Find your diamond
Find your jewelry
shape
carat
color
clarity

Opinion on this Old Mine Diamond

T

thatsk

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jun 29, 2021
Messages
16
Hello!

I'm extremely new to this whole researching about diamonds and I found this community, where I learned so much in a matter of days. I am absolutely in love with old mine diamonds and am looking for the best value I can get for my budget. A wholesaler recommended me this diamond to me and I wanted to know what the expert opinions on whether or not I should even consider this diamond. I wanted something smaller but he is insinuating this as a better value for me.

Shape: Old Mine Brilliant
Carat weight: 2.19 carat
Color: J
Clarity Grade: I2 (but seller says with naked eye, it is "special" and looks like a VS2 Diamond - I guess this is where the money is saved)

Polish: very good
Symmetry: Fair
Table: 52%
Depth 68.3%
Cutlet: large
Girdle: Thin to thick

Is this diamond worth considering considering the clarity is so low? Or is it ok to sacrifice clarity since color is fine?

I would appreciate any feedback for a newbie to understand all of this- thank you!
 
No idea without pictures and/or price. Depends where the inclusions are as far as clarity. Old cuts in my opinion can be in a lower clarity and still be amazing, but totally depends on what the stone looks like and where the inclusions are.
 
Ditto @lizzydm26 WIthout good up-close pictures its hard for us to tell you anything. We also need to see a copy of the GIA report
so we know what the inclusions are.

You also gave us no idea of cost so we don't know if this stone is a good value.

What are your intentions for this stone? Is it going in a ring, pendant or ???
 
I'm so sorry I'm still so new to this. - The ring is for an engagement ring. GIA report also attached. He sent me a low quality image of the GIA so I hope it is legible. the picture wasn't clear to me.

Price is $11,900

Video stills: He only had a video that only showed these 2 angles.
still 1.jpgstill 2.jpg
 

Attachments

  • gia.jpg
    gia.jpg
    95.5 KB · Views: 23
1625003122090.png just FYI - you can look up the reports on GIA - report check!

Have you seen the stone in person?

Honestly, the feather going right through the middle concerns me, but I can't really tell from those pictures. I think I would want someone like @elizat and others with more experience to weigh in.
 
The stone- I think GIA was overly harsh. It is probably more like an SI2. I think it has a pleasing shape. It doesn't go dead. But, if you ever want to upgrade and sell it, it's going to be hard. Hopefully it would regrade better.

Does Adam think that the inclusions affect durability? That is a large feather. Quite large. I think it's probably eye clean in person. But what does he say about the feather?
 
elizat said:
It's this stone.

Login • Instagram

Welcome back to Instagram. Sign in to check out what your friends, family & interests have been capturing & sharing around the world.
www.instagram.com www.instagram.com
Click to expand...

yes! I feel like a huge internet klutz today. but YES, that is the diamond he showed me today. It is bigger than what I was looking at but I still do not have any grasp on value of diamonds yet. but it is within the budget.
 
elizat said:
It's this stone.

Login • Instagram

Welcome back to Instagram. Sign in to check out what your friends, family & interests have been capturing & sharing around the world.
www.instagram.com www.instagram.com
Click to expand...

Hah - well you were already on top of it when I tagged you. I would defer to your opinion as you have much more experience.
 
lizzydm26 said:
1625003122090.png just FYI - you can look up the reports on GIA - report check!

Have you seen the stone in person?

Honestly, the feather going right through the middle concerns me, but I can't really tell from those pictures. I think I would want someone like @elizat and others with more experience to weigh in.
Click to expand...

Thank you, lizzydm26, I had no idea and am so glad to learn that from you.

No, I'm from Houston and unfortunately wouldn't be able to go anywhere to see stones in person unless it's in the city for a while.
 
thatsk said:
yes! I feel like a huge internet klutz today. but YES, that is the diamond he showed me today. It is bigger than what I was looking at but I still do not have any grasp on value of diamonds yet. but it is within the budget.
Click to expand...

Price wise, this was a similar cost. It's sold and this was not eye clean.

www.jewelsbygrace.com

2.09ct Old European Cut Diamond, GIA M I1

This diamond charmed me socks off the moment I spotted her! Incredibly chunky, with broad facets, and super fiery to boot. But my fave part is the fact that the diamond has a very desirable cushiony shape to her. A super bright sizable diamond, 100% eye-clean, and a great value for the...
www.jewelsbygrace.com www.jewelsbygrace.com

I think the price isn't terribly off base. Adam has a great eye. Does he think it may come back a better grade if resubmitted?

Did you see inclusions in person? Can you see the feather- the big guy?
 
I would ask about the feather and whether it affects durability. If the answer is No, then you could purchase the stone and have time to look at it and either keep it or return it depending on what you do or don't see. I haven't purchased from Adam yet, but he does have a good reputation around here. I think people feel they can trust his evaluation of stones.
 
I have an SI2 diamond with a feather that I cannot find, even with a loupe, now that it's been set. TBH I also have a SI2 RB where there are little black inclusions right on the edge of the table and I can barely find those, too -- I'm in my late 30s and pass all the close-vision tests my optometrist does! So: YMMV. That is a gorgeous I2 and a total cutie of an OMC.

The caveat that has been mentioned is durability, though. I recommend, if you do go with this diamond, to have Adam at OWD set it, too. He has a good bench and diamonds are subjected to stresses during setting which could fracture a large feather if unlucky; this way, it'll be covered under his insurance.
 
I think being told by the vendor it looks like a VS2, would put me off a tiny bitty bit.
I think it’s a gorgeous stone. Gorgeous!
I wouldnt buy it thinking it will be an easy sell (as already been stated) down the road if you choose to, nor have any thoughts of a future generous or great trade in with the vendor.
I honestly believe you won’t know if this feather will bother you in person, unless you view it yourself.
have you looked around to see what this stone, or something very close to it would cost if it were indeed a VS2? That’s the trade off.
Someone suggested adam covering the liability upon setting. i would want it in writing if his bench sets it and there’s further damage upon setting it - that his insurance will cover your purchase.
As someone that’s been here and done this -
I would want to see with my own eyes what that feather does, near the girdle and table/crown facets. Or employ an independent appraiser.
by all means - ask Adam. Trust but verify.
the last thing you want to see across the surface and girdle is this (after being told there’s nothing surface reaching)
36330D17-7B23-4C25-986C-67FBE33DFC5A.jpeg

As for durability down the road - salesmen and benches can say all they want about durability with a feather like this. That it’s absolutely stable. Members here can too. That it’s something they would never consider as a risk. Yes
But there’s just no way of knowing what may happen. Or won’t.

Adam has a great purchase /return program.
 
Cut is very nice. Size/diameter is very nice. Color looks pretty. I can’t visually see the I2 grading inclusions. Durability factor, you’d have to get OWD to tell you what happens if you try to set it and if it breaks. Maybe as others have said, get them to set it. They have very pretty settings. If you like the price, I would get him to send the stone to you to see in person. If it wasn’t graded I2 this cut and size would be an unequivocal YES. Since its I2, you are going to have a more difficult time re-selling as Elizat has stated above, so that should be factored into the purchase.
 
That is the prettiest I2 I’ve ever seen, but I think you could do better with the budget you’re looking at.
 
Thank you, everyone for your input. My boyfriend doesn't like the clarity grading either and is really put off by the feather near the center. Everyone has valid points especially on the potential lack of durability. This is just the start of my search so I have no idea how difficult it is to find a quality old mine in our budget.

thank you again - I appreciate it so much!
 
What is your total budget and what size do you want- mm, not carat weight.

I would say have a look at Jewels by Grace, as well as Ivy and Rose. If you have Instagram, I'd message Sako of Cicada Jewelry as well. He may have loose stones that fit your budget.
 
I would leave the terms ‘quality’ and ‘value’ out of all communications with vendors.

Their definition may not be the same as yours.

They are valid terms to use between you and your boyfriend, when you discuss what diamond parameters you wish to compromise on and which ones you don’t.

My opinion of course.
 
elizat said:
What is your total budget and what size do you want- mm, not carat weight.

I would say have a look at Jewels by Grace, as well as Ivy and Rose. If you have Instagram, I'd message Sako of Cicada Jewelry as well. He may have loose stones that fit your budget.
Click to expand...

Budget is preferably $10K and under with some wiggle room to include taxes and fees.

Thanks for the recommendations - looking immediately!
 
Here are a couple to consider:

www.ebay.com

2.13ct GIA Certified Old Mine Cut Diamond Art Deco Antique Engagement Ring | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 2.13ct GIA Certified Old Mine Cut Diamond Art Deco Antique Engagement Ring at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!
www.ebay.com

www.ebay.com

2.15ct GIA CERTIFIED OLD MINE CUT VINTAGE STYLE DIAMOND ENGAGEMENT RING | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 2.15ct GIA CERTIFIED OLD MINE CUT VINTAGE STYLE DIAMOND ENGAGEMENT RING at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!
www.ebay.com
 
Are you open to considering OECs?
 
kgizo said:
Are you open to considering OECs?
Click to expand...

Are all OECs round? I prefer the shape of the Old mine cut - is there such thing of an antique cushion cut?

Learned the term from Victor Barbone - his rings are beautiful but when I cross compare his diamonds with Adam's it seems overpriced, but normal since it's designer. Am I correct about this assumption?
 
Tourmaline said:
Here are a couple to consider:

www.ebay.com

2.13ct GIA Certified Old Mine Cut Diamond Art Deco Antique Engagement Ring | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 2.13ct GIA Certified Old Mine Cut Diamond Art Deco Antique Engagement Ring at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!
www.ebay.com

www.ebay.com

2.15ct GIA CERTIFIED OLD MINE CUT VINTAGE STYLE DIAMOND ENGAGEMENT RING | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 2.15ct GIA CERTIFIED OLD MINE CUT VINTAGE STYLE DIAMOND ENGAGEMENT RING at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!
www.ebay.com
Click to expand...

If you like any of these, OP, this vendor has a website and you'd likely get a better price off ebay.

I don't personally love much of his merchandise. Are you looking for an antique stone with antique setting? Do you want a modern setting?
 
thatsk said:
Are all OECs round? I prefer the shape of the Old mine cut - is there such thing of an antique cushion cut?

Learned the term from Victor Barbone - his rings are beautiful but when I cross compare his diamonds with Adam's it seems overpriced, but normal since it's designer. Am I correct about this assumption?
Click to expand...

Their rings are a mix of original and reproduction settings. Sometimes, pricing is higher and sometimes not. It's not consistent from when I have looked.

Adam has a great bench and can make a setting, you just need photos for ideas. Or he has loose old settings normally if you want that too. He can dog through for you on his old mountings if you find a stone, assuming you want an antique mounting too.
 
elizat said:
If you like any of these, OP, this vendor has a website and you'd likely get a better price off ebay.

I don't personally love much of his merchandise. Are you looking for an antique stone with antique setting? Do you want a modern setting?
Click to expand...

Yea! I was just starting to look through his shop and he has a lot of unique items. Love them but not for my engagement ring (I would hate to have to ruin those intricate settings). I want an antique stone with a simple, modern setting. Through my research, it seemed most cost effective to purchase a loose stone and get a simple setting made for it.

I did speak with Adam, and he said the feather towards the center looks more like a blur and shouldn't affect the durability. But having that as a nagging thought in the back of my mind may not be worth the price. Thank you everyone for introducing me to more options out there!
 
Adam is a great vendor (From what I've heard), so I hope he can find you a good alternative! You've also been given some good advice about alternative vendors if you choose to go with someone else.
 
thatsk said:
Are all OECs round? I prefer the shape of the Old mine cut - is there such thing of an antique cushion cut?

Learned the term from Victor Barbone - his rings are beautiful but when I cross compare his diamonds with Adam's it seems overpriced, but normal since it's designer. Am I correct about this assumption?
Click to expand...

Yes, OECs are round. There are antique cushion cuts. This vendor does newly cut diamonds in vintage styles: https://www.distinctivegem.com/collections/august-vintage-cushion?_=pf&sort=price-descending
There are a few nice ones in your budget.

In general, I find Barbone to be more expensive than Adam. I have purchased from Adam and recommend him, but I don’t think the diamond you posted is the right diamond for you and would keep searching. Are you looking to get engaged right away or do you have time to wait for the right diamond to pop up?
 
I'm already searching elsewhere for an alternative - that website looks great, thanks! The price is high for this stone anyways as I'm sulking away into a corner. It is beautiful but I would love something less costly. I'm not in a rush for the diamond (of course sooner the better of course :) ) but I don't think we're doing any fancy engagement - so the no pressure really helps my search.

Just a general question - I've noticed that OMCs randomly pops up - but actually, how rare are they? I'm under the impression that they're so rare that I think my issue would be fomo. I read that the larger, nicer OMCs do tend to get recut as brilliant diamonds and I think that in part did make me feel I had to rush my decision at times.
 
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