Engagement Ring Help - Evaluating an OEC

[laflaneuse]

Hi all, I'm new to the forum and would love some help evaluating this OEC I saw in person.

Here are the specs: 4.07 carat, O-P, VVS2, $25k

My boyfriend and I just started looking at rings. We looked at a few modern diamonds, and I just didn't feel like there was that much character. I love this one, but it's a huge investment and I haven't had that much experience looking at antique stones. I'm definitely a more is more girl, so I love the size. But I'm not sure how I'll feel about the O-P color long term. Do you think this is good stone for the price? Or will I be able to find something similar if I want to wait a while? Thank you!

Indoor Lighting:

https://imgur.com/rHCkZbw

https://imgur.com/A689d3u

Natural Lighting:

https://imgur.com/R1cGTWL

https://imgur.com/a/itROs8u

 

[evergreen]

Bump. To me, the facet pattern is really splintery - and that's what I dislike about modern round brilliant diamonds, so I wouldn't be excited about that as an example of an old cut. If you're new to old cuts, please try to take your time - if you've seen one, you've seen only one! (Unlike with MRBs, which are kinda cookie-cutter!). The big chunky flashes typical of old cuts are what draws most people to them.

For example, here are a couple I've lately liked the look of:

Jewels by Whitney on Instagram: "She's just right. Not too warm, not included, not too small or too big, and just the right price. Just like the Three Bears. She's a lovely ivory color (O-P) and spotless (VS1). She measures 9.90 x 9.26 x 6.38 mm

749 likes, 55 comments - jewelsbywhitney on August 12, 2022: "She's just right. Not too warm, not included, not too small or too big, and just the right price. Just like the Three Bears. She's a lovely ivory color (O-P) and spotless (VS1). She measures 9.90 x 9.26 x 6.38 mm and is $23,500...

www.instagram.com

Jewels by Whitney on Instagram: "What makes this chunk of antique goodness extra special! Let's start with the price, $14,500 for a 3.19-carat Old European cut diamond. We could finish at that! But of course, I won't. Look at the shape and faceting

453 likes, 19 comments - jewelsbywhitney on September 12, 2022: "What makes this chunk of antique goodness extra special! Let's start with the price, $14,500 for a 3.19-carat Old European cut diamond. We could finish at that! But of course, I won't. Look at the shape and faceting on her! She is...

www.instagram.com

Can you tell us what drew you to the one you showed? Size, more than anything, or the pattern of sparkle?

 

[laflaneuse]

Yes, I agree. I was surprised when I saw it in person it didn't have chunkier facets. I asked the jeweler to see the GIA certificate briefly, and it was classified as round brilliant. She said that it was likely pre-1940s-50s and that if the diamond didn't fit certain criteria for GIA standards of OEC it was classified as such (not sure if that's true?)

Initially I really loved that the diamond seemed lively and that it had fantastic fairly symmetrical finger coverage (10.33 vs. 10.36 mm).

Thank you for the suggestions, her diamonds look great. I suppose I'm more interested in the second OEC since it's closer to my original inspiration was this OMC.

 

[EClove]

Agree with the previous poster. It does seem more splintery than usual for an OEC. Is there a chance it’s a transitional cut? Either way, it matters what YOU think about the cut. definitely see if you can see some more in person and get a feel for what cut personality you like!

 

[Agnasia]

I actually initially thought it was a MRB so I’m guessing it may be a transitional, I wouldn’t say it’s an OEC as others have said. Myself and others have been through the colour conundrum recently and I think it’s great you’ve had the opportunity to play with a lower colour and in natural daylight.

My advice based on my own experience is to go and see lots of old cuts and see what appeals most in terms of cut and colour. Then you can post that info on here and the wonderful community can help find you something special.

 

[laflaneuse]

Thanks! I’m thinking I need to take a trip down to OWD and play around. Do any of you have any advice on how to evaluate pricing for antique cuts? The charts I’ve seen don’t often to below K and I’m not even sure they apply to antiques.

 

[Mreader]

Just agreeing with everyone above and following. That does not look like a Oec at all.

 

[88_star]

I also thought at first glance it was a MRB and had to read again to make sure you were wanting an OEC. The facets are much thinner than typical OEC and I had to squint to make out the culet. I think if you find a true OEC you may be able to tolerate the O-P color and some people prefer their old cuts with some warmth.

 

[kgizo]

I don’t know of any price list for antique cuts. Believe you can use the diamond search on PS for colors below K and OECs. Might not get many results, but it’s better than nothing. Can check out Jewels by Grace, Lange Antiques and 1st Dibs for pricing. I think OWD prices are fair. You will be able to find cheaper on IG, but might not get as good of a return policy or helpful service from an IG vendor so consider that. Strongly recommend a return policy of at least 5 days. OECs perform differently in different lighting and you want to have an opportunity to see it at home, work, sunny day, cloudy day, etc. Here’s a hard to read guideline on cut. Everyone has preferences about color, culet size, table size, wonkiness or uniformity so don’t let other opinions dissuade - look at a variety and see what speaks to you. Good luck on your search!

 

[lulu_ma]

Definitely looks like more of an early round brilliant cut as everyone as been saying.

There are definitely opportunities in the O/P color range right now (that 4 ct OMC that @evergreen posted is a great price), but getting a decently cut OEC over the 4 ct/ 10 mm mark for $25K will be more of a challenge.

What's more of a priority color or face up size?

This is a pretty OEC-but it is definitely warmer.

Dolly on Instagram: "Happy Sunday Bijoux boxers! I hope y’all are having as fun of a weekend as I am :) I’m in a work hard play hard mentality right now so while I’m in between events today let me get this post up for you guys :) I love these sunsh

436 likes, 13 comments - xothebijouxbox on September 4, 2022: "Happy Sunday Bijoux boxers! I hope y’all are having as fun of a weekend as I am :) I’m in a work hard play hard mentality right now so while I’m in between events today let me get this post up for you guys :) I love these sunshine...

www.instagram.com

 

[laflaneuse]

Thanks all this is super helpful! Feeling I am learning a ton, which is fun. I received the GIA report from the jeweler which states its a circular brilliant. I think I am leaning towards face up size over color, but is there anything notable on this GIA certificate? Still new to understanding the proportion percentages.

 

[lulu_ma]

Thanks all this is super helpful! Feeling I am learning a ton, which is fun. I received the GIA report from the jeweler which states its a circular brilliant. I think I am leaning towards face up size over color, but is there anything notable on this GIA certificate? Still new to understanding the proportion percentages.

Umm. On paper this stone seems like it should be good. In this case, I *think* the smaller table and flatter crown are working against the stone.

I have found that with old cuts, the paper (cert) is just the starting point. You have to judge them with your eyes.

For example, here's a gorgeous stone that was graded a Modern Round Brilliant.

PB on Instagram: "Is Whiny Wednesday a thing? I have a confession, I did go to the auction preview to see a specific stone. It was this one. Can you believe GIA graded it a Modern Round Brilliant? It had the most perfect petals and strong fluorescenc

47 likes, 24 comments - bejewelledbliss on May 11, 2022: "Is Whiny Wednesday a thing? I have a confession, I did go to the auction preview to see a specific stone. It was this one. Can you believe GIA graded it a Modern Round Brilliant? It had the most perfect petals and strong fluorescence...

www.instagram.com

 

[elizat]

It is not an OEC to my eye. If the color bothers you now, it will always bother you. Sorry if I'm being brief and to the point, but if you are unsure of the color now and think it's too low, it will just get worse over time as to your perception. You'd be better off with a smaller, but still sizable- because even if you dropped to 3 v 4 carats, that's still large, in a smaller stone, with higher color (maybe a halo if you want the visual appearance of 4 carats plus).

I'd spend time with multiple colors in person and see what appeals to you.

 

[Mreader]

Another really pretty pattern imho:

Jewels by Whitney on Instagram: "What makes this chunk of antique goodness extra special! Let's start with the price, $14,500 for a 3.19-carat Old European cut diamond. We could finish at that! But of course, I won't. Look at the shape and faceting

453 likes, 19 comments - jewelsbywhitney on September 12, 2022: "What makes this chunk of antique goodness extra special! Let's start with the price, $14,500 for a 3.19-carat Old European cut diamond. We could finish at that! But of course, I won't. Look at the shape and faceting on her! She is...

www.instagram.com

But idk if it has a GIA report.

 

[Austina]

Have to agree with the others, this doesn’t look like an OEC. Only you can decide what colour you’re happy with. There are lots of beautiful lower colours out there, but you have to be comfortable with it.

I would definitely recommend a visit to Old World Diamonds, they have a huge inventory and may be able to find something in your price range. They are not pushy at all, Adam is great to deal with.

 

[EClove]

Oh yes! If you can get to OWD, that would probably be your best bet to get educated. I have a small OEC pendant from Adam (ungraded .5 ct OEC) and he was so wonderful to work with. And even at that size the stone throws so much fire!

 

[Mrs_Strizzle]

Agree with everyone up thread. My "OEC" report also states it is a Circular brilliant, but that only is because the table doesn't fit the oec guidelines. It does look much much more like an oec that this one. I would call this at best a late transitional/early modern. I don't think you will get the rainbow pastels that make antique diamonds magical. I was mesmerized yesterday getting out of the car with a tree near by so much that hubby wanted to know what was wrong with me

I also want to add that my stone is also an O-P and it doesn't bother me a bit. Having said that I am a colored stone girl at heart so it isn't that I don't see the color. It's that color was the "C" I didn't mind compromising on. It also depends on if the color is brown, grayish, or yellow in the stone. Mine is sunshine so i actually like it. Some find themselves very color sensitive which I understand completely. You just need to look at lots of stones to see how you feel.

 

[laflaneuse]

Thanks all for your input and feedback! I set up some time to see things at OWD to give me a better perspective on OECs and OMCs. I think it will help me decide if I want to hold out for chunky, rainbow flashes and further test my comfort with warmer stones.

I loved the links you all sent, so if you have any other trusted IG dealers for antique stones please don't hesitate to pass along. Thank you!