Which of these is a better value?

[bunch90]

Hi PriceScopers! I'm new to the site, but my girlfriend who I'm looking to propose to loves antique diamonds - both OECs and Transitionals. I've been eyeing the two diamonds below from JbG. Any advice for a newbie on which of these is a better value? And which of these look prettier to you? All help is greatly appreciated!

3.04 carat Transitional
https://www.jewelsbygrace.com/3-04ct-transitional-cut-diamond-gia-l-vvs1
Nice spread (9.02) and more white-facing than the one below. But lower carat weight (and price isn't all too different).

3.77 OEC
https://www.jewelsbygrace.com/3-77ct-old-european-cut-diamond-gia-k-vs2
Bigger but lower color rating and a bit more expensive. I'm not sure much the difference between a 9.02 spread and 9.84 spread will be noticeable - any idea?

Are these both nice diamonds in your view?

Thanks very much!

 

[DiamondGal28]

https://www.jewelsbygrace.com/2-69-old-european-cut-diamond-solitaire-gia-j-vs2-by-erika-winters

Does she have her heart set on a three carat? If not, this one is lovely with better color...

 

[elizat]

Grace has a good eye. These are two different flavors.

A transitional once set will look more similar to a modern round once set. Of the two, I prefer the transitional cut. That oec doesn't speak to me. It do not love the facet pattern personally. The spread will b noticeable between the two in my view.

I would also contact Old World Diamonds. Adam has probably the largest inventory of old cuts out there.

 

[tyty333]

The size difference will be noticeable.
https://www.diamdb.com/compare/3.04ct-round-9.03x9.03x5.94-vs-3.77ct-round-9.84x9.55x6.34/

I like the roundness and faceting on the 3.04 but the size/color on the 3.77 is also nice. I think I* prefer the 3.04. Ask Grace if she can do a side-by-side
of these two in different lighting.

 

[Austina]

Another vote for checking out www.oldworlddiamonds.com

 

[bunch90]

Thanks so much for all the replies! Asking Grace to do a side-by-side is a great idea; I will do that.

I think I like transitional cuts more too - but I may try to subtly ask my girlfriend what she broadly thinks of OEC vs. Transitional (I'm trying to keep this as "surprising" as possible, but she does know that I'm thinking about these things. I do think my girlfriend likes the size (e.g. 3 carat +), but of course the cut / color / other factors are very important too.

One last question - what about this ring at Victor Barbone? It looks very nice, but the OEC by JbG is the slightly larger, a better color, and the same price (plus Grace gives a bigger discount if you pay by wire). So the OEC at JbG seems like better value, right? The setting of the Victor Barbone ring is very nice, but I think something similar could be replicated for not too much (plus I'd like to prioritize stone over setting). Do you agree with my logic here?

https://www.victorbarbone.com/products/vintage-diamond-engagement-ring-milgrain

 

[Lookinagain]

3.04 carat Transitional
https://www.jewelsbygrace.com/3-04ct-transitional-cut-diamond-gia-l-vvs1

I like this best. I like the faceting and it is much "rounder" which is more appealing to me. Yes, there will be a noticeable difference in size though.

 

[Jujeh]

If you don't know how she feels about a warm color, I would take caution. The love of warmer stones here on message boards is not shared by the majority of the population from what I can tell ...

A lot of people know the 4 C's and judge harshly based on what they can see. Many will look at those LMN colors diamonds and think to themselves, "Sure, it's big, but it's yellow. Meh."* I dunno if she cares about that though.

I would stick to I or maybe J or K and above.


* I don't agree with this viewpoint at all.

 

[lovedogs]

If you don't know how she feels about a warm color, I would take caution. The love of warmer stones here on message boards is not shared by the majority of the population from what I can tell ...

A lot of people know the 4 C's and judge harshly based on what they can see. Many will look at those LMN colors diamonds and think to themselves, "Sure, it's big, but it's yellow. Meh."* I dunno if she cares about that though.

I would stick to I or maybe J or K and above.


* I don't agree with this viewpoint at all.

We would normally be steering OP away from warm stones if this were a surprise, but he said his gf loves antique stones, which are almost always warm

 

[Jujeh]

We would normally be steering OP away from warm stones if this were a surprise, but he said his gf loves antique stones, which are almost always warm

Well, there are a decent number that are in the IJ range (maybe not at that size?). Just because his gf likes old cuts doesn't mean she necessarily loves super warm colors. And it also doesn't mean she's necessarily thought through how other people might react. As catty as it sounds, I know when people look at my engagement ring, they are noticing the color and forming judgements based on that. People will definitely notice the yellow but will they notice or care about the cut? Likely not as much.

I know a lot of people don't care about that but others most certainly would ...

I like warm stones fine but for my engagement ring, nah. I'd rather go smaller and whiter. So I think it's worth asking her.

Just some thoughts.