Opinions on old mine please for engagement ring… new to diamonds!

[kat1elb]

Hi all - I’m thinking of purchasing this stone but would love to get some opinions as I’m new to this. I really want a low profile gold bezel setting, want something comfortable I can wear all day and I also love the low profile look.

Having an antique stone appeals to me which is why I’ve been looking at these types of cuts. This stone seems really good value but would be interested to hear some honest opinions. I know the shallower stones don’t sparkle quite as much however this is something I’ll have to compromise on I think.

Thanks!

 

[Alybetter]

I’m not a fan of the way it looks under the table. The culet is super long and wide, and it’s gonna have a huge window. This is, of course, just my personal preference.

Is there any easy returns policy? So maybe you could see it in person and get your money back if you aren’t happy with it?

The polish and symmetry and color are pretty good for a true antique cut.

 

[kat1elb]

I’m not a fan of the way it looks under the table. The culet is super long and wide, and it’s gonna have a huge window. This is, of course, just my personal preference.

Is there any easy returns policy? So maybe you could see it in person and get your money back if you aren’t happy with it?

The polish and symmetry and color are pretty good for a true antique cut.

Thanks for the reply, I was wondering about that. I’ve asked for more photos and videos. Do you think it’s achievable to have a stone that shallow and not have a big window like that?

There isn’t an option to return as per their website so I’d have to be sure before purchasing…

 

[ItsMainelyYou]

Do you mind that it presents almost as a portrait cut? If you're okay with the aesthetic then I think a Georgian, or Victorian design look would make a great ring.
* Looking around it looks like portraits are having a moment, so lot's of inspo!

 

[Rfisher]

Do you mind that it presents almost as a portrait cut? If you're okay with the aesthetic then I think a Georgian, or Victorian design look would make a great ring.
* Looking around it looks like portraits are having a moment, so lot's of inspo!

Yes this!
I think it screams enclosed collet with impeccably high polished interior cup.
Infrequent wear only - don’t ever get it wet type wear!

 

[kat1elb]

I’m definitely looking for every day wear!

I think I’m doubting it enough to discount it considering I can’t view in person. I’ve seen some others below I think I prefer which are sold so probably best I take my time and wait for something perfect to come along. The others don’t have the window in the middle so its probably not the right choice.

I’d love to know if people think an M colour would look too yellow in a yellow gold bezel setting?

Thanks!

 

[ecf8503]

Are you tied to this vendor?

 

[ItsMainelyYou]

Well, I love color in diamonds and yellow/rose- so for me, an M is like a D I'd be actively looking for more color! I like the prices of this vendor; but they are new cuts and are evolving, and as such, some are much better than others.

 

[kat1elb]

Are you tied to this vendor?

No happy to buy from anyone else - prices just seem a lot lower than elsewhere…

 

[kat1elb]

Well, I love color in diamonds and yellow/rose- so for me, an M is like a D I'd be actively looking for more color! I like the prices of this vendor; but they are new cuts and are evolving, and as such, some are much better than others.

Yes I do like an interesting bit of colour myself to be honest! Do you think these are new cut diamonds as some say “modern antique” and some antique, but I was sceptical as to whether they are true antique and not sure how I’d check?

 

[ItsMainelyYou]

Yes I do like an interesting bit of colour myself to be honest! Do you think these are new cut diamonds as some say “modern antique” and some antique, but I was sceptical as to whether they are true antique and not sure how I’d check?

They are new, but this vendor will label an old stone as true antique. Depending on the look you want(being deliberate with the rose/portrait vibe), you wouldn't have to foil or have a closed back on your first choice and then you wouldn't have to worry about water.
Are you wanting subtle shimmer, or full out chunky sparkle? What kind of mounting? Are you open to lab?
What is your budget? There are stones out there- but you should have some parameters before you hunt.

 

[lulu_ma]

I think this vendor is based in HK? You should check out Parks Fine Group on Insta. He has had some gorgeous well priced movals lately.

 

[Lookinagain]

I have M color AVC's in yellow gold faux bezels. I like the combo.

 

[kat1elb]

They are new, but this vendor will label an old stone as true antique. Depending on the look you want(being deliberate with the rose/portrait vibe), you wouldn't have to foil or have a closed back on your first choice and then you wouldn't have to worry about water.
Are you wanting subtle shimmer, or full out chunky sparkle? What kind of mounting? Are you open to lab?
What is your budget? There are stones out there- but you should have some parameters before you hunt.

I was suspicious about the antique labelling… I love the chunky sparkle look but it’s whether I’ll get that with a shallow stone so happy with a shimmer. I want a gold bezel setting and a natural stone, not lab. Budget for the stone is around 3/4k (£ UK based) and I think I need to pay 20% VAT on receipt of any purchase coming from outside UK. But I love a bargain!

I love cushion / elongated cushion / oval / moval shapes and I want a stone at least 7mm at the longest length so something quite spready.

Hopefully that list narrows it down a bit, I think the antique cuts are less popular in the UK which is why I’ve not seen many locally

 

[kat1elb]

I think this vendor is based in HK? You should check out Parks Fine Group on Insta. He has had some gorgeous well priced movals lately.

Have checked that insta out, some nice stones and prices look good thanks

 

[Ionysis]

I love that M colour chubby oval. The cutting looks good.

 

[ItsMainelyYou]

I bet that vendor would cut what you want if you asked, there's also

The Leader in Antique Diamonds | Linktree

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These vendors have physical websites. I'm sorry that I don't have any UK vendors, but I do know there are threads on this forum that discuss some! They are out there, as well. The only one I can think of offhand is ACS silver

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These vendors specialize in old cuts and if you asked probably have or can source what you're looking for.
Ebay and Etsy.
And more...
The hard part about antique stones is finding your stone. It can take some time, but your stone is out there. There's also the possibility of finding an antique/preloved/premade ring already finished that hits almost all of your wants. Or visit some antique/pawn shops. Finding extreme deals on diamonds is very needle in haystack- some posters here have had great luck, and the stones!
But, none of them happened particularly quickly.
For your budget and wanting what are rarer old cuts to find 'in the wild' you're going to have to make some concessions on size, color, or cut. Which one matters most and what can you let go of.
*And lab isn't a synthetic, it is chemically the same as a diamond, it is a diamond. So, keep that on the back burner. I would buy a lab stone in a heartbeat, in fact, that's very likely what I will end up with for my grail. For me personally, it's the only way with my budget to realistically get what I want. I'm just waiting for vendors to offer warm colored rough!
This is getting long, so I'll leave a few examples in the next post

 

[ItsMainelyYou]

Exclusive Ideal Cut Diamonds | Distinctive Gem Inc.

The home of Distinctive and August Vintage diamonds online. The world's first patented ideal vintage cut diamonds in way of oval, cushion and old European cut round diamonds.

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August Vintage Cushion

The August Vintage Cushion is the world's first patented Super Ideal Vintage Cut Old Mine Brilliant.

www.distinctivegem.com

I know Jewels by Grace has some beautiful rings, this is just one of them.

.88ct Marquise Cut Diamond Collet Solitaire, GIA K SI1

It’s no secret that collet settings are a big fave around these parts (we named this design the Fairfax) and we cannot seem to keep them in stock! This is our first iteration using a marquise diamond, and we are most definitely obsessed with how it turned out. We decided to give this .88ct an...

www.jewelsbygrace.com

OldWorldDiamonds: Has a huge inventory!
This is just the cushions
If you find a diamond here, they can make you a setting to go with.

Old World Diamonds » Diamonds

The World's Largest Collection of Antique Diamonds

oldworlddiamonds.com

Ivy & Rose Vintage: They also have settings

Ivy & Rose: Chicago Jeweler for Engagement Rings, Unique Fine Jewelry

Find engagement rings in every style, GIA certified diamonds, and unique vintage and modern fine jewelry. Browse our collection online or in our Chicago showroom.

ivyandrose.com

1ct ANTIQUE OLD MINE CUT DIAMOND GIA CERTIFIED K VS2 LONG VINTAGE CUSHION O.92ct

This 0.92ct GIA certified old mine cut diamond is a beautiful one of a kind stone and it's old world sparkle is truly dazzling! This is the most desirable and hard to find shape amongst all antique diamonds. This particular old mine has a gorgeous elongated shape. Cut by hand during the...

ivyandrose.com

1.31ct OLD MINE CUT DIAMOND ENGAGEMENT RING I-J SI1 ROSE GOLD VINTAGE

This gorgeous engagement ring features a substantial 1.31ct old mine cut diamond set in a classically elegant design that will never go out of style! The diamond is beautifully white and completely eye clean, and its antique cushion shape is a very sought after cut that bridges the classic...

ivyandrose.com

These are just a few, there are many more.
We haven't even gotten to the big diamond vendors like James Allen. Oh, yeah they have some too, but you have to dig!
I don't mean to overwhelm you, though! But dig and you shall find

If you do find something that strikes your fancy run it by us and we'll help you get the best bang for your buck.
*Word of advice though, there are mad scalpers who will buy a stone from under you here(this forum is open to the entire internet, savvy?)-especially when they're in this budget bracket- so ask the vendor to put a hold on the one you really love first, if you can.

 

[OneKuhlChic]

Thanks for the reply, I was wondering about that. I’ve asked for more photos and videos. Do you think it’s achievable to have a stone that shallow and not have a big window like that?

There isn’t an option to return as per their website so I’d have to be sure before purchasing…

Hello kat1elb;
The diamond is better priced for a reason... This diamond has a shallow pavilion, an 'extremely thick' faceted girdle, and an 'extremely large' culet according to the GIA certificate. All of which results in a diamond that lacks spark and has a huge window that you can read a newspaper through.

 

[kat1elb]

Wow so much information, thanks!! I’ll take a look at all those links

I’ve come across another which is listed as I, VS, 8mm x 5.5mm x 2.75 1ct but isn’t GIA certified from a London dealer priced £2800. Wary of non certified but it looks ticks the boxes, be great to get some options please

 

[lulu_ma]

Wow so much information, thanks!! I’ll take a look at all those links

I’ve come across another which is listed as I, VS, 8mm x 5.5mm x 2.75 1ct but isn’t GIA certified from a London dealer priced £2800. Wary of non certified but it looks ticks the boxes, be great to get some options please

Not crazy about the cut or depth (40%) on this one. You would have to cup this diamond to get better performance.

The moval that @ItsMainelyYou found you is really pretty and worth investigating imo.

 

[ItsMainelyYou]

Check out Jacob jewelry

Security Measure

www.ebay.com

The newest stone won't perform particularly well and is overpriced. It's going to be very hard to not overpay from a local jeweler. UK prices tend to be on the high side.

Security Measure

www.ebay.com

This is a UK based jeweler who has beautiful things.

 

[lulu_ma]

I don't know how far from London you are, but there is a well regarded Insta dealer based there. He usually posts larger stones, but perhaps he can find you something in your parameters.

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[kat1elb]

Massively appreciate all the recommendations this is really helping me narrow down my search and finding reputable retailers. I’m in Manchester so a few hours to London, but I travel all over the UK with work including London so could get to pretty much anywhere for the right stone, I will definitely get in touch with ishyantiques.

I wonder if the higher UK price is due to 20% VAT and potentially more demand as fewer retailers.

That moval is really nice but to be honest I have been discounting stones with visible imperfections. Am I thinking these are more noticeable than they are in real life / real size?

 

[kat1elb]

 

[lulu_ma]

Just remember that this is magnified image. I would touch base with Jonathan and ask him if it’s eye clean. Jonathan is very well regarded and the creator of the August Vintage Round and Cushion (just search AVR or AVC on Pricescope and you will see some gorgeous stones).

This stone has a fabulous face up and depth so you won’t have to do a cup setting. @ItsMainelyYou found you a great stone!

 

[Dizzie]

Massively appreciate all the recommendations this is really helping me narrow down my search and finding reputable retailers. I’m in Manchester so a few hours to London, but I travel all over the UK with work including London so could get to pretty much anywhere for the right stone, I will definitely get in touch with ishyantiques.

I wonder if the higher UK price is due to 20% VAT and potentially more demand as fewer retailers.

That moval is really nice but to be honest I have been discounting stones with visible imperfections. Am I thinking these are more noticeable than they are in real life / real size?

Another vote for Ishy Antiques. He is an awesome dealer and just a gem of a person. I already bought from him twice, so speaking from my own experience.

Make sure to add approx 25% of VAT and customs charges to any overseas purchases that you consider as they will need to be paid once the item crosses the border

 

[Dizzie]

Oh and just because I was browsing diamonds by Lauren and came across this dramatic number

0.90ct I SI1 Marquise Diamond

This is a stunning 0.90ct I SI1 Marquise Diamond. Everything about this diamond is just gorgeous. The cut and the shape are perfection.

www.diamondsbylauren.com

 

[ItsMainelyYou]

A good rule of thumb, cut is king. Both of the choices so far are not well cut, both being what looks like trial run 'new old style cutting' with overly uneven lower facets/pavilions. Cut will be more important than color or clarity in most cases. I would ask Jon about it, as most SI1's are eye clean at eight to ten inches. Though with the resources left you should be able to see many better examples that might fit what you're looking for.
* Also, if you love the shimmer look, I would suggest also looking at rose cuts, double rose in particular. They are also fabulous and can be found in whatever shape desired.



You're going to find better bargains in a finished ring.

Shop at Estate Diamond Jewelry

Estate Diamond Jewelry curates the finest collection of jewelry and vintage engagement rings. Learn more and shop now!

www.estatediamondjewelry.com

Clusters/ bands are great bang for the buck!

1.35ctw Old Mine Cut Diamond Halo Ring

We’ve never met a vintage cluster ring we didn’t like, especially when the cluster ring is full of chunky old mine cuts! With platinum prongs and a warm, rose gold shank, these 13 old mine cuts the sparkle and shine like no other. We love that the center stone is slightly elongated, with a...

www.jewelsbygrace.com

1.97ctw Old Mine Cut Victorian Inspired 5-Stone Band

A fresh take on our very popular 5-stone bands, this time, Victorian-inspired. We carefully selected a suite of 5 graduated old mine cushion cut diamonds and set them in this romantic, airy band with beautiful swoopy gallery details. In platinum, we expect the gallery to develop a beautiful...

www.jewelsbygrace.com

 

[dvj]

Just a quick note to say that I love the pictures of different diamonds and rings shown in this thread. I know it is work, but you are in a fun position @kat1elb to choose something lovely. Please post photos once you find your diamond!