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Was found but now Im just lost

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crispykate

Rough_Rock
Joined
Dec 1, 2010
Messages
21
I was just given a budget for a ring by my fiance. 3k is the max. I kind of almost wish I didnt have to make this choice and he just made it for me. So Ive been going onto ebay to search for old diamonds. I have never been "into" diamonds so this is all new. So I like some of the art deco 20's to 40's style rings and they come with very nice european diamonds. I am afraid of paying too much and getting a dead ring. I would like opionions on the few that I have narowed it down to. Thanks - Konfused Katie
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...731351&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT#ht_734wt_1141
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...27382&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT#ht_1129wt_1141
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...672488&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT#ht_582wt_1141
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...5655678&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT#ht_788wt_907
 
The egl looks like a modern diamond. The other two don't have the measurements so you wouldn't know if the stone faces up appropriately for the carat size and cut. I'd ask for more information on the last two. You are looking at a G, H and L-M. Are you open to all colors? I'd make sure the return policy is to your liking. One says return accepted if not as described... I'd want to be able to return it if I didn't like it period.
 
They're all beautiful designs! That said, I sort of LOL'd at the description in the last one of EGL as being "the toughest grading lab on Earth" - it looks like it's Opposites Day at Peter Suchy Jewelers.

Jewels By Erica Grace has a very good reputation around here: I've never bought from them myself, but I've seen a LOT of happy customers over the years on here, and it looks like they have a few rings in line with your tastes (and your budget). If you're not in a wild hurry, it might be worth it to sign up for their "Sneak Peeks" and see what comes along.

http://www.jewelsbyericagrace.com/antique_vintage_and_reproductions_rings

Antique Engagement Rings also has a great rep, and they also have a wide selection: I'd poke around there, too, and see if anything caught my fancy.

http://antiqueengagementrings.com/

But I would be wary of buying off of eBay uncerted if you're not too sure about diamonds, and on a tight budget: appraisers charge a few hundred, and dealers can be "off" by as much as two grades without being considered to have committed fraud. There are eBay sellers who have great reps: I'm sure people will come along and make recs. Oh, and don't get tempted by Fay Cullen - gorgeous selection, wretched customer service. Will poke around and see what else comes to mind ....
 
Your right one is a modern cut.
I feel like this is a job. Like a 9-5 job and well its just not fun.
I am open to color but not crazy yellows and browns. The l-m one was not a dark yellow to me so I am fine with it. The question is are they a rip off? I cant find a price chart for european cut diamonds so I have no clue if they are offering a fair price. Aren't the cuts different so would I be comparing the cut info to modern diamonds?
Ditto on the return policy!
 
Err I asked about the cut for the "Ladies Estate Platinum Ring - Circa 1930" and this is what I got.
The table cut is 49% & depth is 65%. This is right where a 30's european cut should be.
 
Ask them for the diameter (face up size). I got my ring from JbEG but bought my OECs on ebay. I had to return one ring that had a sizable chip on the girdle of the stone. I couldn't tell from the pictures and this vendor had really clear, magnified pictures. This is why the return policy is so important. Are you wanting to stick with these or are you open to suggestions?
 
I open.
Anything else I need to ask them?
 
 
Hmm thanks tiny gal but 2 of those are way out of my budget.
I get the feeling that you guys dont think my picks are a good deal.
Pixie I think that a lot of the rings on ruby lane are also on ebay.
 
Some vendors sell on both. I wouldn't pick the EGL modern one if you are wanting an antique look. My favorite of the one you posted was the .95 H VS1 ring. It's not that I dislike the rings, it's just some of the pictures aren't the clearest and I don't want to steer you in the wrong direction. The setting of the last one you listed looks like it needs repair/not in amazing shape.

I liked this one, it's only $1000. It's smaller than the other diamonds you listed but you'd have $2000 left to buy a fabulous vintage mount or get something custom made. JbEG does custom antique inspired mountings and they carry antique mounts. I got a quote from Brian Gavin Diamonds for an antique inspired setting and the price came in around 1600 for 18kt white gold so they'd probably be in budget as well if you went this route.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=200549711209&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

Dover Jewelry also sells antique mounts
http://www.doverjewelry.com/catalog/ring_settings
 
Sorry about that...on the main page the prices showed up under your budget for some reason. There are several on that site in your budget...you can search by price too: http://www.newyorkestatejewelry.com

Or Leight Jay Nacht may have some you may like too. Pricescopers have purchased from her before...

http://antiqueengagementrings.com/shopping/shopexd.asp?id=2958

http://antiqueengagementrings.com/shopping/shopexd.asp?id=2726

If you are open to step cuts.
http://antiqueengagementrings.com/shopping/shopexd.asp?id=2870
 
That last one. What is it called a step up? I love that style.
 
I think the most promising of the group you have picked out is the .95 ct H VS1. First one is modern, both the stone & the setting, so I'd pass. The one with the side sapphires doesn't have very good pics- no face on so you can see the patterning- but from what I can see I don't think it's a terribly lively cut, possibly really shallow or something. The H VS1 doesn't have very good pics either, but what I can see looks promising. And at least they have a return period which is absolutely essential when shopping on ebay for vintage rings IMO. Color does look nice and white from the pic, and from the face up pic it looks like it has a nice pattern. Also I like the setting, and that it's platinum, which makes it a better deal IMO than the 18K gold one.

Before you do anything else I'd look for an independant appraiser near you who can check out any purchase within the return period. You need someone who is familiar with antique cuts.

Though Peter Suchy is a good source, I'm not loving the one from there. It's got a lovely pattern but the color looks way lower than the L/M stated on the cert- more like O/P or even lower IMO. So I'd pass on that one too, plus, though they're a reputable seller I find most of their prices a bit high and that particular piece is no exception.

When you pick one you're willing to pull the trigger on, look for a lively stone that has fire flashes returning across the whole face of the stone, not just the center, or just the outer perimeter. You especially don't want a stone with darkness under the table, which if a stone is too deep is pretty common. But, if the pattern is pleasing, the stone is fiery and lively, you're good. A small table and high crown are other things you can eyeball in seller's pictures. Oh and check for damage when you get the diamond- many antique cuts that lived in rings for decades can be chipped. Personally, I'm OK with a small chip that's only visible through a loupe, if the price was good, but if you can see it with the naked eye or there's several chips, I'd pass.

ETA: Also you can get great antique cut loose stones from OldWorldDiamonds.com, too. Adam there is super helpful and will look at them over the phone with you.

Of the other possibilities, the Ruby Lane piece Pixley was eyeballing looks... possible. I love the setting, it's beautiful. The stone looks possibly like it might have some darkness under the table, which I'm not 100% in love with. The appraisal also mentions a chip. But the color looks good and the price is decent, if a smidge on the higher side. But that setting really is gorgeous...!
 
LGK is on point! Great advice! It's hard to judge from pictures alone, especially when they are not sharp. That's why it'd be helpful to work with a vendor who you can trust and can advise you about the stone and how it performs. That'd be the selling point of going with a vendor like Old World Diamonds or JbEG. Adam from OWD was very responsive when I inquired about stones. JbEG does video which is very helpful. If you told a vendor what you are looking for they could be on the lookout or might have something already that is not listed. Since you like step cuts, that gives you more options to choose from!
 
Just for fun here's some stones from OWD:
http://www.oldworlddiamonds.com/inv_details.php?ID=1585&SHAPE=EU&PAGE=18

http://www.oldworlddiamonds.com/inv_details.php?ID=104&SHAPE=EU&PAGE=19

http://www.oldworlddiamonds.com/inv_details.php?ID=1148&SHAPE=EU&PAGE=20

http://www.oldworlddiamonds.com/inv_details.php?ID=1139&SHAPE=EU&PAGE=20

This one's a transitional cut, which very generally speaking tends more towards white light return than fire:

http://www.oldworlddiamonds.com/inv_details.php?ID=994&SHAPE=EU&PAGE=20

Basically, with OWD's merchandise I tend to look for anything that somewhere around 60%-63% depth (or maybe a bit deeper, depending), and table under 60%, though I made an exception for that transitional cut because they usually have big tables, and the pattern looked really pretty on that one. I rarely like shallow OECs so I just rule out anything under 60%. Some deeper OECs can be really pretty but they start facing up small for their weight if they're really deep. Now, mind you, that doesn't guarantee the stone's going to be lovely- but that's a starting place and Adam can help you cherry pick from there, if that helps at all.

And yeah JBEG is great, but they're a bit low on inventory right now it seems like...?
 
Thank you all for all your help. I now have more tools and knowledge.
 
So the .95ct h vs1 table cut is 49% and depth is 65%. Is that good?
 
LGK|1291347682|2785871 said:
Just for fun here's some stones from OWD:
http://www.oldworlddiamonds.com/inv_details.php?ID=1585&SHAPE=EU&PAGE=18

http://www.oldworlddiamonds.com/inv_details.php?ID=104&SHAPE=EU&PAGE=19

http://www.oldworlddiamonds.com/inv_details.php?ID=1148&SHAPE=EU&PAGE=20

http://www.oldworlddiamonds.com/inv_details.php?ID=1139&SHAPE=EU&PAGE=20

This one's a transitional cut, which very generally speaking tends more towards white light return than fire:

http://www.oldworlddiamonds.com/inv_details.php?ID=994&SHAPE=EU&PAGE=20

Basically, with OWD's merchandise I tend to look for anything that somewhere around 60%-63% depth (or maybe a bit deeper, depending), and table under 60%, though I made an exception for that transitional cut because they usually have big tables, and the pattern looked really pretty on that one. I rarely like shallow OECs so I just rule out anything under 60%. Some deeper OECs can be really pretty but they start facing up small for their weight if they're really deep. Now, mind you, that doesn't guarantee the stone's going to be lovely- but that's a starting place and Adam can help you cherry pick from there, if that helps at all.

And yeah JBEG is great, but they're a bit low on inventory right now it seems like...?
Click to expand...
I had two of those stones in my bookmarks from when I was looking for a diamond! JbEG normally lists their new stuff a week into the month so perhaps they'll have more soon. When I spoke to Adam @ OWD he said they have stuff that's not listed on the site too so it's best to drop them a line and tell them your budget and see what they come up with.
 
Now I am thinking of spending on the diamond now and later in life I can upgrade the setting.
Before when I said I love the style of the step ring it was the ring and not the diamond. Sorry for the mix up. I love old round european cut diamonds.
 
Pixie what did you end up getting?
 
Kate, if it's the cut you like but you want the option to upgrade in the future, Good Old Gold produces contemporary OEC-style stones cut for excellent light return. They're called August Vintage Rounds. They don't seem to have anything but tiny ones now, but it might be worth e-mailing them to ask what they might have in the near future ....
 
WOW!!!
 
I just got the answer for the diameter for the .95 h vs1 it is 6.15mm. Can you tell me what the means?
 
It means the diamond is 6.15mm across. OECs can face up smaller than modern rounds since they tend to be deeper. This one seems to face up close in size to a modern round brilliant (.90ct modern rounds are around 6.2). Too deep can be a problem because it affects performance. The stats she gave you seems safe for an OEC. http://oldworlddiamonds.com/inv.php?SHAPE=EU&PAGE=19&SORT=WEIGHT This page is OECs in that range so that you can compare dimensions.
 
I think you'd need to reset it. The back of the shank is really thin. That was the first thing I noticed before reading the listing. Unless you want the ring just for the diamond... and I think the price is a bit too high for that compared to what else you've looked at. The pictures are much better on this one. This diamond is a touch smaller than the .95 6.15mm vs 6.0mm. This one is 3700... are you willing to go a little over the 3k budget or are you hoping the seller would accept an offer within your budget?
 
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