YAY! I'm officially shopping for an OEC.

[maplefemme]

That last one is a find, but I am suspicious of the no reserve auction. And no returns. Too fishy for me, personally.

I would normally never bid on something with no returns either, Dreamer, and I'm a well seasoned ebayer but their feedback is 100% positive and with 6294 transactions under their belt that's pretty good odds.
I'd bid, but I respect everyone has their boundaries for risk

I would however request better photos, those are too bright, I agree Kennedy...

I guess I subscribe to the old "diamond sellers are shrewd" and they don't sell things for less than they are worth. But maybe the auction will ramp up into the thousands were it ought to be!

Yes I agree, I see this going up more, plenty of people already bidding and early days yet, but I saw a 2.70 OEC in a hideous setting, close at $5,700 a couple months ago so there's deals to be had!
Too-good-to-be-true usually is, but scanning through past transactions of their's, they have had some very good deals and customers have given rave reviews. Their auctions seem to attract plenty of interest and bids...
Only issue I saw at all was one buyer stated a ring size was wrong but was still happy, the seller refunded the cost for getting resized.

 

[CharmyPoo]

I am actually looking for the exact same thing you described. Just give me fortekitty's diamond and I will be perfectly happy.

 

[Gypsy]

Hi everyone, and thank you so much for your support and encouragement. Thanks so much for your candidates. I'm looking through them now. We had a wedding to attend and house guests this weekend so I've been crunched for time. I'm exhausted right now so I'm going to browse and bit and see if I get a second wind. And if I don't I'm off to bed. If I do sleep. I'll definitely respond to everyone tomorrow.

There are a couple of stones I have my eye on and the seller is getting me better pics... the prices are good, but the stones may need re-hab I just need to know how bad... we'll see.

Charmy, I gotta be honest... I'd sell your Maytal setting and it's cushion and go for a larger OEC. There are some REALLY INCREDIBLE 2 carat plus stones that I wish I had the budget for.

 

[Circe]

Hi everyone, and thank you so much for your support and encouragement. Thanks so much for your candidates. I'm looking through them now. We had a wedding to attend and house guests this weekend so I've been crunched for time. I'm exhausted right now so I'm going to browse and bit and see if I get a second wind. And if I don't I'm off to bed. If I do sleep. I'll definitely respond to everyone tomorrow.

There are a couple of stones I have my eye on and the seller is getting me better pics... the prices are good, but the stones may need re-hab I just need to know how bad... we'll see.

Charmy, I gotta be honest... I'd sell your Maytal setting and it's cushion and go for a larger OEC. There are some REALLY INCREDIBLE 2 carat plus stones that I wish I had the budget for.

Wanna give us some eye candy? It'll be, uh, educational! So we know to keep an eye out for the sorts of things you like as we make suggestions!

 

[Gypsy]

Yeah. That's a good idea hon!

Here's the first thing. This stone is too small for me, but the vendor pictures really shows the faceting I'd like to find ideally.

 

[Gypsy]

These are ones I like for the reasons listed, but I won't be bidding on them, so they are just illustrative.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/230654854064?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649 If I had the budget, I'd buy this. I adore the setting. The two tone sapphires are beautiful. It's got a lovely center stone that is also a good size.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/130572948240?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649 Don't care for the top down of the setting, but the stone is lovely. I would reset it.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/150418418820?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649 Lots of potential, but overpriced for me. But I love the setting. I wouldn't reset this one either.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/290612633639?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649 LOVE the stone from the pics. Unsure about setting but it's probably too ornate for me long term, but I could live with it short term. Wish it was in budget.

 

[kennedy]

This one might be too rustic for you...and probably too small, but I thought I'd link it anyway just in case:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-00-carat-...ose_Diamonds&hash=item2a14070c97#ht_530wt_942

 

[CharmyPoo]

Charmy, I gotta be honest... I'd sell your Maytal setting and it's cushion and go for a larger OEC. There are some REALLY INCREDIBLE 2 carat plus stones that I wish I had the budget for.

Yeah .. I know it is the right thing to do. But I am being a bit sentimental because that is the stone the hubby gave me. Silly huh?

I think I should just wait until an anniversary so I have an excuse to spend more. My budget is imposed because I don't want to put so much to it. We really should be saving for a new house.

Ok.. no more thread jacking. I think I will let my "want" go and live through you.

 

[Gypsy]

This one might be too rustic for you...and probably too small, but I thought I'd link it anyway just in case:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-00-carat-...ose_Diamonds&hash=item2a14070c97#ht_530wt_942

Ate my post. I like that one quite a bit. It's got personality. It needs some TLC and I don't mind that.

Only thing I don't like is that either just the culet is off center or it's both the culet and the table. Hmm. Or the stone is tilted in the pic.

I ADORE the small table though. And the reflecting culet.

I wonder what they'll best offer it at. I'm going to think about this one overnight.

Charmy... there are many stones in my price range that meet most of my overall requirements. But my requirement for symmetrical faceting would be a LOT easier if I had an 8k budget (with existing setting).

I REALLY would prefer a loose stone. I can evaluate the faceting, the girdle and any outline wonkiness much easier on an unset stone with the right pictures.

But many of the stones in my budget are set, unfortunately.

 

[ForteKitty]

Gypsy, if you see something you like, just make an offer via ebay messaging... you never know what they might accept. The seller of my ring originally wanted $5500... he ended up agreeing to $4k. So you never know!

 

[Gypsy]

This one might be too rustic for you...and probably too small, but I thought I'd link it anyway just in case:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-00-carat-...ose_Diamonds&hash=item2a14070c97#ht_530wt_942

I decided to ask for more pictures and also asked if the diamond was slightly tilted in this one. And off center culet would drive me batty, but if it's just the picture... there's promise.

Good advice Forte, I also asked about a best offer price. So we'll see. Thanks, I needed that push!

 

[Gypsy]

This one is out of budget for me but it has potential for someone with a larger budget than mine. http://www.ebay.com/itm/ANTIQUE-DIAMOND-ENGAGEMENT-RING-PLATINUM-1-27-EGL-14-667-I-J-VS1-VS2-SIZE-6-25-/170698356621?pt=Diamond_Solitaire_with_Accents&hash=item27be6a378d

 

[kennedy]

This one might be too rustic for you...and probably too small, but I thought I'd link it anyway just in case:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-00-carat-...ose_Diamonds&hash=item2a14070c97#ht_530wt_942

I decided to ask for more pictures and also asked if the diamond was slightly tilted in this one. And off center culet would drive me batty, but if it's just the picture... there's promise.

Good advice Forte, I also asked about a best offer price. So we'll see. Thanks, I needed that push!

I hope you'll post pics once you get them. I think it's a very pretty stone and I agree that it has personality. I noticed that the culet looked off center, but maybe it's just the photography. Could be a good deal if it is what the seller says it is. Are you sending whatever stone you buy to Neil for appraisal? Have you contacted Nikki regarding the 1.25 in the yellow gold setting?

 

[Gypsy]

This one might be too rustic for you...and probably too small, but I thought I'd link it anyway just in case:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-00-carat-...ose_Diamonds&hash=item2a14070c97#ht_530wt_942

I decided to ask for more pictures and also asked if the diamond was slightly tilted in this one. And off center culet would drive me batty, but if it's just the picture... there's promise.

Good advice Forte, I also asked about a best offer price. So we'll see. Thanks, I needed that push!

I hope you'll post pics once you get them. I think it's a very pretty stone and I agree that it has personality. I noticed that the culet looked off center, but maybe it's just the photography. Could be a good deal if it is what the seller says it is. Are you sending whatever stone you buy to Neil for appraisal? Have you contacted Nikki regarding the 1.25 in the yellow gold setting?

I haven't contacted Niki, it's been really busy this weekend. I will send to Neil, but not right away.

If I buy it through the PS vendor I've asked to search for me... I'm not sure what I'll do. I need to get it insured and for that I need either my receipt or an appraisal. And I'll have to find a SUPER cheap setting for it as well. I tend not to get my PS vendor pieces appraised unless there is an actual reason for it. I've spent a small fortune in appraisal costs this last year thanks to increased metal and diamonds prices... so I will likely just insure for purchase price and skip a formal appraisal, unless there is some reason not to.

If I buy through ebay and the stone is one that I don't think will need TLC immediately (not chips, etc.) or an immediate setting (for insurance) I will likely send to Neil right after I've seen it and decided for myself what I think. I don't see the point in involving Neil since I've been training my eye to old cuts for a while now... and ultimately it will be on my hand and I will be the nickpicky PITA that will stare at it and dissect it hourly. I will likely also have it unset locally to see if it needs to go to BGD before Neil.

If it needs TLC then I will send to BGD first and then to Neil after it's been rehabbed.

So really, it just depends on what I get and where I get it and what condition it's in.

IF I get pics, I will post them. I swear some of these sellers have no interest in selling their goods cause they don't even respond to pic requests. Especially the ones that post only a single picture to begin with.

 

[D&T]

Hey Gypsy,

Not sure if this was suggested, but overall 7.1mm not bad...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/400244438939?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649


Good luck with the search...how exciting!

 

[natascha]

Gypsy- regarding the off center culet, it could still merit a look see. My OEC does not have the culet perfectly centered, if I wore it one way up then it looked completely centered but if I wore it the other way then if I looked closely I could sometimes see that it was not centered. Found a picture showing it when you see that it is a bit offcentered.Can't get a pic turned around since i currently have it on consignment.


So if that seems to be the only problem maybe you can try turning it around to see if it helps. Or would it still bug you? That you know it is not perfect.

 

[Gypsy]

Hey Gypsy,

Not sure if this was suggested, but overall 7.1mm not bad...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/400244438939?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649


Good luck with the search...how exciting!

Hi DT... you read my mind. I found this yesterday and asked a good friend who has experience with old cuts... and this is what they said.

"That's a nice looking transitional cut. Not an oec-a later brilliant cut...that stone looks like it will be VERY brilliant. A lot of white light return. The pattern is nice-basically a chunkier earlier round. Similar to what GoG is cutting with the AVRs-so lots of brilliance, but an old cut to boot.

Ask the seller about the SI2 clarity. Ask if there are chips on the girdle. I think I'm seeing feathers in the 1:00 and 11:00 positions near or under the prongs. Double check about durability with this stone as it appears shallower that other old cuts. I can't quite get a good enough view of the girdle. If that girdle is thin, then feathers *might* be an issue-depending on where placed. The pics are washing out a lot of detail.

It doesn't have the high crown or small table of older oecs, but it might be uber brilliant and still have that old cut chunky flavor."

So... I'm not sure how I feel. I do like the setting quite a bit... and the price is reasonable. But I am worried about the clarity. And I do like colored light, so I'm wondering if I want a real OEC instead.

Food for thought.

Thank you DT!

 

[Gypsy]

Gypsy- regarding the off center culet, it could still merit a look see. My OEC does not have the culet perfectly centered, if I wore it one way up then it looked completely centered but if I wore it the other way then if I looked closely I could sometimes see that it was not centered. Found a picture showing it when you see that it is a bit offcentered.Can't get a pic turned around since i currently have it on consignment.


So if that seems to be the only problem maybe you can try turning it around to see if it helps. Or would it still bug you? That you know it is not perfect.

That was EXTREMELY helpful. I'm not sure now. Hmm... It may not bug me daily. I used to have a ring that had a similar problem, only it was the halo that was slightly off if you wore it one way... but unnoticeable if you wore it the other. It bothered me, but not daily. Just when I cleaned it or tried to photograph it, or when I played with it. Hmm... thanks so much Natasha!

 

[LGK]

Hey Gypsy,

Not sure if this was suggested, but overall 7.1mm not bad...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/400244438939?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649


Good luck with the search...how exciting!

Hi DT... you read my mind. I found this yesterday and asked a good friend who has experience with old cuts... and this is what they said.

"That's a nice looking transitional cut. Not an oec-a later brilliant cut...that stone looks like it will be VERY brilliant. A lot of white light return. The pattern is nice-basically a chunkier earlier round. Similar to what GoG is cutting with the AVRs-so lots of brilliance, but an old cut to boot.

Ask the seller about the SI2 clarity. Ask if there are chips on the girdle. I think I'm seeing feathers in the 1:00 and 11:00 positions near or under the prongs. Double check about durability with this stone as it appears shallower that other old cuts. I can't quite get a good enough view of the girdle. If that girdle is thin, then feathers *might* be an issue-depending on where placed. The pics are washing out a lot of detail.

It doesn't have the high crown or small table of older oecs, but it might be uber brilliant and still have that old cut chunky flavor."

So... I'm not sure how I feel. I do like the setting quite a bit... and the price is reasonable. But I am worried about the clarity. And I do like colored light, so I'm wondering if I want a real OEC instead.

Food for thought.

Thank you DT!

I haven't fully caught up yet with your thread, but, yeah, your friend said pretty much what I would've (though I didn't realize the AVRs were cut more like trannys than OECs, that is very interesting). I definitely think that TCs and OECs are quite different. I like OECs and always assumed therefore I'd like TCs too- chunky facets, right? Nope. They just behave very, very differently. The one I had looked like a flashlight- just a round ball of white light most of the time. Very different than an OEC, and I personally didn't care for the look on *me*.

So yeah- don't assume just because you like OECs that a TC is gonna be the same, or even similar. Definitely a different flavor of diamond. Most have super low, flat crowns and big tables, since that was after they figured out how to saw rough into two halves so- they *really* took advantage of that! I suspect a TC with a higher crown and no bigger than 60% table could be really pretty- some fire, you know? But a lot simply lack it. They sure to photograph beautifully however- the white light return and the chunky facets really are shown to the best advantage in still pics. They also show that soft pastel-fire sort of thing in just the right lighting, like Surfgirl captured with her TC- but IRL, you pretty much only see that effect when you're sitting under a tree in the sun. And the rest of the time it's alllll white.

OK I'm gonna try to catch up with there rest of this thread now!

 

[LGK]

This one might be too rustic for you...and probably too small, but I thought I'd link it anyway just in case:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-00-carat-...ose_Diamonds&hash=item2a14070c97#ht_530wt_942

I decided to ask for more pictures and also asked if the diamond was slightly tilted in this one. And off center culet would drive me batty, but if it's just the picture... there's promise.

Good advice Forte, I also asked about a best offer price. So we'll see. Thanks, I needed that push!

I hope you'll post pics once you get them. I think it's a very pretty stone and I agree that it has personality. I noticed that the culet looked off center, but maybe it's just the photography. Could be a good deal if it is what the seller says it is. Are you sending whatever stone you buy to Neil for appraisal? Have you contacted Nikki regarding the 1.25 in the yellow gold setting?

The pic is off center. Of course the culet could be *too*- but that's definitely not centered. If you measure from the left edge to the start of the table, and do the same on the right side, they are nowhere near equal distances, so it's tipped left for sure.

The measurements indicate it's a little deep. Probably not drastically enough to make the center dark, but if it's much over 62% depth it definitely increases the chances of darkness under the table. Even if it's significantly lower in color, price looks very good. It'd be really nice to see some pics where they're not so macro- like if they set the camera on a high megapixel setting and pulled back, then cropped the result down, so we could see some where all the facets are in focus. You just can't tell the faceting pattern that well.

The stone you posted as your favorite faceting pattern- that one is a very late OEC, verging on transitional. It's cut very, very similarly to my late-OEC but with a smaller culet. Probably 60% table or not quite, and very regular faceting. If such a stone has a very high crown, like mine does, and a reasonable depth (mine's a 60/60, weirdly enough) it can be smashingly gorgeous.

 

[Dreamer_D]

Gypsy, if you see something you like, just make an offer via ebay messaging... you never know what they might accept. The seller of my ring originally wanted $5500... he ended up agreeing to $4k. So you never know!

Yes, my ebay ring was advertised for $1900 then on sale for $1500 and I bought it for $1100.

 

[Dreamer_D]

Hey Gypsy,

Not sure if this was suggested, but overall 7.1mm not bad...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/400244438939?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649


Good luck with the search...how exciting!

I think you can see the SI2 inclusion at 1 o/clock in the face on shot... but awesome facets!

 

[Gypsy]

This one might be too rustic for you...and probably too small, but I thought I'd link it anyway just in case:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-00-carat-...ose_Diamonds&hash=item2a14070c97#ht_530wt_942

I decided to ask for more pictures and also asked if the diamond was slightly tilted in this one. And off center culet would drive me batty, but if it's just the picture... there's promise.

Good advice Forte, I also asked about a best offer price. So we'll see. Thanks, I needed that push!

I hope you'll post pics once you get them. I think it's a very pretty stone and I agree that it has personality. I noticed that the culet looked off center, but maybe it's just the photography. Could be a good deal if it is what the seller says it is. Are you sending whatever stone you buy to Neil for appraisal? Have you contacted Nikki regarding the 1.25 in the yellow gold setting?

The pic is off center. Of course the culet could be *too*- but that's definitely not centered. If you measure from the left edge to the start of the table, and do the same on the right side, they are nowhere near equal distances, so it's tipped left for sure.

The measurements indicate it's a little deep. Probably not drastically enough to make the center dark, but if it's much over 62% depth it definitely increases the chances of darkness under the table. Even if it's significantly lower in color, price looks very good. It'd be really nice to see some pics where they're not so macro- like if they set the camera on a high megapixel setting and pulled back, then cropped the result down, so we could see some where all the facets are in focus. You just can't tell the faceting pattern that well.

Okay so.... Seller posted the additional pics.

Here's my thoughts. Seller is crotchety. Says best offer but really wants his asking price. Which is a reasonable price...but WHY list best offer if the offers are just going to irritate you.

On the plus side he posted the additional pics quickly. Although just two... when I had asked for a couple more of the top of the stone so I could see the faceting. I don't know if I want to ask him AGAIN for pics of the stone so I can see the faceting.

I think the clarity is great.
The size is smaller than I wanted, but the price and clarity make up for that.
The crown is nice and high and that table is small. Love that.


So the biggest question is... DOES THAT LOOK LIKE AN "I" COLORED STONE TO YOU GUYS? ALL I'M SEEING IS BROWN ZONING. From the side it looks like it could be accurate in grade. But face down that puppy looks like it's going to be dark.

Not sure I like that. Thoughts?

 

[ForteKitty]

the 1ct, right? it looks way more tinted than an "I".

 

[Gypsy]

the 1ct, right? it looks way more tinted than an "I".

I know I saw the face down and was like WHOA. That's not saying "I" to me. Not GIA "I"

 

[chupiechow]

Gypsy, this one seems really overpriced. . http://www.ebay.com/itm/ANTIQUE-DIAMOND-ENGAGEMENT-RING-PLATINUM-1-27-EGL-14-667-I-J-VS1-VS2-SIZE-6-25-/170698356621?pt=Diamond_Solitaire_with_Accents&hash=item27be6a378d

 

[Gypsy]

Hey Gypsy,

Not sure if this was suggested, but overall 7.1mm not bad...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/400244438939?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649


Good luck with the search...how exciting!

I think you can see the SI2 inclusion at 1 o/clock in the face on shot... but awesome facets!

I don't know if I can trust the seller's assessment of the clarity even if I do ask him. This one would go straight to Neil... which for me means that all the appraisal costs just add to the bottom line.

I'm not willing to do that at the very start of my search. I'll keep it in mind, but right now I'm passing on the Transitional. I want eyeclean and I want safe. Too much risk in that one... not enough return IMO.

 

[Gypsy]

Gypsy, this one seems really overpriced. . http://www.ebay.com/itm/ANTIQUE-DIAMOND-ENGAGEMENT-RING-PLATINUM-1-27-EGL-14-667-I-J-VS1-VS2-SIZE-6-25-/170698356621?pt=Diamond_Solitaire_with_Accents&hash=item27be6a378d

It's certified so they can ask that price. Doesn't mean they'll get it though. As everyone has already said, it doesn't hurt to ask for a lower price. But I would wait until you ask them for better pics. Get the pics and then negotiate if it's worth it.

 

[LGK]

This one might be too rustic for you...and probably too small, but I thought I'd link it anyway just in case:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-00-carat-...ose_Diamonds&hash=item2a14070c97#ht_530wt_942

I decided to ask for more pictures and also asked if the diamond was slightly tilted in this one. And off center culet would drive me batty, but if it's just the picture... there's promise.

Good advice Forte, I also asked about a best offer price. So we'll see. Thanks, I needed that push!

I hope you'll post pics once you get them. I think it's a very pretty stone and I agree that it has personality. I noticed that the culet looked off center, but maybe it's just the photography. Could be a good deal if it is what the seller says it is. Are you sending whatever stone you buy to Neil for appraisal? Have you contacted Nikki regarding the 1.25 in the yellow gold setting?

The pic is off center. Of course the culet could be *too*- but that's definitely not centered. If you measure from the left edge to the start of the table, and do the same on the right side, they are nowhere near equal distances, so it's tipped left for sure.

The measurements indicate it's a little deep. Probably not drastically enough to make the center dark, but if it's much over 62% depth it definitely increases the chances of darkness under the table. Even if it's significantly lower in color, price looks very good. It'd be really nice to see some pics where they're not so macro- like if they set the camera on a high megapixel setting and pulled back, then cropped the result down, so we could see some where all the facets are in focus. You just can't tell the faceting pattern that well.

Okay so.... Seller posted the additional pics.

Here's my thoughts. Seller is crotchety. Says best offer but really wants his asking price. Which is a reasonable price...but WHY list best offer if the offers are just going to irritate you.

On the plus side he posted the additional pics quickly. Although just two... when I had asked for a couple more of the top of the stone so I could see the faceting. I don't know if I want to ask him AGAIN for pics of the stone so I can see the faceting.

I think the clarity is great.
The size is smaller than I wanted, but the price and clarity make up for that.
The crown is nice and high and that table is small. Love that.


So the biggest question is... DOES THAT LOOK LIKE AN "I" COLORED STONE TO YOU GUYS? ALL I'M SEEING IS BROWN ZONING. From the side it looks like it could be accurate in grade. But face down that puppy looks like it's going to be dark.

Not sure I like that. Thoughts?

Totally not an I! And WTF is going on, on that face down pic?! Is he wearing a brown shirt? Got the camera in a paper bag? Very strange effect. I'd say it looks pretty much like my M photographs from the side, of course photos are tough to judge color by, blah blah and all that- you know that drill But an I? No way.

Hm. I am picky with sellers, and snottiness turns me off. Still, the price is good and the faceting might be nice, but it's tough to tell from the given pics...

 

[Gypsy]

Okay so that's two people other than me that agree that it's not an I. I was thinking, before that pic, that it might be K/L and I'd have been okay with that.

That weird tint makes it less attractive at that price. I know of an N 1.48 I can get for 800 or so more, and it's EGL certified so WAY more certainty there. Plus a nice amount of spread.

The guy is a pain LGK. Seriously.