The search for 3 ctw OEC studs

[t86]

I’d really appreciate your help in picking out a pair of 3 ctw (7 mm or so) studs! (I apparently have big taste and big lobes!) I’m not in any hurry, so if these aren’t it, I’m happy to wait. I'm thinking OEC because I generally like their facet pattern better than MRB, but can anyone weigh in if the facet pattern is really noticeable on the ears? I’m also going to want jackets for days when I want to bling it up. My top criteria are cut and size. I'm less picky with color and clarity, especially with color since they're old cuts. I’m trying to stick to a budget of around $10k if possible!

I have a few options for OEC studs right now. Adam at Old World Diamonds showed me a pair of 7.1 mm 2.9 ctw studs that looked pretty nice and were in budget. They weren't super sparkly, but he attributed it to the terrible lighting in his office, which he called "buying lights"--lights that show diamonds in the worst light so he can evaluate whether to buy them. These are L/M color and VS1-VVS2 clarity. For Ls and Ms, I have to say, I didn't really see any color. They just looked white and lovely.

 

[t86]

He also sent me video of the 7.1mm studs next to a pair of 1.61M/VS1 & 1.63 M/VS2 (so 3.2 ctw) studs measuring 7.4 mm. 7.1 on the left, 7.4 on the right. Unfortunately, the 7.4 are around $2,500 more. The size difference seems negligible, although I have to admit, the 7.4 mm facet pattern is prettier.

Link to video:

Last option are these O/SI1 and P/SI2 August Vintage European Cuts. Jonathan assures me they would be a matched pair and that they are eye clean. I’m really digging the facet pattern and of course, I love the light performance of the August Vintage. But they are lower in color and clarity than the Old World Diamond options. Judging from my visit to Adam’s office, I’m pretty color tolerant, but I’m not sure about O/P. These are right at around budget.

1.5ct P SI2 August Vintage European Cut 74450355

Diamond Details Measurements 7.15 - 7.19 x 4.75 Cut Grade Ideal Polish Excellent Symmetry Excellent Fluorescence Negligible Culet Pointed Report Click here to view this diamonds AGS Report. Table 0.495 Depth 0.662

www.distinctivegem.com

1.5ct O SI1 August Vintage European Cut 74190250

Diamond Details Measurements 7.15 - 7.22 x 4.73 Cut Grade Ideal Polish Excellent Symmetry Ideal Fluorescence Negligible Culet Pointed Report Click here to view this diamonds AGS Report. Table 0.498 Depth 0.658

www.distinctivegem.com

Anyone have any thoughts?

 

[leukolenos]

I will say you definitely can tell a difference on the ears at this size. I have almost this exact size in OEC studs (3.3ctw, 7.4/5mm)- but it seems you know you want oec studs so I say stick with it. I get a lot of comments on mine, I think because the “flavor” of the sparkle is different than mrb studs. They are quite eye catching.

Between the options you have, I don’t think any are poor choices really. For me personally the OP color of the AVRs would not be a deal breaker, but if you are curious you could order them and see. I would ask Adam to show you some OP stones to see how you feel about them. Personally, I wish I had bought lower color studs myself, so I think exploring your color tolerance is a worthy investment.

 

[headlight]

@leukolenos What color are your studs?
@t86 Have you checked with Leigh at antiqueengagementrings.com? I have purchased many pieces from him over the years and I have a pair of OMCs that are Ks which is shocking for me, I know, given I'm like the color(less) annoying poster here, but they look much less than what would think when they think "K". I didn't even realize that was what they were evaluated at (just an appraisal, not a GIA report) until recently when I was going through my "jewelry receipt" file lol. See if he has anything for you as OECs are what he does.