Thinking of upgrading from EC to OEC, need some perspective

[Volvoqueen]

Hi,

Got engaged in 2009, married 2010, been 5 years of bliss, but many things have changed, and I feel my diamond tastes have evolved along the way.

I'm thinking of the forever stone, setting, and want to get some thoughts from the veterans here on the site.

I currently have EC 1.40 G SI1 EX VG 66.5% 60% 7.45x5.41x3.60, its a beautiful stone, purchased from ERD/BG, set in a LM four double pronged platinum cathedral setting.

But a couple of things have been learned since purchasing. My hair is very fine, it tangles on anything, and I've gotten it stuck in the prongs a couple of times, and we have a toddler, running around chasing her, not always delicate, because of these things I find myself not wearing my ring This has made me think about the forever setting, and I've set on a bezel setting for security and ease of wear.

What I am really in love with is OEC, I have debated about going vintage or with a new precision cut OEC (gold old gold is the only vendor I know of, if there are others I'd like to learn about them), but in the end think I will want to go with a new precision cut stone that really sparkles. Been wearing a 7.5mm CZ to see how I liked it (know it is a little bigger than what I'm shopping for), I reeeeally like it.

So my plan is this:

• -Cosign the ring whole and try to sell, if not possible then separate and sell
  -Find an OEC in the 1.5-1.64 tc range, warmer color than my EC, J, K, or L, SI1 or SI2 (eyeclean), Ideal Cut/Symmetry/Polish. Not in a hurry, will wait for the right stone to come along.

Setting I'm thinking about is a Platinum bezel set, clean, split shank for a little more finger coverage, no basket.

So that's my vision of how I'd like things to go. What I'd like is input on what doesn't sound realistic, things I'm not taking into consideration, what I need to watch out for, etc.

Thank you!

 

[Gypsy]

Re: Thinking of upgrading from EC to OEC, need some perspect

You know your kids are only todlers for a little while right? I wouldn't get a bezel unless you really want one. You can raise childern and successfully too, with prongs. I know plenty of pricescopers who do so.

 

[HegemonyCricket]

Re: Thinking of upgrading from EC to OEC, need some perspect

I have a toddler and a 5 year old, so I feel your pain! My OEC is set in a 6-prong solitaire setting (BGD tapered classic half round), which I like (and I do wear it when playing with the kiddos, though I do get concerned about the prongs sometimes -- should probably have those checked out by a jeweler soon). If I went with a bezel, I would love to try Erika Winters' Jin solitaire.

http://www.erikawinters.com/Engagement-Rings-Jin-Solitaire.html#.VoFFq69OKrU (current version)
http://www.jewelsbygrace.com/erika-winters-bridal/jin-solitaire-engagement-ring-setting#.VoFJrK9OKrU (previous iteration, which I prefer)

 

[Volvoqueen]

Re: Thinking of upgrading from EC to OEC, need some perspect

I laughed out loud when I read your post, the JIN setting is my starting spot for inspiration for a bezel setting. I really like the pillow bezel setting with a round stone.

Things I love in a setting.

-Platinum Setting. Don't know if I would want the satin finish. No milgrain on the band I go with, just the bezel.

-Love the double bezel, milgrain on the inside, smooth on the outside of this ERD ring https://www.pricescope.com/communit...-oec-in-an-18k-rose-gold-bezel-by-erd.194098/. This may be too much for the JIN like setting, maybe save for a pair of mini studs I've been dreaming about.

-Pillow Shape of this version of the Jin setting (as you said), less material/metal, more diamond proportionally http://www.erikawinters.com/jewelry-blog/tag/erika-winters-custom-jewelry-design/

-Split Shank - I'm not sure on this, I want more metal pretense/coverage (got a fat finger, size , but not to heavy, thinking a split shank may be the answer https://www.pricescope.com/communit...ushion-plain-split-shank-halo-created.177760/. I want to be able to have another band sit flush/almost flush with whatever setting I end up with, so its a balance, while having the thicker band/split shank.

-Open/no basket, as the JIN setting. You can also see this in Ratpacks three stone https://www.pricescope.com/communit...tone-and-wedding-band-by-single-stone.180821/

-Here is another example of the pillow setting shape with a round stone from Singstone https://www.pricescope.com/blog/jewel-week-unique-vintage-inspired-engagement-ring-reset

 

[Sagefemme]

Re: Thinking of upgrading from EC to OEC, need some perspect

"You can raise children and successfully too, with prongs." That made me laugh out loud, Gypsy. But I agree with you, about this first world problem.

I would just like to say that a superbly made ring with very precise, tapered prongs (like the small eagle claw-type) should catch on nothing, and snag nobody's hair, fine or not. If they do they need to be tweaked to be flatter to the stone.

And this is coming from a bezel-lover.

 

[ericad]

Re: Thinking of upgrading from EC to OEC, need some perspect

I have worn both prongs and bezels over the years (my DD is 10 now) and you can definitely go either way - a well made ring with prongs shouldn't be a problem. But my personal preference is a full bezel - it's just bulletproof and I love never giving my ring a second thought - I wear it all the time and know that it's protected and love the smooth "nothing on my finger" feeling of it. Especially with OEC's, you may be dealing with a thinner girdle, so I also love the protection of a bezel. But a 6 or 8 prong setting can be very protective as well - you should choose what you love most. Welcome to the old cut club!!!

 

[HegemonyCricket]

Re: Thinking of upgrading from EC to OEC, need some perspect

I laughed out loud when I read your post, the JIN setting is my starting spot for inspiration for a bezel setting. I really like the pillow bezel setting with a round stone.

Things I love in a setting.

-Platinum Setting. Don't know if I would want the satin finish. No milgrain on the band I go with, just the bezel.

-Love the double bezel, milgrain on the inside, smooth on the outside of this ERD ring https://www.pricescope.com/communit...-oec-in-an-18k-rose-gold-bezel-by-erd.194098/. This may be too much for the JIN like setting, maybe save for a pair of mini studs I've been dreaming about.

-Pillow Shape of this version of the Jin setting (as you said), less material/metal, more diamond proportionally http://www.erikawinters.com/jewelry-blog/tag/erika-winters-custom-jewelry-design/

-Split Shank - I'm not sure on this, I want more metal pretense/coverage (got a fat finger, size , but not to heavy, thinking a split shank may be the answer https://www.pricescope.com/communit...ushion-plain-split-shank-halo-created.177760/. I want to be able to have another band sit flush/almost flush with whatever setting I end up with, so its a balance, while having the thicker band/split shank.

Haha, great minds think alike! I was actually searching for the thread with that double bezel ERD ring (found a photo of it on their Facebook page but couldn't find the thread) to share with you!

I love the look of the ERD/BE rings you linked to. Maybe you should shoot Mark T. an email with your ideas so that he can give you some feedback? I just started working with him on a project and have been really pleased with his responsiveness (and he hasn't even invoiced me for anything yet).

 

[Wendylynne]

Re: Thinking of upgrading from EC to OEC, need some perspect

love that singleton... LOVE

Just wanted to pipe in and say that my ERD rings catched on EVERYTHING - its not a bezel. My only point is that the quality is not what is touted ( IMO). Id hate to see you reset and still not wear it. I have young kids and the prongs on the ERD ( fixed twice) scratched the heck out of them. Id look around and see who else can execute...

 

[Volvoqueen]

Re: Thinking of upgrading from EC to OEC, need some perspect

If I had to be 100% honest with myself, I’m using the prongs as a partial excuse to change things up. As Sagefemme said, ‘first world problems’.

I think the other thing is that OEC being a vintage cut, I have always associated them with bezel setting, they always seemed right together in my mind.

I’ve got a ways to go before I start working with someone for a setting, (sell current set, find OEC stone, etc), but whoever I end up with it will be a Bezel and have a pillow shape to it.

I’ve looked around, but want to ask as well, is Gold old Gold the only vendor that sells Newly cut OEC?

I know people have strong opinions on this (purchasing a new stone or hunting for a antique stone/needle in a haystack), but I don’t see myself ever changing my ring after this, and I want the best cut I can get. I feel the color range I’m looking for will give the stone some warmth/character, and lend itself well to the OEC shape.

 

[HegemonyCricket]

Re: Thinking of upgrading from EC to OEC, need some perspect

I’ve looked around, but want to ask as well, is Gold old Gold the only vendor that sells Newly cut OEC?

I believe Victor Canera has newly cut OECs, and both he and Leon Mege have newly cut antique cushions.