Diamond question.....SOS!

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S'Mom

S'Mom

Resistance is Futile
O.G.
Apr 8, 2006
19,280
472
#1
I have a small dilemma. I've been in love with a pair of antique diamond drops for a while now. They are very simple....cushion cut set in a lever-back so the diamond "floats" at the bottom of my ear lobe.

When I look through the loop, they look fairly clean but one diamond has some hairlines inside. COuld these hairlines actually be cracks?

So, my question is this. When looking to buy an antique diamond should I be as concerned about the inclusions as much as if I were to buy a new stone? Or is there some other criteria I should be going by.
 
#3
^^Have them looked at by a bench jeweler that you trust. Most likely they are small feathers/fissures in the diamond. Irregardless, if it turns out to be a small inclusion and you love them - go for it. You can just call it a 'beauty mark'. The earrings sound really pretty - do you have any pics?
 
#6
Thanks, ladies! THey are lovely and they suit me better than studs...which is why I'm seriously considering them. I'm an antique jewelry addict and so these are singing to me as you can imagine.

There is a return for exchange policy at the shop so I might bite the bullet and get them looked at by a jeweler and see what he/she says. If it's just a hairline inclusion, I can live with that....but if it's a crack, I really would rather wait until I find another pair.

Thank you again and I'll post pics as soon as I can.....
 
#7
Bagaday said:
Ohh, I know!! I love her earrings - my jeweler talked me out of it.
Click to expand...
I think I read that Bullock's drops are 3ct EACH...antique! She got them as a present from that SCUMBAG I hope she divorces. She better keep them!
Why did your jeweler talk you out of this setting?

S'Mom...let us know your decision, I think you are smart to have them checked by a jeweler...peace of mind! Don't forget the pics!!!
 
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#9
No, SCL. Wish I could.....I've been eye-balling these for quite some time now so I'm thinking I should just get them because even if they don't work out and I need to exchange them, this shop always has something I adore.
 
#12
skyqueen said:
I think I read that Bullock's drops are 3ct EACH...antique! She got them as a present from that SCUMBAG I hope she divorces. She better keep them!
Why did your jeweler talk you out of this setting?

S'Mom...let us know your decision, I think you are smart to have them checked by a jeweler...peace of mind! Don't forget the pics!!!
Click to expand...

Her situation is heartbreaking. My jeweler talked me out of doing that because he thought I'd regret it. I have a little over 4 ct twt studs and wear them basically 24/7 (except to switch out to hoops every once in awhile). There was concern I wouldn't be able to sleep in them and may be a little too 'snazzy' for everyday/casual wear. I am a jeans/top person and hardly ever in anything but. So, even though I'm so in love with that type of look, I just had my studs reset from a low setting basket style to a martini style. I am happier with them as they face out much better now. I still dream of the wire look though. Maybe Ms. B. will want to pass her beauties on since they'll hold crappy memories - we can share:D.
 
#13
^^Sounds good to me! I have the martini setting, 4 prong (wanted the 3 prong) with elephant backs. I think you will like this setting better. Mine are 4.97 tcw, so with a little halo they should look like 6ct. I would keep my martini setting so I could always switch them back. Need a change!!! "Snazzy"...love that word! LOL!
 
#14
S'Mom said:
I have a small dilemma. I've been in love with a pair of antique diamond drops for a while now. They are very simple....cushion cut set in a lever-back so the diamond "floats" at the bottom of my ear lobe.

When I look through the loop, they look fairly clean but one diamond has some hairlines inside. COuld these hairlines actually be cracks?

So, my question is this. When looking to buy an antique diamond should I be as concerned about the inclusions as much as if I were to buy a new stone? Or is there some other criteria I should be going by.
Click to expand...

S'Mom, these inclusions sound like feathers. They aren't always an issue, although the word feather is a polite word for crack, many feathers are in fact benign and aren't a durability issue. I take it these stones don't have a lab report such as GIA?

What I would do if you love them, if you can exchange them if they don't work out, get a local independant appraiser to check them over for you. An independant appraiser would be better than a jeweler as their opinion could be more impartial than that of someone that sells jewelry. With older stones sometimes chips on the girdle or other damage can be present so although chances are these diamonds are fine, an appraiser will be able to inspect them and advise you on price, inclusions etc.
 
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