Find your diamond
Find your jewelry
shape
carat
color
clarity

Looking at 2+ carat OEC/Transitional to replace lost e-ring

Babyblue033

Babyblue033

Brilliant_Rock
Premium
Joined
Apr 11, 2008
Messages
1,190
It's been almost a decade since I was here last shopping for my engagement ring, which sadly was lost 7-8 years ago :cry2:And now I'm back hoping to replace my lost ring for our 10 year anniversary. I had a 1.03ct HoF G SI1 in a Beverly K halo, but this time I'm looking for an OEC/transitional in 2+ carat range.

Here's the stone from Grace's website I fell in love with when it was first posted back in Sept. I kept coming back to it expecting it to be sold, but it's still here so I finally reached out & I'm scheduled to see it in person next week when she's in NYC.
2.25ct J VS1
http://www.jewelsbygrace.com/2-25ct-transitional-cut-diamond-gia-j-vs1
2.25ct Transitional Cut Diamond GIA J VS1 www.jewelsbygrace.com 18-L.jpg
It's probably too close to MRB for most of you true OEC lovers, but I was just instantly drawn to it when I first saw it. I know it has a rather large table and my ideal diamond would've been a little bit closer to OEC in the sliding scale too (fatter arrow/checkerboard pattern, higher crown, smaller table) but "transitional" in general has always been my sweet spot with its symmetry & sharper contrast. I love it based on the photos & videos, but I'm no expert when it comes to old cuts.

Just to be thorough though, I've looked at a few other stones as comparison.

2.23ct K VVS2
http://www.loveaffairdiamonds.com/2-23ct-old-european-cut-diamond-gia-k-vvs2/
- About the same in size & price, lower color, doesn't have as distinct arrows but smaller table & higher crown. Video looks beautiful with rainbow of colors. Worth seeing in person?

2.64ct J VVS1
http://www.loveaffairdiamonds.com/2-64ct-old-european-cut-diamond-gia-j-vvs1/
- Larger, definitely out of my diamond budget but I can maybe pull it off if I go with a simple solitaire setting rather than what I originally wanted (SS Halo). Just wondering if it's better to put all $ into a better diamond (if in fact this is better diamond).

1.92ct E VS1
http://www.loveaffairdiamonds.com/1-92ct-old-european-cut-diamond-gia-e-vs1/
- Lastly, if I'm stretching the budget anyway, here's a smaller stone but super white & arrows I like. Ideally though, I would like to maximize the size so I wish this was lower color & larger ct.

Since this is replacing my original ring with huge sentimental value & will be my forever ring, I want to make sure I'm making the right choice. Obviously the big factor will be how the 2.25ct looks in person but in the meanwhile wanted to make sure I consider everything so there are no regrets :naughty:
 
Hi BB it's good to see you!

I'm sorry to hear you lost your ring but very exciting to be getting another!

I can see why you fell for the diamond in the photo, it's amazing! I'll come back and take a look at the others for you and I think with these old cuts they can steal your heart and you can't even put your finger on it.

I fell in love with a tranny on one of the vendor's sites a few years ago and wanted it for a pendant but it sold and I was gutted. But I ended up with a fantastic 1.09 AVR so it all worked out and I got a larger stone into the bargain.
 
It looks like it's a gorgeous diamond, I suppose you will know instantly when you see it. It's good that you can see it when she comes to NY.
It's very similar to the one @arkieb1 bought from JbG. Hopefully she will see this and give her thoughts.

I personally LOVE the 2.64 J VVS1 that LAD has! I would go all in for the diamond and get a simple setting initially, you could get the SS for an important future event. CvB is much more affordable than SS and I think her quality matches or exceeds them honestly.
 
I had a look and for me it's between your original J and the 2.64. Could you view the 2.64 at the same time? That would probably be the clincher, then if you love the 2.64, I'd find the money as you're only doing this once probably and as you had to go through the sadness of losing your original.

I think view them both is my advice, then you'll know. So much of it with these diamonds is falling in love, it's different to modern rounds I think.
 
Sorry to hear that you lost your original ring.

They are all very pretty and I don't think that you can go wrong - Grace and Erica both have a great eye. I agree with @bright ice the 2.64 is a little fireball and I would prioritize the stone (which ever you choose) over a setting since you plan for it to be your forever diamond. You can and probably will want to change up settings somewhere down the line even if you choose your dream setting now, since tastes change.
 
I agree with the previous posters. The 2.64 J looks like a beautiful, substantial stone. I’d try to see both the 2.25 J from Grace as well as the 2.64 from Erica before making a decision. I’d prioritize the stone over the setting.
 
I have to say that 2.64 is AMAZING :kiss2: quite a jump in budget but it would make for a stunning solitaire. The one you’re going to see is also beautiful - the crispness and those fat arrows are gorgeous. Can you see the LAD ones in person?
 
I own a fat arrowed transitional and it's the best of both worlds, it throws light back in a cut pattern similar to an OEC but it has all the fire, brilliance and faster scintillation of an RB.

I'd guess you would have to look at the stones to work out what your "flavour" of them is. As far as fire and sparkle the only stones that I know of that match the level of my transitional in old cuts are perfectly cut AVRs or Canera Old cut Rounds or OECs cut by Yoram, to find easily. Some original OECs with the high crown small table combo will have max fire and sparkle too but they will visually have a different looking cut pattern to the stone you have selected.
 
The 2.25 is really pretty, but I like the K as well. I think I lean towards the more traditional OEC vs the transitional. For some reason, I'm not so sure about the 2.64, but that's just me.

I have to admit, this L 2.49 sings to me...you get a slightly larger size, although it's a drop in color
http://www.loveaffairdiamonds.com/2-49ct-old-european-cut-diamond-ags-l-vs1/

But...that may be too low for your color preferences.
 
I like your choice quite a bit and, more importantly, it makes your heart zing. I think with old cuts, you just like what you like. I like the crisp arrows along with the OEC chubby facets. I hope you love it. I think my second choice would be the LAD 2.64 based on the faceting.
 
It’s a great thing that you’re seeing the tranny in person. And you should look at as many as you can while you’re there. I have an OEC myself but I just LOVE trannys with gorgeous fat arrows. LOVE LOVE LOVE them. They are so chunky and cute!! So if that tranny grabs your heart when you see it, go for it. That’s the super fun thing about shopping for old cuts. It’s a totally emotional experience, more so than shopping for MRBs for me anyway. Have lots of fun!
 
I think the one you’ve chosen has very beautiful faceting! The 2.64 is a nice stone but at least based on the images, I would not go for it due to the cut. But it’s all about personal preference!

I’ve been on the lookout for a nice ~2 carat OEC myself too and would prioritize the faceting over everything else as long as the stone is relatively clean. Also it’s hard to judge them by the images. Thus I’ve decided against buying one without seeing one. As others have said it’s all about the feeling and falling for the old antique stone :))

Good luck with your choice, looks like you’ve got some very nice options! Looking forward to more pictures of your chosen rock :appl:
 
I have seen the J 2.64 in person and it's unbelievable. It's SOOOOO white and fiery. I actually have pics and vids of it I can dig up if you want to see. Contact me on LT and I'll send them......
 
Babyblue033 said:
Just wondering if it's better to put all $ into a better diamond
Click to expand...

My thinking hands down. That's not to say that is the only right way but since you asked this is what I would do. Choose the "best" diamond for me and put all my budget if necessary to the stone and just have a simple setting until you could save up more for your dream setting. The stone is the most critical part because resetting is a lot more doable than finding the "right" old cut stone IMO.

So my advice is see them all in person and take your time evaluating them and choose the one you love the best (if there is one there that makes your heart go pitter patter).
Good luck and enjoy meeting Grace and seeing her beautiful diamonds. :love:
 
missy said:
My thinking hands down. That's not to say that is the only right way but since you asked this is what I would do. Choose the "best" diamond for me and put all my budget if necessary to the stone and just have a simple setting until you could save up more for your dream setting. The stone is the most critical part because resetting is a lot more doable than finding the "right" old cut stone IMO.

So my advice is see them all in person and take your time evaluating them and choose the one you love the best (if there is one there that makes your heart go pitter patter).
Good luck and enjoy meeting Grace and seeing her beautiful diamonds. :love:
Click to expand...

I would too because it can be hard to justify the money to go larger again, but you can always have your dream stone set in a simple solitaire THEN get the dream setting later.
 
Lorelei said:
Hi BB it's good to see you!

I'm sorry to hear you lost your ring but very exciting to be getting another!

I can see why you fell for the diamond in the photo, it's amazing! I'll come back and take a look at the others for you and I think with these old cuts they can steal your heart and you can't even put your finger on it.

I fell in love with a tranny on one of the vendor's sites a few years ago and wanted it for a pendant but it sold and I was gutted. But I ended up with a fantastic 1.09 AVR so it all worked out and I got a larger stone into the bargain.
Click to expand...
Hi Lorelei! *Waves* Good to be back, altho shopping for diamond again is both exciting and exhausting!

soxfan said:
I have seen the J 2.64 in person and it's unbelievable. It's SOOOOO white and fiery. I actually have pics and vids of it I can dig up if you want to see. Contact me on LT and I'll send them......
Click to expand...
Soxfan, I'll message you on LT. Thanks for offering to send pics and videos!

Thank you everyone for your input. I can't write long as my 3 week old son is being pretty demanding right now but I've read all your comments and appreciate them.

One point of clarification on budget vs. My budget was always under $20K diamond + setting, as agreed on my DH. When I said maybe I can stretch the budget if I don't get my dream SS setting, I literally just found out just how expensive SS setting is (eye poppingly so) so I was just assuming if I put that towards the stone instead it would be the same cost as 2.64. That being said, we never intended spending so much on a setting and DH hasn't agreed to it yet so my "high" end budget is totally arbitruary at this point...
 
Babyblue033 said:
Hi Lorelei! *Waves* Good to be back, altho shopping for diamond again is both exciting and exhausting!


Soxfan, I'll message you on LT. Thanks for offering to send pics and videos!

Thank you everyone for your input. I can't write long as my 3 week old son is being pretty demanding right now but I've read all your comments and appreciate them.

One point of clarification on budget vs. My budget was always under $20K diamond + setting, as agreed on my DH. When I said maybe I can stretch the budget if I don't get my dream SS setting, I literally just found out just how expensive SS setting is (eye poppingly so) so I was just assuming if I put that towards the stone instead it would be the same cost as 2.64. That being said, we never intended spending so much on a setting and DH hasn't agreed to it yet so my "high" end budget is totally arbitruary at this point...
Click to expand...

Hehe - how convenient....:love:

There's your answer then, view both when you can and get the setting later!:mrgreen:
 
Regarding the setting, I would suggest wearing the stone in a temp setting for a while to get to know your stone, and to see how you feel with it on and to get to know it’s personality. The original setting you were planning may not necessarily be the one that fits your stone. And since you are planning to spend quite a bit on the setting you will want to be certain. And that may take some time. Just a suggestion.
 
LLJsmom said:
Regarding the setting, I would suggest wearing the stone in a temp setting for a while to get to know your stone, and to see how you feel with it on and to get to know it’s personality. The original setting you were planning may not necessarily be the one that fits your stone. And since you are planning to spend quite a bit on the setting you will want to be certain. And that may take some time. Just a suggestion.
Click to expand...
LLJsmom, I never thought about it that way but that's a great advice and makes a lot of sense. It will also allow me to put all my focus on finding the right stone and not get distracted. I always thought I wouldnt like a solitaire but now that I'm looking at a larger stone, it doesn't seem like such a bad idea to wear a simple solitaire where I can enjoy the diamond on its own.

Convinced DH on ordering a 2nd stone to compare with my lead option, just need to decide which one...
 
arkieb1 said:
I own a fat arrowed transitional and it's the best of both worlds, it throws light back in a cut pattern similar to an OEC but it has all the fire, brilliance and faster scintillation of an RB.
Click to expand...
@arkieb1, I've seen your posts about your transitional (Charlie, right?) and thought it was beautiful. Based on photos and measurements, would you say 2.25 J from Grace would have similar look and performance?

Compared to this, shopping for my original stone was SO straight forward! You know exactly what to expect based on numbers and data!
 
Noob question - who's SS? I can't seem to think of who it might be.
 
starrysim said:
Noob question - who's SS? I can't seem to think of who it might be.
Click to expand...
It's Singlestone. They make the most beautiful vintage inspired settings :kiss2:
 
Babyblue033 said:
@arkieb1, I've seen your posts about your transitional (Charlie, right?) and thought it was beautiful. Based on photos and measurements, would you say 2.25 J from Grace would have similar look and performance?

Compared to this, shopping for my original stone was SO straight forward! You know exactly what to expect based on numbers and data!
Click to expand...

Yes the stone for sale is VERY similar to mine, mine has a table you could drive a bus through as well but it has fat arrows that you can actually see. In some lighting that probably isn't for everyone because they appear as dark quite distracting arrows a small percentage of the time, but in indoor lighting, shop lighting and sunlight the stone is a fireball, like a chunkier old cut but with all the faster fire and scintillation of a RB that's the best way I can describe it you can see the fire and sparkle indoors across a room. In normal day time indoors it appears more as a checkboard pattern like many Transitionals but with the arrows. As suggested other stones that have max fire are AVRs, Canera OECs, new old cuts by Yoram, and OECs with the small table, high crown combo. Thats probably a list of what I like but you also can have wonky OECs and other old cuts that don't fit any pattern that without explanation can be really wonderful too, that's the beauty of original old cut stones.

JBEG tranny 1.jpg JBEG tranny 9.jpg
 
Last edited:
arkieb1 said:
Yes the stone for sale is VERY similar to mine, mine has a table you could drive a bus through as well but it has fat arrows that you can actually see. In some lighting that probably isn't for everyone because they appear as dark quite distracting arrows a small percentage of the time, but in indoor lighting, shop lighting and sunlight the stone is a fireball, like a chunkier old cut but with all the faster fire and scintillation of a RB that's the best way I can describe it you can see the fire and sparkle indoors across a room. In normal day time indoors it appears more as a checkboard pattern like many Transitionals but with the arrows. As suggested other stones that have max fire are AVRs, Canera OECs, new old cuts by Yoram, and OECs with the small table, high crown combo. Thats probably a list of what I like but you also can have wonky OECs and other old cuts that don't fit any pattern that without explanation can be really wonderful too, that's the beauty of original old cut stones.

JBEG tranny 1.jpg JBEG tranny 9.jpg
Click to expand...
:love:WOW @arkieb1 your stone is amazing!
 
arkieb1 said:
Yes the stone for sale is VERY similar to mine, mine has a table you could drive a bus through as well but it has fat arrows that you can actually see. In some lighting that probably isn't for everyone because they appear as dark quite distracting arrows a small percentage of the time, but in indoor lighting, shop lighting and sunlight the stone is a fireball, like a chunkier old cut but with all the faster fire and scintillation of a RB that's the best way I can describe it you can see the fire and sparkle indoors across a room. In normal day time indoors it appears more as a checkboard pattern like many Transitionals but with the arrows. As suggested other stones that have max fire are AVRs, Canera OECs, new old cuts by Yoram, and OECs with the small table, high crown combo. Thats probably a list of what I like but you also can have wonky OECs and other old cuts that don't fit any pattern that without explanation can be really wonderful too, that's the beauty of original old cut stones.

JBEG tranny 1.jpg JBEG tranny 9.jpg
Click to expand...

Amazing!!! :love:
 
Pics of the 2.64 J just sent to you:)
 
Nevermind. The top one is the 2.88. Damn. That is REALLY gorgeous. I think I like the 2.88 better because it's bigger. What is the price difference? It looks much bigger.
 
DEFINITELY the 2.88 I just checked the price.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
GET 3 FREE HCA RESULTS JOIN THE FORUM. ASK FOR HELP
Jewelry Blog
PriceScope-Concierge-Ad
Find prime cuts.
Top