OEC Three Stone Ring Search, advice please!

[bee24]

Hello,
New to PS but appreciating all of the insight on this site! I am looking for a 10 yr anniversary ring. What started as looking at $300 bands has now turned into a 10k (or 15k) budget and a desire for the biggest most beautiful OEC as possible, thanks to all the inspiration here! My poor husband but lucky me!
I think my dream ring is a three stone from OWD in the crown setting in yellow gold. I have reached out to Adam and he was very responsive, I sent him my budget and hopes but have not heard back, it is the holiday season so I am sure I will sometime. However, I worry I won't be able to afford the center stone size I want. I am a size 7 and want the ring to have presence. I think based on pictures, ideally the center stone would be around 1.5-2 carats and side stones around .75 or more. Initially, I did not think I would go lower than an M but I am also open to options based on budget.
So I am thinking that I will not be able to get my dream three stone ring with the sizes I want within budget at this stage. I have been wondering if perhaps the better route is to get the center stone, either in a setting or loose and then pursue the three stone later. Below are some options from Ivy Rose some are bigger stones but I am guessing that none of them are good cuts. I don't mind warm colors, at least on PS I have loved some warm stones. I have asked for videos with no response. There have been a few on Instagram but I am a bit wary of Instagram since I am a novice at this and it seems the rings/stones that pop up go fast.

3.10ct GIA CERTIFIED S-T VS2 VINTAGE DIAMOND OLD EUROPEAN CUT LOOSE NATURAL 3ct

This stunning 3.10ct GIA certified old European cut diamond has beautiful glowing warmth, a completely eye clean appearance, and dazzlingly bright sparkle! Cut by hand a lifetime ago, this substantial vintage diamond is absolutely unique, guaranteed to be 100% conflict free, and full of old...

ivyandrose.com

2.5 CARAT VINTAGE DIAMOND ENGAGEMENT RING OLD EUROPEAN CUT CERTIFIED PLATINUM

Why we love it:This vintage engagement ring has a classic elegance and an impressively large 2.50 carat old European cut diamond center! Crafted in solid platinum, the shoulders of the stately setting glitter with tapered baguette diamonds for a timeless and sophisticated look.Highlights:-...

ivyandrose.com

2.09ct OLD EUROPEAN CUT DIAMOND GIA CERTIFIED M VS1 LOOSE VINTAGE NATURAL 2ct

Highlights:- GIA Certified- Original vintage old European cut- 2.09ct size with great spread and showing much larger than its actual carat weight- No fisheye- Faces up white with M (faint brown) color grade- Faint brown is very subtle and diamond shows no yellow- Excellent VS1 clarity- Natural...

ivyandrose.com

View this content on Instagram

View this content on Instagram

I believe the one above is also the 2.5 on Ivy Rose site.

View this content on Instagram

View this content on Instagram

So my questions:
Is a three stone OEC ring with a center stone of at least 1.5(however, bigger the better) even possible within budget? Ideally 10k but up to 15k.
Is it better to buy the center stone either loose or in an existing ring and do the three stone at a later date?
Do any of the options above look good?

My husband, a Tucson Native, thinks that we should go to the Gem show, however, I worry that since I am such a novice at this that I will not be able to make a decision in person without time to research.

Finally, just want to thank you in advance to any assistance/advice and to thank you for this very informative community.

Cheers!

 

[lovedogs]

Ivy and rose is solid and reputable, as is jacobk. I would reach out to Jacob. His pieces are gorgeous and usually priced fairly. I'll take a look at the options you posted and see what else I can find

 

[elizat]

Have you seen these color ranges in person? I think that's important. There can be a ton of variance and if you initially felt below M was too low, I'd be very cautious about going bigger for lower color unless you see things in person.

Is there an antique or vintage diamond store you can go to, even just for browsing? There are also jewelry shows, which can be helpful for browsing. I would not think Tuscon would be for antique diamonds- I believe it's more colored stones. Antique jewelry has its own circuit for shows.

I have a finger that fluctuates between 6 and 7. My stones are old mine cut. The center is 2.34 m, the sides are about .90ish and are k in color.

There is a color difference but it works, at least for me. I don't wear the ring because I think it's too much for everyday. I would spend time thinking and trying on options as well to determine what is actually wearable for you.

 

[bee24]

@elizat Your ring has been one of my inspirations! I literally have a screenshot of your ring and specs that I have been referencing when looking at rings/stones so thank you for replying!
Thanks for all of the great advice. I have been trying to find an antique jewelry store that I can see rings/stones in person, unfortunately, I am a bit rural. Initially I had thought I would want to stay in the L/M range but I have been drawn to some of the warmer colors on PS, but that is not in person and just over the screen. I just love all of the rainbow pastels that I see! I ordered a fake three stone ring to try on different sizes to really see what I would be happy with, that should be here soon so that will hopefully help narrow my wishlist down.
That is good to know about the Gem show in Tucson!
Thank you again for replying.

 

[Dreamer_D]

Okay, here is my 2c as someone who has also spent years yearning for the thing I cannot afford now, and thinking I would buy it piecemeal and be happy with a solitaire in the interim… don’t do it.

If you are ideally wanting a three stone like elizats. Which is amazing, I don’t blame you. That is about 20.5mm of horizontal finger coverage (assuming 8.5mm center and 2x 6mm sides). If you reduce the size of the center down to say 1.8 and the sides down to say .60 each, that is still about 19mm of horizontal coverage (assuming 8mm center and 2x 5.5mm sides). Maybe you will notice that difference in size if the rings were side by side. But you won’t notice it much at all when you are just wearing your slightly smaller carat weight ring. 1.5mm is nothing when thinking about the absolute wall of bling thins kind of ring creates. And that 1.5mm smaller ring would cost you easily 5K less. And you could have it NOW!

I had an OEC three stone with a 7mm center and 6mm sides for while and it was amazing but it was too much bling for my. Like @elizat I rarely wore it.

Something to consider!!

 

[elizat]

@elizat Your ring has been one of my inspirations! I literally have a screenshot of your ring and specs that I have been referencing when looking at rings/stones so thank you for replying!
Thanks for all of the great advice. I have been trying to find an antique jewelry store that I can see rings/stones in person, unfortunately, I am a bit rural. Initially I had thought I would want to stay in the L/M range but I have been drawn to some of the warmer colors on PS, but that is not in person and just over the screen. I just love all of the rainbow pastels that I see! I ordered a fake three stone ring to try on different sizes to really see what I would be happy with, that should be here soon so that will hopefully help narrow my wishlist down.
That is good to know about the Gem show in Tucson!
Thank you again for replying.

Hi there! Thanks for the nice compliments.

If you are making a purchase that is a large one, to me, it's worth doing a weekend somewhere where you can see stones in the color ranges and the sizes. I would seriously consider going to either NYC, Miami, or another place where they have large shows. You could also see Alex Park and Adam at Old World Diamonds. There are also lots of stand alone jewlelers in NYC that have old cuts, that you can try, even without a show.

Or, do a weekend in LA and go see Jewels by Grace, CJD Sako, JacobK, etc. and book appointments.

To me, it is worth the trip to explore what your eyes like or do not like, as well as explore sizes. Color is so subjective and as the grades get lower, your eyes will notice that the ranges are bigger. For example, you go from one grade to two grades in one level, and they can have such different tones. I have quite few lower color stones and they all are very different, with different undertones. It's very dfiferent than buying a stone in the range of up through I or J, for example.

My first old cut stone that I bought of any size was a K. And honestly, it seemed warm to me at the time, but then I got used to it. I was used to G/H/I before because that's what most people have. I'd really focus on getting it right, not doing it fast!

 

[elizat]

Sio, I don't have these rings anymore. Well, I do have the bottom mounting still, sitting with Sako, empty.

But, the first was a 1.54 center, I think and sides that were about 5 mm.

The bottom was a 1.4 center, with the .90ish sides that I have on my curent three stone. the original three stone, if I am honest, was much more wearable, but looked more band like. I probably should have done smaller sides, but I already owned those stones! Maybe this will help?

 

[elizat]

 

[elizat]

This is totally different but it's a good visual.

The center stone on this is 8 mm, and the carre sides are about 2.5ishmor so. It's a more wearable ring and I actually wear this a lot.

 

[Ionysis]

Hello,
New to PS but appreciating all of the insight on this site! I am looking for a 10 yr anniversary ring. What started as looking at $300 bands has now turned into a 10k (or 15k) budget and a desire for the biggest most beautiful OEC as possible, thanks to all the inspiration here! My poor husband but lucky me!
I think my dream ring is a three stone from OWD in the crown setting in yellow gold. I have reached out to Adam and he was very responsive, I sent him my budget and hopes but have not heard back, it is the holiday season so I am sure I will sometime. However, I worry I won't be able to afford the center stone size I want. I am a size 7 and want the ring to have presence. I think based on pictures, ideally the center stone would be around 1.5-2 carats and side stones around .75 or more. Initially, I did not think I would go lower than an M but I am also open to options based on budget.
So I am thinking that I will not be able to get my dream three stone ring with the sizes I want within budget at this stage. I have been wondering if perhaps the better route is to get the center stone, either in a setting or loose and then pursue the three stone later. Below are some options from Ivy Rose some are bigger stones but I am guessing that none of them are good cuts. I don't mind warm colors, at least on PS I have loved some warm stones. I have asked for videos with no response. There have been a few on Instagram but I am a bit wary of Instagram since I am a novice at this and it seems the rings/stones that pop up go fast.

3.10ct GIA CERTIFIED S-T VS2 VINTAGE DIAMOND OLD EUROPEAN CUT LOOSE NATURAL 3ct

This stunning 3.10ct GIA certified old European cut diamond has beautiful glowing warmth, a completely eye clean appearance, and dazzlingly bright sparkle! Cut by hand a lifetime ago, this substantial vintage diamond is absolutely unique, guaranteed to be 100% conflict free, and full of old...

ivyandrose.com

2.5 CARAT VINTAGE DIAMOND ENGAGEMENT RING OLD EUROPEAN CUT CERTIFIED PLATINUM

Why we love it:This vintage engagement ring has a classic elegance and an impressively large 2.50 carat old European cut diamond center! Crafted in solid platinum, the shoulders of the stately setting glitter with tapered baguette diamonds for a timeless and sophisticated look.Highlights:-...

ivyandrose.com

2.09ct OLD EUROPEAN CUT DIAMOND GIA CERTIFIED M VS1 LOOSE VINTAGE NATURAL 2ct

Highlights:- GIA Certified- Original vintage old European cut- 2.09ct size with great spread and showing much larger than its actual carat weight- No fisheye- Faces up white with M (faint brown) color grade- Faint brown is very subtle and diamond shows no yellow- Excellent VS1 clarity- Natural...

ivyandrose.com

View this content on Instagram

View this content on Instagram

I believe the one above is also the 2.5 on Ivy Rose site.

View this content on Instagram

View this content on Instagram

So my questions:
Is a three stone OEC ring with a center stone of at least 1.5(however, bigger the better) even possible within budget? Ideally 10k but up to 15k.
Is it better to buy the center stone either loose or in an existing ring and do the three stone at a later date?
Do any of the options above look good?

My husband, a Tucson Native, thinks that we should go to the Gem show, however, I worry that since I am such a novice at this that I will not be able to make a decision in person without time to research.

Finally, just want to thank you in advance to any assistance/advice and to thank you for this very informative community.

Cheers!

Yes it is! I got mine from Jacob K in LA and he was fab. Mine is a 2.25ct K SI2 centre with 0.75ct each on the side. Your budget will work.

 

[bee24]

This is totally different but it's a good visual.

The center stone on this is 8 mm, and the carre sides are about 2.5ishmor so. It's a more wearable ring and I actually wear this a lot.

All these comparisons are really helpful, thank you! Such lovely rings! I think I can definitely go lower than 2ct. I need to decide the ratio between center and side stones that I like to help narrow things down, I do feel I am drawn to larger side stones, I love your original one with the 1.4 and .9s but I see what you mean about it being a band. However, I am also really drawn to the 2.5 ct ring from Ivy and Rose which is obviously a different look than a three stone OEC. But that may also just be that I am drawn to the bigger stone at a decent price, though I am guessing it is poorly cut. My original ring is a small marquise diamond with opal and pave diamonds which I rarely wear because it seems fragile so I do want something wearable but also would love it to have some presence!

Unfortunately, I do not think I will be able to make a trip to LA or NYC to look at stones to narrow down my color preferences...two young children and my husband travels for work...however, I am hoping to find a place somewhat local (PHX) that will at least have some variation in color in OECs.

Thank you for taking the time to post these pictures and give your advice/help. It is very appreciated!

 

[bee24]

Okay, here is my 2c as someone who has also spent years yearning for the thing I cannot afford now, and thinking I would buy it piecemeal and be happy with a solitaire in the interim… don’t do it.

If you are ideally wanting a three stone like elizats. Which is amazing, I don’t blame you. That is about 20.5mm of horizontal finger coverage (assuming 8.5mm center and 2x 6mm sides). If you reduce the size of the center down to say 1.8 and the sides down to say .60 each, that is still about 19mm of horizontal coverage (assuming 8mm center and 2x 5.5mm sides). Maybe you will notice that difference in size if the rings were side by side. But you won’t notice it much at all when you are just wearing your slightly smaller carat weight ring. 1.5mm is nothing when thinking about the absolute wall of bling thins kind of ring creates. And that 1.5mm smaller ring would cost you easily 5K less. And you could have it NOW!

I had an OEC three stone with a 7mm center and 6mm sides for while and it was amazing but it was too much bling for my. Like @elizat I rarely wore it.

Something to consider!!

Great advice. Thank you for putting this in perspective! I never buy something like this for myself so I was originally just looking at a simple band but my husband and friends encouraged me to go big. So my wheels have been spinning planning/searching for a beautiful ring. I started looking at larger stones because of budge but also I feared that I would get a ring with smaller stones and then want bigger. I want it to be wearable but still have presence and I think being strategic like you said will be very helpful. Thank you!

 

[Dreamer_D]

There are cheapy cz three stones on Amazon in many different size configurations! I bought one when I was trying to figure out my own 3 stone proportions and it was super helpful. You are totally right to consider your options.

And I’m definitely not saying “don’t go big”. Just try some stuff on so you find the right balance of “big” for you. For me, I already had the 1.89ct center stone and never planned to upgrade it. I went with 2x .30ct sides and for me it’s the perfect amount of bling for daily wear. Three stones are very bling and I get comments on my ring. I am a professor and the students in my large lecture hall classes always tease me about being blinded by my ring . In retrospect I might have gone a little bigger. I really like the proportion where the sides are 50% the center. But I think .80 sides with my center stone would have been too much for my lifestyle!

 

[Dreamer_D]

All these comparisons are really helpful, thank you! Such lovely rings! I think I can definitely go lower than 2ct. I need to decide the ratio between center and side stones that I like to help narrow things down, I do feel I am drawn to larger side stones, I love your original one with the 1.4 and .9s but I see what you mean about it being a band. However, I am also really drawn to the 2.5 ct ring from Ivy and Rose which is obviously a different look than a three stone OEC. But that may also just be that I am drawn to the bigger stone at a decent price, though I am guessing it is poorly cut. My original ring is a small marquise diamond with opal and pave diamonds which I rarely wear because it seems fragile so I do want something wearable but also would love it to have some presence!

Unfortunately, I do not think I will be able to make a trip to LA or NYC to look at stones to narrow down my color preferences...two young children and my husband travels for work...however, I am hoping to find a place somewhat local (PHX) that will at least have some variation in color in OECs.

Thank you for taking the time to post these pictures and give your advice/help. It is very appreciated!

I think around 8mm center would be just under 2cts and you could pair it with two 1ct sides! Would be super super duper blingy. That is the proportion that Tiffany uses in their three stones and its perfection.

EDIT: I see your budget now. It might be hard to hit the proportions I described for your budget these days. I think an 8mm OEC in K color runs about 12-15k if it’s nicely cut. 6mm seem to be around 5-6k. Something will have to give! I think you could either go with a smaller canter or smaller sides. I dunno where you live but 1.5ct center with .75 sides is still a big look. The right setting can emphasize the roundness of each stone and avoid the “band look”. Again, but some cz rings and see what you think.

 

[bee24]

Yes it is! I got mine from Jacob K in LA and he was fab. Mine is a 2.25ct K SI2 centre with 0.75ct each on the side. Your budget will work.

Yes! I saw your post in my search for all things three stone OEC and immediately looked up Jacob on Instagram! Your ring is so beautiful! I have messaged him a few times about stones or rings that he’s posted and he has always been very quick to respond. I had asked him about a 2.02ct stone that was 13,500 and he said he could make a 3 stone ring for 18k which is just a bit more than I was hoping to spend but maybe I’ll reach out again. Thanks for replying!

 

[bee24]

There are cheapy cz three stones on Amazon in many different size configurations! I bought one when I was trying to figure out my own 3 stone proportions and it was super helpful. You are totally right to consider your options.

And I’m definitely not saying “don’t go big”. Just try some stuff on so you find the right balance of “big” for you. For me, I already had the 1.89ct center stone and never planned to upgrade it. I went with 2x .30ct sides and for me it’s the perfect amount of bling for daily wear. Three stones are very bling and I get comments on my ring. I am a professor and the students in my large lecture hall classes always tease me about being blinded by my ring . In retrospect I might have gone a little bigger. I really like the proportion where the sides are 50% the center. But I think .80 sides with my center stone would have been too much for my lifestyle!

I think around 8mm center would be just under 2cts and you could pair it with two 1ct sides! Would be super super duper blingy. That is the proportion that Tiffany uses in their three stones and its perfection.

EDIT: I see your budget now. It might be hard to hit the proportions I described for your budget these days. I think an 8mm OEC in K color runs about 12-15k if it’s nicely cut. 6mm seem to be around 5-6k. Something will have to give! I think you could either go with a smaller canter or smaller sides. I dunno where you live but 1.5ct center with .75 sides is still a big look. The right setting can emphasize the roundness of each stone and avoid the “band look”. Again, but some cz rings and see what you think.

Great info, thank you! I think I looked up the ring you’re talking about and it’s fabulous, no wonder your students love it! I purchased one cheap three stone ring on Etsy that should be here soon and I am hoping it will help guide my decisions! It is a 1.5 center so hopefully that will fulfill my bling desires, ha! In my search I was seeing that 2ct was likely going to be out of my range which was then why I started thinking maybe I’d “piecemeal” it together over time. Though the Ivy and Rose ring I was looking at already sold I’m sure there may be other potentials if I go that route. I’m feeling encouraged that there will be a few options, hopefully!

 

[peppermintpatty]

Here is my AVC 3 stone. I realize you are looking at OEC’s but I just thought I would share this for the proportions. The center is a 1.50ct, the sides .75ct each. I love these proportions. I also feel that even though I wear a size 7 ring, I have as much coverage as I can handle!
I hope this helps and I wish you luck with your search! How exciting!!!
Sorry! I didn’t mean to post the pictures twice!

 

[bee24]

Here is my AVC 3 stone. I realize you are looking at OEC’s but I just thought I would share this for the proportions. The center is a 1.50ct, the sides .75ct each. I love these proportions. I also feel that even though I wear a size 7 ring, I have as much coverage as I can handle!
I hope this helps and I wish you luck with your search! How exciting!!!
Sorry! I didn’t mean to post the pictures twice!

Wow! That’s beautiful and a lot of coverage. Thank you, that’s really helpful. I definitely think I can find stones/ring in my price range that give good coverage. It’s just also so tempting to go big after seeing such lovely rings here on PS. I’m actively searching so hopefully something comes up!!
Thanks for the pictures, I liked seeing them twice too lol!

 

[peppermintpatty]

Wow! That’s beautiful and a lot of coverage. Thank you, that’s really helpful. I definitely think I can find stones/ring in my price range that give good coverage. It’s just also so tempting to go big after seeing such lovely rings here on PS. I’m actively searching so hopefully something comes up!!
Thanks for the pictures, I liked seeing them twice too lol!

Thank you! I mostly posted so you could see if you like the proportions. I think you will be able to find diamonds for good finger coverage too. I'm excited to see what you decide to go with. Good luck with your search!
You're welcome, thanks for liking my faux pas lol!

 

[Diamondbug]

Here is my AVC 3 stone. I realize you are looking at OEC’s but I just thought I would share this for the proportions. The center is a 1.50ct, the sides .75ct each. I love these proportions. I also feel that even though I wear a size 7 ring, I have as much coverage as I can handle!
I hope this helps and I wish you luck with your search! How exciting!!!
Sorry! I didn’t mean to post the pictures twice!

Always happy to stumble on photos of one of my favorite PS rings!!

 

[peppermintpatty]

Always happy to stumble on photos of one of my favorite PS rings!!

Awww thank you @Diamondbug what a lovely thing to say! The rings in your avatar are beautiful!

 

[Honeybasil]

I just wanted to add (as someone who dreamed of a 3 stone OEC ring) that it has been VERY hard to find the right side stones to go with the center that I already have. If you can, I’d get them all at the same time with someone’s help (Adam is great) or buy one already made by someone. Save your money for a while if you need to. But I’ve given up on my OEC three stone project just because I found it too daunting and frustrating to find matching side stones. My center is an L, by the way, and I love it in most lighting but in some lighting the color does get to me - I am super color sensitive though. Just a few thoughts…

 

[Rfisher]

I think my dream ring is a three stone from OWD in the crown setting in yellow gold

me too!

I’ll echo others in that
- Adam is probably your best bet in finding a few trio options in your parameters to look at.
- focus on doing it right and not fast

and I’ll add
if you decide to push outside any of your parameters
spend some time with the stones loose and within a return period.
I think it’s easy and quick to decide on faceting/performance. Color …..not so much. Ymmv

happy hunting!

 

[Diamondbug]

I just wanted to add (as someone who dreamed of a 3 stone OEC ring) that it has been VERY hard to find the right side stones to go with the center that I already have. If you can, I’d get them all at the same time with someone’s help (Adam is great) or buy one already made by someone. Save your money for a while if you need to. But I’ve given up on my OEC three stone project just because I found it too daunting and frustrating to find matching side stones. My center is an L, by the way, and I love it in most lighting but in some lighting the color does get to me - I am super color sensitive though. Just a few thoughts…

I totally agree with this 100%. I have two 3 stone rings and had hard time finding the sidestones. I was very envious of @peppermintpatty AVC sidestones. She got to them before I did!! Sometimes, I wonder if it's easier to find side stones first before the main stone.

 

[bee24]

me too!

I’ll echo others in that
- Adam is probably your best bet in finding a few trio options in your parameters to look at.
- focus on doing it right and not fast

and I’ll add
if you decide to push outside any of your parameters
spend some time with the stones loose and within a return period.
I think it’s easy and quick to decide on faceting/performance. Color …..not so much. Ymmv

happy hunting!

Thanks! Adam replied to my first email immediately in early December but hasn’t replied to any follow up email. I’ve reached out to a few other people on Instagram that source stones that I’ve seen recommended here on PS and they seem hopeful I can get what I want in the 15k budget. I wanted to snag the lovely 2.5 ct stone that Sin city posted last week but was too slow, which is fine. I’m new to this so acting quick on a loose stone is intimidating! I’m excited for the process, just trying to be patient . Thanks for your reply!

 

[bee24]

I just wanted to add (as someone who dreamed of a 3 stone OEC ring) that it has been VERY hard to find the right side stones to go with the center that I already have. If you can, I’d get them all at the same time with someone’s help (Adam is great) or buy one already made by someone. Save your money for a while if you need to. But I’ve given up on my OEC three stone project just because I found it too daunting and frustrating to find matching side stones. My center is an L, by the way, and I love it in most lighting but in some lighting the color does get to me - I am super color sensitive though. Just a few thoughts…

Thanks! I wouldn’t have thought finding matching side stones would be so tricky, that’s good to know. I have pretty much decided to work with someone to make the entire ring so that hopefully they all match up.