Which to buy? Whiteflash vs OWD/Peace and Carat

[cettesaphir]

Hi everyone! For a while now I've wanted a simple diamond pendant to wear 24/7, and I figure now is as good of a time as any to treat myself! But...I need help deciding which route to go. My budget is on the smaller side (~$700-900) but I'm excited to buy my first "real" diamond of "significant" size. I do have .36ctw stud earrings and a pendant that was sold as .25 (though it looks smaller than one of the earrings...), both of which were bought second hand, so to me this is a bigger plunge since I'm buying directly from a major vendor!

Whiteflash: ~ .30 - .35 A Cut Above, in the four prong basket setting...similar to this, but not this exact diamond: https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-4459139.htm
Pros:

• Buying into the trade-in program
• I know the diamond will be super sparkly
• I like that the pendant will slide on the chain

Cons:

• ...will I really use the trade-in program? It's still expensive to upgrade (plus cost of a new setting)
• Are MRBs my favorite?

Peace & Carat (OWD sister site): ~.40 - .50 OEC, in a bezel setting with ears
Something similar to this, though I was told they'd be uploading new products soon: https://peaceandcarat.com/collections/frontpage/products/copy-emily-pendant-28-old-european-pcn2006
Pros:

• Based on all of the photos I've seen (in general), I think I lean towards OEC more than MRB (especially for an engagement ring, which could be happening for me this year, fingers crossed)
• Larger carat size than Whiteflash (though I understand this doesn't always translate to larger diameter)
• Bezel makes me feel better/safer about wearing this 24/7

Cons:

• Harder to go bigger in the future
• Worried about the pendant not always being centered on the chain/on my neck

Other considerations:
At the size that I'm considering, is it even worth it to get an OEC or will it be too small to appreciate the facets?
Will I get more "bang for my buck" by investing in Whiteflash and therefore the upgrade program?

I know that deciding between MRB and OEC is so subjective/personal...it's just hard to know without having seen either in person! Any insight or suggestions are much appreciated!

 

[EClove]

Hi everyone! For a while now I've wanted a simple diamond pendant to wear 24/7, and I figure now is as good of a time as any to treat myself! But...I need help deciding which route to go. My budget is on the smaller side (~$700-900) but I'm excited to buy my first "real" diamond of "significant" size. I do have .36ctw stud earrings and a pendant that was sold as .25 (though it looks smaller than one of the earrings...), both of which were bought second hand, so to me this is a bigger plunge since I'm buying directly from a major vendor!

Whiteflash: ~ .30 - .35 A Cut Above, in the four prong basket setting...similar to this, but not this exact diamond: https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-4459139.htm
Pros:

• Buying into the trade-in program
• I know the diamond will be super sparkly
• I like that the pendant will slide on the chain

Cons:

• ...will I really use the trade-in program? It's still expensive to upgrade (plus cost of a new setting)
• Are MRBs my favorite?

Peace & Carat (OWD sister site): ~.40 - .50 OEC, in a bezel setting with ears
Something similar to this, though I was told they'd be uploading new products soon: https://peaceandcarat.com/collections/frontpage/products/copy-emily-pendant-28-old-european-pcn2006
Pros:

• Based on all of the photos I've seen (in general), I think I lean towards OEC more than MRB (especially for an engagement ring, which could be happening for me this year, fingers crossed)
• Larger carat size than Whiteflash (though I understand this doesn't always translate to larger diameter)
• Bezel makes me feel better/safer about wearing this 24/7

Cons:

• Harder to go bigger in the future
• Worried about the pendant not always being centered on the chain/on my neck

Other considerations:
At the size that I'm considering, is it even worth it to get an OEC or will it be too small to appreciate the facets?
Will I get more "bang for my buck" by investing in Whiteflash and therefore the upgrade program?

I know that deciding between MRB and OEC is so subjective/personal...it's just hard to know without having seen either in person! Any insight or suggestions are much appreciated!

I’m personally more of an old cut girl vs a MRB for rounds, and I purchased a .54 OEC from OWD late last year and I love it! I wear it every day and personally I can see the difference. I say follow your heart!

you can see the approximate size on a person in some of his older IG posts like this one which is .62 https://www.instagram.com/p/CQv-g8-D9Se/?utm_medium=copy_link

And I’m attaching a photo of mine! I will say I don’t have a cert or know anything about the specs of this diamond other then the size. I trusted Adam to find me something pretty that faced up white.

 

[cettesaphir]

I’m personally more of an old cut girl vs a MRB for rounds, and I purchased a .54 OEC from OWD late last year and I love it! I wear it every day and personally I can see the difference. I say follow your heart!

you can see the approximate size on a person in some of his older IG posts like this one which is .62 https://www.instagram.com/p/CQv-g8-D9Se/?utm_medium=copy_link

And I’m attaching a photo of mine! I will say I don’t have a cert or know anything about the specs of this diamond other then the size. I trusted Adam to find me something pretty that faced up white.

Gosh that's such a beautiful pendant! Did you buy a "pre-made" necklace like the one I linked to, or did you pick out the diamond yourself and have them make a setting? So few diamonds in the size I'm looking at have photos/video on their site, so I'm not sure what the process is of picking one to purchase. But your photo definitely makes me swoon and lean towards the OEC side

 

[ItsMainelyYou]

I'll throw this out there.
Ebay has a few in your price range, and your money may stretch a little farther. Some don't like to buy this way- but I've gotten some great deals so I always check.

 

[lulu_ma]

Ok so the OWD pendant is around 4.9 mm and the Whiteflash one is 4.5 mm.

At this mm diameter, I don’t know how clearly you will be able to see the faceting with your naked eye.

Here’s an example. The side diamonds of my OEC cluster band are 5.5 mm. When I’m wearing the ring I can’t clearly make out the faceting. But, I do like to geek out and loupe my diamonds

This is really just another data point for you. If your endgame is an old cut ering, I would vote for the OWD pendant. Also, the bezel setting will give the pendant a bit more presence.

 

[cettesaphir]

I'll throw this out there.
Ebay has a few in your price range, and your money may stretch a little farther. Some don't like to buy this way- but I've gotten some great deals so I always check.

I definitely love/appreciate a good Ebay find! My only hesitation is that I feel like the stone is less vetted/I'm less confident in what I'm getting. I'll do some searches and see what's out there, there are two that caught my eye!

 

[cettesaphir]

Ok so the OWD pendant is around 4.9 mm and the Whiteflash one is 4.5 mm.

At this mm diameter, I don’t know how clearly you will be able to see the faceting with your naked eye.

Here’s an example. The side diamonds of my OEC cluster band are 5.5 mm. When I’m wearing the ring I can’t clearly make out the faceting. But, I do like to geek out and loupe my diamonds

This is really just another data point for you. If your endgame is an old cut ering, I would vote for the OWD pendant. Also, the bezel setting will give the pendant a bit more presence.

Thanks for all of this insight! I do agree that I'll unlikely be able to clearly discern the facets, though I just bought a loupe so it'd be fun to take a peek once in a while hehe. I do like the idea of eventually matching with a potential ering, and that's a great point about the bezel!

 

[EClove]

Gosh that's such a beautiful pendant! Did you buy a "pre-made" necklace like the one I linked to, or did you pick out the diamond yourself and have them make a setting? So few diamonds in the size I'm looking at have photos/video on their site, so I'm not sure what the process is of picking one to purchase. But your photo definitely makes me swoon and lean towards the OEC side

Kind of neither he didn’t have any gold ones on the site in the sizes I was looking at and I emailed him and he was so accommodating. I gave him the size range I was looking for and the budget range and basically asked him to pick a good stone. He sent me a video before confirming and then it was made. If he had had some options on the site in gold, I probably would have trusted him to pick the best one.
Because it’s a smaller stone and I’m not an expert in OECs or OMCs I felt confident he’d choose a good one.

 

[oncrutchesrightnow]

I recommend you go with the guaranteed sparkly aca starter pack, and save up money for a bigger oec later. I have a 5.5 avr, a 5.8 oec, and a 6.7 avr. I cant see the facets that well in the 5.8 oec. It still sparkles chunkily as opposed to splintery so it is distinguishable from a mrb. But in oecs imho it’s worth it to go bigger.

 

[cettesaphir]

I recommend you go with the guaranteed sparkly aca starter pack, and save up money for a bigger oec later. I have a 5.5 avr, a 5.8 oec, and a 6.7 avr. I cant see the facets that well in the 5.8 oec. It still sparkles chunkily as opposed to splintery so it is distinguishable from a mrb. But in oecs imho it’s worth it to go bigger.

Another great point - without a doubt the ACA would be a sparkle bomb! I'm assuming those measurements are mm and not carats (but if it's the latter, then holy cow ), in which case good to know! Any pendant I get will obviously be a lot smaller than that...as long as it's super sparkly, I think I'll be happy either way. In which case, if I'd be spending the same amount of money on either option, maybe it's better to invest in the ACA in case I want to upgrade! So much to consider!

 

[missy]

There is no right way to answer this.
You have to decide do you want old cut or modern cut?
I am an old cut girl but if you are a modern cut girl then you cannot go wrong with an ACA.
But if you are an old cut girl then nothing but a chunkalicious old cut will do.

And I agree with the statement larger is better in showing off the chunky facets so just another thing to consider and if you want to upgrade WF is the way to go. But they only carry modern cuts. Good luck with your decision and please come back and share your beautiful purchase.

 

[alltheflorals]

Congratulations on taking this step! Either way, a diamond pendant is so classic that it will have a place in any collection. A few years ago, I was gifted a 3-stone old cut ring. I didn't know they were old cuts and I didn't have a loupe at the time, but even though they were about 3mm each, I noticed they "sparkled" differently than my modern cut e-ring. Not in a bad way of course. Fast forward through pricescope threads and I was delighted to discover what and why they performed differently. All to say at that size you will not see the facet pattern, but once you can discern old cuts from modern, you will not forget and you will notice them for what they are. I have a 1+ ct oec pendant and I only see the facets if I examine face on at about <10" away. But I only do that when I put it on and off! If an oec is where your heart pulls, I feel like the experts here can certainly help you stretch your budget, at the cost of a little patience and not knowing exactly when your search may end. I don't have an ideal cut to compare to, so can't speak to that. Couple suggestions - peruse the "show me your pendant" threads for inspiration of you haven't already and see what excites you more. Also, you can order similar sized cz pendants to try on and see what you prefer (diameter, prong vs bezel, sliding, etc). Good luck!

 

[cettesaphir]

There is no right way to answer this.
You have to decide do you want old cut or modern cut?
I am an old cut girl but if you are a modern cut girl then you cannot go wrong with an ACA.
But if you are an old cut girl then nothing but a chunkalicious old cut will do.

And I agree with the statement larger is better in showing off the chunky facets so just another thing to consider and if you want to upgrade WF is the way to go. But they only carry modern cuts. Good luck with your decision and please come back and share your beautiful purchase.

Oh gosh, that's too much pressure hahahah. Honestly I think I'm an old cut girl at heart - I love the history and that each antique one is unique. I'm 99% sure I'd want an OEC for an ering (with Bubbalah as the inspiration of course ) but who knows how long that wait will be! MRBs are of course beautiful too and I like the idea of joining the Whiteflash club. I know I can't really go wrong either way, I guess I just don't want FOMO! I'll definitely come back and share what I end up with

 

[cettesaphir]

Congratulations on taking this step! Either way, a diamond pendant is so classic that it will have a place in any collection. A few years ago, I was gifted a 3-stone old cut ring. I didn't know they were old cuts and I didn't have a loupe at the time, but even though they were about 3mm each, I noticed they "sparkled" differently than my modern cut e-ring. Not in a bad way of course. Fast forward through pricescope threads and I was delighted to discover what and why they performed differently. All to say at that size you will not see the facet pattern, but once you can discern old cuts from modern, you will not forget and you will notice them for what they are. I have a 1+ ct oec pendant and I only see the facets if I examine face on at about <10" away. But I only do that when I put it on and off! If an oec is where your heart pulls, I feel like the experts here can certainly help you stretch your budget, at the cost of a little patience and not knowing exactly when your search may end. I don't have an ideal cut to compare to, so can't speak to that. Couple suggestions - peruse the "show me your pendant" threads for inspiration of you haven't already and see what excites you more. Also, you can order similar sized cz pendants to try on and see what you prefer (diameter, prong vs bezel, sliding, etc). Good luck!

Thanks! What a lovely gift! I suppose once I'm wearing the pendant I won't be able to see it much anyway (aside from in mirrors) so maybe knowing it's an OEC will be more for 'me'. Right now I'm waiting to see what pops up on Peace & Carat which I'm hoping will magically help me decide, otherwise I'm willing to do a little hunting for the perfect one! Thanks for the suggestions, I'll never say no to looking at more of the beautiful jewelry that you all have

 

[EClove]

Thanks! What a lovely gift! I suppose once I'm wearing the pendant I won't be able to see it much anyway (aside from in mirrors) so maybe knowing it's an OEC will be more for 'me'. Right now I'm waiting to see what pops up on Peace & Carat which I'm hoping will magically help me decide, otherwise I'm willing to do a little hunting for the perfect one! Thanks for the suggestions, I'll never say no to looking at more of the beautiful jewelry that you all have

Yes, please report back with what you decide! I would also consider emailing Adam to see what he has in your price range. I bet he'd be able to provide some options you're not seeing online, either!

 

[mustangchi]

I am an old cut lover so I would definitely go with OWD/peace and carat, I've purchased from them several times and have always been pleased

 

[cettesaphir]

Yes, please report back with what you decide! I would also consider emailing Adam to see what he has in your price range. I bet he'd be able to provide some options you're not seeing online, either!

I absolutely will! He said they'll be uploading more necklaces to the site today so I have my eyes peeled, otherwise I might just do that and see what he has

 

[cettesaphir]

I am an old cut lover so I would definitely go with OWD/peace and carat, I've purchased from them several times and have always been pleased

I've definitely heard good things about them on here, so that's great to hear!

 

[Lakefront]

Hmm.

I have two .40ish oec stones bezel set in stacking rings by peace and carat. They aren’t near me or I’d show you pics for reference. They’re cute!

I also have an bezel dbty style pendant w a similar sized oec. (Not peace and carrots) It’s pretty but at that size it doesn’t perform like an aca would.

I do love the antique cuts. It’s fun to wear a tiny piece of history. I love the faceting but yes, it’s isn’t very obvious unless you’re really looking closely.

If sparkle is what you want, I’d go with WF (and the ability to upgrade) and get a more sizable oec that you can really see and enjoy down the road.

Either way you can’t lose. But If it’s a pendant and you don’t really get to see it anyway, I’d rather have it really shine.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

There's nothing wrong with eventually having both! I have an AVR (OEC) e-ring but my studs are Whiteflash ACAs. I actually do have one mrb pendant and one OEC! The OEC is .90 so it does show up pretty well and is in a fairly elaborate setting. But if I were going to buy a really significant diamond solitaire to wear all the time, it would be the ideal cut as I'd like it to match my studs since those are closer together.
The pro of the WF is to get a stone you can later upgrade. I upgraded my studs about 4 times or so!

I have never heard of Peace and Carat. Is it connected to OWD? That is a strange name!

 

[Lakefront]

Here are my two .40ish peace and carat old cuts next to a .62 CBI (or what an aca might look like).

Not the best lighting to compare, but they definitely have a very different look. IMO, at this size, it just depends on if you would rather have a little piece of history or a whole lot of sparkle.

 

[cettesaphir]

Here are my two .40ish peace and carat old cuts next to a .62 CBI (or what an aca might look like).

Not the best lighting to compare, but they definitely have a very different look. IMO, at this size, it just depends on if you would rather have a little piece of history or a whole lot of sparkle.

Those are so pretty, thanks for sharing! I'm definitely leaning a bit more ACA now since the pendant is meant to sparkle from afar (just like you said), and it's much easier to easily see/enjoy an old cut when it's in a ring.

 

[cettesaphir]

There's nothing wrong with eventually having both! I have an AVR (OEC) e-ring but my studs are Whiteflash ACAs. I actually do have one mrb pendant and one OEC! The OEC is .90 so it does show up pretty well and is in a fairly elaborate setting. But if I were going to buy a really significant diamond solitaire to wear all the time, it would be the ideal cut as I'd like it to match my studs since those are closer together.
The pro of the WF is to get a stone you can later upgrade. I upgraded my studs about 4 times or so!

I have never heard of Peace and Carat. Is it connected to OWD? That is a strange name!

I mean, if it were up to me, I'd have one of every kind of diamond! That's a great point about earrings - the diamond ones I have right now are very small/poorly cut (but I believe they're round brilliant)...who knows what bigger ones I'll end up with in the future! I do like the idea of upgrading though, so that's definitely an important factor.

And yes, Peace & Carat is the sister site to OWD - on the OWD site they say P&C is "our everyday antique collection) so it looks like they only sell pre-made earrings, rings, and necklaces!

 

[Lakefront]

So what did you decide? I’d love to see what you ended up choosing.

 

[cettesaphir]

Well, I've had a chance to see/wear both in person...my thoughts on comparing the two:

ACA - .34 K VS2 / 4.5mm in the "Full Bezel" setting

• First impression was that it looked huge, but this is partially because of the setting (it's crazy to me that these two are only .1mm apart)
• More distinct rainbow sparkles in the sun (not surprising!)
• I dislike the "full bezel" setting I chose as it's very chunky/thick and keeps flipping on its side (ie diamond facing my chin), so I would want to upgrade to either the Verismo bezel or four-prong basket (though I lose the oomph of a bezel)....this is stretching the original budget, but not not doable
• The chain seems a tiny bit shorter compared to another chain I thought was the same length, but I think it's fine

Old Euro - not certed, estimated .46 J-K SI1 / 4.6mm

• First impression was that it's small/dainty, though it's basically the same mm as the ACA (though higher carat weight)
• Love the sparkle I see in the bathroom mirror. More white sparkle in sunlight than the ACA, though I still see rainbows
• I don't mind the fixed setting as much as I thought I might...I like fidgeting with a sliding pendant, but that's not a dealbreaker. Fashion-wise, this "Emily" setting fits better with my style (aka thinner/more understated bezel)
• I like that it's cheaper and overall do really like it
• I wonder how much bigger I could go if I I spent as much as I did on the ACA (aka another $350)...totally guessing, but probably ~.55-.60 or 5mm (I feel like this would make it look the same size as the ACA)

Right now, there is a ~$265 price difference between the two, which would jump to $320- $345 depending on which new Whiteflash setting I pick (I'm leaning towards the bezel). So, I need to decide if that's a significant enough difference to warrant the ACA over the other!

I honestly would be happy with either, but the allure of owning an ACA/slightly more rainbow sparkle/upgrade options (either upgrading the pendant, or turning into pair of studs) is swaying me. I feel like the ACA is a better sparkler in all lighting conditions (though the old cut is bright in its own right)...not something I'm surprised at, I guess I just feel a little guilty because I believe I'm an old cut girl at heart and I love the history/uniqueness of old cuts.

Another small factor is that my boyfriend and I will likely be getting engaged within the next year, and I have my eyes set on an old euro e-ring from OWD -- is it weird for me to have bought myself an old euro pendant first before he buys me one? Or if I buy myself the ACA does that make my first old euro even more special? I didn't think I was this "superstitious" (for lack of better term) but I already feel bad that this necklace (he's chipping in a little) will replace a Tiffany necklace he bought me years ago (that I still love, I've just always wanted a diamond pendant).

Gosh, who knew I could make a necklace so complicated . Any and all thoughts are welcome -- this is such a lucky first-world problem to have, I'm just drawn to both necklaces for different reasons!

 

[lulu_ma]

@cettesaphir I think you need to go with your gut. I love my old cut diamond rings. But I don't have a problem mixing them with my mrb studs or mrb necklaces.

And please post pics of both

 

[Lakefront]

The flipping bezel setting might make that one hard to keep, if it were me. That would drive me nuts and I would end up wearing it less often.

If you changed that setting, I assume you’d have to just eat the price of the first setting and then buy a new setting too? Do you get a full refund if you return it or is it a custom piece?

Plus, you seem to love the OMC and it’s cheaper! I’d probably lean towards keeping that one

 

[cettesaphir]

@cettesaphir I think you need to go with your gut. I love my old cut diamond rings. But I don't have a problem mixing them with my mrb studs or mrb necklaces.

And please post pics of both

I definitely don't think I would mind mixing cuts -- diamonds are diamonds! I'll upload some pics and video shortly!

 

[cettesaphir]

The flipping bezel setting might make that one hard to keep, if it were me. That would drive me nuts and I would end up wearing it less often.

If you changed that setting, I assume you’d have to just eat the price of the first setting and then buy a new setting too? Do you get a full refund if you return it or is it a custom piece?

Plus, you seem to love the OMC and it’s cheaper! I’d probably lean towards keeping that one

Agreed, the fixed pendant definitely wins over this particular sliding one due to the flipping! I've asked my Whiteflash rep about the financial aspect of it, I think that will definitely sway me one way or the other!

 

[cettesaphir]

Let's see if these videos work...