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Conundrum

Lofi

Shiny_Rock
Joined
Jul 30, 2009
Messages
415
Hi all!
Looking for some advice on next steps… hoping this is the right forum!
I upgraded my diamond a few years back without seeing in person had it set and the diamond is not as it appeared via video at all. I asked the company setting it for their advice on the specs of the stone - thought they would be able to advise being it was a different company than I purchased the stone from, and they said it was great and went ahead and set it. I have tried to fall in love with the stone for a couple years now but just can’t.

I am hoping to do a trade in but am losing a lot of money at this point. What is the best way to trade in an already set OEC (bezel so not easy to remove) … and also am wondering where to find the best pricing for quality loose natural stones. Ideally a place that accepts trade ins too.

I read natural diamond value is going down but it doesn’t appear to be the case for the consumer pricing I’m seeing out there.

Thanks for your wisdom!
 
Hi all!
Looking for some advice on next steps… hoping this is the right forum!
I upgraded my diamond a few years back without seeing in person had it set and the diamond is not as it appeared via video at all. I asked the company setting it for their advice on the specs of the stone - thought they would be able to advise being it was a different company than I purchased the stone from, and they said it was great and went ahead and set it. I have tried to fall in love with the stone for a couple years now but just can’t.

I am hoping to do a trade in but am losing a lot of money at this point. What is the best way to trade in an already set OEC (bezel so not easy to remove) … and also am wondering where to find the best pricing for quality loose natural stones. Ideally a place that accepts trade ins too.

I read natural diamond value is going down but it doesn’t appear to be the case for the consumer pricing I’m seeing out there.

Thanks for your wisdom!

I would also be interested in hearing advice on what cut to be pursuing if looking for the best finger coverage. I want be moving away from OEC to an elongated OMC or chunkier facet cushion… but I also love asschers and square emeralds… I know I likely will have to sacrifice some finger coverage for better cut but hoping to find a better balance with this new stone.
 
Have you considered selling your current stone on the Pre-loved forum/Loupe troop?

Jewels by Grace does Consignement. Some people have had success with her (others
not so much).

Maybe try Ivy and Rose for trade-in/upgrade. I dont think they do it in general but
worth an ask.

Have you tried the original place you got the stone from? Most places I know of
dont do trade-ins of stones they didn't sell (unfortunately).

Others may have more suggestions though.

Do you think bezeling it had anything to do with the change in performance? I had
a small (like 5mm) OEC that sort of darkened up the center once I had it bezeled.
 
Have you considered selling your current stone on the Pre-loved forum/Loupe troop?

Jewels by Grace does Consignement. Some people have had success with her (others
not so much).

Maybe try Ivy and Rose for trade-in/upgrade. I dont think they do it in general but
worth an ask.

Have you tried the original place you got the stone from? Most places I know of
dont do trade-ins of stones they didn't sell (unfortunately).

Others may have more suggestions though.

Do you think bezeling it had anything to do with the change in performance? I had
a small (like 5mm) OEC that sort of darkened up the center once I had it bezeled.

I am curious about resetting as well but also worried if I do that and it doesn’t change enough of the performance for me that I’ll be out even more money IMG_5221.jpegIMG_5222.jpegIMG_5208.jpegIMG_5205.jpeg
 
I am curious about resetting as well but also worried if I do that and it doesn’t change enough of the performance for me that I’ll be out even more money IMG_5221.jpegIMG_5222.jpegIMG_5208.jpegIMG_5205.jpeg

These pics, it looks quite lively, and it can be. So it might be just that OECs aren’t for me?? Not sure.
 
I am curious about resetting as well but also worried if I do that and it doesn’t change enough of the performance for me that I’ll be out even more money IMG_5221.jpegIMG_5222.jpegIMG_5208.jpegIMG_5205.jpeg

i love it
:kiss2::kiss2::kiss2::kiss2::kiss2::kiss2::kiss2::kiss2::kiss2::kiss2::kiss2::kiss2::kiss2:
but it doesnt matter what i think, you have to love it

now i am a bezel setting kind of girl but this kind of setting could be effecting performance ??
 
Have you considered selling your current stone on the Pre-loved forum/Loupe troop?

Jewels by Grace does Consignement. Some people have had success with her (others
not so much).

Maybe try Ivy and Rose for trade-in/upgrade. I dont think they do it in general but
worth an ask.

Have you tried the original place you got the stone from? Most places I know of
dont do trade-ins of stones they didn't sell (unfortunately).

Others may have more suggestions though.

Do you think bezeling it had anything to do with the change in performance? I had
a small (like 5mm) OEC that sort of darkened up the center once I had it bezeled.

I agree this is great advice. If its priced fairly I think you could possibly sell it yourself. I know several looking for OECs. Just use your judgment there, (like dont do friends and family, do it correctly and you can check them out on here to make sure they're legit)

I think the biggest mistake i personally see is people try to price it retail, you're not retail, you need to be realistic about the price you list for. Take your stats and comparison shop to see what they're going for and then discount from there.

Putting that aside we do have some experts on the old cuts that could try to help you determine if your stone is amazing or not so great which then would help you se if the issue is that you're not an OEC girl, or is it that the stone underperforms.
 
Do you have a lab report for the diamond?

Are you going to sell it on here or are you looking to learn and understand why it doesn’t perform the way you want? (Deciding what feedback to offer).

Also curious who the vendor was.
 
Do you have a lab report for the diamond?

Are you going to sell it on here or are you looking to learn and understand why it doesn’t perform the way you want? (Deciding what feedback to offer).

Also curious who the vendor was.

I saw the listing on preloved and it has the lab report!


@Lofi Good luck with trading/selling! I love your setting…those side pears!
 
Do you have a lab report for the diamond?

Are you going to sell it on here or are you looking to learn and understand why it doesn’t perform the way you want? (Deciding what feedback to offer).

Also curious who the vendor was.

I posted it for sale on pre loved forum :kiss2:
Vendor was the clear cut

IMG_5225.jpeg
 
Do you want feedback?
 
Do you want feedback?

I’m mostly looking for recommendations on where to do a trade in at this point! I actually do have a healthy offer on it but has strings attached for a purchase at 13k higher than the trade in, which I’m not opposed to however I wouldn’t mind having more options.
 
I’m mostly looking for recommendations on where to do a trade in at this point! I actually do have a healthy offer on it but has strings attached for a purchase at 13k higher than the trade in, which I’m not opposed to however I wouldn’t mind having more options.

That said, if you think a reset (prong style) would benefit the stone, curious about that avenue as well!
 
Well, let me know if you’re ever interested in knowing more about the cut on this stone and how next time you could make a choice that you’ll be happy with.
 
Well, let me know if you’re ever interested in knowing more about the cut on this stone and how next time you could make a choice that you’ll be happy with.

Hi! I think what would be super helpful for me to understand is how far can I push the "spready" stone to get better finger coverage while keeping specs in a zone that still "performs" better than my current. If that makes sense. I don't need the perfect dimensions for "excellent" cut grade so how do I know where the line is?

Also, of the stones I am most interested, which cut can I get away with this approach best with?

I am planning on posting the specs of the stones that I am considering here once I get to that point but any language I can use to guide the person "looking" on my behalf would be so appreciated.
 
I don’t think spread can/should ever be a consideration in evaluating old cuts. It nearly always compromises cut quality. A stone that is glassy and lifeless but 0.20mm larger than another is not a trade I would ever support. So I would not advise approaching your purchase that way. There are some who do evaluate spread when considering old cuts. Maybe they can chime in.

I think the added depth of diamonds with very full crowns adds volume that make it look bigger in its own way. We don’t only see diamonds looking head in. They are three dimensional objects. From an angle a deep stone looks much larger than a shallower one.

Some old cuts are naturally deeper than others. A transitional cut will usually have less depth and more width than an old mine but cut, for the same carat weight, and without compromising optics. If spread is important than searching for a transitional cut may help. Of course those are exceptionally rare because they were cut in a narrow window of time and so many were recut to MRBs. But they exist.

Each diamond needs to be considered individually and you should see as many as you can in person to “train your eyes” about what looks beautiful to you. See it in person before you set it or finalize the sale. And post photos and videos here so others with more experience can offer advice.
 
an elongated OMC or chunkier facet cushion… but I also love asschers and square emeralds…
These are all stones that will face up smaller when cut well. They are also very very rare and so you will have to hunt and accept what is available without putting too many limitations on the search.

EDIT assuming you mean antique cuts. Modern asschers and ECs are not rare.
 
I upgraded my diamond a few years back without seeing in person had it set and the diamond is not as it appeared via video at all


Hi! I think what would be super helpful for me to understand is how far can I push the "spready" stone to get better finger coverage while keeping specs in a zone that still "performs" better than my current. If that makes sense. I don't need the perfect dimensions for "excellent" cut grade so how do I know where the line is?

Also, of the stones I am most interested, which cut can I get away with this approach best with?

I am planning on posting the specs of the stones that I am considering here once I get to that point but any language I can use to guide the person "looking" on my behalf would be so appreciated.

Do you happen to still have access to the photos/video you bought the stone off of?
Some here are really good at finding things in vendor videos that typically result in disappointment once on hand.

I’m wondering if seeing that (what you liked), and comparing to what you don’t like seeing once set on your hand will help you find something within your parameters. what to avoid but not needing perfect/excellent (I think it was) but something in the middle.

Best wishes and fun in your search!
 
I don’t think spread can/should ever be a consideration in evaluating old cuts. It nearly always compromises cut quality. A stone that is glassy and lifeless but 0.20mm larger than another is not a trade I would ever support. So I would not advise approaching your purchase that way. There are some who do evaluate spread when considering old cuts. Maybe they can chime in.

I think the added depth of diamonds with very full crowns adds volume that make it look bigger in its own way. We don’t only see diamonds looking head in. They are three dimensional objects. From an angle a deep stone looks much larger than a shallower one.

Some old cuts are naturally deeper than others. A transitional cut will usually have less depth and more width than an old mine but cut, for the same carat weight, and without compromising optics. If spread is important than searching for a transitional cut may help. Of course those are exceptionally rare because they were cut in a narrow window of time and so many were recut to MRBs. But they exist.

Each diamond needs to be considered individually and you should see as many as you can in person to “train your eyes” about what looks beautiful to you. See it in person before you set it or finalize the sale. And post photos and videos here so others with more experience can offer advice.

Would love your thoughts on this? It's one I was considering -- realize it's not the cuts I mentioned but I do love a "chubbier" pear
Do you happen to still have access to the photos/video you bought the stone off of?
Some here are really good at finding things in vendor videos that typically result in disappointment once on hand.

I’m wondering if seeing that (what you liked), and comparing to what you don’t like seeing once set on your hand will help you find something within your parameters. what to avoid but not needing perfect/excellent (I think it was) but something in the middle.

Best wishes and fun in your search!

This would be super helpful. I will try to find those videos!!
 
Would love your thoughts on this? It's one I was considering -- realize it's not the cuts I mentioned but I do love a "chubbier" pear

I’m unsure what you are asking about here? There wasn’t a link.
 
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