Help evaluating OEC w/ D-Color

[kgizo]

Love your inspiration pic, it will be a beautiful ring. It does look like an OEC. Some people want true antiques and some people want the precision of a newly cut OEC. I agree with @tyty333 that something seems off, which is surprising because the #s look good per the GIA report for my personal preferences.. Maybe the table is a little too big? Or it could be the video, which isn’t great.

 

[LightBright]

I couldn't tell about the girdle from the videos, but the GIA cert states the girdle is faceted. Has anyone seen GIA misinterpret a bruted girdle as faceted?

No. It wouldn’t. That’s why the girdle appearing the way it does in the top photos is confusing. We could be just misinterpreting what we see. GIA does not misinterpret.

 

[OECNoob]

Love your inspiration pic, it will be a beautiful ring. It does look like an OEC. Some people want true antiques and some people want the precision of a newly cut OEC. I agree with @tyty333 that something seems off, which is surprising because the #s look good per the GIA report for my personal preferences.. Maybe the table is a little too big? Or it could be the video, which isn’t great.

The table is 54% which was my hang up with it, so presumably in order for it to be GIA OEC, the other three criteria would need to have been met.

When I looked at it in person, I felt that the larger table seemed like a bit of a dead spot, but I wasn't sure if that's expected or not.

 

[kgizo]

The table is 54% which was my hang up with it, so presumably in order for it to be GIA OEC, the other three criteria would need to have been met.

When I looked at it in person, I felt that the larger table seemed like a bit of a dead spot, but I wasn't sure if that's expected or not.

Hmmm, it may be the table then. I tend to prefer less than 50%, but it’s a personal preference. Have you seen other OECs so you can discern what you like and don’t like?

 

[kgizo]

Screening chart for Old European Cut diamonds

The visual appearance of “Excellent to Very Good cut quality” old European cut diamonds have the effect of returning sufficient light to somewhat equate them to Modern Cut Class 1-2 […]

www.pricescope.com

 

[LightBright]

In the meantime, I have a couple other photos in my gallery which might be a little clearer on the girdle...

So interesting. That girdle doesn’t look faceted but I’m not a pro.

If this stone is the stone you are being offered, and it matches the GIA Report, I think it’s as good as you are ever going to find in high color D-E antique cut. (Unless you do a new cut). Very good symmetry (GIA) is a good sign too.

With the type of setting you want, this stone’s high crown will look excellent (even better than the current flatter diamond in the photo).

Please make sure price is in line with comparatives and what you want to pay.

 

[lulu_ma]

Imo, the faceting on this stone isn't crisp enough.

For OECs the paper (cert) is just the starting point. Are you close to any major cities? You really need to see more antique stones in person.

Prior to joining PS and discovering antique diamonds, I was a bit of a high color snob. But after seeing dozens of larger old cuts, I can comfortably say that a kiss of tint will bring out the best rainbow flashes.

This is my GIA F emerald cut, next to my GIA M OEC.



Here's an example of a stone with pretty faceting-ignore the color grade.

Alex Park on Instagram: "Sold lyn"

408 likes, 19 comments - parksfinegroupinc on October 4, 2022: "Sold lyn".

www.instagram.com

 

[LightBright]

OP I was able to open your videos. I think this diamond is an Antique Cushion Cut. They typically have larger tables than OEC. Yours looks a bit flowery, and yes it has a more open looking table. I like it better than the one on the left. Better symmetry, which makes a difference. If the crown is puffy like in your photos it is a rare nice find.

It is not typical Pricescope perfect OEC, or even a prototype Antique Cushion Cut. ACCs tend to be more individual not a standardized cut, each stone looks different.

If you love it I think this diamond is worth considering. However Price seems very high (but could be in line with comparatives I do not know). You could get a lower color very nice antique cut for far less.

 

[OECNoob]

Thank you for all the insight! I was able to get another video, maybe this will help.

We are located in NYC, btw, so maybe it's just a matter of going to the right people. I was thinking we might get a deal by going through a person we are acquainted with, but his specialty isn't OECs, so that's challenging.

As for comparatives...I think I saw one D colored stone on Old World Diamonds and it was significantly more money. This got me thinking that something was up, because I just can't find any comparable examples.

 

[OECNoob]

Imo, the faceting on this stone isn't crisp enough.

For OECs the paper (cert) is just the starting point. Are you close to any major cities? You really need to see more antique stones in person.

Prior to joining PS and discovering antique diamonds, I was a bit of a high color snob. But after seeing dozens of larger old cuts, I can comfortably say that a kiss of tint will bring out the best rainbow flashes.

This is my GIA F emerald cut, next to my GIA M OEC.



Here's an example of a stone with pretty faceting-ignore the color grade.

Alex Park on Instagram: "Sold lyn"

408 likes, 19 comments - parksfinegroupinc on October 4, 2022: "Sold lyn".

www.instagram.com

Those are gorgeous stones. My partner and I could really only tell that some of the options we were shown had color by comparing them to the other stones anyway. Honestly, I was just operating off the assumption that we should bat as high as we could on color, but maybe we should be less restrictive and we'll get better results. The one on Instagram is really eye catching too!

 

[missy]

Thank you for all the insight! I was able to get another video, maybe this will help.

We are located in NYC, btw, so maybe it's just a matter of going to the right people. I was thinking we might get a deal by going through a person we are acquainted with, but his specialty isn't OECs, so that's challenging.

As for comparatives...I think I saw one D colored stone on Old World Diamonds and it was significantly more money. This got me thinking that something was up, because I just can't find any comparable examples.

It has potential. In the first few videos I was not sure but this last video I like the faceting. I think it is a pretty stone even if not an authentic OEC and a D color is very rare. However, I would need to see this in person before committing but it has potential IMO. I could not get HD in the video so did have some trouble evaluating as thoroughly as I would want to before recommending it.

You're in NYC where there are lots of old cut diamonds comparatively speaking.
In fact, if you can wait, the JAWS (jewelry antique and watch show) is coming up October 27th I believe. Where there will be lots of delicious old cuts. Maybe go and take a look and see them in person.

New York City Jewelry & Watch Show - October 27-30, 2022

Join Us for the 7th Annual New York City Jewelry & Watch Show

www.eventbrite.com

New York City Jewelry & Watch Show

Enjoy the finest jewelry from a worldwide selection of jewelers presenting incomparable collections of antique, estate, modern and contemporary jewelry and watches. Join us for an exciting and rare shopping opportunity for jewelry lovers and trade buyers alike.

www.nycjaws.com

You can get free tickets on the jewels by grace site fyi

 

[LightBright]

IMO, the video you posted shows a very nice antique diamond. If it’s the same stone in the photos you posted showing the profile with a nice high crown, and you’ve looked at comparable prices and it’s reasonable comparatively, this is a very nice antique cut diamond.

It’s not an OEC, it’s got a bigger table. That is a cut style. I think it’s more like an Antique Cushion Cut.

The reason you can’t find anything like it is because it’s very rare. You might not find anything like it (D color, good symmetry, nice clarity, pretty cut, good size, likely real antique but note with girdle clean up) for years, or a lifetime, unless you get a modern antique cut commissioned.

Do you like it in person? Does your intended love it in person?

Top down, I like it a lot- it has some pretty symmetrical chunky facets, which will throw off rainbows like crazy. Profile, I like it a lot, height of crown, amplifies rainbows.

Regarding the setting, it’s perfect for this diamond, simple but blingy Edwardian setting. The stone you found will look stunning in it.

These are my opinions, there are others here that might have more insights. But really, the things I’m seeing all add up to something with great potential. Make sure your intended LOVES it, take her to see it (and maybe see some OEC cut stones as comparison) if you haven’t already.

 

[lulu_ma]

@missy is right! You are lucky to be in a great area to see old cuts.

If you can make it NY JAWS is a great show to see a lot of antique diamonds. Definitely stop by Jewels by Grace. If you go, take lots of pictures and maybe take some notes regarding color and cut preference. This would be a great opportunity for you and your partner!

 

[evergreen]

That video is very reassuring. I don't at all see cushion faceting - it is on the border IMO between OEC and transitional, which is hinted at by the better symmetry and small culet, and a larger table is more transitional although the poofy crown is more OEC. It is very lively under the table, with some over-obstruction of the "arrows" at close range. That's the darkness you see under the table at times. I would certainly consider it a well cut diamond in an old style of cutting, and that overlapping with the D color means it's a true rarity. It's important not to rush a $30k purchase, and you will get a bigger diamond (or spend less) going down in color, but if D remains important I actually would consider this a winner.

The flicker under the table reminds me of this beautiful old cut: https://www.instagram.com/p/CMNyeW7A91g/?igshid=MjU0Y2ZlMmY=

You might be able to get that D to do that in optimized lighting (which that Instagram post certainly has!). If the video you posted was taken with a dark phone, you will see obstruction like that, whereas a lighter phone or a light behind the photographer's head would improve the appearance of obstruction.

 

[LightBright]

I think Evergreen is right, I think. It’s not an ACC, rather this cut looks like it is on the border of OEC and Transitional!

 

[Mreader]

It has potential. In the first few videos I was not sure but this last video I like the faceting. I think it is a pretty stone even if not an authentic OEC and a D color is very rare. However, I would need to see this in person before committing but it has potential IMO. I could not get HD in the video so did have some trouble evaluating as thoroughly as I would want to before recommending it.

You're in NYC where there are lots of old cut diamonds comparatively speaking.
In fact, if you can wait, the JAWS (jewelry antique and watch show) is coming up October 27th I believe. Where there will be lots of delicious old cuts. Maybe go and take a look and see them in person.

New York City Jewelry & Watch Show - October 27-30, 2022

Join Us for the 7th Annual New York City Jewelry & Watch Show

www.eventbrite.com

New York City Jewelry & Watch Show

Enjoy the finest jewelry from a worldwide selection of jewelers presenting incomparable collections of antique, estate, modern and contemporary jewelry and watches. Join us for an exciting and rare shopping opportunity for jewelry lovers and trade buyers alike.

www.nycjaws.com

You can get free tickets on the jewels by grace site fyi

Oh yes an excellent idea to go to JAWS!!! There will be so many vendors there with old cut stones.

 

[lulu_ma]

@OECNoob there is a lovely store call Gray and Davis that I visited in the Spring. It might help you to go visit them. You can just be honest and tell them you are starting to shop and that you are trying to find your color tolerance and cut preference. They are in the West Village. Looks like they have D to N colors currently. Pay attention to some of the middle colors. I think you will be surprised at how icy they can look.

Rings — Gray & Davis: Antique & Custom Jewelry

Rings currently in our online shop.

www.grayanddavis.com

 

[LightBright]

@OECNoob there is a lovely store call Gray and Davis that I visited in the Spring. It might help you to go visit them. You can just be honest and tell them you are starting to shop and that you are trying to find your color tolerance and cut preference. They are in the West Village. Looks like they have D to N colors currently. Pay attention to some of the middle colors. I think you will be surprised at how icy they can look.

Rings — Gray & Davis: Antique & Custom Jewelry

Rings currently in our online shop.

www.grayanddavis.com

This is a great suggestion. They have lovely stuff (including saphires, etc.) in beautiful settings.

If you have just started looking and don’t know what’s out there, it’s a good idea to look at cuts, colors and sizes as well as consider that the setting can make the ring.

JAWS is also a great suggestion.

 

[caolsen]

I couldn't tell about the girdle from the videos, but the GIA cert states the girdle is faceted. Has anyone seen GIA misinterpret a bruted girdle as faceted?

Given you can see a burted girdle with the naked eye, would seem bonkers for the GIA quality checkers to miss that on the certification before they finish the report and send back to the owner.

 

[Rfisher]

If you guess at a diameter of a diamond in a picture - can you backwards math the table percentage?

This photo is just not meshing in my brain as a 54% table.

 

[LightBright]

If you guess at a diameter of a diamond in a picture - can you backwards math the table percentage?

This photo is just not meshing in my brain as a 54% table.

This girdle doesn’t look faceted either but I can’t see it that well.