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How to buy a vintage OEC?

I definitely would play around with the CZ’s before you buy! I’m so excited for you, definitely keep us posted!
 
Maybe just get a more subtle setting? I don’t think anyone has regretted going a little bigger with their diamond except the most extreme cases with very very large stones.
 
EllieTO said:
@lavenderdragonfly23 - I did see #1 in person! That's my very terrible video. I spent more time with it the second time I went to Collins, out of the box too, but didn't take more videos, I think I was afraid of losing it from the holder. Everyone seems to love this one and I do too, so I think it's a strong contender! I'm going to have to play around with the CZ trial stones I have on order, to decide what size I really want to go with. It costs more than I was planning, but I'm fortunate that it's not a matter of having to save up for it or sacrifice something else, it's just an extra smidge out of savings, that I won't even notice.

I find it so interesting how polarizing #2 is. Thank you everyone for sharing your thoughts. Even though it's a 1.7 ct, because it's so spready, it's actually larger than a typical 2 ct. It's 1 mm larger diameter than a 1.5 ct. The largest diamond I've had was a 0.7 ct and that was 10 yrs ago! I do wear a 9 x 7 mm aquamarine cushion in a thin halo, but I just feel like a diamond the same size hits different... Maybe I need to wait for DSS to set in. :lol-2:
Click to expand...

I am obsessed with OEC/OMC, but i am not an expert like others on this thread! I just like what i like. I have a lab OEC i custom cut and i have a true antique OMC. I really like the L from collins. I dont know what number that is, maybe 1... LOL! I think the price is pretty good too. I think being able to see it in person AND have others to compare it to might be worth it. I purchased on with an IG seller and they allowed returns (you have to ask some do some dont)

The best advice I ever received on pricescope was this: The diamond needs to speak to you. You have to SEE an old cut to decide, you cant go by the numbers

Who cares about whats "right", just trust your heart, if you love it then does it really matter? Like if a poster here tells you its perfect but it doesnt make your heart sing... i mean... who is wearing it?? Are you judging with your eyes or a video? Because you will be looking at it daily in all lights with your eyes , so make sure thats where you love it! My first diamond was an OEC L color and i STILL love that diamond, eve though it wasnt 'right', i just thought it was so pretty

I mean, if you're buying it to sell it eventually maybe it matters all the angles and numbers, but it's so personal. One poster may love a diamond thats 57 deep and one might love a 68 deep, neither one is right, it's just what you love.

I am a big fan of - get the one that makes you feel something when you look at it, and worry less about the numbers, maybe YOU like the way the facets dance over the actual sparkle (if you look at enough you will know what i mean, LOL!)

And we're talking about diamonds from like 150 years ago that they were cutting with their feet and a fork, how perfect do you think you're going to get??!! If you're not in a rush then keep looking and really refine what you love you will eventually see a pattern! (But i still like the L ! LOL!)
 
I just got the CZ samples in 6, 7 and 8 mm. 7 mm is perfect, so that's about a 1.3-1.5 in a typical OEC, just what I was thinking. 8 mm is a lot on my finger, regardless of setting. I looked through the CvB Eye Candy thread, paying close attention to size of center stone and ring size, and I do think that's my sweet spot. I know this is PS and that's considered small.

I'm pretty sure about the Cora. If I was more creative, I would work with her on a new design, but not sure I'll be up for the challenge. I love floral, vintage inspired, intricate settings. The setting is just as important as the stone for me. And I don't want anything that looks like an e-ring. I have admired the CvB Casablanca, Dahlia and many of Victor Canera's settings for years, but they all give me engagement ring vibes.

I got one more video from my remote vendor this morning but it's not perfect. I'm hoping he'll be willing to send me more. I can share later if you guys are interested.
 
Definitely get the setting you love. I would just loosen up about size a little bc at the end of the day a mm either way compared to the overall diameter won’t matter over time. And old cuts are all so individual. Finding something you love sometimes means a little wiggle room on all dimensions. Aim for 7mm. But if you fall in love with something half a mm larger go for it!
 
I pored through 47Jewelry's site today and saved these. Any comments?

7. 1.67 I SI2
https://d360.tech/view.html?d=215-EM-4D1490
I think this is one of the prettiest, but I'm worried about the inclusions. Do you think it would be eye clean, or are there any concerns about integrity?
https://www.gia.edu/report-check?locale=en_US&reportno=2235424188

8. 1.62 I VS2
https://d360.tech/view.html?d=215-EV-5D73
I think I prefer a chunkier flower

9. 1.7 M VVS1
https://47jewelry.com/products/1-70...or-m-clarity-vvs1-3d28?variant=42431758794923
Looks pretty, but very yellow for an M?

10. 1.58 L VS1
https://rrdia.com/Movie/R19S4220/R19S4220.html
I think this is one of my favorites

11. 1.46 L VS1
https://rrdia.com/Movie/R21S568/R21S568.html
Not sure if the flower is defined, can't tell if it's just the way the video is taken

12. 1.38 K VS2
https://d360.tech/view.html?d=215-AL-3D890
Not sure if this one looks a bit wonky because it's not head on?
 
EllieTO said:
I pored through 47Jewelry's site today and saved these. Any comments?

7. 1.67 I SI2
https://d360.tech/view.html?d=215-EM-4D1490
I think this is one of the prettiest, but I'm worried about the inclusions. Do you think it would be eye clean, or are there any concerns about integrity?
https://www.gia.edu/report-check?locale=en_US&reportno=2235424188

8. 1.62 I VS2
https://d360.tech/view.html?d=215-EV-5D73
I think I prefer a chunkier flower

9. 1.7 M VVS1
https://47jewelry.com/products/1-70...or-m-clarity-vvs1-3d28?variant=42431758794923
Looks pretty, but very yellow for an M?

10. 1.58 L VS1
https://rrdia.com/Movie/R19S4220/R19S4220.html
I think this is one of my favorites

11. 1.46 L VS1
https://rrdia.com/Movie/R21S568/R21S568.html
Not sure if the flower is defined, can't tell if it's just the way the video is taken

12. 1.38 K VS2
https://d360.tech/view.html?d=215-AL-3D890
Not sure if this one looks a bit wonky because it's not head on?
Click to expand...

I like 10 ! You can call Fred and ask to facetime and see them and compare them. He's super nice! I am actually going to drop my diamond at GIA and looking at a diamond from him next week. I'll check in with you on this thread when i go and if you're still looking I can take some good pics for you if you want.
 
EllieTO said:
I pored through 47Jewelry's site today and saved these. Any comments?

7. 1.67 I SI2
https://d360.tech/view.html?d=215-EM-4D1490
I think this is one of the prettiest, but I'm worried about the inclusions. Do you think it would be eye clean, or are there any concerns about integrity?
https://www.gia.edu/report-check?locale=en_US&reportno=2235424188

8. 1.62 I VS2
https://d360.tech/view.html?d=215-EV-5D73
I think I prefer a chunkier flower

9. 1.7 M VVS1
https://47jewelry.com/products/1-70...or-m-clarity-vvs1-3d28?variant=42431758794923
Looks pretty, but very yellow for an M?

10. 1.58 L VS1
https://rrdia.com/Movie/R19S4220/R19S4220.html
I think this is one of my favorites

11. 1.46 L VS1
https://rrdia.com/Movie/R21S568/R21S568.html
Not sure if the flower is defined, can't tell if it's just the way the video is taken

12. 1.38 K VS2
https://d360.tech/view.html?d=215-AL-3D890
Not sure if this one looks a bit wonky because it's not head on?
Click to expand...
I don’t see red flags on any. Beyond that you can’t tell enough from these types of videos to choose amongst them. You can’t tell color or if it’s eye clean from these videos.

I don’t mind SI2 or I1 in old cuts but my eye sight sucks now. I suspect young eagle eyes would see that table inclusion in some lighting if you hunt for it.
 
Love 10 and 8 in that order!
 
Inked said:
I like 10 ! You can call Fred and ask to facetime and see them and compare them. He's super nice! I am actually going to drop my diamond at GIA and looking at a diamond from him next week. I'll check in with you on this thread when i go and if you're still looking I can take some good pics for you if you want.
Click to expand...

Thank you for offering, that's so sweet. I will let you know by the weekend. I'm going to keep working with my current dealer for now.
 
Just sitting here with the 8 mm CZ in a tension ring waiting for DSS to set in... it's kind of working. :lol-2:

Still talking with the trusted PS vendor. He's sent me a couple videos a day, but nothing super promising. He promised more, so I'll give it a few more days before moving on.

I can go up to LA next week if I don't find anything by then. Potential visits are Jewels by Grace and Jacob K. Any other recommendations for LA vendors with an inventory of loose vintage stones?
 
It’s so nice you can go to Collin’s!

This was just shared over on the SGBTP thread
It has terrible photos as usual!

Also on Ivy and Rose:
ivyandrose.com

1.88ct OLD EUROPEAN CUT DIAMOND GIA CERTIFIED K SI1 VINTAGE NATURAL LOOSE ESTATE

Highlights:- Original vintage diamond- GIA certified- 1.88ct size- Gorgeous old European cut- 100% eye clean with SI1 clarity.- Faces up nicely white with K colorAdditional Notes:The diamond is being sold loose, but it can be mounted upon request.
ivyandrose.com ivyandrose.com

ivyandrose.com

1.81ct OLD EUROPEAN CUT DIAMOND GIA CERTIFIED K VS1 VINTAGE LOOSE NATURAL ESTATE

Highlights:- Original vintage diamond- GIA certified- Substantial 1.81 carat size- Gorgeous old European cut. Beautiful faceting!- Faces up nicely white with K color- Exceptionally clean with VS1 clarityAdditional Notes:The diamond is being sold loose, but it can be mounted upon request.
ivyandrose.com ivyandrose.com

The video is not great but you can ask for more and for videos of the 1.81 if you want them…they respond relatively quick!

I am no expert on cut just thought I’d give you additional options while you wait to hear from the dealer. I also think it’s okay to reach out to a few vendors/dealers and don’t forget about Instagram though you do have to act fast!
Finding a stone is so exciting and old cuts all have different personalities, enjoy the adventure!!
 
Oooh I did not. I'm not familiar with this ig seller. The stone looks very pretty. But I don't think I'm comfortable buying on instagram, especially the ones where there's so much time pressure like gildedlane - that's a great business model, generate urgency and make it final sale. All the advice I heard was that you need to see antique stones live. My plan is to get a couple promising stones from a trusted vendor with good return policy and return one. I'm also re-considering one of the stones I posted earlier. Now I'm worried about lurkers snapping them up. :confused2:

And... you guys will kill me, but I think I'd like to go larger now. :lol-2: Y'all know what you're talking about!!
 
bee24 said:
It’s so nice you can go to Collin’s!

This was just shared over on the SGBTP thread
It has terrible photos as usual!

Also on Ivy and Rose:
ivyandrose.com

1.88ct OLD EUROPEAN CUT DIAMOND GIA CERTIFIED K SI1 VINTAGE NATURAL LOOSE ESTATE

Highlights:- Original vintage diamond- GIA certified- 1.88ct size- Gorgeous old European cut- 100% eye clean with SI1 clarity.- Faces up nicely white with K colorAdditional Notes:The diamond is being sold loose, but it can be mounted upon request.
ivyandrose.com ivyandrose.com

ivyandrose.com

1.81ct OLD EUROPEAN CUT DIAMOND GIA CERTIFIED K VS1 VINTAGE LOOSE NATURAL ESTATE

Highlights:- Original vintage diamond- GIA certified- Substantial 1.81 carat size- Gorgeous old European cut. Beautiful faceting!- Faces up nicely white with K color- Exceptionally clean with VS1 clarityAdditional Notes:The diamond is being sold loose, but it can be mounted upon request.
ivyandrose.com ivyandrose.com

The video is not great but you can ask for more and for videos of the 1.81 if you want them…they respond relatively quick!

I am no expert on cut just thought I’d give you additional options while you wait to hear from the dealer. I also think it’s okay to reach out to a few vendors/dealers and don’t forget about Instagram though you do have to act fast!
Finding a stone is so exciting and old cuts all have different personalities, enjoy the adventure!!
Click to expand...

Thank you. I've looked at Ivy and Rose but nothing really caught my eye and their policies are not the best. I'm trying to enjoy the hunt, but I'm also impatient and want it now!
 
EllieTO said:
Oooh I did not. I'm not familiar with this ig seller. The stone looks very pretty. But I don't think I'm comfortable buying on instagram, especially the ones where there's so much time pressure like gildedlane - that's a great business model, generate urgency and make it final sale. All the advice I heard was that you need to see antique stones live. My plan is to get a couple promising stones from a trusted vendor with good return policy and return one. I'm also re-considering one of the stones I posted earlier. Now I'm worried about lurkers snapping them up. :confused2:

And... you guys will kill me, but I think I'd like to go larger now. :lol-2: Y'all know what you're talking about!!
Click to expand...

I think especially when buying diamonds is do as much research as possible. Know what your tolerance is and what a good deal is when you see one. So when you see the stone that makes your heart skip a beat then you can jump on it with no hesitation.

Hahaha don't worry I got you. I initially wanted something 10mm and ended up with 11mm.. but I did increase my budget slightly to factor that in and I'm so glad I did!
 
I think for daily wear 8/8.5mm is a sweet spot. Mine is 8mm and set in a three stone (extra bling) and I feel very comfortable wearing her about and I don’t live in a place where larger diamonds are common at all. Just my 2c.

And I like your approach to buying. I’m also not comfortable with IG buying for large purchases.
 
Of the ones you linked from 47 i really like #10
 
Ok, I need your help again. I've been trying to work with the PS recommended dealer who also sent me #3 and 4 (I'm sure some of you might know who I'm talking about, but I don't want to share right now). I made it very clear I'm looking for a nice flowery center.

He sent me a few that I didn't like, he said he understood and said he'll send some that are exactly what I'm looking for. I was so excited. Then he sent this. Guys, I'm so confused. What am I not seeing? This feels like the emperor's new clothes.

#13
https://imgur.com/a/Y0yZwaT
Two videos of the same stone
 
EllieTO said:
Ok, I need your help again. I've been trying to work with the PS recommended dealer who also sent me #3 and 4 (I'm sure some of you might know who I'm talking about, but I don't want to share right now). I made it very clear I'm looking for a nice flowery center.

He sent me a few that I didn't like, he said he understood and said he'll send some that are exactly what I'm looking for. I was so excited. Then he sent this. Guys, I'm so confused. What am I not seeing? This feels like the emperor's new clothes.

#13
https://imgur.com/a/Y0yZwaT
Two videos of the same stone
Click to expand...

What are the specs on the stone (table %, depth%)?
 
lulu_ma said:
What are the specs on the stone (table %, depth%)?
Click to expand...

I only know size/color/clarity. I didn't ask for the GIA # on this one.
 
EllieTO said:
I only know size/color/clarity. I didn't ask for the GIA # on this one.
Click to expand...

I think part of it has to do with the vid. You cannot clearly see the facet pattern that way. Ask for a shaded pic.

For example-same loose stone in different lighting-and it's a J color.

IMG_1948.jpegIMG_1950.jpeg
 
EllieTO said:
Ok, I need your help again. I've been trying to work with the PS recommended dealer who also sent me #3 and 4 (I'm sure some of you might know who I'm talking about, but I don't want to share right now). I made it very clear I'm looking for a nice flowery center.

He sent me a few that I didn't like, he said he understood and said he'll send some that are exactly what I'm looking for. I was so excited. Then he sent this. Guys, I'm so confused. What am I not seeing? This feels like the emperor's new clothes.

#13
https://imgur.com/a/Y0yZwaT
Two videos of the same stone
Click to expand...

I feel like this stone has a really small table which is good but then it's probably a shallow stone so there's not much crown height hence why it looks kinda like a fish eye in the centre.
 
EllieTO said:
Ok, I need your help again. I've been trying to work with the PS recommended dealer who also sent me #3 and 4 (I'm sure some of you might know who I'm talking about, but I don't want to share right now). I made it very clear I'm looking for a nice flowery center.

He sent me a few that I didn't like, he said he understood and said he'll send some that are exactly what I'm looking for. I was so excited. Then he sent this. Guys, I'm so confused. What am I not seeing? This feels like the emperor's new clothes.

#13
https://imgur.com/a/Y0yZwaT
Two videos of the same stone
Click to expand...

Nope.
 
lulu_ma said:
I think part of it has to do with the vid. You cannot clearly see the facet pattern that way. Ask for a shaded pic.

For example-same loose stone in different lighting-and it's a J color.

IMG_1948.jpegIMG_1950.jpeg
Click to expand...

I can see the faceting very clearly in both of those pics. I just think the stone we talking about isn’t very well cut. It’s not precise enough the lower halves are too short.
 
I have to agree, I don't love this stone... I think you are going to have to hone in on depth. Too shallow and it creates a fish eye effect- try googling it! Once you learn about it you can spot it right away! It's why some of these stones go dead in the center :( . I am surprised that the vendor doesn't have a better sense of what you are looking for? If you are going to LA, may be worth reaching out to Dolly at xothebijouxbox on instagram?
 
Last edited:
EllieTO said:
I only know size/color/clarity. I didn't ask for the GIA # on this one.
Click to expand...

Now I'm curious-can you get the specs on this one. If it's the vendor I think it is, he doesn't usually feature spready stones.
 
I don’t think it’s shallow. Just not the best cut promotions and precision.
 
I’m curious to see some of the ones you rejected. I know that you’ve just started learning about old cuts and seeing them in person. I’m wondering if you’re able to correlate what a stone looks like in a video with what it might look like in person yet.
 
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