justginger
Ideal_Rock
- Joined
- May 11, 2009
- Messages
- 3,712
Sorry if this is a bit wordy, I tend to get into detail - especially when I'm so excited about a project!! 
In case past threads have been missed, I started searching a few weeks ago for a large stone to set in a solitaire. My engagement ring is a 1.79 ct (? - I've actually forgotten its exact weight!) antique cushion from JbEG, and it's set into a version of Leon's Heidy, r4105. Believe it or not
it seems that the three-sided pave isn't exactly made for every day wear. I find myself banging it up at work and want to have a sturdy solitaire to wear perhaps 70% of the time instead.
I first determined: I want a big stone. I had no idea even which cut I preferred - there are so many stunning ones, lovely in their own ways. After trying on a variety shapes, I settled on round, but was still torn between a H&A stone or an OEC. I don't actually own any ideal cut rounds, so I thought I was missing out by not having one.
Photos here certainly highlight how incredible they are. 
I visited another B&M shop and spent some time trying on large ideal cut RBCs. They were nice, but not what I wanted. I kept putting them on my ring finger next to my antique cushion and really disliking the difference. There was no doubt they sparkled like mad, but it was too sharp for me - I truly adore the giant flashes of fire from antique stones. So that sealed the deal, I am certainly NOT missing anything by choosing an antique stone over a modern ideal cut. 
Having worked with Erica in the past, I didn't hesitate to contact JbEG and see if they had anything that would suit. I simultaneously touched based with Perry at Leon Mege and Adam at Old World Diamonds.
Perry - he has access to some really, really gorgeous stones. I believe he said his cousin cuts them. He sent through two, with stunning lightbox setup videos. Both appeared to be modern cut cushions, but the facets were styled in the fashion of an antique stone. They had both received ideal cut grades from AGS and their light performance was incredible. He was very fair with pricing and negotiated on my behalf with a third party cutter when necessary. However, the return period available simply would not suit my situation. I needed an optional extension and that was unable to be granted. I would not consider this a shortcoming on Perry's part and I understood the limits in place. However, for me, it meant I could not proceed with a purchase from him.
Erica - as always, a wonderwoman.
She was prompt, detailed, endlessly accommodating, and very honest in all of her communication with me. My decision to not purchase from JbEG this time was simply due to them not carrying the right stone at the right time. There were a few that were top contenders, but none of them ticked ALL the boxes at the same time, IYKWIM. The one with the right facets was too small, the one that was the right size didn't grab me (despite my best efforts to convince myself that it did). Definitely two thumbs up for Erica, but the RIGHT stone was elsewhere.
Adam - a really wonderful guy to liaise with, when I first contacted him he was vacationing in Europe. He still took the time to answer questions and message me back and forth a few times before he returned to NYC. Upon getting home, he immediately searched his inventory and came back with a suitable possibility. It was a bit smaller than I was hoping for, so he returned to sift through his giant pile o' diamonds (this is how I imagine it anyway!
). The next one morning I had a "good news and bad news" email. Good news being he had found a huge, eyeclean, "perfectly cut" antique cushion, the bad news being it was out of my budget. After determining that I did indeed love it, he offered me a generous discount and the stone came in at the very, very top penny of my budget. In the time since, working out certification or not, settings, shipping, etc, Adam has been a dream. Honestly, a great guy to work with, personable, prompt, and really switched on to my wants and needs.
So the decision has been made and the stone has been found. I was absolutely set on an OEC since I already have a cushion, but my heart went all pitter-patter when I saw this one.
I must admit I am concerned it might be TOO big (gasp! but I am only a 3-3.25!). If it is, I will consign it and wait for the right OEC.
We'll get the facts out of the way, and then a photo.
Weight: 4.65 carats - it honks!
Color: estimated at GIA L, but is top light silver so faces up incredibly bright
Clarity: eyeclean from any distance, estimated as SI1. Clarity-setting inclusion located in a corner, not under the table.
Dimensions: 11.16 x 10.37 x 6.82
Depth: 63.4%
Table: 49%
And here she is. I'll wait until I receive her to name her.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=026BGO6tGTw&feature=youtu.be
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vlz_m-IzvU&feature=youtu.be
Now...to wait find a setting for her (please feel free to post photos of you favorite plain cushion settings!)...and another 2 weeks to see her in person!! June 2 can't get here soon enough!
In case past threads have been missed, I started searching a few weeks ago for a large stone to set in a solitaire. My engagement ring is a 1.79 ct (? - I've actually forgotten its exact weight!) antique cushion from JbEG, and it's set into a version of Leon's Heidy, r4105. Believe it or not
it seems that the three-sided pave isn't exactly made for every day wear. I find myself banging it up at work and want to have a sturdy solitaire to wear perhaps 70% of the time instead.I first determined: I want a big stone. I had no idea even which cut I preferred - there are so many stunning ones, lovely in their own ways. After trying on a variety shapes, I settled on round, but was still torn between a H&A stone or an OEC. I don't actually own any ideal cut rounds, so I thought I was missing out by not having one.
Photos here certainly highlight how incredible they are. I visited another B&M shop and spent some time trying on large ideal cut RBCs. They were nice, but not what I wanted. I kept putting them on my ring finger next to my antique cushion and really disliking the difference. There was no doubt they sparkled like mad, but it was too sharp for me - I truly adore the giant flashes of fire from antique stones. So that sealed the deal, I am certainly NOT missing anything by choosing an antique stone over a modern ideal cut. Having worked with Erica in the past, I didn't hesitate to contact JbEG and see if they had anything that would suit. I simultaneously touched based with Perry at Leon Mege and Adam at Old World Diamonds.
Perry - he has access to some really, really gorgeous stones. I believe he said his cousin cuts them. He sent through two, with stunning lightbox setup videos. Both appeared to be modern cut cushions, but the facets were styled in the fashion of an antique stone. They had both received ideal cut grades from AGS and their light performance was incredible. He was very fair with pricing and negotiated on my behalf with a third party cutter when necessary. However, the return period available simply would not suit my situation. I needed an optional extension and that was unable to be granted. I would not consider this a shortcoming on Perry's part and I understood the limits in place. However, for me, it meant I could not proceed with a purchase from him.
Erica - as always, a wonderwoman.
She was prompt, detailed, endlessly accommodating, and very honest in all of her communication with me. My decision to not purchase from JbEG this time was simply due to them not carrying the right stone at the right time. There were a few that were top contenders, but none of them ticked ALL the boxes at the same time, IYKWIM. The one with the right facets was too small, the one that was the right size didn't grab me (despite my best efforts to convince myself that it did). Definitely two thumbs up for Erica, but the RIGHT stone was elsewhere.Adam - a really wonderful guy to liaise with, when I first contacted him he was vacationing in Europe. He still took the time to answer questions and message me back and forth a few times before he returned to NYC. Upon getting home, he immediately searched his inventory and came back with a suitable possibility. It was a bit smaller than I was hoping for, so he returned to sift through his giant pile o' diamonds (this is how I imagine it anyway!
). The next one morning I had a "good news and bad news" email. Good news being he had found a huge, eyeclean, "perfectly cut" antique cushion, the bad news being it was out of my budget. After determining that I did indeed love it, he offered me a generous discount and the stone came in at the very, very top penny of my budget. In the time since, working out certification or not, settings, shipping, etc, Adam has been a dream. Honestly, a great guy to work with, personable, prompt, and really switched on to my wants and needs.So the decision has been made and the stone has been found. I was absolutely set on an OEC since I already have a cushion, but my heart went all pitter-patter when I saw this one.
I must admit I am concerned it might be TOO big (gasp! but I am only a 3-3.25!). If it is, I will consign it and wait for the right OEC.We'll get the facts out of the way, and then a photo.
Weight: 4.65 carats - it honks!
Color: estimated at GIA L, but is top light silver so faces up incredibly bright
Clarity: eyeclean from any distance, estimated as SI1. Clarity-setting inclusion located in a corner, not under the table.
Dimensions: 11.16 x 10.37 x 6.82
Depth: 63.4%
Table: 49%
And here she is. I'll wait until I receive her to name her.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=026BGO6tGTw&feature=youtu.be
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vlz_m-IzvU&feature=youtu.be
Now...to wait find a setting for her (please feel free to post photos of you favorite plain cushion settings!)...and another 2 weeks to see her in person!! June 2 can't get here soon enough!
No sense sending it back with numbers like that!
Do you guys think it is a must do? I've spent a fair bit of time looking at old stones and *think* I can estimate color fairly well. But on a stone this large, perhaps it is a must-have. Gah, I've really tapped out my budget - a setting AND a $700 cert makes me cringe a little (especially since we're leaving on a 5 week overseas holiday in a mere 8 days!). It can't NOT be done, but what do you guys think? 
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