What to look for in an OMC and in an OEC spec wise.

[Phanie]

Hi,

I am looking for an OMC or OEC.But I have no idea what are acceptable/good specs for those as far as table%, depth%, girdle type,culet,polish and symetry. Especially in the 3ct and above range.
Thank you for your help.

 

[pandabee]

OEC and OMC can't really be truly judged by the numbers like a modern RB would be. You need to judge it by pictures to see the faceting and light performance. Keep in mind, true old cuts weren't cut with the assistance of computers so each one will have its own distinct personality and flavor, so numbers are not going to give you a good idea of the stone in question.

 

[starrylight]

There is a chart here for oecs: https://www.pricescope.com/journal/screening_chart_old_european_cut_diamonds
And Dreamer posted her guide here: [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/dreamers-old-cut-guide.178095/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/dreamers-old-cut-guide.178095/[/URL]

 

[ericad]

You really can't judge old cuts by any set of parameters. They were cut with specs all across the board, and different styles of old cut will appeal to different people. One PSer likes one particular style, while another PSer might like something different.

The best thing you can do is see as many as you can in person, in order to develop your own unique preferences. Alternately, looking at lots of old cut pics can also be helpful. Beyond that, find a vendor you trust, communicate your preferences to her/him, and allow the vendor to recommend stones based on how they look in person (old cuts often look much nicer in person than they do in pics).

We've had clients who want shorter rounder "flowery" facets visible under the table, and we've had clients who want later OEC/Transitional "chubby arrows". We've had clients who want a strong "Maltese cross" in their cushion, or clients who favor brilliance over fire (or vice versa), as well as clients who are looking for the largest spread they can get (shallower stones).

Old cut preference is very individual - each stone has its own unique flavor.

 

[cyclist]

I am also interested in this, and was wondering the value of idealscope and ASET images for older stones and what vendors may have those. I have been looking at lots of pictures but I find it hard to tell much difference in still close ups.

 

[Gypsy]

No specs. Just educated eyes. It's all in the faceting and performance.

 

[Phanie]

All right.
Found a few and one with a depth of 69.3%...This one is a 4ct honker but seems to be nice though pricey.
So I guess I am going to have to call them in!

 

[Gypsy]

Get pics. Post them. If you can get an ASET that would be great as well.

 

[Phanie]

It is this one.
http://loupetroop.com/listings/loose-stones-diamond/4-dot-20ct-oec-with-slightly-cushiony-shape-gia-report
supposedly eye clean, no aset so far. the depth scares me... I guess I need to see it in person and I might fall in love !
and there is also the LM ring at JbEG that tempt me. But do I have to get it resized by Leon to keep its integrity? I am a 7~ 71/4 and I am not super keen on shipping a ring back and forth.

 

[arkieb1]

It is this one.
http://loupetroop.com/listings/loose-stones-diamond/4-dot-20ct-oec-with-slightly-cushiony-shape-gia-report
supposedly eye clean, no aset so far. the depth scares me... I guess I need to see it in person and I might fall in love !
and there is also the LM ring at JbEG that tempt me. But do I have to get it resized by Leon to keep its integrity? I am a 7~ 71/4 and I am not super keen on shipping a ring back and forth.

I had someone wanting to purchased a preloved pave setting from me a while ago and the vendor (who was not Leon) said that it could not be sized up over one size without impacting on the durability of the setting. I seriously doubt you would be able to size it from a 4.5 up to above a 7 without ruining the ring ie it will either bend out of shape more easily or it will start losing stones. Either way resizing or not resizing it you will probably be up for a new setting.....