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azred

Rough_Rock
Joined
Nov 7, 2007
Messages
39
Hi All,

I just got the ok from DH to start working on a new wedding ring - I had posted in the CS sub-forum about a Roger Dery pink tourmaline I purchased, which is gorgeous, but for fear of that being damaged from everyday wear, I've decided i'm going to make that a RHR project 8)

Which means I get to figure out what I want for a wedding ring or set (my original wedding ring was very inexpensive and apparently contained nickel in the metal as my hand recent broke out with a lovely rash, LOL). Neither one of us are super attached to it emotionally (we had thought of it as 'temporary') so we're just going to save it rather than have it made into a new ring. I don't want to spend a ton, so i'm trying to keep it to about $5k or less for the 'parts', not including any setting fees and such. I'm thinking about going with a stone purchased online and then going to a local jeweler i get a decent corporate discount at (they carry the typical 'designer' brands like simon g, verragio, etc.) to purchase a setting and have it mounted. I actually tend to gravitate towards smaller stones in diamonds (but big colored stones, I'm a weirdo) so that will probably be in my favor.

That being said, i do really like unusual diamonds - I'm definitely not your colorless RB type of gal. I'm definitely partial to OMC stones or possibly OEC, or perhaps a (very) small fancy colored diamond. I'm a bit nervous about this sort of purchase online so I have some questions.

Can anyone recommend a list of trusted ebay vendors and/or othere vendors who specialize in old cuts and/or natural colored diamonds?

I have read that Leibish (sp) is good to work with, so will definitely look there, and I know blue nile does carry colored diamonds but they don't post actual pictures of them. Also have read good things about Diamonds by Lauren. Anyone used any of those vendors for colored or old cut stones?

Has anyone purchased from seller mydiamondzone on ebay? They have some interesting looking items.

I know there are probably threads on ebay vendors as well as specific vendors for old cuts and colored diamonds, but i couldn't find much via the search function. If anyone can link me to some of those threads, that would be AWESOME!

Thanks so much - looking forward to sharing some ideas and pics with the knowledgeable user base here :wink2:
 
azred|1347326878|3265704 said:
I'm a bit nervous about this sort of purchase online so I have some questions.

Can anyone recommend a list of trusted ebay vendors and/or othere vendors who specialize in old cuts and/or natural colored diamonds?

I have read that Leibish (sp) is good to work with, so will definitely look there, and I know blue nile does carry colored diamonds but they don't post actual pictures of them. Also have read good things about Diamonds by Lauren. Anyone used any of those vendors for colored or old cut stones?

Has anyone purchased from seller mydiamondzone on ebay? They have some interesting looking items.

I know there are probably threads on ebay vendors as well as specific vendors for old cuts and colored diamonds, but i couldn't find much via the search function. If anyone can link me to some of those threads, that would be AWESOME!
Click to expand...

Lots of people here have used the vendors you specifically mentioned. All of Kenny's colored diamonds come from Leibish. Yssie's ridic five-stone e-ring was made by DBL - other people have used them too but off the top of my head I can't think of who. There was a thread about mydiamondzone in RT earlier this week - it could have been about stacking rings? I'm surprised not much came up in the search. Sometimes I just go to google because I can see a longer list of stuff at once.

For old cuts, you've probably seen that many of us like the Good Old Gold newly-cut old cut August Vintage line (which has both cushions and rounds). There is also Engagement Rings Direct A Cut Beyond cushion. Lots of people here have bought estate jewelry and diamonds from Jewels by Erica Grace (which is one of my favorite sites to just go drool over because they have so much pretty stuff). Old World Diamonds is another place people have bought old cuts from - though I hear you get better results emailing than looking through their online inventory, since they have a lot of stuff that isn't online or photographed.

I don't know what sort of style you like but I picked a few things I like from these vendors to link:
http://www.diamondsbylauren.com/index.php/jewelry/loose-diamond-71ct-cushion-cut-fancy-intense-yellow-vs1-gia-vibrant-beauty-r4152
http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.com/Jewelry/Rings-Antique-Vintage/96-Old-Mine-Cut-Diamond-Ring/21731039_ZGvJFT#!i=1733163920&k=b3XnxVn
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9411/
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/9274/
http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/1.04-carat-f-si1-a-cut-beyond-cushion-cut-diamond-gid-96430.html

(And I just wanted to say so sorry that your ring caused a rash! I have a nickel allergy and it is super-annoying sometimes!)
 
Welcome! :wavey: If you're not sure about what you want, definitely go try on a ton of different things to find out your tastes. I would also recommend going with GOG or ID Jewelry or Diamonds By Lauren (they do custom settings, too) or another PS approved vendor, as they also provide discounts on settings. For example, my entire setting and stone (Princess of Hearts) was under $5k - so there are many, many options to keep you under budget! :)

For settings I highly recommend quality yet affordable settings from Gabriel & Co and Beverley K. gabrielengaged.com and beverleyk.com

I would first figure out what style you prefer on your hand and what size stone - then we can help narrow down vendors and make suggestions on styles. From my personal experience, I had to try on many different styles in my budget to figure out what spoke to me the most. Something will jump out at you and you won't be able to stop thinking about it! :)
 
You said you wanted different. Here's a suggestion.

Something like this: http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/E-SI2-Very-Good-Cut-Marquise-Diamond-1498626.asp

In one of these settings:

maevona_skye_xl.jpg Maevona

_850.jpg Danhov

MAchickside1.jpg Greenlake custom.

Reason? Marquise are SUPER cheap per carat. Face up large for the carat weight. Are very different than the norm, especially when set east west, AND because most colored stones don't come in marquise, so this will likely remain unique in your collection.
 
webdiva|1347336859|3265781 said:
If you're not sure about what you want, definitely go try on a ton of different things to find out your tastes.
Click to expand...

THIS. I originally couldn't really decide what I wanted, other than blue sapphire somewhere + shiny sparkles. After looking a lot online, I came up with a list of settings I was interested in. I hated them ALL on my hand when I tried them on. Which lead to a round of trying on everything every store had to offer to determine what sorts of things I liked, and more looking online, and then more trying on. But I eventually found a style I liked, and a ring I loved more than all the others in that style.

ALSO YES EAST-WEST MARQUISE. I really think marquises are about to make a comeback. I've seen more people with them in the past several months, both on PS and in real life. I have an east-west marquise larimar/sterling silver ring and looooove it.
 
distracts- Thanks so much. I love the tip on using google instead of the forum search. It was probably user error anyway LOL.
I will also check out the 'new old' cuts. I did want to thank you for stealing 3 hours of my life - that's how long i spent drooling over jewelry at Eric Grace last night :love: Appreciated all of your suggestions. And yeah, the allergy is pretty annoying but i do know i'm ok with platinum and that's what i get for buying a cheap wedding ring and not asking enough questions. It's all good - cortisone to the rescue!! :bigsmile: I will for sure have to try on an east-west marquise to see if it looks weird - probably not since i'm thinking about a smallish stone - I do have pretty small hands though so you never know!

webdiva- The trying things on suggestion is stellar, and i absolutely intend to. I know a few of the cuts that look good on me, but have never tried on some of the older cuts or colored diamonds. Plus, it's just plain fun to try on shinies. :appl: I will check out the vendors you suggested and really appreciate your input! BTW your signature pic (the ring you referred to, i'm assuming) is STUNNING. Is there a thread on it? Would love to read about it :)

Gypsy - I actually didn't know that marquise are cheaper per carat than other cuts, that is interesting as they're one of the cuts I really like. I adore the east-west idea - a family member has a ring with a stunning 2ct marquise set at a 45 degree angle and i've always adored that too. Will be looking at those vendors too, thanks for the ideas!!


I'm kind of thinking I am leaning towards colored diamond but with a setting that has a bunch of colorless diamonds. I have small hands, so even a smaller stone would look ok i'm thinking. Will try things on to find out, I think the smallest rock i've ever tried on was about .75. I also have a LOT of experience trying on different types of settings thanks to extensive ring shopping during my 'starter' marriage, LOL :devil:

Any reason why you don't tend to see a lot of colored marquise stones? There is actually one at Leibish i was drooling over, will post it later. :tongue: They have GORGEOUS stuff there. Blue nile is kind of annoying because they don't post pics - i don't know if i'd be able to purchase a diamond without seeing at least a picture of it. I like a lot of what Diamonds by Lauren has, such different looking stuff!
 
I've never picked out a marquise before... but going with the assumption they are kinda like ovals and pears here are a few you can ask about.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS2-Good-Cut-Marquise-Diamond-1500658.asp It's quite fat though. I like that, but I know some don't.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-SI1-Good-Cut-Marquise-Diamond-1515030.asp More classic marquise shape.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS2-Good-Cut-Marquise-Diamond-1454388.asp Best stats, not that that means a thing with fancies.
 
Colored diamonds (good quality) are vastly more expensive than colorless/near colorless diamonds. I am not sure you could do much with $5000 to include diamond and setting if you bought a colored diamond.

I think the antique ring idea is good. I have bought two rings from Diamond Zone and they are good to work with and have a good return policy.
 
Thanks Gypsy, will look at those marquise diamonds - everyone seems to be a fan of that vendor :)

diamondseeker2006, I know they are pricey - that is why I was thinking of going small - possibly reallly small - but we'll see. I do get a great discount (30%!) at a local jeweler and upon asking today they said it also applies to any work (ie setting fees or custom stuff) as well as their entire collection of settings. So that will help - I looked at a couple designer lines and their pricing was similar to what i have seen online.

I also scored a platinum semi mount and wedding band today for only 999 today (with 1.5ctw round/baguette accent stones) - I'll be taking that in to get it appraised when it arrives - if it checks out i got a smoking deal (if not, I'll be returning it). So if I go with that I have 4k left to get a stone and get it mounted. I'm also going to be getting another project done at the local jeweler (RHR) so they said they'd give me a great deal even if I brought in a setting i wanted modified/customized to fit a different size/type of stone. Apparently they get a lot of business from my company :shock:

I'm not even sure if I am going to use the engagement ring from the ebay set, I may use that for a colored stone project - i bought it mainly because i really like the wedding band. It's from Shane Co, and having been to their store here I know they use decent stones in their settings - it won't be whiteflash sparkle, but it'll do LOL. Although not very unusual, it is very me, and my size - I used to have a similar ring with a sapphire set in it. I'll decide whether I'm using it once I find a stone!


Thanks again for your input, all! I will post a couple of stones I found online that I'm pondering, and perhaps the experts here can critique them, I love reading all of the technical advice people get on this forum! :tongue:

shane.jpg
 
just for fun, here is the 2.97ct pale pink tourmaline I purchased from Roger Dery - it's my daughter's birthstone so originally thought of doing this as part of wedding set, but I'm afraid it might be too fragile for everyday wear. It would look nice in the engagement ring above though, so that could be a possible RHR. :bigsmile:

LOL my biggest problem is that I am not a fickle jewelry person - I like sooooo many different styles it makes me somewhat flighty! :rolleyes:

PS - i have decided that whatever setting, this lovely asscher stone would look fab in a rotated/kite setting. :love: I couldn't find a pic of one with an asscher at a quick search though.

dery_asscher.jpg
 
ok now some shinies that caught my eye :mrgreen:
.71ct fancy orange yellow radiant from DBL (for 2795)
WEIGHT: 0.71ct
SHAPE: Radiant Cut
COLOR: Fancy Orange Yellow
CLARITY: VS2
MEASUREMENTS: 5.21 x 4.81 x 3.08 mm
TOTAL DEPTH: 64.0%
TABLE SIZE: 78%
POLISH: G
SYMMETRY: VG
FLUORESCENCE: STRONG WHITE
GIA REPORT #: 15147114

another from that vendor - quite a bit smaller but I love the color and I do like step cuts - not sure if this is good depth for an emerald though? for 1195
WEIGHT: 0.51ct
SHAPE: Emerald Cut
COLOR: Fancy Dark Orangy Brown
CLARITY: VVS2
MEASUREMENTS: 4.76 x 4.00 x 2.90 mm
TOTAL DEPTH: 72.6%
TABLE SIZE: 69%
POLISH: G
SYMMETRY: G
FLUORESCENCE: NONE
GIA REPORT #: 5141721174

and a cute and interesting colored old euro for 1349:
WEIGHT: 0.67ct
SHAPE: Old European Cut
COLOR: Fancy Yellowish Brown
CLARITY: VS2
MEASUREMENTS: 5.01 x 5.19 x 3.71 mm
TOTAL DEPTH: 72.8%
TABLE SIZE: 50%
POLISH: G
SYMMETRY: Fair
FLUORESCENCE: FAINT
GIA REPORT #: 2135717768

dbl_yellow.jpg

brown_em.jpg

oldeuro.jpg
 
DBL continued:
brown asscher for 1479 - looks lovely and asscher is prob my fave or 2nd fave cut but the clarity makes me nervous
WEIGHT: 0.75ct
SHAPE: Asscher Cut
COLOR: Fancy Yellowish Brown
CLARITY: SI1
MEASUREMENTS: 5.18 x 5.15 x 3.40 mm
TOTAL DEPTH: 66.0%
FLUORESCENCE: MEDIUM WHITE

they had a 9pt teal diamond there that i was drooling over too, but i don't think that would work for this project. It would make an awesome ring with a double halo or something though! Yum.

brown_asscher.jpg
 
oooh, thanks. I really like the pink ones :love: And i've been drooling over that brown asscher for like a month, maybe I should just bite the bullet. I'm going to show hubby and see what he thinks (he'll be like umm yeah they're shiny) LOL.

Also going to go to the jewelers again and get some pricing for an eng ring with halo setting, just to see - because i think that would be an awesome way to set one of those little guys and get some good finger coverage (I have pretty small fingers anyway). Maybe i'll just set my pink asscher in the shane co setting and use money from that project's budget towards the wed ring :tongue:

I especially love the .43ct oval...they also have a tiny argyle diamond (emerald cut) for like 3-4k :shock: I think I need to do a little more research and find some pictures of tiny stones set (like .25 or less) to see if I'd even go there. The color is amazing. Maybe I should save pink for a future project.

This orangy brown pear is amazing too, but I'll have to go try on pears as I never have before.
http://www.fancydiamonds.net/view_diamonds/9204.htm#

Overall, I really think I might be a colored diamond person. I about swoon every time i see pics of Kenny's collection, LOL. And my Mom has some stuff I'm gaga over (like a daisy ring with different cuts of vivid yellow and colorless diamonds - i think it's like 6 or 7ctw, i need to get a pic of that bad boy!). I'd seriously consider buying a colored stone that's half the size (or smaller) of a colorless of the same price because i think they're that much more beautiful. I think that makes me weird but that wouldn't be the first time I'm accused of that :mrgreen:
 
If that asscher is the diamond that's calling out to you, then absolutely call DBL and get it! If you don't like it in real life you can always return it. Since you're worried about the clarity, be sure to discuss that with them and discuss who pays for the returns and how much they cost, etc. Make sure you get at least 14 days so you can have some time with the stone. When talking with the local guy, be sure to have the measurements of the stone because sometimes on designer settings there are minimum stone sizes (though I think it is often for a .75 carat stone, so that asscher should be good).

You said you had small fingers but idk what size - I'm a size 4.5 and a 5mm square stone like that asscher looks just fine on my finger without a halo, just fyi. With a halo it would be huge on my finger! I have an asscher garnet close to that size (a smidge bigger) if you want me to take some pics on my hand for reference. If you order the stone, I'm sure you can take it into your jeweler and place it in different settings to see which one you like best with that particular stone.

(And don't worry, there are many of us who understand liking a smaller colored rock over a bigger colorless one!)
 
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