Any of these OECs worth the gamble?

[Agnasia]

I really shouldn’t be looking on eBay, especially as I’m having a ring made and my husband would not be impressed! But, I’ve got in to my head the idea of finding a bargain upgrade OEC. I currently have a very beautiful 0.73ct approx 5.7mm which is a VS2 and I in colour but would love something more substantial.

Ebay finds - are any of them worth the shipping/no returns risk?

Option 1 - 1.03ct 6.5 x 6.5 x 3.78mm, EGL H-I, SI2, $3,195 (have asked if it’s eye clean and not heard back yet)



Option 2 - 1.46ct 7.16 x 7.09 x 4.41mm, ADF J-K, SI1, $3,800 (I have been told it’s eye clean)



There was another option which I think grabbed my heart the most but it looks like it’s been sold! I’d still be interested in your opinion on it to see how you think it compares to the other two.

The one that got away - 1.25ct 6.66 x 6.65 x 4.27mm, EGL K-L, VS2, $3,995



Any of them a good find, or not worth bothering with and just focus on my new ring?!!!

 

[marymm]

Personally I am not willing to buy diamonds/jewelry without a return policy ... antique diamonds are really something you need to see for yourself to judge color, pattern, performance ... photos and videos and vendor assurances are insufficient, particularly when the vendor is unwilling to back up their listings with a return policy ... YMMV

 

[Agnasia]

Personally I am not willing to buy diamonds/jewelry without a return policy ... antique diamonds are really something you need to see for yourself to judge color, pattern, performance ... photos and videos and vendor assurances are insufficient, particularly when the vendor is unwilling to back up their listings with a return policy ... YMMV

Thank you for bringing my feet back down to earth! That’s a great point and very true.

 

[fel]

Another thing to point out is unless you have a GIA report on these diamonds, you should take the clarity and color ratings with a huge grain of salt. In fact, it is safest just to assume the reported ratings are wrong.

 

[Lookinagain]

Another thing to point out is unless you have a GIA report on these diamonds, you should take the clarity and color ratings with a huge grain of salt. In fact, it is safest just to assume the reported ratings are wrong.

Which is why a return policy is so important on things like these. The color of the photo seems to be altered in some of them and probably it is done to take some color out of the stone. I'd be wary without being able to return.

 

[Mreader]

I like the third one the best but like the others said you want a return policy. There are plenty of eBay antique sellers that have returns so I would just keep looking and filter the search for sellers that accept returns.

 

[Agnasia]

Another thing to point out is unless you have a GIA report on these diamonds, you should take the clarity and color ratings with a huge grain of salt. In fact, it is safest just to assume the reported ratings are wrong.

Oh yes, I hadn’t thought of that but I do remember GIA being strictest on colour.

Which is why a return policy is so important on things like these. The color of the photo seems to be altered in some of them and probably it is done to take some color out of the stone. I'd be wary without being able to return.

It’s so hard to know how accurate the photos are which is why I’ve been wary. Definitely need to find someone with a returns policy.

I like the third one the best but like the others said you want a return policy. There are plenty of eBay antique sellers that have returns so I would just keep looking and filter the search for sellers that accept returns.

Thank you, I will filter the search. Do you happen to know any sellers that are reputable? I think I’ve looked at DiamondZone before and I believe they have a returns policy.

Really appreciate all the responses - returns policy is a must!

 

[Agnasia]

I've received a video link for option 1 and it does look like a beautiful stone (aargh)! I have asked again if it's eye clean as I can see an inclusion on top of the the table in the video but don't know if this is because it's zoomed in. I have also asked about their lack of returns policy on the basis of being an international buyer.

Here is the link:

 

[missy]

I've received a video link for option 1 and it does look like a beautiful stone (aargh)! I have asked again if it's eye clean as I can see an inclusion on top of the the table in the video but don't know if this is because it's zoomed in. I have also asked about their lack of returns policy on the basis of being an international buyer.

Here is the link:

I would pass since you are asking. Not eye clean to me. You can do better.

 

[Agnasia]

Thank you @missy

 

[Mreader]

Oh yes, I hadn’t thought of that but I do remember GIA being strictest on colour.



It’s so hard to know how accurate the photos are which is why I’ve been wary. Definitely need to find someone with a returns policy.



Thank you, I will filter the search. Do you happen to know any sellers that are reputable? I think I’ve looked at DiamondZone before and I believe they have a returns policy.

Really appreciate all the responses - returns policy is a must!

Diamond zone is I believe Ivy and Rose so yes they take returns and you can go directly to their site which is less expensive bc no eBay fees there. I will think of some others and get back to you.

 

[Agnasia]

Diamond zone is I believe Ivy and Rose so yes they take returns and you can go directly to their site which is less expensive bc no eBay fees there. I will think of some others and get back to you.

I didn't realise they had their own website, thank you for that tip!

 

[fel]

That diamond in the video seems to have a lot of brown to me.

 

[Gone_]

Oh yes, I hadn’t thought of that but I do remember GIA being strictest on colour.

It’s not that GIA is strict on color… it’s a known fact that EGL is always at least 2 grades off. If you are buying EGL G you should assume it’s an I-J, if you are buying a J it’a probably an L

 

[Agnasia]

It’s not that GIA is strict on color… it’s a known fact that EGL is always at least 2 grades off. If you are buying EGL G you should assume it’s an I-J, if you are buying a J it’a probably an L

Thanks for clarifying @Diamondgirl1702, so EGL are unreliable? That will help me assess colour better and I guess also the value of the diamond. There seems, on ebay at least, to be more EGL reports than GIA.

 

[fel]

Oh and just want to add -- that OEC in the video has a very high bezel, which is obviously not the original setting for the diamond. That suggests there could be possible chips on the girdle. You wouldn't know that without removing from the setting.

 

[Gone_]

Thanks for clarifying @Diamondgirl1702, so EGL are unreliable? That will help me assess colour better and I guess also the value of the diamond. There seems, on ebay at least, to be more EGL reports than GIA.

I would say that having EGL report is almost the same as having no report. GIA diamonds are more expensive because you know what you are getting...

If you notice EGL 1ct H is 3k'ish and GIA 1ct H is 6k+... there are no miracle deals you get what you pay for

Also reputable vendors/resellers almost never post diamonds with EGL reports, they either use their own appraiser or send it to GIA. Example, Grace from JBG trusts her appraiser and never posts EGL reports.

 

[YadaYadaYada]

I echo the other wise posters who advised to stay away from old cuts without a return policy, it’s just too risky.

If you are willing to buy without the ability to return, you would be better off at a good pawn shop, at least then you can see the diamond in person to evaluate it.

Your best bet though (especially if you are newer to old cuts) would be to not jump in to anything, save the money and go with someone who has seen old cuts and can vet them for you, like Old World Diamonds as an example.

 

[marymm]

IMHO reputable vendors/resellers do post diamonds with EGL reports -- i.e., Old World Diamonds and Ivy & Rose (and Grace back in the day for that matter) -- but I reiterate a return policy is the clearest sign a vendor believes in their products and listings.

 

[Gone_]

IMHO reputable vendors/resellers do post diamonds with EGL reports -- i.e., Old World Diamonds and Ivy & Rose (and Grace back in the day for that matter) -- but I reiterate a return policy is the clearest sign a vendor believes in their products and listings.

Hence I said "almost never". I bought two EGL I color side stones from Old World Diamonds once...and Adam was upfront with me that they were were warmer, not true I colors. I appreciated that.

Funny that I reset those stones into studs later and consigned with Grace... she listed them as J-K without the EGL reports.

 

[Agnasia]

Oh and just want to add -- that OEC in the video has a very high bezel, which is obviously not the original setting for the diamond. That suggests there could be possible chips on the girdle. You wouldn't know that without removing from the setting.

Yes that's a great point!

I would say that having EGL report is almost the same as having no report. GIA diamonds are more expensive because you know what you are getting...

If you notice EGL 1ct H is 3k'ish and GIA 1ct H is 6k+... there are no miracle deals you get what you pay for

Also reputable vendors/resellers almost never post diamonds with EGL reports, they either use their own appraiser or send it to GIA. Example, Grace from JBG trusts her appraiser and never posts EGL reports.

That's what I am starting to realise and it's making it harder to compare diamonds and values, as I am now having to adjust what an EGL report states.

I echo the other wise posters who advised to stay away from old cuts without a return policy, it’s just too risky.

If you are willing to buy without the ability to return, you would be better off at a good pawn shop, at least then you can see the diamond in person to evaluate it.

Your best bet though (especially if you are newer to old cuts) would be to not jump in to anything, save the money and go with someone who has seen old cuts and can vet them for you, like Old World Diamonds as an example.

I agree with you, I do have the urge to be jump at something on occasion but I might need to slow down! I do love my current OEC (from JBG) but getting severe DSS!

IMHO reputable vendors/resellers do post diamonds with EGL reports -- i.e., Old World Diamonds and Ivy & Rose (and Grace back in the day for that matter) -- but I reiterate a return policy is the clearest sign a vendor believes in their products and listings.

Absolutely, especially as an international buyer. Will definitely stick to vendors with a returns policy.

I appreciate all the feedback, it's been enlightening!