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Please Help Me Find My Dream Engagement Ring!

lovetodream said:
As someone who purchased an AVR after wanting an OMC, AND also having the FOMO on the "perfect" ring/price/setting, I totally get your feelings and feel somewhat invested in your decision. I can't wait to hear how the visit went and if you found something or choose to go with the one you're currently considering (which I think looks lovely). Once you pick, QUIT looking - that's my advice. BTW, I LOVE my new ring and you will love yours, too!
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I meant to respond to this — sorry for the delay. Your understanding means a lot to me. It's nice to know that I'm not alone in experiencing FOMO and wanting to explore All The Options, and I think your advice to stop looking once I pick something is also excellent!
 
Thank you, everyone, for the input on the curveball old mine! I think I knew that it wasn't The One, but I couldn't resist throwing it out there just in case.

lavenderdragonfly23 said:
I know it’s a little out of your budget, but incase you feel like splurging a little… I saw this and thought of you… she’s in Paris today, so if you are interested, message her asap

1.3ct J/K SI1 OEC, French Art Deco

instagram.com

Watch this story by Rita Mantoura on Instagram before it disappears.

10K Followers, 1,646 Following, 1,039 Posts
instagram.com instagram.com
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Well, this is gosh darn lovely! Thank you for thinking of me — you understand what appeals to me :kiss2: My partner would kill me if I almost doubled our budget or else I'd be veryyyyyy tempted to pounce on it.
 
Crystallized Carbon said:
Thank you, everyone, for the input on the curveball old mine! I think I knew that it wasn't The One, but I couldn't resist throwing it out there just in case.



Well, this is gosh darn lovely! Thank you for thinking of me — you understand what appeals to me :kiss2: My partner would kill me if I almost doubled our budget or else I'd be veryyyyyy tempted to pounce on it.
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We may speak the same language :lol-2::lol-2::lol-2:

I LOVE Edwardian with a touch of art deco too. Pretty sure I was born in the wrong century, lol!

Just tell him/her….c'était trop beau donc j'ai dû l'acheter
 
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maryjane04 said:
How did you go last night @Crystallized Carbon can't wait for your update!
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Eep!

Hunt updates:
  1. Adam from OWD responded today (!) and offered to text some stones and settings to me — hopefully soon.
  2. I'm still really keen on chrono's ring.
  3. Simon West was fantastic. He's a true artist who would be a pleasure to work with. The only downside is that I didn't fall in love with any of the 5 OECs he has in stock. I've attached an awful photo of them (sorry) — 3 L, 1 K, and 1 J ranging from SI2-VS2 and .82-1.18ct.
    • SimonDiamonds.jpg
  4. The transitional checkerboard diamond has a piece of my heart, but I'm 90% certain I don't want to go the custom route with a vendor overseas — especially after meeting with Simon who is lovely and local. I wonder if he'd consider selling me the loose stone.
  5. Collins got back to me with one setting that would fit their K color gem. It's pretty, but I know it's not what I'm looking for.
    • CollinsRing.jpg
  6. The Deco Beauty from the antique shop is still calling to me. Today is technically our hold date deadline, but I'd like to see the ring one more time in person and have emailed to ask if I can do so on Monday.

I've adopted "leave no stone unturned" as the motto for this hunt :lol-2:
 
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Oh darn-I was hoping Collins would a good setting for you. That K stone is so pretty.

Bummer about Simon West too.

Does anyone know Chrono?

Let us know how you feel about the L when you see it again.
 
lulu_ma said:
Oh darn-I was hoping Collins would a good setting for you. That K stone is so pretty.

Bummer about Simon West too.

Does anyone know Chrono?

Let us know how you feel about the L when you see it again.
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The Collins' K stone really is beautiful! I had high hopes for a dreamy setting after sending them a lot of photos, but it sounds like that's the only one they have in stock that could work.

To be fair to Simon's stones, we were unable to see them in daylight, and he had a very yellow chandelier overhead that made them all look much lower in color. I should also add that, when I showed him the Art Deco ring with the L stone (as "inspiration"), he audibly gasped and admired the craftsmanship. That felt pretty validating!
 
Wow what an update and so many things to consider!!

Definitely find a stone that you love first - would Simon set an outside stone? That might be an option?

Oh you might have to go back and try them in different lighting. It's so hard to assess them in limited conditions. And one thing would old cuts are they are so hard to photograph too!!

But really do not fear buying overseas as it could work out cheaper most times. I have bought nearly all my jewellery from the US and it really does ease the stress when the stone and setting are made together.
 
Wait-have we talked about this one? Not sure about the cut but throwing it in the mix:

www.chiltonsantiques.com.au

Platinum Art Deco Diamond Ring 3 - Chilton's Antiques

This platinum art deco 1920 diamond ring is a truly remarkable one of a kind ring. The main diamond is 0.88ct round brilliant cut, colour G and clarity VS. Accented by 4 round single cut diamonds grain set, colour G-H and clarity VS. Total diamond weight 0.97ct The band is hand carved foliage...
www.chiltonsantiques.com.au www.chiltonsantiques.com.au

Or this one? Can't tell if there is a clarity issue...

www.chiltonsantiques.com.au

Platinum Diamond Ring c.1940s - Chilton's Antiques

An original c.1940s vintage ring, in a very Deco design. This ring is beautifully designed, with quality craftsmanship. The centre Diamond is 4 double claw set, with a half moon design flanked on either side. The ring is really stunning and very eye catching. The ring measures 15mm in width, 8mm...
www.chiltonsantiques.com.au www.chiltonsantiques.com.au
 
lulu_ma said:
Wait-have we talked about this one? Not sure about the cut but throwing it in the mix:

www.chiltonsantiques.com.au

Platinum Art Deco Diamond Ring 3 - Chilton's Antiques

This platinum art deco 1920 diamond ring is a truly remarkable one of a kind ring. The main diamond is 0.88ct round brilliant cut, colour G and clarity VS. Accented by 4 round single cut diamonds grain set, colour G-H and clarity VS. Total diamond weight 0.97ct The band is hand carved foliage...
www.chiltonsantiques.com.au www.chiltonsantiques.com.au

Or this one? Can't tell if there is a clarity issue...

www.chiltonsantiques.com.au

Platinum Diamond Ring c.1940s - Chilton's Antiques

An original c.1940s vintage ring, in a very Deco design. This ring is beautifully designed, with quality craftsmanship. The centre Diamond is 4 double claw set, with a half moon design flanked on either side. The ring is really stunning and very eye catching. The ring measures 15mm in width, 8mm...
www.chiltonsantiques.com.au www.chiltonsantiques.com.au
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Ohhh, thank you for sharing some local lovelies! I like the top one, though I'm also unsure about the cut and wish it were certed.

----

No major updates to share this week. I am still waiting to hear from Adam, chrono, and Simon about my various inquiries. I may have to make a decision about the Art Deco L before I get those responses, which is a shame, but the thought of losing the L really pains me (maybe that's a sign?).

Speaking of, I'm going to look at the L again today with the aim to observe the stone itself more critically and compare it to the others I've seen in person since I first found that ring. It's also the (actual) final deadline for the hold, so I'll keep everyone posted!
 
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Ok, one more certed one for you. However, the jeweler doesn't ship to Australia on Ebay. It would require you contacting the jewelry store directly for shipping, but this is a lovely ring at a fab price. Also, another PSer got a gorgeous ring from this store before.

It may look to Edwardian for you versus Deco.

www.ebay.com

Antique Art Deco 1.01 ct Old European Cut Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring GIA | eBay

With GIA online diamond report #222382 . The Ring is stamped "Platinum" on the inside. Center Diamond. Diamond Cut. Diamond Weight. Diamond Color. Diamond Clarity. ~The ring can be seen in person at Exquisite Jewelers in Palatine, IL 8 47 202 7889~.
www.ebay.com
 
lulu_ma said:
Ok, one more certed one for you. However, the jeweler doesn't ship to Australia on Ebay. It would require you contacting the jewelry store directly for shipping, but this is a lovely ring at a fab price. Also, another PSer got a gorgeous ring from this store before.

It may look to Edwardian for you versus Deco.

www.ebay.com

Antique Art Deco 1.01 ct Old European Cut Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring GIA | eBay

With GIA online diamond report #222382 . The Ring is stamped "Platinum" on the inside. Center Diamond. Diamond Cut. Diamond Weight. Diamond Color. Diamond Clarity. ~The ring can be seen in person at Exquisite Jewelers in Palatine, IL 8 47 202 7889~.
www.ebay.com
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This one is on my watch list lol. It’s so pretty. Also eBay pictures never do it justice. Try to contact them on IG and ask for more footage if there’s not one of this one already.
 
Crystallized Carbon said:
Ohhh, thank you for sharing some local lovelies! I like the top one, though I'm also unsure about the cut and wish it were certed.

----

No major updates to share this week. I am still waiting to hear from Adam, chrono, and Simon about my various inquiries. I may have to make a decision about the Art Deco L before I get those responses, which is a shame, but the thought of losing the L really pains me (maybe that's a sign?).

Speaking of, I'm going to look at the L again today with the aim to observe the stone itself more critically and compare it to the others I've seen in person since I first found that ring. It's also the (actual) final deadline for the hold, so I'll keep everyone posted!
Click to expand...

I think if you are scared of losing it, then it might be the one. I think you have seen a few and know more about what you want so that's all good and it's probably affirmed it for you more than anything! I can't wait to hear your update later today.
 
Crystallized Carbon said:
I woke up this morning feeling emotional about the outpouring of support and guidance — THANK YOU! I'm across the world from my mom and the majority of my other loved ones, so I've felt been alone in the giddiness of the hunt, and it feels great to share it with enthusiasts such as yourselves.

I will respond to everyone shortly!

BUT FIRST... To quickly potentially complicate matters, I'll add that this is the loose stone I've already been eyeing for a potential reproduction ring. For the stone (GIA certed 1.15 transitional, J, VS2) + the setting I've been quoted $8.6k USD. I've fallen for the faceting, but am not confident about ordering a repro from overseas, am still keen to find something antique if possible, and I'd love to stay closer within budget.

What do you reckon of it, though, experts? Sorry for the bad video captures — it is not listed online for me to link to.

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I love the facet pattern in this stone. But it’s a different flavor from an OEC. This looks to be a transitional
 
Crystallized Carbon said:
Ohhh, thank you for sharing some local lovelies! I like the top one, though I'm also unsure about the cut and wish it were certed.

----

No major updates to share this week. I am still waiting to hear from Adam, chrono, and Simon about my various inquiries. I may have to make a decision about the Art Deco L before I get those responses, which is a shame, but the thought of losing the L really pains me (maybe that's a sign?).

Speaking of, I'm going to look at the L again today with the aim to observe the stone itself more critically and compare it to the others I've seen in person since I first found that ring. It's also the (actual) final deadline for the hold, so I'll keep everyone posted!
Click to expand...

I am the odd man out but the L looks like it’s going dark. Maybe just the picture as I can’t see the video (it says request access?). Also looks warmer than an L if that matters to you.
 
Mreader said:
I love the facet pattern in this stone. But it’s a different flavor from an OEC. This looks to be a transitional
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Agreed! The pattern is gorgeous, but apples to oranges when compared to the OECs I've been eyeing.

Mreader said:
I am the odd man out but the L looks like it’s going dark. Maybe just the picture as I can’t see the video (it says request access?). Also looks warmer than an L if that matters to you.
Click to expand...

Whoops — apologies! I've just opened up viewing access to the video again. I think I'm just a bad diamond photographer and kept getting shadows/my black phone case reflected in it as I didn't see any dark areas in person. Curious for your thoughts on the video, though!

Edited to add: I was initially aiming for higher than a K color, but I'm surprised to find that I'm open to the L range, too! It seems to be stone and setting dependent for me.
 
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Crystallized Carbon said:
Agreed! The pattern is gorgeous, but apples to oranges when compared to the OECs I've been eyeing.



Whoops — apologies! I've just opened up viewing access to the video again. I think I'm just a bad diamond photographer and kept getting shadows/my black phone case reflected in it as I didn't see any dark areas in person. Curious for your thoughts on the video, though!

Edited to add: I was initially aiming for higher than a K color, but I'm surprised to find that I'm open to the L range, too! It seems to be stone and setting dependent for me.
Click to expand...

It does look nicer in the vid (though it won’t go full screen on me grrrr).

I saw this one - though I don’t know the color - hate that it isn’t mentioned but his prices are usually competitive.

 
lulu_ma said:
Looks pretty but warm?
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Yes it does look warm but the L looks warm too lol. And idk if this one has a report and what the color actually is.
 
Mreader said:
Yes it does look warm but the L looks warm too lol. And idk if this one has a report and what the color actually is.
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I found it! DIA certed (?) OP. So I am guessing that GIA would grade it a warmer color.
 
Mreader said:
It does look nicer in the vid (though it won’t go full screen on me grrrr).

I saw this one - though I don’t know the color - hate that it isn’t mentioned but his prices are usually competitive.

Click to expand...

This one is definitely my style! I love the shape and the filigree on the sides :kiss2: Great price, too!

However, it does look a warmer than the L I've seen in person (which is confirmed thanks to @lulu_ma's research). It is bordering on too yellow for my taste, but I've asked the seller for a video to take a closer look.
 
lulu_ma said:
Ok, one more certed one for you. However, the jeweler doesn't ship to Australia on Ebay. It would require you contacting the jewelry store directly for shipping, but this is a lovely ring at a fab price. Also, another PSer got a gorgeous ring from this store before.

It may look to Edwardian for you versus Deco.

www.ebay.com

Antique Art Deco 1.01 ct Old European Cut Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring GIA | eBay

With GIA online diamond report #222382 . The Ring is stamped "Platinum" on the inside. Center Diamond. Diamond Cut. Diamond Weight. Diamond Color. Diamond Clarity. ~The ring can be seen in person at Exquisite Jewelers in Palatine, IL 8 47 202 7889~.
www.ebay.com
Click to expand...

A belated thank you for sharing this one, too! Suchhhh a good price and very pretty, but not quite the style I'm seeking. I really appreciate it, though!
 
See if you ask them to hold the ring for couple more days so you can see what antique settings Adam has? It's Yom Kippur so you probably won't hear back from him until tomorrow or Wednesday. Those couple of J stones that he has in your range are very pretty and decently priced.

Meanwhile, are you able go back and take some footage in the shade? The numbers look promising on the L, but it would be great to see the true facet pattern.

@Mreader has a stunning L. The first post in her thread has some great shade pics.

#JOTW - My almost 4 carat Old Euro Diamond holy grail ring!!!!

Well I am over the moon! For my next bling project I started putting away funds for what I thought was going to be a diamond stud upgrade, but then I started thinking that if I were going to spend that amount of money, that I want to be able to SEE it, and that an even larger engagement ring is...
www.pricescope.com

Also, I made a reel that kind of of illustrates what I mean:

 
maryjane04 said:
I think if you are scared of losing it, then it might be the one. I think you have seen a few and know more about what you want so that's all good and it's probably affirmed it for you more than anything! I can't wait to hear your update later today.
Click to expand...

Funny, I was thinking the exact opposite - take the chance, release the hold, and if it's still there after you've exhausted the other possibilities, then it's meant to be yours!
 
lovetodream said:
Funny, I was thinking the exact opposite - take the chance, release the hold, and if it's still there after you've exhausted the other possibilities, then it's meant to be yours!
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@Crystallized Carbon, I've been thinking the same thing as lovetodream...you don't seem completely sure about the ring and it sounds like you want to explore other options. I just don't think it's a good idea to feel rushed about a decision like this. I was thinking just let the hold expire and see what happens. It probably won't sell right away.
 
Do you ever think that you will change the setting in the future? If there is even the smallest chance, then you should pick the stone that you really love. There are some really lovely stones in budget for you.

I think you had a tight timeframe? How tight are we talking about?
 
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I was just coming here to share what @lulu_ma posted :twisted2:

Love the faceting on that stone.
 
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