Why the explosion in popularity of OEC diamonds?

[soxfan]

Because they look like THIS! (This is a pic of my stone)

 

[Maisie]

Because they look like THIS! (This is a pic of my stone)

Now that is a stunning diamond!!!!

 

[Maisie]

I’ve had a few diamonds. Mostly modern round brilliants and one princess cut. I bought my first OEC a few years ago and finally I have a diamond that I love and will never sell. There is something about it being so old that just fills me with happiness. I wish I knew where it had been before I was fortunate enough to own it.

 

[foxinsox]

@LittleRed that’s bang in the right time for an OEC/transitional. Share yours if you’ve got pictures

 

[BlingObsession]

Because they look like THIS! (This is a pic of my stone)

Precisely!

 

[LittleRed]

@LittleRed that’s bang in the right time for an OEC/transitional. Share yours if you’ve got pictures

Sure! It’s small since my grandparents were poor, but it’s sparkly none the less and I enjoy wearing it on my rh. I really love the known history behind it.

What makes a diamond transitional? I’m guessing subtle cuts slowly leading to what we have today in a MRB, but is there any big difference?

 

[ZestfullyBling]

In no way can the beauty of an OEC be denied

 

[foxinsox]

Sure! It’s small since my grandparents were poor, but it’s sparkly none the less and I enjoy wearing it on my rh. I really love the known history behind it.

What makes a diamond transitional? I’m guessing subtle cuts slowly leading to what we have today in a MRB, but is there any big difference?

Small but mighty - that’s a lovely ring and the diamond looks really pretty. I can’t remember the details that make a stone a tranny rather than OEC but I think it’s a bigger table (but not like a skating rink big, just bigger than the wee tables on OECs), lower crown, maybe something with the lower pavilion facets since you see fat blocky arrows in trannys compared to the petals of the OECs. You often see a really pretty checkerboard pattern across the face of some transitionals which is very appealing.

 

[Babyblue033]

Because they look like THIS! (This is a pic of my stone)

Seriously LOVE

My stone has the similar pattern under the table and I honestly can't stop staring at it.

 

[Dizzie]

Sorry, but the only OEC I have is green.

Good lord, Kenny, this is insane!!!

 

[WinkHPD]

Why?
Because OECs are beautiful.

... which begs the question, 'then why did they go out of style?'
In a word, marketing.
Companies want money, LOTS of it!

T

LOL, Kenny, you need to follow your sig file line and post true stuff! Oh, and true stuff is your green OEC, that is truly stunning!

When I was a student at GIA back in 1975, we were told that it was the invention of the diamond saw that allowed an octahedral crystal to be sawn into two pieces that allowed each well formed octahedral crystal to be cut into two diamonds. This did allow for a higher return, getting two diamonds rather than one from each crystal.

I believe it may also have been the introduction of the electric lightbulb with its light coming from the ceiling at night rather than from the walls from lanterns that allowed for diamonds to be cut to return light from higher angles.

I agree though, that a well cut OEC is a complete treasure to be enjoyed and savored. To a dispersion lover, they are an incredible gift of pure visual pleasure.

Wink

 

[CloverBuddha]

Climbing swiftly up my soapbox now .

Please know that I am 200% biased in my answer and opinions (full disclosure and all that jazz).

I think OECs are here to stay (I did say I was biased, right?). They are little pieces of history, and as they age, and become more rare, I see their values only increasing. The fact that the internet has become the de-facto research venue of choice is a HUGE reason why they have become a more mainstream option. I also have clients who like old cuts because they are conflict-free.

But mostly, my clients decide on OECs because they love the way it looks - those broad flashes of color, all that fire, and that charm and character these diamonds have - they have lived several generations, after all.

MRBs are beautiful diamonds - they were precision-cut with the aid of the best that technology has to offer. As such, you can expect a product that is perfectly symmetrical, with excellent light return, and, it goes without saying, that much-coveted excellent cut designation. The result are diamonds which look and perform a certain way, uniformly, in ALL lighting conditions. This is great because people who want this will not be disappointed!

OECs and all old cuts are a different animal altogether. Cut well over a hundred years ago, most only with the aid of candle light, taking months to finish, and depending solely on the cutter's skill and eye. The results are diamond which are wonky, often asymmetrical in some way or form, rustic and in my book, perfectly imperfect.

If I had several dozen OECs lined up on desk, each and every stone will look vastly different than the one next to it. Some would have a cushiony outline, some with larger culets, some broader facets, some more fine. The differences, or "flavors" between OECs is almost limitless. This is extremely appealing to me, and to a vast number of clients I work with. Women are now making bolder choices in their jewelry, they are not afraid to buck the trend, and most purposely make the unconventional choice (a cluster ring for an ER, as an example).

One can liken this to any piece of furniture. That antique chest of drawers will have this rich, lived-in feel and charm to them that the best reproduction piece, even by the most skilled artisan will not be able to duplicate. Sure, the repro will be more functional, and the drawers will not stick, and glide in and out more easily but the antique drawer is the one you wish to pass on to their children because its a piece of history, with a past you may or may not know about, but you instinctively want to preserve it anyway.

Final bullet point: Antique diamonds are also, to a large extent, a limited resource. Once gone, that would be it for all of us . A scandalous and countless number of old cuts have since been re-cut into modern stones, and we will never get them back. There is still a healthy number of dealers out there who discount old cuts as diamonds of less value because the mindset is on the value of these diamonds on paper - they think "who would buy a diamond with a fair cut grade and a large culet anyway?"

Stepping off the soapbox now.

Absolute huge BRAVO coming to you from a soon-to-be bride in U.K. one who have searched high and low for the best appropriate engagement ring- for me. . As you said, some of us wish to buck the trend and have a great, timeless clustering ring as an engagement Ring. Your post has been more than an education, thank you so so much.
I will pick up my engagement ring this weekend, and I’m even more excited to get it since reading your post.

PLEASE excuse the dodgy manicure- was due a trip to the nail bar!!

 

[missy]

Because they look like THIS! (This is a pic of my stone)

THUD!!!



OEC PERFECTION.
The stuff of dreams.

 

[missy]

Absolute huge BRAVO coming to you from a soon-to-be bride in U.K. one who have searched high and low for the best appropriate engagement ring- for me. . As you said, some of us wish to buck the trend and have a great, timeless clustering ring as an engagement Ring. Your post has been more than an education, thank you so so much.
I will pick up my engagement ring this weekend, and I’m even more excited to get it since reading your post.

PLEASE excuse the dodgy manicure- was due a trip to the nail bar!!

Congrats! Cannot wait to see you wearing your beautiful romantic piece of history!

 

[missy]

In no way can the beauty of an OEC be denied

True dat!

 

[PreRaphaelite]

I've never liked modern round stones, though before PS, I couldn't really articulate what I didn't like about them. I've always been drawn to vintage designs (in jewelry) and when I first saw an OEC, it was love at first sight and I've never looked back. As others have said, I prefer the floral faceting, the broad flashes of color and how each and every one is unique.

This, exactly. Well said @yennyfire !

Previous to PS, I had the standard MRBs yet no matter how sparkly they were, they still seemed 'meh' somehow. I didn't keep any of them. I never thought I'd have an OEC because they were something I could never afford. Only a lucky pawn shop visit changed that.

Believe me, there's nothing hip or hipster about me! Trends are great! Bring on the 'Great Old Cut Dump of 2021' I'll be ready for that!

 

[CloverBuddha]

Congrats! Cannot wait to see you wearing your beautiful romantic piece of history!

You’re an absolute darling! I can’t wait either… It’s Original setting is in 18 carat gold, but is rather rudimentary. As I’m allergic to all gold, we are having it remade in a similar shape in platinum. That’s going to take a few weeks so I’m looking forward to early December! Original setting is in 18 carat gold, but is rather rudimentary. As I’m allergic to all gold, we are having it remade in a similar shape in platinum. That’s going to take a few weeks so I’m looking forward to early December!

 

[CloverBuddha]

THUD!!!



OEC PERFECTION.
The stuff of dreams.

 

[Lovesparklesparle]

I upgraded to a genuine Oec as I love the unique look and the romance. But beyond this, the challenge and reward (along with disappointment) of sifting through countless stones until you find THE ONE is in itself a, let’s call it hobby/passion/obsession.

I’m unsure how I feel about all the modern cut, diamond stimulants and lab grown diamonds, cut with laser precision for ideal optics, cut in an antique style that are readily available. They are stunning and often superior, but as someone already mentioned, still in production and not a limited resource like the genuine antiques.

 

[CloverBuddha]

Congrats! Cannot wait to see you wearing your beautiful romantic piece of history!

I must say, after looking at engagement rings since May 2017 (when we got engaged) to finally finding The Ring has been quite a journey. This will be my third attempt at buying my engagement ring
- first ring made very expensively, and by very badly unscrupulous jeweller in Hatton Garden, London. Sold me a ring with a broken diamond, and after repair the setting was asymmetrical and damaged. Had to take them to the jewellery association, who made a report, identifying them as fraudulent, and commented that it was one of the worst repairs he’s ever seen. Made an absolutely horrendous experience with one of the most special occasions of our lives. Just a terrible experience.

- Second ring was a temporary placeholder in white gold vintage setting, with a central Moissonite. It confirmed my allergies to gold!
- third time lucky- finally this beauty appeared. before discovering this rain online a few weeks ago, I had no idea about the OEC diamond, Which I totally love ethnically, historically, and aesthetically! Oh, did I mention the size:cash ratio ?!?
i just know I will enjoy wearing for the rest of my life.

 

[CloverBuddha]

Too right! Thud keeps happening to me at least 10 times a day!

 

[missy]

I must say, after looking at engagement rings since May 2017 (when we got engaged) to finally finding The Ring has been quite a journey. This will be my third attempt at buying my engagement ring
- first ring made very expensively, and by very badly unscrupulous jeweller in Hatton Garden, London. Sold me a ring with a broken diamond, and after repair the setting was asymmetrical and damaged. Had to take them to the jewellery association, who made a report, identifying them as fraudulent, and commented that it was one of the worst repairs he’s ever seen. Made an absolutely horrendous experience with one of the most special occasions of our lives. Just a terrible experience.

- Second ring was a temporary placeholder in white gold vintage setting, with a central Moissonite. It confirmed my allergies to gold!
- third time lucky- finally this beauty appeared. before discovering this rain online a few weeks ago, I had no idea about the OEC diamond, Which I totally love ethnically, historically, and aesthetically! Oh, did I mention the size:cash ratio ?!?
i just know I will enjoy wearing for the rest of my life.

@CloverBuddha many of us here share a similar challenging bling decision journey and believe me understand what you have been through. For many of us it is an ongoing journey finding just the "right" one engagement ring. And that includes the stone, the setting, the accompanying bands. It can evolve over time and of course being on PS can help point us to what is our "best" choice. It doesn't often happen with the first choice but it evolves over time. Know that and enjoy all the energy and research you and your FI have put into finding you your beautiful ring. And think of the previous rings as your learning curve adding to the experience you needed to get to where you are now.

 

[missy]

I upgraded to a genuine Oec as I love the unique look and the romance. But beyond this, the challenge and reward (along with disappointment) of sifting through countless stones until you find THE ONE is in itself a, let’s call it hobby/passion/obsession.

I’m unsure how I feel about all the modern cut, diamond stimulants and lab grown diamonds, cut with laser precision for ideal optics, cut in an antique style that are readily available. They are stunning and often superior, but as someone already mentioned, still in production and not a limited resource like the genuine antiques.

Truly there is no right or wrong. It comes down to the individual and his/her preferences. Personally yes I love the romance of the genuine old cut diamond. One we are using a resource already here/recycling and not taking from the environment. Two it is rich with history and for me it feels so romantic and full of old world charm. I look at my OEC (and the one I had before) and it just makes me swoon. In a way that precision cuts and modern cuts do not. Three it is less common because it is a limited resource. But there are pros to the other options as well. Precision cut, optical superior and new without any "baggage" that some do not like. Optically precise and perfect if you will. And both gorgeous options just depends on the person and most definitely no right or wrong. Comes down to what makes one's heart beat faster and go pitter patter.

Maybe one can compare it to a new build house vs a vintage/antique home. Some love the newness of new build (whether made to look vintage or new) while others prefer the charm of the vintage home. No wrong or right here either.

 

[CloverBuddha]

Truly there is no right or wrong. It comes down to the individual and his/her preferences. Personally yes I love the romance of the genuine old cut diamond. One we are using a resource already here/recycling and not taking from the environment. Two it is rich with history and for me it feels so romantic and full of old world charm. I look at my OEC (and the one I had before) and it just makes me swoon. In a way that precision cuts and modern cuts do not. Three it is less common because it is a limited resource. But there are pros to the other options as well. Precision cut, optical superior and new without any "baggage" that some do not like. Optically precise and perfect if you will. And both gorgeous options just depends on the person and most definitely no right or wrong. Comes down to what makes one's heart beat faster and go pitter patter.

Maybe one can compare it to a new build house vs a vintage/antique home. Some love the newness of new build (whether made to look vintage or new) while others prefer the charm of the vintage home. No wrong or right here either.

Absolutely wonderful observations

 

[CloverBuddha]

@CloverBuddha many of us here share a similar challenging bling decision journey and believe me understand what you have been through. For many of us it is an ongoing journey finding just the "right" one engagement ring. And that includes the stone, the setting, the accompanying bands. It can evolve over time and of course being on PS can help point us to what is our "best" choice. It doesn't often happen with the first choice but it evolves over time. Know that and enjoy all the energy and research you and your FI have put into finding you your beautiful ring. And think of the previous rings as your learning curve adding to the experience you needed to get to where you are now.

I agree- I absolutely feel that the obstacles on the way helped move me towards OEC (The stones that represent me longevity) and a ring that I really love, that represents The longevity of our love - in the shape of a Multi stoned Ring!

 

[missy]

I agree- I absolutely feel that the obstacles on the way helped move me towards OEC (The stones that represent me longevity) and a ring that I really love, that represents The longevity of our love - in the shape of a Multi stoned Ring!

LOVE this sentiment!

 

[kgizo]

I think one reason they’ve increased in popular is that they have gotten more exposure via the internet. 20+ yrs ago I had an inherited tranny/OEC for an engagement ring. The jewelers I took it to all tried to talk me out of it - it was a J (“so undesirable”) and “old”. I received many, many compliments on the ring followed by “what cut/shape is that?”. People recognized something was different to their eye and really liked it, but had never seen an old diamond before and didn’t know what it was. There were no antique jewelry stores in my town so I had no idea what I really had either. Years later I moved to a big city and was able to find an antique jeweler for the very first time. He was good, but couldn’t get me anything bigger than a carat and rarely had stones with reports. Thanks to the boom in online shopping I, and others, have access to these beauties. I also love having jewelry pieces with some history. If something has survived 100+ years you know it has been well loved for a reason. I feel the same way about senior dogs, if you have a chance to rescue an older dog do it!

 

[Austina]

Congratulations @CloverBuddha can’t wait to see your engagement ring.

I’m also in the UK, and visited an OEC specialist in Hatton Garden, and I was so disappointed. (Not to mention looking in other jewellers there and their ‘better’ prices!)

Fortunately for me, I was going to NY and meeting Missy for a visit to Old World Diamonds. Wow, what an experience that was. Their inventory was amazing and I got to see spectacular old cuts. If I hadn’t seen such wonderful examples of what they should be like, I don’t think I’d have been so smitten.

They really are a stone that need to be seen to fully appreciated.

Not only did I get to meet such a great PSer, I also came back with Bella, who has surpassed all my expectations.

 

[Hounddog]

I first heard about them here on PS and I LOVE them...I want one...pretty please!
Seriously, they are just so pretty, they have personality, they’re rather special. I also like Old Mine and Cushion cuts, preferably the chunkier characterful ones.

One day.....

 

[CloverBuddha]

Sure! It’s small since my grandparents were poor, but it’s sparkly none the less and I enjoy wearing it on my rh. I really love the known history behind it.

What makes a diamond transitional? I’m guessing subtle cuts slowly leading to what we have today in a MRB, but is there any big difference?

Bless them for their humble beginnings, and to be able to have something you can own and feel connected to your history. That’s just such a charming story…