Tempted by this OEC--advice?

[glitterata]

I saw this OEC in the booth of an antique jewelry dealer and was tempted. It's very fiery and lively. It has a small table and a big culet. The cut is not very symmetrical, but I don't mind that in an OEC. The dealer told me it was "about a carat" and "very white," which she said was based on her own evaluation of the diamond in its setting, not on an independent appraisal or lab report. The setting is 14K yellow gold in a style popular in the late 19th-early 20th century, very simple; if I bought this, I would probably reset it.

I asked how white? She said G/H. It does face up pretty white, but I definitely saw yellow from the side--I'm guessing it's J or lower. I inspected it through a loupe and saw a little chip or natural on the girdle, and nothing else glaring, though it was a little smudged/dirty, and something could be hiding under a prong. This seller has some lovely antique jewelry, and the stuff that I'm knowledgeable about is generally accurately described. Her prices for items I'm knowledgeable about are generally not outrageous, but not super cheap either.

These photos show the OEC ring on my pinky, with my 1.4mm round sapphire on my ring finger. The settings are about the same height.

Does "about a carat" look plausible?

Would you be tempted by this diamond? If so, what would consider a decent price?

 

[lulu_ma]

How many mm is the diamond? Here are a couple of potential comps of stone less than a carat:

0.84ct CERTIFIED G SI1 OLD EUROPEAN CUT DIAMOND VINTAGE ANTIQUE LOOSE NATURAL

This stunning 0.84ct old European cut certified diamond is brilliantly white, 100% eye clean, and remarkably brilliant and fiery! The cut on this diamond is particularly well executed with fantastic, bright sparkle and excellent light performance! The diamond is also utterly unique! Cut by hand...

ivyandrose.com

CERTIFIED .94ct F SI2 OLD EUROPEAN CUT DIAMOND VINTAGE ANTIQUE LOOSE NATURAL 1ct

This stunning 0.94ct old European cut certified diamond is very bright white, 100% eye clean, and remarkably brilliant and fiery! Old European cuts tend to have a bit of warmth, so it is uncommon to find one with bright white F color. The diamond is also utterly unique! Cut by hand a lifetime in...

ivyandrose.com

 

[Tourmaline]

I can’t tell much from your pictures, but I would be tempted by this, and I love the original setting!

 

[Musia]

I know nothing but I look at your gorgeous sapphire and this diamond and think they could be friends . They look lovely next to each other!

 

[glitterata]

Thank you, diamond friends. Hm. I didn't have a caliper with me and don't know the diameter (or other measurements). I suspect it's possibly higher clarity and much lower color than the two comps Lulu suggested, but it may be bigger. Or maybe not. Anyway, I think I don't have enough info to buy it safely, so I guess I'll pass.

 

[kgizo]

@Mreader found this OEC and the price is great. It’s warmer than the one you are considering and has a GIA report.

GIA 1940s Antique Art Deco Solid 18K White Gold 1.25ct Diamond Engagement Ring | eBay

GIA Certificate. Ring Band (Shank) Width 6.24 tapering to 1.73 mm. Center Stone Type. Center Stone Color/Clarity N. VS2. Center Stone Carat Weight 1.25ct. All inquiries are Quick, Secure, & Confidential.

www.ebay.com

 

[Mreader]

@Mreader found this OEC and the price is great. It’s warmer than the one you are considering and has a GIA report.

GIA 1940s Antique Art Deco Solid 18K White Gold 1.25ct Diamond Engagement Ring | eBay

GIA Certificate. Ring Band (Shank) Width 6.24 tapering to 1.73 mm. Center Stone Type. Center Stone Color/Clarity N. VS2. Center Stone Carat Weight 1.25ct. All inquiries are Quick, Secure, & Confidential.

www.ebay.com

Not to derail but I keep coming back to this and trying to figure out why the price is so low. Any ideas? When I do comps I can’t find anything near that price. Like is the facet pattern not great or something? It’s only one photograph facing forward. Anyway just scratching my head over it!!

ETA - if you are smitten w the ring @glitterata you can return w calipers and measure

 

[kgizo]

Not to derail but I keep coming back to this and trying to figure out why the price is so low. Any ideas? When I do comps I can’t find anything near that price. Like is the facet pattern not great or something? It’s only one photograph facing forward. Anyway just scratching my head over it!!

ETA - if you are smitten w the ring @glitterata you can return w calipers and measure

Wonder if the price is low because the GIA is 2/20 so they’ve had this for over a year and may just want to sell it and get cash in hand. They don’t have the “make an offer” button so perhaps this is the lowest price they will accept. It looks promising in the photos and the seller has good reviews so worth a shot for someone looking for an OEC with these specs.