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Trade for August Vintage or Keep Current Stone

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djslik

Rough_Rock
Joined
Apr 8, 2010
Messages
56
I have the following stone from GOG.

1.31 CT Round Brilliant
Hearts and Arrows
J Color
SI1 Clarity
$6424.00
Very beautiful diamond and eye clean per my standards

I have been reading up on the OEC diamonds and have seen all the GOG videos on their August Vintage diamonds. They are beautiful and my girlfriend agrees that they are beautiful and is torn between hearts and arrows and the August Vintage.

I''m looking at this one:

1.41 CT
August Vintage
L Color
VS1 Clarity
$7216.00

So I''ve done a lot of comparing over the last month and now I don''t know which way to go. The only other kicker is I have the excel diamond tiffany setting and based on the hearts and arrow diamond. Barry told me that I can go up or down 0.1 CT from the original diamond so I can go from 1.21 to 1.41 CT for any new diamond. The August Vintage I''m looking at is at the maximum extreme. I''m not sure if the August Vintage is significantly different in dimension from the hearts and arrows so it might not even work.
 
Hey there,
I thought I would reply as I did a kinda similar thing -
I traded my GOG H&A RB (1.25 K SI1) for an AV cushion (1.08 M SI1).
I was having to "downgrade" due to some personal issues at the time, but not once have I regretted the decision!

I love my AVC to bits, adore the facets and pastels and large flashy fire, I haven''t looked back.
I still love ideal cuts and plan to own another one day, but for now the AVC is for me
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With regards to your question, I think the best gauge is really - which style of cut does your girl prefer?
I see you said you are researching old cuts, you love ''em and your girl agrees - have you had the chance to compare an ideal cut and an OEC in person?

They are really quite different cuts, both in the way they appear and perform.
Any chance of an in-person trip to GOG to be sure?

It will have to be a personal decision - there are advantages and tradeoffs to both cuts, however if you both like vintage diamonds and OEC''s the AV is more likely to be your heart-stealer.

The fact that you already have the H&A, but are still shopping, I guess gives it away that you have an AV on the brain though..? Just make sure that is your girl''s preference too though
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djslik

Also the AVC being an L colour will show some warmth, will that be ok with your GF? I would make absolutely sure in case she prefers a whiter round stone.
 
I had an L color AVC and traded it in for a G - the L showed too much warmth for me.

Also - the Tiffany setting is made for a round stone, right? I don''t know if it will work on a rectangular / square cushion. An AV round may be a better choice as far as reusing the same setting. Also it depends more on the actual dimensions of the diamond in mm, not the carat weight as AVC do face up slightly smaller for their weight than rounds do.

Just more food for thought.
 
Date: 4/29/2010 7:33:33 AM
Author: ecf8503
I had an L color AVC and traded it in for a G - the L showed too much warmth for me.


Also - the Tiffany setting is made for a round stone, right? I don''t know if it will work on a rectangular / square cushion. An AV round may be a better choice as far as reusing the same setting. Also it depends more on the actual dimensions of the diamond in mm, not the carat weight as AVC do face up slightly smaller for their weight than rounds do.


Just more food for thought.
Click to expand...

Hi ecf - it would appear the OP is considering the AV round from his post
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Date: 4/29/2010 5:34:55 AM
Author: Lorelei
djslik


Also the AVC being an L colour will show some warmth, will that be ok with your GF? I would make absolutely sure in case she prefers a whiter round stone.
Click to expand...

My girlfriend said that she would not mind the warmth of the August Vintage because of the character of the diamond itself. She described the AV diamond as something very unique that you don''t see everyday. The Hearts and Arrows has a faster sparkle so to speak and the August Vintage in her words seems to be more like blasts of fire in your face. Each one is beautiful to her but in different ways.
 
Date: 4/29/2010 3:01:56 AM
Author: arjunajane
have you had the chance to compare an ideal cut and an OEC in person?


They are really quite different cuts, both in the way they appear and perform.

Any chance of an in-person trip to GOG to be sure?


It will have to be a personal decision - there are advantages and tradeoffs to both cuts, however if you both like vintage diamonds and OEC''s the AV is more likely to be your heart-stealer.
Click to expand...

I live in the California Bay Area and I don''t know where I would be able to view an OEC cut in person out here.
 
Date: 4/29/2010 12:34:08 PM
Author: djslik
Date: 4/29/2010 3:01:56 AM

Author: arjunajane

have you had the chance to compare an ideal cut and an OEC in person?



They are really quite different cuts, both in the way they appear and perform.


Any chance of an in-person trip to GOG to be sure?



It will have to be a personal decision - there are advantages and tradeoffs to both cuts, however if you both like vintage diamonds and OEC''s the AV is more likely to be your heart-stealer.
Click to expand...


I live in the California Bay Area and I don''t know where I would be able to view an OEC cut in person out here.
Click to expand...

Hi again,

I don''t live in US, so can''t advise you there, sorry - truth is though, if you''ve been watching Jon''s videos they do tend to convey alot of accurate info about the stones..
plus, I know there are decent vintage jewellers in your area - but their OEC''s will perform/look a bit different than the AV''s anyways..

From your girl''s description above, I think she has it spot on - the AV''s are more different / individual - likely no one else she meets will have one.
I haven''t seen an AV round in person, but I know my AVC receives a decent amount of attention for its flash and play of light..and it is a relatively smaller diamond.

Speak to Jon - there is a chance he can send the AV on consignment perhaps? Than you can both inspect the two side by side at your leisure..
I''m not sure of GOG''s policies on this kind of thing, but I do know Jon is always understanding and willing to help
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Date: 4/29/2010 12:34:08 PM
Author: djslik


Date: 4/29/2010 3:01:56 AM
Author: arjunajane
have you had the chance to compare an ideal cut and an OEC in person?


They are really quite different cuts, both in the way they appear and perform.

Any chance of an in-person trip to GOG to be sure?


It will have to be a personal decision - there are advantages and tradeoffs to both cuts, however if you both like vintage diamonds and OEC's the AV is more likely to be your heart-stealer.
Click to expand...

I live in the California Bay Area and I don't know where I would be able to view an OEC cut in person out here.
Click to expand...
Comparing it to a random OEC will not do it justice because OEC's have alwasy traditionally been cut for weight.
 
Rhino,

My Excel Diamond setting is based on the 1.31 CT Round Brilliant. Is the shape of the 1.41 August Vintage going to be similar to the 1.31 Round Brilliant for a 6 prong setting? Also when is the next batch of August Vintage diamonds coming into your stock?
 
So I got off the phone with Jon and I have the August Vintage coming in tomorrow. I''ll update everyone in the morning. Now I can make the final decision thankfully.
 
Date: 4/29/2010 4:17:51 PM
Author: djslik
Rhino,

My Excel Diamond setting is based on the 1.31 CT Round Brilliant. Is the shape of the 1.41 August Vintage going to be similar to the 1.31 Round Brilliant for a 6 prong setting? Also when is the next batch of August Vintage diamonds coming into your stock?
Click to expand...
What are the dimensions from the grading report of your RB and the August Vintage Round you are considering? They should both have perfect round outlines and I don''t see a size issue but best to look at the actual diameter of each.
 
I spoke to Barry at Excel Diamonds and he checked the dimensions and said it would be no problem. So now I wait until tomorrow for the final comparison.
 
I have a transitional cut (which is very similar to the August Vintage) and the thing I LOVE most about it is that it doesn''t go dark in the sun
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My AGS 000 drove me nuts when it would go dark! This one is always white with stunning flashes of color! So in love with it
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Date: 4/29/2010 5:27:54 PM
Author: djslik
So I got off the phone with Jon and I have the August Vintage coming in tomorrow. I''ll update everyone in the morning. Now I can make the final decision thankfully.
Click to expand...

Did you get the August Vintage? I''m curious to see how you like it, and if you like that or the H&A more.
 
I thought it was coming in today but I guess it didn''t make the UPS truck in time yesterday so they said I would have it Saturday morning. I''ll update you guys once I get the diamond.
 
I look forward to your observations! I would expect the L to look noticably warmer than the J, but it will be your own tastes that determine whether you like that look or not. Will you gf be in on the decision or are you one your own?
 
I'd love to see a side by side comparison when you have them both....
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Is it there yet? Have you decided yet?
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I have it in and I''m doing a side by side comparison. I have to get some pictures and video up tomorrow. Here is what I notice so far:


Heart and Arrows:
Faster Scintillation
Seems darker face up than the August Vintage for some reason in certain lighting
Very Good Fire


August Vintage
Slower Scintilation
Faces up very nicely
Warm but not bad at all
Also good fire

Currently the performance of my Hearts and Arrows is actually more favorable to me. I will have to get some second opinions though.

I will try to get things uploaded tomorrow for you guys.
 
Great thread! I''m looking forward to your pictures....
 
My girlfriend took the camera to work with her so I won't be able to take pictures until tomorrow.

My girlfriend is inspecting the stones as well. She is analyzing the stones because ultimately she has to be happy with the stone. Even though she knows about the stone she does not know about the where, the when, and the how of the proposal. Also she will not see the stone in it's setting so she still has some element of surprise.


I feel that the August Vintage has a very unique look to it, very classic in my opinion. It has an old world feel and people that appreciate warmth and simplicity will absolutely love the August Vintage. Now if you are more of a modern person then I think the hearts and arrows would be a better fit. The light return is more in your face because of how fast it sparkles. Both diamonds return light very well but it seems that the hearts and arrows engages your attention much faster. With the August Vintage you get broad flashes of light but in less quantity than the the hearts and arrows. I think the video will be a better representation of what I am seeing.
 
Here is the first comparison photo.

djcompare1.jpg
 
Here is the second comparison photo.

djcompare2.jpg
 
Would it be possible to take the photos near a window and without a flash? Both high light and low light (midday/dusk) might be fun, too. For some reason it''s hard to see a big difference in these photos, even though I know they are very different cuts!
 
My girlfriend that even though August Vintage has large flashes of color she likes the sparkle and fire that she sees in the Hearts and Arrows compared to the Vintage.

Here is a video that shows the 2. I personally agree with my girlfriend and the Hearts and Arrows is a better performer in lower light conditions when compared to the August Vintage. At least with my particular diamonds.

http://www.vimeo.com/11469603
 
Date: 5/4/2010 1:46:59 PM
Author: djslik
My girlfriend that even though August Vintage has large flashes of color she likes the sparkle and fire that she sees in the Hearts and Arrows compared to the Vintage.

Here is a video that shows the 2. I personally agree with my girlfriend and the Hearts and Arrows is a better performer in lower light conditions when compared to the August Vintage. At least with my particular diamonds.

http://www.vimeo.com/11469603
Click to expand...
That's very interesting - many people feel the opposite is true. It really does all come down to personal taste.
 
Date: 5/4/2010 3:17:46 PM
Author: yssie

Date: 5/4/2010 1:46:59 PM
Author: djslik
My girlfriend that even though August Vintage has large flashes of color she likes the sparkle and fire that she sees in the Hearts and Arrows compared to the Vintage.

Here is a video that shows the 2. I personally agree with my girlfriend and the Hearts and Arrows is a better performer in lower light conditions when compared to the August Vintage. At least with my particular diamonds.

http://www.vimeo.com/11469603
Click to expand...
That''s very interesting - many people feel the opposite is true. It really does all come down to personal taste.
Click to expand...
Yes, I think it depends what the person means by "performer". I would guess than in low light the RB shows more overall white light return whereas the bolder flashes or fire would be better for the AVR? But I have not seen the two.

I guess in the end, DJ and his gf just like the round better! Best not to think about the WHY too much I suppose.
 
Hey dj!

Your descriptions appear to be right on and I like your contrast for measure, ie. slower vs faster. I see your video is currently transcoding online and look forward to seeing it too.

We get mixed reactions showing it to consumers in the store. Many responses are they they love it more in person than how it appears online and those who never heard of vintage diamonds and upon seeing it in the same comparison like it more and there are people who prefer H&A, Solasfera, Star129. Everyone''s different and why we continue to offer this variety.

When it comes to "faster" scintillation and your preference for that appearance I''m wondering how your fiance would like even faster (ie. Solasfera)?
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