Engagement ring (4-5ct) -- Emerald or Elongated Antique Cushion

[clcat120]

I color is actually kind of rare for an old cut of this size! How did the face up color compare with your current ring?

My ering is an emerald cut and my anniversary ring is an OEC-and I love both of them so I can’t really help you there

Just curious, does your old mine looks noticeable off white in some lighting?

And in what lighting does your EC look with no fire? Is your old mine generally more fiery and brilliant than your EC? Thx

 

[lulu_ma]

Just curious, does your old mine looks noticeable off white in some lighting?

And in what lighting does your EC look with no fire? Is your old mine generally more fiery and brilliant than your EC? Thx

I have an Old European cut-not an old mine. My OEC is a actually an M color. It definitely looks a touch ivory in the afternoon but never yellow.

Here’s a video with my two rings and my sil’s F color mrb. Mute the volume if you don’t like The Weeknd. Btw, my OEC is spready. The old mine that you are looking at is most likely 62% depth or deeper so it should have more fire.

In general, there is more light play off of the OEC than the EC.

PB on Instagram: "Is Ten Carat Tuesday a thing? Which one is your fave-the 2.85 ct emerald cut, the 3.3 ct brilliant cut or the 4.11 ct european cut? #tencarat #tencarattuesday #oldeuropeancut #emeraldcut #brilliantcut #europeancutdiamond #oec #oldcu

32 likes, 9 comments - bejewelledbliss on August 3, 2021: "Is Ten Carat Tuesday a thing? Which one is your fave-the 2.85 ct emerald cut, the 3.3 ct brilliant cut or the 4.11 ct european cut? #tencarat #tencarattuesday #oldeuropeancut #emeraldcut #brilliantcut #europeancutdiamond #oec...

www.instagram.com

 

[clcat120]

I slept through the night, waking up still undecided! man... this is hard!

 

[lulu_ma]

Did you make it to OWD?

Seems like NYC is close to you. If you are seriously considering an old cut, I would visit him bc he is an old cut expert.

Here’s an example (this one is smaller than you want and sold)

OLD WORLD DIAMONDS on Instagram: "3.34 I/VVS2 • The almost impossible to find elongated Old Mine Cut with a perfect cut/shape in I color and VVS2 clarity. Quite possibly the perfect storm. Swipe for GIA."

539 likes, 26 comments - oldworlddiamonds on November 4, 2021: "3.34 I/VVS2 • The almost impossible to find elongated Old Mine Cut with a perfect cut/shape in I color and VVS2 clarity. Quite possibly the perfect storm. Swipe for GIA.".

www.instagram.com

 

[Mary Queen of Scotch]

Guys - I saw five vendors in the diamond district and the two top winners are a big face emerald and an unique old mine. This is going to be a difficult choice. Here is a video taking in different lighting environments. They are essentially the same price.

I like the old mine a lot but it is only an I color. I am wondering if it will show a lot of body color in certain lighting environments? The vendor for the old mine is willing to cut a check for my current ring, and offer light long 100% trade-in value.

You cannot beat a F and beautifully cut emerald with 11mm length in the 4ct range still with such great light performance. It is with a whole seller, so the trade might be a bit tricky.

I’m struggling in making a decision here!

https://youtube.com/shorts/RFYw80CVnKw?feature=share

4-5ct I VS old mine

youtube.com

Thank you!

Like @SandyK I am admittedly biased towards ECs, and just about died when I saw that bad boy! And I’m partial to more elongated stones in general, especially at this size — closer to the ratio of the antique cushion you posted in #1. So take my comments with a grain of salt.

What is your ring size? I imagine quite small, if that’s you in the videos. I have an EC that is also 11mm long (although not quite 4ct) — I don’t have particularly large hands (size 4.125 finger), and 11mm is not nearly as knuckle-to-knuckle on me as it is on you! I only ask because you mentioned wanting a 3 stone. Although I too like a big look, I wonder if 10.62x10.32 might be a bit bonkers with side stones. But I suppose that’s ultimately a matter of personal taste!

 

[clcat120]

Like @SandyK I am admittedly biased towards ECs, and just about died when I saw that bad boy! And I’m partial to more elongated stones in general, especially at this size — closer to the ratio of the antique cushion you posted in #1. So take my comments with a grain of salt.

What is your ring size? I imagine quite small, if that’s you in the videos. I have an EC that is also 11mm long (although not quite 4ct) — I don’t have particularly large hands (size 4.125 finger), and 11mm is not nearly as knuckle-to-knuckle on me as it is on you! I only ask because you mentioned wanting a 3 stone. Although I too like a big look, I wonder if 10.62x10.32 might be a bit bonkers with side stones. But I suppose that’s ultimately a matter of personal taste!

I really have nothing bad to say about that emerald. I am going to see it again in natural day light, so I hope that can help with my decision... I of cause love the old mine, and value its rarity, but I cannot get over the fact that is still only an I and will look tinted in certain lighting and with my jewelry with E/F color small round brilliant on them...

Does you EC look really unflattering in any lighting environment? Guess when it is dirty, it will look quite dead?

I have a size 3 finger, but I like a little extra room so a 3.25-3.5 is likely the size I will end up with. With the EC, I will do a three stone. With that old mine, it will be a hidden halo solitarire.

 

[SandyK]

I also think the office lighting of the EC dealer is quite ideal to show the fire. But I understand emerald is a less firy in general. And prob look mostly like a mirror in most day light?

Hmm - so the light play is different, but I feel like my EC looks great in all the lighting conditions that brilliant cuts look great, and when it has less life, that is because I'm in lighting conditions where my brilliant cuts also aren't as lively, if that makes sense. I feel like that is probably similar to how your current ring performs? But definitely agree on trying to see that stone in more lighting conditions to help your decision.

I totally get if you are looking for something different in terms of light performance, like the old mine. It is SO hard to pick just one!! Before my current EC I had a 3ct F color cushion, and if I could have kept that one as my RHR I would have done it in a heartbeat, haha. I think your instinct to try and find a higher color than I makes sense; although it is high for an old cut, if what you are looking for is a colorless or near-colorless stone, I'm worried that tint is going to bother you. And you have a killer budget, so you should not feel like you are compromising or settling one bit!!

 

[EClove]

poof both are gone. which one do you miss?

This is great advice.

 

[clcat120]

This is great advice.

I’d miss both… but knowing there is always better ones.

 

[clcat120]

I really have nothing bad to say about that emerald. I am going to see it again in natural day light, so I hope that can help with my decision... I of cause love the old mine, and value its rarity, but I cannot get over the fact that is still only an I and will look tinted in certain lighting and with my jewelry with E/F color small round brilliant on them...

Does you EC look really unflattering in any lighting environment? Guess when it is dirty, it will look quite dead?

I have a size 3 finger, but I like a little extra room so a 3.25-3.5 is likely the size I will end up with. With the EC, I will do a three stone. With that old mine, it will be a hidden halo solitarire.

Hmmmm…. Seems a bit… hmmmmm… muted

https://youtube.com/shorts/uszpVxGDIzs?feature=share

 

[Mary Queen of Scotch]

Does you EC look really unflattering in any lighting environment? Guess when it is dirty, it will look quite dead?

I don’t find it ever looks bad, per se, just different. And yes, best to keep it clean as a whistle. If mine goes a week or two without a bath, it can start to look a bit sad. I think it would have to be seriously grody to look totally dead, though.

Far from an expert, but my own observations:

I see the boldest, most “festive” fire under bright sunlight and spotlights (especially multiple, e.g., under a theatre marquee at night). Similar to the first video you posted. Whereas shaded sunlight (e.g., under a tree, in my car) and low light with a secondary light source (e.g., city lights at twilight) turns it basically into an Easter egg:



Bizarrely, my favorite is the crappy lighting in my apartment — it’s hideously unflattering to literally everything else in the place, including myself, but for whatever reason my diamond’s at its flashiest, with a great balance of brightness and fire.

I’m getting the impression that fire is a priority for you? If that’s the case, you may not love an EC under solid overcast skys. On those grey days, I only really get white light return. But I can see the step patterns clearly and I like the contrast, so it sort of makes up for the absence of fire for me. Example (sorry if the pic is enormous, I’m on mobile):



Mind you, it does seem that the cut of my particular stone is biased toward brilliance over fire, which isn’t necessarily the case for all ECs as far as I understand it.

I’m excited to see what you ultimately decide!

 

[clcat120]

I don’t find it ever looks bad, per se, just different. And yes, best to keep it clean as a whistle. If mine goes a week or two without a bath, it can start to look a bit sad. I think it would have to be seriously grody to look totally dead, though.

Far from an expert, but my own observations:

I see the boldest, most “festive” fire under bright sunlight and spotlights (especially multiple, e.g., under a theatre marquee at night). Similar to the first video you posted. Whereas shaded sunlight (e.g., under a tree, in my car) and low light with a secondary light source (e.g., city lights at twilight) turns it basically into an Easter egg:



Bizarrely, my favorite is the crappy lighting in my apartment — it’s hideously unflattering to literally everything else in the place, including myself, but for whatever reason my diamond’s at its flashiest, with a great balance of brightness and fire.

I’m getting the impression that fire is a priority for you? If that’s the case, you may not love an EC under solid overcast skys. On those grey days, I only really get white light return. But I can see the step patterns clearly and I like the contrast, so it sort of makes up for the absence of fire for me. Example (sorry if the pic is enormous, I’m on mobile):



Mind you, it does seem that the cut of my particular stone is biased toward brilliance over fire, which isn’t necessarily the case for all ECs as far as I understand it.

I’m excited to see what you ultimately decide!

Thank you! Based on the two videos I posted this afternoon, is the stone I’m looking pretty typical in an emerald? Thx

 

[clcat120]

I also just had the most upsetting conversation with Alex Park. Maybe he is knowledgeable, but his tone and customer service is non-existing! For $100K, he said there nothing good for over 4ct+ and called all my choices garbage.

 

[clcat120]

I’m down to these two. Some questions for you all!

1. Is this “short” EC not common and not favored than it’s more elongated clan?

2. @Karl_K is EC this a decent cut?

3. Old mine / Cushion Brilliance is I/VS1 at $103k; The Short EC is H/VS2 (no black carbon) at $107k. Which one is a better value and resale potential?

EC on ring finger

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Old mine on ring finger

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I’m5.03 EC H

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Thank you again! I’m hoping to finalize my decisions tmr! Really would be happy with either.

 

[Karl_K]

not on much tonight.
I like short ec cuts a lot and they are not that common.
Have you seeen them in person?
If so follow your heart.

 

[Ibrakeforpossums]

Karl, by short cut EC, do you mean squat and squarish or something else?
(I'm following a personal prejudice here for low L/W ratios.)

 

[diamondseeker2006]

What happened with the EC you were looking at before these last 3? I think it looked beautiful. The step cuts in the last group do not have good enough videos to really decide. Have you compared the face up size to the other EC? I'd rule out the OMC especially because you want a whiter stone. One color grade higher is not going to please you.

4.29 F VVS Emerlad

www.youtube.com

Don't even think about resale. Only buy a diamond you plan to keep this time. You likely will lose money on any diamond unless prices increase a lot after purchasing.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Karl, by short cut EC, do you mean squat and squarish or something else?
(I'm following a personal prejudice here for low L/W ratios.)

Yes, he means lower L/W ratio compared to elongated ones.

 

[clcat120]

What happened with the EC you were looking at before these last 3? I think it looked beautiful. The step cuts in the last group do not have good enough videos to really decide. Have you compared the face up size to the other EC? I'd rule out the OMC especially because you want a whiter stone. One color grade higher is not going to please you.

4.29 F VVS Emerlad

www.youtube.com

Don't even think about resale. Only buy a diamond you plan to keep this time. You likely will lose money on any diamond unless prices increase a lot after purchasing.

I looked at the 4.29 F EC in day light and in the sun, prob due to the elongated shape, it looked more muted than the first video, which was shot in the dealer’s office that made the stone flashes crazily! The shorter emerald has more dancing sparkles around its large cut corner. I prefer the shorter and wider firery bands in this sq emerald than the long and skinny thread in a long emerald…

 

[lulu_ma]

Have you seen this one? It may be too small for you but it is an E color.

4.09ct Emerald Cut Cut Diamond Solitaire, GIA E VS1

Spectacular does not even cover it! Truly one of the prettiest and most elegant of rings to have landed on our laps of late. The center stone is not just icy-white, but has the most crisp and sharp faceting, with colors and light shimmering across its top in the most mesmerizing fashion. Low...

www.jewelsbygrace.com

 

[clcat120]

Did you make it to OWD?

Seems like NYC is close to you. If you are seriously considering an old cut, I would visit him bc he is an old cut expert.

Here’s an example (this one is smaller than you want and sold)

OLD WORLD DIAMONDS on Instagram: "3.34 I/VVS2 • The almost impossible to find elongated Old Mine Cut with a perfect cut/shape in I color and VVS2 clarity. Quite possibly the perfect storm. Swipe for GIA."

539 likes, 26 comments - oldworlddiamonds on November 4, 2021: "3.34 I/VVS2 • The almost impossible to find elongated Old Mine Cut with a perfect cut/shape in I color and VVS2 clarity. Quite possibly the perfect storm. Swipe for GIA.".

www.instagram.com

I am in touch with Adam, and he will sent me some options early next week. Thank you!

I turned down both the 5.18 I color old mine due to the color and the 5.02 EC. The old mine may still be an option, but I want to see some better color ones!

I am turning this thread to antique shape diamond appreciation!

 

[EClove]

I am in touch with Adam, and he will sent me some options early next week. Thank you!

I turned down both the 5.18 I color old mine due to the color and the 5.02 EC. The old mine may still be an option, but I want to see some better color ones!

I am turning this thread to antique shape diamond appreciation!

I worked with Adam recently for a small (for him) project and he was wonderful. I'm sure he will have some great options for you!

 

[lulu_ma]

I am in touch with Adam, and he will sent me some options early next week. Thank you!

I turned down both the 5.18 I color old mine due to the color and the 5.02 EC. The old mine may still be an option, but I want to see some better color ones!

I am turning this thread to antique shape diamond appreciation!

Yay! I’m glad you connected with Adam. If I had your budget for an old cut, I would be shopping with him or Grace.

Please come back and post any cuts that you are considering!

 

[clcat120]

After a few week so rigorous search, I found the stone I like! It’s the antique cut looking oval! It’s G color, VS2, 4.69ct with a huge spread, and very fiery and brilliant. Because of its cut, it has some larger facets like a cushion brilliant or OEM. It has a bow tie but doesn’t bother me because the faceting pattern. Despite multiple crystals showing on the GIA certificate, there is only one black carbon visible under the loupe near the edge. They cannot resize the ring to 3.25, so they will make a new shank with the center oval plus only the two size trapezoids. So the final ring should look very timeless!

It’s the cheapest among the three final candidates including a 4.58 G/VS2 antique Asscher (most expensive), and a three stone emerald cuts bling with a 4.03ct center E/VS1 stone. I’m sharing all three with you in case anyone here is shopping for Xmas gifts!

https://youtube.com/shorts/MEakioMdxXQ?feature=share (video didn’t even show but the oval is much whiter than the two sq emeralds)

https://youtube.com/shorts/Ezt4D0bie3g?feature=share (the three stone on the left. The one in my middle finger is a dream ring and the best emerald cut I’ve seen! But is an Bvlgari 5ct ring that’s over $150k)

https://youtube.com/shorts/lpy4LmV8-p8?feature=share (beautiful cut, slightly over the high end of my budget, and has black carbons in the table area of the stone. Without seeing in person, I didn’t feel comfortable purchasing)

Also to a few of your curtesy, I saw Adam at the OWD. I’m posting three stones I saw with him. The rounder one was a contender for the price and F/VS1, but it looked small and a bit awkward hybrid of a round and cushion brilliant. The two more beautiful cushion brilliant are over over 5ct, but if SI1 quality, one H, and one F but both over $120k.

Cushion crush

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I will write a separate post about my journey, observation, the vendors who helped me, as well as a collection of beautiful and bad cut ones I saw for y’all reference another date!

Happy holidays!