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What do you think about this ring?

HI:

Check out this thread for a list of vendors:

https://www.pricescope.com/communit...-for-antique-vintage-and-repo-jewelry.193984/

As for Canadian sites: (not exhaustive)

http://vanrijkestatejewellers.com/
http://www.janevining.net/
https://www.oliverjewellery.ca/
http://www.billleboeufjewellers.com/estate-pieces/
http://www.fleetwoodjewellery.com/ (Calgary) (large selection of Estate jewellery most of whihc is not on their website...)

http://www.abdiamond.ca/ (Calgary)

Birks also has a large selection of Estate jewellery--pieces travel from store to store as inventory changes.

cheers--Sharon
 
Hey did you find one I have a possible lead for you.
 
Do share, Niel!

I am still in the research stage. I have studied every link recommended to me on this thread, I am reading PS at work instead of working, and I am constantly flip flopping between
- getting this ring (I still love it, it won't let me go. It's just the quality of the diamond that I am not sure about),
- having this setting replicated by David Klass (yes, I have contacted him as well) with an AVR,
- or just getting an AVR and having it set in something else (buh-bye, bathroom renovations!)
 
Perhaps ripping off an old scar ...

I am not so sure the $50 price for report - viewing is necessarily ominous: perhaps just a somewhat clumsy attempt by a Too notorious opperation, to force WWW crowds to self-select into oglers & commited buyers. Or some such.

As for the old stone's depth - it is the bottom of Ideal. I may still expect a fine ASET signature from a version of round brilliant with such characteristics; where 'fine' gives leeway regarding optical symmetry, at least. The diamond appears to be a relatively newer, Transitional round, else, I would not mention the ASET at all. The AVR et al are holding themselves to it, for sure, hence a distinctive look.

Sure enough, the ring can be redone with a modern OEC and perhaps single cut small stones ... since small OEC seem to still be unusual. I have not seen this style of ring done again, so ... interesting !

2c
 
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Hi Valeria, could you explain your third paragraph (apparently, even after a week of reading PS at work instead of working I am still not caught up on the PS jargon!)
- the bottom of ideal - is it good or bad?
- are you saying you think the diamond's ASET would look fine, except for the symmetry?
- ASET does not apply to a transitional cut?
 
Oops for jargon ,-(

Let me try again,

Re. 'bottom of ideal'
I was thinking that at least one brand's definition of Ideal proportions for a modern round diamond, accepts 59% depths - a number within measurement error of the 58.9% you have mentioned. I do not know the numbers used for the modern Old European Cut rounds. These are branding decissions, of course - they need to be too precise.

Re. OEC optical symmetry
I am certainly saying that old diamonds cannot be held to modern standards in this regard. The current precission is such a dance of minute error-correction (just read WWW) ! I cannot imagine how what was possible was possible at all ...

I'd say that less than crisp patterns of reflections are a signature of those times. Perhaps a choice today ... (do not quote me on this part, although I can explain, if needs be).

Re. ASET on Transitional RBC
I was dithering on the point for sure... The ASET is meant to work best for modern RBC, and the Transitionals are transitioning toward it. However, I would consider the ASET signature of a Transitional RBC, not unlike I would one of a fine non-round modern diamond - not one of an Ideal RBC.
 
So I have more on the ring I was asking you about. The seller sent me this close-up of the diamond

DSC05699.jpg

and (rather rudely) refused to send me a face-up photo. I was really hoping to see the pattern and whether the facets are nicely organized (as opposed to "crushed ice"), because if this OEC has a pretty flower in the middle, I'd snag it in no time! However, I am unable to tell from this image.

What does everyone think? Is there a flower pattern in there? And in general about the diamond?
 
Romy said:
So I have more on the ring I was asking you about. . . .

and (rather rudely) refused to send me a face-up photo. . . .
Click to expand...

(Sigh) why are you willing to purchase fron a vendor that both refuses to be transparent in dealing, and is rude to a customer?

This does not look like a flower patterned OEC to me. I wouldn't touch it with a 10 foot pole.
 
LawmaLlama said:
(Sigh) why are you willing to purchase fron a vendor that both refuses to be transparent in dealing, and is rude to a customer?
Click to expand...

(Sigh too) Because I really love the setting, and I just can't un-love it! I was this close to buying the ring, but after that response... He sent me 2 videos and the one picture above; when I politely asked for a face-up picture, he said "We can’t spend more time on this. It is a regular old cut diamond with standard pattern". I couldn't believe the guy's customer service skills!

Thanks for your opinion on the diamond, LawmaLlama. I am used to face pictures of OECs, so this one is hard to judge for me.
 
I think this particular ring is very special. The quality of the design and execution of the materials is better than most vintage rings I've seen. From the carefully graduated diamonds encircling the main stone, to the balance and scale of the design, to the beautiful very white antique center diamond which I think has very pretty faceting, it looks like an Old European cut not a Tranny : it all looks nice. I can see why you love it.

IMO, if the dealer was being more forthcoming the relatively high price might be worth it. An F color VS2 .90 old cut stone might cost you $3500. A newly created 14k setting with fine metalwork and .40 carats graduated antique European cut Diamonds might cost you $2,500. Or more. So the price is not wildly crazy for what it is. But dealer attitude is very poor. Not having a real appraisal from a trusted appraiser is not good. A decent appraiser would look at the girdle of that center stone, especially the section at nine o'clock (and twelve and six o'clock) hidden under the bezel and would caution you about trusting that VS2 designation.

I would take the time to educate yourself about what you want. I would find the center stone with cut and other qualities that you want (finding something lower color than an F will be easier). I would call CVB and trust Caysie with that design. Caysie can also source graduated old cut stones I believe. Take screen shots of the ring you love and she will be able to execute that ring impeccably. With more of your involvement in CAD review, etc. David Klass could also execute this design.

My two cents.
 
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Thanks, LightBright, for your very detailed response. It's very informative! I have already contacted DK. Have not thought of CVB, but I will. So you think Caysie would be able to reproduce the ring, one for one?
I hope this question does not come off as rude - I've seen her work and it's impeccable, but I've never had jewelry custom made, so can they actually make a 100% replica of a piece without the physical original, going off pictures alone?
 
Romy said:
Thanks, LightBright, for your very detailed response. It's very informative! I have already contacted DK. Have not thought of CVB, but I will. So you think Caysie would be able to reproduce the ring, one for one?
I hope this question does not come off as rude - I've seen her work and it's impeccable, but I've never had jewelry custom made, so can they actually make a 100% replica of a piece without the physical original, going off pictures alone?
Click to expand...

Hi Romy, honestly, Caysie has the design skills to make something equally as beautiful, even if it's not exact. The type of design with intricate miligrain and a bezel design is something she does well. What might be hard to impossible is finding similar graduated antique old cut stones.
 
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CVB all the way.
 
CVB all the way.
 
Romy said:
I've sent her an email already!

And, by the way, your ring is beautiful, LawmaLlama. I love AVRs.
Click to expand...
Aw shucks, thanks. CVB has such fab designs. Can't wait to see how this turns out for you! :mrgreen2:
 
Romy said:
I've sent her an email already!

And, by the way, your ring is beautiful, LawmaLlama. I love AVRs.
Click to expand...
Aw shucks, thanks. CVB has such fab designs. Can't wait to see how this turns out for you! :mrgreen2:
 
Romy said:
if this OEC has a pretty flower in the middle, I'd snag it in no time ! However, I am unable to tell from this image.
Click to expand...

I am guessing that it does - if the photo were not tilted, it would be possible to see. The pavilion facets are nicely executed & the stone subtly oval, perhaps (by the shape of the culet; another guess).

I doubt the seller could possibly dream that we are looking for flowers in diamonds ,-) If you asked for the detail (a shot with the table of the diamond well aligned with the camera), they might as well be able to provide the required information. I suspect thay would be surprised that anyone cares about patterns of reflections in diamonds !

2c

Sure enough - I do not know anything about the shop ...

Also

A shot of the pavilion would be even more tilted ! Would not ask.
 
valeria101 said:
If you asked for the detail (a shot with the table of the diamond well aligned with the camera), they might as well be able to provide the required information.
Click to expand...

I did ask for a photo of the table well aligned with the camera, to which he replied, "We can’t spend more time on this. It is a regular old cut diamond with standard pattern." How can an antique jewelry dealer say that all diamonds look the same? :wall:

Thanks for your thoughts on the diamond. I suspect it is going to cost me waaay more than $5,900 to have this ring recreated. Oh well...
 
Do they have some return policy ?

Perhaps I have low expectations about manners ...
 
Yes, 10 days no questions asked. But I am in Canada, so would have to pay GST to the Canadian government, request a refund of the GST from the Canadian government if I returned the ring, pay brokerage to FedEx, which I would never get back, pay return shipping... Naturally, I wanted to be 100% sure before I bought to avoid having to return it.
 
You seem 98% sure, IHMO.

No comment on the silly transactions ... You do make them look crystal clear - if tedious & slightly costly.

Why I even plead: the ring is obviously fine & made via old school platinum fabrication. Nobody toils like that anymore.
 
Romy, the dealer is in Chicago. I wonder if anyone on PS is located there or who travels there, who could stop by their location and look at the ring for you, and maybe take photos. Just an idea. I do think that remaking a fine antique ring will cost you at least $5,900.
 
Romy, the dealer is in Chicago. I wonder if anyone on PS is located there or who travels there, who could stop by their location and look at the ring for you, and maybe take photos. Just an idea.
 
Based on my in-person visits (albeit not very recently because I've not been motivated to make another repeat visit), I'm sorry to say I would be leery about doing an online order from Leigh Jay Nacht (antiqueengagementrings. com), especially since a return for a Canadian resident would be a hassle. The replica settings can be lightweight (this can also true of Ivy & Rose/My Diamond Zone, but at least their listings include the weight so you can compare the "hefts" of their settings) & the quality of workmanship of the replica settings is not consistent, e.g., detailing isn't always crisp; bezels could be uneven; the millegrain (which isn't very finely beaded) was unfortunately often noticeably sloppy.

Even the best of LJN's replicas I saw would pale in comparison to the antique ring from Romanov Russia that's captured your fancy. The fabrication and finishing on that ring is exquisite!
 
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If they have a good return policy, I say go for it. You are looking for any reason to buy this ring. You clearly love it. Buy the ring, take it to an independent appraiser and then make a decision.
 
The OP is from Canada. Even with a good return policy, the OP will have to deal with GST refund + shipping as stated. In addition, the OP will lose minimum 5% (2.5%x2)in foreign currency transaction fee, wire transfer and/or foreign currency exchange, unless the OP buys with a USD credit card. Not to mention any appraisal fee. In the worst case, potentially more than $800 CAD loss.
 
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flyingpig said:
The OP is from Canada. Even with a good return policy, the OP will have to deal with GST refund + shipping as stated. In addition, the OP will lose minimum 5% in foreign currency transaction fee, wire transfer and/or foreign currency exchange, unless the OP buys with a USD credit card. Not to mention any appraisal fee. In the worst case, potentially more than $800 CAD loss.
Click to expand...
Ouch. Got it. Thats a real bummer. I forget about that pesky GST. Maybe a cheap flight to Chicago would be worthwhile? That's what my friends from the UK did not pickup a custom wedding band.
 
rockysalamander said:
Ouch. Got it. Thats a real bummer.
Click to expand...

Yep, shopping from Canada ain't cheap or easy! In addition to the exchange rate, we always pay extra for shipping, returns and brokerage.

Anyway, I paid for the ring today! I've been thinking and returning to this ring for 2 months now - that's got to mean something, right? So I'll see in about a week if the actual ring is as pretty as the photos.
 
:dance::pray::pray::pray::pray:
 
Oh, I'm glad you "pulled the trigger"! Even if you decide it's not a keeper, you'll no longer have wishful "what if's" : - )
 
I'm glad you are taking a chance on it. I think the workmanship and detailing looks very promising. And if the diamonds are really F-G color, it's going to look amazing! Good luck!!!
 
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