Thoughts on this 1.1 Ct OEC that’s in a ring

[caf]

I’m thinking about bidding on an auction ring, primarily for the center OEC. They are closed today so I can’t get a video until tomorrow or next day. This is all I have right now.

Here are the specs and photos:
• Platinum
• 1 Old European diamond, weighing approximately 1.10 carats
• 14 single and round diamonds
• Size 8 ¾
• Estimated gross weight: 4.4 grams
OVERALL CONDITION:
Metal stamped and tested for platinum; 2 diamonds missing; superficial wear in the form of minor scratches; overall good condition.
DIAMONDS:
Approximate total number: 15
Approximate total weight: 1.30 carats
Approximate overall color and clarity: K-L-M, VS-SI

When I’ve bought stuff from this auction house, their items have checked out and my questions are answered promptly and truthfully. The ring needs some cleaning but it and the stones look decent. Thoughts? how high would you go? I’ll try and get a video and a specific condition report on the center diamond. Thanks!!!

 

[Dreamer_D]

I can see why you like it. That’s a very old diamond! I suspect the photo has been photoshopped. The under table area looks very weird. I suspect it was very black from obstruction and they lightened the area. You would need a video to assess the cut. These kinds of diamonds with such high crowns can often suffer from very bad obstruction. The table on this stone is fairly large. So I suspect it had a lot of obstruction. Whether you care or not I don’t know. These are rare true antiques likely from the early 1800s. The setting is more recent. I am also concerned about the condition of the girdle under the bezel. This is why I haven’t usually bought diamonds in bezel mounts. You will have to weigh that risk yourself.

 

[Dreamer_D]

Looking again the center might just be severe leakage — as I. Just seeing right through the stone. The back ground is very bright. Again common in these old stones.

 

[lovedogs]

I’m thinking about bidding on an auction ring, primarily for the center OEC. They are closed today so I can’t get a video until tomorrow or next day. This is all I have right now.

Here are the specs and photos:
• Platinum
• 1 Old European diamond, weighing approximately 1.10 carats
• 14 single and round diamonds
• Size 8 ¾
• Estimated gross weight: 4.4 grams
OVERALL CONDITION:
Metal stamped and tested for platinum; 2 diamonds missing; superficial wear in the form of minor scratches; overall good condition.
DIAMONDS:
Approximate total number: 15
Approximate total weight: 1.30 carats
Approximate overall color and clarity: K-L-M, VS-SI

When I’ve bought stuff from this auction house, their items have checked out and my questions are answered promptly and truthfully. The ring needs some cleaning but it and the stones look decent. Thoughts? how high would you go? I’ll try and get a video and a specific condition report on the center diamond. Thanks!!!

It's a weird stone but I csn understand why you like it!

 

[caf]

I can see why you like it. That’s a very old diamond! I suspect the photo has been photoshopped. The under table area looks very weird. I suspect it was very black from obstruction and they lightened the area. You would need a video to assess the cut. These kinds of diamonds with such high crowns can often suffer from very bad obstruction. The table on this stone is fairly large. So I suspect it had a lot of obstruction. Whether you care or not I don’t know. These are rare true antiques likely from the early 1800s. The setting is more recent. I am also concerned about the condition of the girdle under the bezel. This is why I haven’t usually bought diamonds in bezel mounts. You will have to weigh that risk yourself.

Yes! It’s a charming old diamond. I see it in candlelight! I’m usually not such a romantic.

I have asked for videos in light and shade and to see if it has any photoshopping. They normally haven’t photoshopped in past. But they can hold stuff at wonky angles. I’ll ask about light obstruction and photoshopping.

Do you see something at girdle? Looking at the ring underside it does look a little funky. But is it dirt or chips or glue or something?

The setting did look more recent and I think that’s why they make little comment on it. You’ve given me more questions to think about and ask. Thanks so much @Dreamer_D you’re always so helpful to PS’ers.

 

[caf]

It's a weird stone but I csn understand why you like it!

Thanks! It’s weird but it could be really pretty. Its weirdness seems well balanced all around the stone - like intentionally cut that way. Thanks @lovedogs - you too are always so helpful. I’ll post videos if and when I get them.

 

[Dreamer_D]

Yes! It’s a charming old diamond. I see it in candlelight! I’m usually not such a romantic.

I have asked for videos in light and shade and to see if it has any photoshopping. They normally haven’t photoshopped in past. But they can hold stuff at wonky angles. I’ll ask about light obstruction and photoshopping.

Do you see something at girdle? Looking at the ring underside it does look a little funky. But is it dirt or chips or glue or something?

The setting did look more recent and I think that’s why they make little comment on it. You’ve given me more questions to think about and ask. Thanks so much @Dreamer_D you’re always so helpful to PS’ers.

I don't se anything that looks like girdle damage, mostly it just looks filthy filthy, which is par for the course.

Obstructions is when the diamond just reflects black back at the viewer because something large and dark is blocking light in front of it. Its common when they take up close photos like this with a dark camera. You have have terrible obstruction in a photo from a vendor and not see much obstruction in real life. Its weirs NOT to see some in a picture taken front on like this.

Leakage would mean those pavilion facets are not reflecting any light back at all -- they are just a window through the diamond. This is a worse case scenario here because if you see that in a picture like this you will absolutely notice how dead the stone is in the center in real life as well.

If they won't take a video like you ask, even jus ta picture on the band with back to a window, natural light, would be enough for me to see what the issue is. Tag me when you get more images.

Based ONLY on these images I would not bid because that center area is a red flag barring additional images. If you get more images and they are more reassuring about the light play in the center, then I've seen diamonds this size go for maybe 1300-1500 at auction on ebay. Not this style of cut, mostly OECs, but similar carat weight.

 

[caf]

Thanks @Dreamer_D

Appreciate it!

 

[lala646]

Thanks @Dreamer_D

Appreciate it!

I quite enjoy that setting, and it's exactly my size. If you do get the ring, and decide to remove the stone, please keep me in mind if you decide to sell the setting (assuming removing the stone doesn't destroy it).

 

[glitterata]

The ring is filthy! There are bits of hair, fluff, and grease all over the bottom of the stone. That makes it harder to evaluate. There are two missing side stones, with their prongs left hanging, so the setting would require work if you plan to keep it.

 

[caf]

The ring is filthy! There are bits of hair, fluff, and grease all over the bottom of the stone. That makes it harder to evaluate. There are two missing side stones, with their prongs left hanging, so the setting would require work if you plan to keep it.

Agreed!

 

[caf]

I quite enjoy that setting, and it's exactly my size. If you do get the ring, and decide to remove the stone, please keep me in mind if you decide to sell the setting (assuming removing the stone doesn't destroy it).

Definitely! Thanks @lala646. It is my size too. Hehe.

 

[caf]

Well someone must think that diamond is special cause it’s up to $1400 in bidding. Or they don’t know what they’re doing. I think the anticipated range for sale was $300 - $500.

 

[caf]

Probably too rich for me unless the videos show a magnificent and rarely seen cut. but maybe it is really special.