in an original 1930s setting. I’m quite taken with it although I didn’t anticipate liking a K color stone. I quite like the face up size (8.5mm x 11mm x 5.5mm) and the setting speaks to me. It’s also significantly under budget.

There is a feather that reaches the surface in one corner and a tiny carbon bit, both of which were impossible to see in videos and photos until the dealer sent the super magnified one below. The dealer says she can’t tell if the feather extends to the girdle because of the bezel. There is a return period. The seller seems reputable with literally thousands of great reviews and a couple of PriceScope mentions. My only misgivings are regarding not knowing whether there is damage to the stone under the bezel, and whether the surface-teaching feather is a concern. What are your thoughts?

Third photo is next to a GIA I graded stone. This stone does not have a cert because the dealer does not want to unmount it so her representation of color and clarity is based solely on her GIA training, etc.

 

[leukolenos]

Oh man. I don’t know. On the one hand, I think there’s a lot to be said for finding an intact antique piece that is just so cool.

However, I don’t love the cut on the stone, and combined with a scary feather it might be a deal breaker for me. The facet pattern isn’t doing anything for me.

Maybe if you love it you could get it in person to see? Alternatively you could have it sent to an appraiser to get a second pair of eyes on it and see what they think if the feather.

 

[pearaffair]

I’m not in love with the cut. How strongly do you think you would not love a K?

Every time I buy a low colour I don’t like it. I like the price though but I always end up returning or selling.

 

[leukolenos]

I have K color antique studs and I love them. So to me, the issue is not the color. It may be problematic to you. Even if it were a D color, the feather issue is the big one.

Here’s an example of a very similar ring, no carbon or feather (also lots more $$$$). I’ve loved this one forever!
https://www.newyorkestatejewelry.co...gement-Rings&int_item_id=28275&int_category=3

 

[Keeliamira]

Oh man. I don’t know. On the one hand, I think there’s a lot to be said for finding an intact antique piece that is just so cool... you could have it sent to an appraiser to get a second pair of eyes on it and see what they think if the feather.

I think the feather is really a no-go. I do love it and the elongated shape but that feather... sad

I’m not in love with the cut. How strongly do you think you would not love a K?

Every time I buy a low colour I don’t like it. I like the price though but I always end up returning or selling.

Good point. Adam with OWD sent me a beautiful stone that was a K and I just couldn’t get over the color. This one though seemed to face whiter. Then there’s the cut...why does this have to be so hard? The searching and evaluating is really wearing me down and stressing me out. I just want to be done and have a lovely sparkly thing on my hand already.

I have K color antique studs and I love them. So to me, the issue is not the color. It may be problematic to you. Even if it were a D color, the feather issue is the big one.

Here’s an example of a very similar ring, no carbon or feather (also lots more $$$$). I’ve loved this one forever!
https://www.newyorkestatejewelry.co...gement-Rings&int_item_id=28275&int_category=3

I’ve seen that one and it’s but it’s a K and I really see the color in it so it’s not total love for me. If only some PSer with a 3ct Acc/OMC would get a surprise Christmas upgrade and need to sell to pay for a new setting... here’s hoping!

 

[leukolenos]

I think the feather is really a no-go. I do love it and the elongated shape but that feather... sad


Good point. Adam with OWD sent me a beautiful stone that was a K and I just couldn’t get over the color. This one though seemed to face whiter. Then there’s the cut...why does this have to be so hard? The searching and evaluating is really wearing me down and stressing me out. I just want to be done and have a lovely sparkly thing on my hand already.



I’ve seen that one and it’s but it’s a K and I really see the color in it so it’s not total love for me. If only some PSer with a 3ct Acc/OMC would get a surprise Christmas upgrade and need to sell to pay for a new setting... here’s hoping!

Fingers crossed for you! You are right it is so hard! It's tough in larger sizes and it gets even harder in higher colors. The air is thin up there. Keep looking....your stone will find you! Mine did when I wasn't even really looking!