How to buy a vintage OEC?

[jaqjaqjaq]

I started thinking about what I wanted in Oct 2024 and requested a quote at that time. We did a couple CADs that were very small changes from the inspiration CAD they did a few years back. Then I let them know I was pausing until the new year. Then I spent two months thinking and planning and putting together my design document on my own. Then I contacted them again in January and we worked exchanging CADs for about 4 weeks. We did about 4-5 major CAD revisiting that time. Sometimes I would send revisions the next day, and sometimes it would be a week or two between them sending me a CAD and me sending a revision. We did not exchange design consultation emails per se, mostly it was me sending design boards and CAD revisions and them replying “like this” and attaching a file? A few times I asked questions about durability of the delicate gallery, metal choice, stone setting order etc. I approved CADs in early Feb.

I figure they have many clients and I’m just one of them, so they likely aren’t thinking about me at all between emails lol.

Thank you for the timeline and perspective I think I could stand to be a little more patient with myself LOL! And I guess you’re right, their world doesn’t totally revolve around me and my couple of emails and tweaks

 

[EllieTO]

Just gorgeous diamonds look in’ gorgeous. I like the idea of setting each in a different colored metal. Might I suggest you don’t try to plan both at once. Too stressful. Once Maxine is back perhaps decide which diamond you want to set first. And just make one perfect ring. Then you will have an easier time designing the other one bc you will have two pieces to go off stylistically.

I have a strong preference for platinum prongs because they tend to just disappear and the diamonds look whiter. But it depends on the style you are after.

I see the Daisy ring. Do you have other daily wear rings? I wonder if you have considered a three stone for one of them?

I'm actually finding it helpful to think of both stones and what I might want for each. That way I don't feel like I need to incorporate too many of my inspirations into one. I decided Summer Dream will be the Cora-like lacy vintage inspired halo. Maxine will be a more sleek and modern bezel set, thinking about a fine halo of bezel set mixed shapes around it. Sort of like what I posted a few posts above, but more delicate. I'm not actively working on both, just collecting ideas and thinking.

BUT.... I did finally reach out to a vendor/designer yesterday to get the ball rolling on Summer Dream! We exchanged some ideas and he will get back to me with a design. I don't want to share any more at this time. I think I will start a new thread to ask about what to expect working on a custom design.

And now Dreamer threw a wrench in with the idea of a 3-stone. It wasn't really in my plans, partly because I have an irrational desire that neither of these rings look anything like an engagement ring. 3-stones remind me of engagement or anniversary type rings. But I will think about it. I might like pears. I do like the idea of a solitaire with smaller stones that don't look like an e-ring, and I have a few of those pinned. Maybe something like these, but I'm not convinced that they're not-engagement-y enough.

If I go with a round 3-stone, what kind of round cuts would you pair with Maxine? I think I would need transitional, I don't know that I would like either MRB or OEC. The hunt for a pair of transitionals could be a fun project.

 

[Dreamer_D]

Of course I love those gemstone rings you posted as my star sapphire is very similar vibes. Colored gemstones as sides would help it look less engagementy I think, but I recall you want all diamonds?




Cuts like Maxine are really hard to find. I’ve been watching eBay for about 18mo and seen only a few. I ended up pairing MRBs with very short lower halves and smaller tables for my three stone with my 1.89ct transitional. I think ideally for mind clean kind of reasons I would prefer transitional sides but in person irl and using my poor eye sight it all looks cohesive to me. But my sides are only 4.3mm. One of my potential longer term plans is to search for 5-5.5mm transitional side stones for a reset some day, probably antique style bezels but who knows. That’s waaay down the road as I have other projects in line first.

 

[lulu_ma]

Maxine would look amazing with antique pear sides!

 

[EllieTO]

If I go with round 3-stone, then I would want smaller side stones anyway (kind of Meghan Markle). So maybe it won't be as important to match the cut. But also I love a good treasure hunt! Or yes, pears!

And now I'm thinking, for a simple 3-stone, maybe I could spring for a Canera! Of course he might not work with outside stones of this size, but one can dream... Actually before I decided to keep Maxine, I was thinking to splurge on a VC (with halo or pave) for Summer Dream since she was such a good price and is pretty enough to deserve it. But now I have two stones that need two settings. Actually I don't think my current potential vendor will be much less expensive either. Or I could just keep wearing them around the house and backyard in the stone holder.

Nothing from GIA yet! Do they post it on my account when it's ready, or will I have to wait until I'm picking it up to get the report? Pick up is scheduled for Friday!

 

[lala646]

If I go with round 3-stone, then I would want smaller side stones anyway (kind of Meghan Markle). So maybe it won't be as important to match the cut. But also I love a good treasure hunt! Or yes, pears!

And now I'm thinking, for a simple 3-stone, maybe I could spring for a Canera! Of course he might not work with outside stones of this size, but one can dream... Actually before I decided to keep Maxine, I was thinking to splurge on a VC (with halo or pave) for Summer Dream since she was such a good price and is pretty enough to deserve it. But now I have two stones that need two settings. Actually I don't think my current potential vendor will be much less expensive either. Or I could just keep wearing them around the house and backyard in the stone holder.

Nothing from GIA yet! Do they post it on my account when it's ready, or will I have to wait until I'm picking it up to get the report? Pick up is scheduled for Friday!

You'll be able to see the final stats in the client portal when they message you it's ready for pickup, but the full official report won't be available to access until you pay at pickup.

 

[Dreamer_D]

If I go with round 3-stone, then I would want smaller side stones anyway (kind of Meghan Markle). So maybe it won't be as important to match the cut. But also I love a good treasure hunt! Or yes, pears!

And now I'm thinking, for a simple 3-stone, maybe I could spring for a Canera! Of course he might not work with outside stones of this size, but one can dream... Actually before I decided to keep Maxine, I was thinking to splurge on a VC (with halo or pave) for Summer Dream since she was such a good price and is pretty enough to deserve it. But now I have two stones that need two settings. Actually I don't think my current potential vendor will be much less expensive either. Or I could just keep wearing them around the house and backyard in the stone holder.

Nothing from GIA yet! Do they post it on my account when it's ready, or will I have to wait until I'm picking it up to get the report? Pick up is scheduled for Friday!

You could set SD and then take time hunting for matching sides for Maxine. Could be nice to have a project. I think if you are looking for sides ~4.0mm (or even smaller for Megan's look -- mine is 8mm center wityh 4.3mm sides and is similar proportions I think) you have some leeway with antiques. Like, they don't need to be transitionals, just slightly more symmetrical OECs can work too. Here is my transitional with one of the OECs in my five stone, which blends very well in person and even in macro-photography, and its 5mm. At 4mm you would not see the difference in faceting at all. So I think it would not be too hard to find a compatible pair of sides provided you have time and a little flexibility on how close the match needs to be.

(Ignore the water spots on the big one's pavilion)

 

[Dreamer_D]

Maxine would look amazing with antique pear sides!

I also love antique pears but they are super hard to fine! And here I do think the difference in faceting would be apparent with modern pears. You would need to like that contrast.