Making a round look more like an oval with a shaped halo

[EnergeticElephant]

Hi all,

My girlfriend and I have been looking at engagement rings and it seems like she has a soft spot for ovals, but we're hesitant to buy one since we know they're not as brilliant as a round, and finding a good one is less straightforward (complicated by the fact that we won't be able to see many of them as we live in Canada - so far we have only found them in person in Tiffany here). We are interested in a halo setting like the Brian Gavin Anita, and we are wondering if kite-setting the cushion-shaped halo around the round would give an oval-like effect. I think that what she likes about the oval is the effect of the lengthened shape on her (small) finger, and a very rough photoshop job on the Anita seems to show the same kind of lengthened shape (to a lesser extent). I'm wondering if kite-setting this halo seems like a reasonable thing to do, or if there is a better solution?

Thank you all very much in advance for your time and help. We've been reading of Pricescope a lot over the past year and have found it extremely helpful .

 

[dollyanjuli]

have you looked specifically for oval brilliants? they have more of the faceting that you may be looking for...here is an example:

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.03-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-sku-204497

 

[arkieb1]

Give everyone your budget and the specs you desire and give a call out to Gypsy I think the people here could all help you find a decent performing oval if that is what she prefers. They face up bigger than RBs too so that is also a bonus. And no unless you get a really wonky looking OEC or a Roval (Antique Roundish Oval) an RB set into an oval setting in the styles you like is just going to look cushion shaped or just plain weird.

 

[Niel]

Ovals can still be very sparkly.

Of she wants an oval, get an oval, don't be scared of them. Sure a round is probably the most sparkly, but its a different kind of sparkle from an oval- and ovals have their advantages over rounds. They are more unique, face up large, often can hide inclusion better, and often can be cheaper per ct. Plus the pride in finding the perfect one is much more satisfactory than just punching in numbers and getting a round.

I agree, give us your budget and desired specs (include that buffer for taxes) and we would be happy to look for you.

 

[Niel]

But, just to play devil advocate here, here's a round in a halo that looks like an oval

 

[arkieb1]

Isn't the centre stone a wonky OEC? It doesn't look like an RB to me.... I still think an oval would look better in an oval halo.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I agree, if she wants an oval, get an oval. Trying to set a round like an oval is just not going to be the answer, and especially not with a kite shaped cushion halo. That is not remotely going to resemble an oval.

Good Old Gold is good at selecting any fancy shapes including ovals because they assess light return, etc. I would suggest going to them.

 

[Niel]

Isn't the centre stone a wonky OEC? It doesn't look like an RB to me.... I still think an oval would look better in an oval halo.

Regardless of that particular stone, the halo has the effect the op was looking for, so that's why I posted it. It would have the same effect on a true round.

Like I said , I would just get an oval, but I thought this might help the op visualize

 

[arkieb1]

Check out this cushiony oval (an oval shaped cushion in a halo) I think it works better than the ring above;

http://www.diamondsbylauren.com/index.php/jewelry/yellow-cushion-cut-diamond-59ct-fancy-yellow-vs2-cushion-cut-amazing-stone-r4612

And while we are the subject of yellow ovals this one isn't half bad;

http://www.diamondsbylauren.com/index.php/jewelry/loose-yellow-diamond-101ct-fancy-light-yellow-vs1-oval-shape-gia-lovely-sparkle-r5635

If you give us your budget and desired specs we will help you find something. We could suggest both ovals and RBs if you like.

 

[Lizabeth]

What is an "oval brilliant" (as opposed to a regular oval)?

 

[JulieN]

Rectangular cushion.

 

[EnergeticElephant]

Thank you everyone for your replies, help, and encouragement to not be apprehensive about ovals! Yes, I certainly agree that on the surface the best idea appears to be finding an oval but although she loves the shape on her finger, she also tends to be a bit of a perfectionist so I know and worry that the overall reduced sparkle and any potential areas of bow tie or mush will bother her in the long term, and she hasn't seen any ovals outside of jewelry store lighting. This is why we had thought that a diamond with ideal optical performance (like a Brian Gavin Signature) would be a better bet.

She does like MRBs as well and we were seriously considering just having a round in a round halo - there is just something about the oval shape on her finger that she loved. I've been working with Brian Gavin on a setting idea (which was a round in round halo) and when we went to look at rings again yesterday to narrow down the best size on her finger (it seems she likes 0.7-1ct rounds, with 1 seeming a little big in the halo, and she liked the 1 ct oval in the Tiffany Soleste single halo), we discovered this oval problem.

The reason that we had thought about the kite setting was that she liked square shapes least on her finger followed by round and then oval. This made us think that it wasn't just the length in the vertical direction but also the shape (widest in the middle and then tapering towards the ends) that she liked. I've attached an image of the photoshop mock-up, which does seem to exhibit this shape.

Niel - thank you so much for finding this example, I really appreciate your time! I agree, this doesn't give the same effect as an actual oval, especially with the visible yellow gold bezel separating the round from the halo. At this point I'm pretty confused and really not sure whether going for the round in round halo, scrapping the setting ideas and going for an oval sight-unseen, or trying this crazy kite-set plan would be the best idea (and my girlfriend's liking everything isn't helping ).

 

[Lizabeth]

Here is a Singlestone setting i like that gives the illusion of an oval ring.

http://www.singlestone.com/index.php?page=collections&catID=3&pID=2026&startRow=12

 

[momhappy]

I realize that the center stone in the image below is an oval, but I wondered if a round would look a bit more oval-shaped with that style of halo (with the diamonds on the halo getting slightly larger on the top & bottom in an effort to enhance the oval shape)?

 

[Niel]

What about a dinner ring? Or some other design that features multiple rounds? They are more vintage,but often times have pave and a lot of detail similar to an oval. It would give the elongated look she wants without having to use an oval. Your stones would be smaller, though, as more stones mean more $$

Eta here's what i meant by dinner ring

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/examples-of-3-stone-vertical-rings.208934/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/examples-of-3-stone-vertical-rings.208934/[/URL]

 

[EnergeticElephant]

Here is a Singlestone setting i like that gives the illusion of an oval ring.

http://www.singlestone.com/index.php?page=collections&catID=3&pID=2026&startRow=12

I realize that the center stone in the image below is an oval, but I wondered if a round would look a bit more oval-shaped with that style of halo (with the diamonds on the halo getting slightly larger on the top & bottom in an effort to enhance the oval shape)?

Thank you very much for both of these examples. They're both beautiful rings.

I'm not sure if the Single Stone one is quite what we're looking for because of the elongation in the east-west direction but I do agree that it's a really nice ring .

I think that the gradual increase in diamond size at the top and bottom of the ring momhappy posted is exactly along the lines we were thinking. Hmm! I'm having a hard time deciding if a round in a oval-style halo (though probably not as a oval-like as a proper oval halo) would look right or if it makes more sense to stick with an oval in an oval halo or a round in a round halo.

 

[EnergeticElephant]

What about a dinner ring? Or some other design that features multiple rounds? They are more vintage,but often times have pave and a lot of detail similar to an oval. It would give the elongated look she wants without having to use an oval. Your stones would be smaller, though, as more stones mean more $$

Eta here's what i meant by dinner ring

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/examples-of-3-stone-vertical-rings.208934/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/examples-of-3-stone-vertical-rings.208934/[/URL]

Thanks for the post, that's a great idea, but in general she likes a more simple style so I'm not sure if she'd like a multi-stone ring as an engagement ring.

 

[RetroTreeGal]

I think you should just get an oval. I think you'll both be happiest with a oval versus a ring that sort of mocks an oval. Use the good PS folks here to help you find a good one in your budget, and order one with a good return policy so you can see it in person before committing to it.

And with regard to her being a perfectionist and not wanting reduced sparkle- this will only be an issue if you scrutinized your oval next to a well-cut RB. If you get a nice oval and she wears it in the real world, I don't think she'll be disappointed.

Just my $0.02.

 

[MJGallery]

i am new on Pricescope, and recently purchased an oval diamond. I love it so far, i think the shape definitely help to make fingers look longer.

Question to all PS-ers who own an oval: I just realized my GIA cert says the shape is "Oval Brilliant" but I've seen some other GIA certs say "Oval Modified Brilliant", what is the difference? Does one cut look better than other?

 

[arkieb1]

I am concerned in real life your kite shaped setting is going to look more like a round brilliant in a cushion shaped halo tipped on it's side than an oval shape. That is what it looks like to me. You are after a .70 to 1.00 carat Oval or RB, what colour, clarity and general budget do you have? People here are wonderful they will suggest stones for you and encourage you to get ASET images etc in order for you to get the best possible cut.

 

[Niel]

Here's one I found that looks nice.... Though I don't know your budget

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.02-carat-g-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-373919

 

[lovemybling]

Wow That is a pretty Oval!!

 

[EnergeticElephant]

Here's one I found that looks nice.... Though I don't know your budget

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.02-carat-g-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-373919

Wow That is a pretty Oval!!

Thank you all very much! That oval does look beautiful, so I have reserved it. The representative said that if I was reserving that one I may as well reserve 3, so I tried to find two others after quickly trying to learn how to identify a good oval. I'm not sure but I think they might still be able to be changed at this point (until sometime tomorrow). Here are the three reserved:

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.02-carat-g-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-373919
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.07-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-sku-374247
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/0.91-carat-f-color-si1-clarity-sku-324357

I think I'm just looking for an eye-clean oval that is sufficiently white for a halo-type setting in platinum (g-h or above? I understand that ovals show more colour than MRBs). My budget is $6000-$7000 for the stone, but flexible (I'm not really sure what the right amount to spend is).

Approximately how much less bright or sparkly will a well cut oval be than a super-ideal MRB, overall? Thanks again .

 

[arkieb1]

If you get a smucky cut oval it will be really noticeable if you get a really top cut one the scintillation pattern is slightly different but I wouldn't call it less sparkly or less brilliant.

 

[EnergeticElephant]

If you get a smucky cut oval it will be really noticeable if you get a really top cut one the scintillation pattern is slightly different but I wouldn't call it less sparkly or less brilliant.

Thank you for the reply, arkieb1, I really appreciate it . The ASETs I've seen of ovals seem to show a lot of light leakage compared to a H&A round, which I assumed meant that they wouldn't be as brilliant (because not as much light is returned). Is the ASET exaggerating the leakage present in the oval compared to the round? Or is it that a well-cut oval will be sufficiently sparkly such that (unless you're comparing side by side with a round brilliant) you wouldn't think it's less brilliant?

 

[arkieb1]

If you get a smucky cut oval it will be really noticeable if you get a really top cut one the scintillation pattern is slightly different but I wouldn't call it less sparkly or less brilliant.

Thank you for the reply, arkieb1, I really appreciate it . The ASETs I've seen of ovals seem to show a lot of light leakage compared to a H&A round, which I assumed meant that they wouldn't be as brilliant (because not as much light is returned). Is the ASET exaggerating the leakage present in the oval compared to the round? Or is it that a well-cut oval will be sufficiently sparkly such that (unless you're comparing side by side with a round brilliant) you wouldn't think it's less brilliant?

A lot of people argue that ovals have less fire than H & A RBs. I don't think the terminology is they are less brilliant as such it's just a different scintillation pattern. Most ovals you see in bricks and mortar stores are average cuts so they will have a bigger spread and look larger but will not perform as well as an RB. I guess it's like comparing two cheeses or two different types of fruit you really really like - one is not better than the other in fact one might taste different to the other, it doesn't mean you can't like or appreciate both. I look at a decent oval and go wow nice oval and the same with an RB - I don't prefer one over the other if that makes sense.

I make the observation that if you are after a top performing stone then YES it is much much easier to find a decent RB. That being said if you are willing to be persistent there are very nice ovals out there as well. I think it is a matter of deciding which one is going to be the best option or the option you are most happy with and going from there. Here are some old threads that I think are worth you reading;

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/oval-pictures-and-video.202295/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/oval-pictures-and-video.202295/[/URL]

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/square-off-oval-vs-round-pics-please-help.193646/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/square-off-oval-vs-round-pics-please-help.193646/[/URL]

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/oval-cut-vs-round-brilliant-dilemma.134387/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/oval-cut-vs-round-brilliant-dilemma.134387/[/URL]

Your idea of putting a RB into an oval halo is growing on me, I think finding a good vendor who can make it look elegant is going to be to key to making it work if you do decide to go with that option.

You need to consider is it JUST the oval or longer shaped that she likes or is the whole package, the way they sparkle and everything about the way they look? Or does she in fact prefer the cut of the RB over the cut of the oval (so I am talking about which scintillation pattern she likes more). You say she has a "soft spot for ovals" this is suggesting to me that she would probably be happy with an oval but it IS a very personal choice. Yenny's Antique oval for example is one of my favourite rings;

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/antique-oval-and-singlestone-setting-perfection.166449/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/antique-oval-and-singlestone-setting-perfection.166449/[/URL]

 

[EnergeticElephant]

A lot of people argue that ovals have less fire than H & A RBs. I don't think the terminology is they are less brilliant as such it's just a different scintillation pattern. Most ovals you see in bricks and mortar stores are average cuts so they will have a bigger spread and look larger but will not perform as well as an RB. I guess it's like comparing two cheeses or two different types of fruit you really really like - one is not better than the other in fact one might taste different to the other, it doesn't mean you can't like or appreciate both. I look at a decent oval and go wow nice oval and the same with an RB - I don't prefer one over the other if that makes sense.

I make the observation that if you are after a top performing stone then YES it is much much easier to find a decent RB. That being said if you are willing to be persistent there are very nice ovals out there as well. I think it is a matter of deciding which one is going to be the best option or the option you are most happy with and going from there. Here are some old threads that I think are worth you reading;

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/oval-pictures-and-video.202295/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/oval-pictures-and-video.202295/[/URL]

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/square-off-oval-vs-round-pics-please-help.193646/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/square-off-oval-vs-round-pics-please-help.193646/[/URL]

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/oval-cut-vs-round-brilliant-dilemma.134387/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/oval-cut-vs-round-brilliant-dilemma.134387/[/URL]

That's very interesting, thank you for the links. I'll have to read these threads tonight.

Your idea of putting a RB into an oval halo is growing on me, I think finding a good vendor who can make it look elegant is going to be to key to making it work if you do decide to go with that option.

You need to consider is it JUST the oval or longer shaped that she likes or is the whole package, the way they sparkle and everything about the way they look? Or does she in fact prefer the cut of the RB over the cut of the oval (so I am talking about which scintillation pattern she likes more). You say she has a "soft spot for ovals" this is suggesting to me that she would probably be happy with an oval but it IS a very personal choice. Yenny's Antique oval for example is one of my favourite rings;

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/antique-oval-and-singlestone-setting-perfection.166449/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/antique-oval-and-singlestone-setting-perfection.166449/[/URL]

I think it's mostly the shape/balance of the oval on her finger that she likes, and not (I believe) the different scintillation pattern. It might be because her hands are quite small. I think she feels the round looks stubbier on her fingers than the oval (so a more oval-like setting might help address that without going all the way to an oval diamond - particularly when we're not sure how we feel about bow ties). I'm excited to hear that the idea of a oval-like halo is starting to grow on you, though I will admit I'm still not entirely certain how one would look in practice.

I had requested some ASETs from James Allen because I was worried the diamond Niel had suggested would be snatched up by someone else reading the thread. James Allen replied and suggested a few alternates on top of the other ovals I had previously requested (and I fully admit I requested them without much experience with what makes a good oval). If anyone gets a chance, could someone help me figure out which of these three looks good? Thank you very much in advance .

The original one Niel suggested:
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.02-carat-g-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-373919

Two additional ones I picked out (though I was feeling pressed for time, and hadn't thought to consider their aspect ratio and instead was mainly looking at their depth/table and for a less-pronounced bow tie).
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/0.91-carat-f-color-si1-clarity-sku-324357
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.07-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-sku-374247

Three others "highly recommended" by the helpful person at James Allen
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.02-carat-f-color-si1-clarity-sku-425015
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.09-carat-g-color-si2-clarity-sku-289692
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.03-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-350353

 

[Niel]

heres one...
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.00-carat-e-color-vs1-clarity-sku-295879

and maybe this?

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/0.91-carat-d-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-381867


I will admit, i pefer the chubbier ovals, ans you can probably tell by my selections. Notie how the .91 isnt that much smaller than the E, and is a bit less chubby.


I wasnt wowed by the options they showed you.


did you see they have a sale on settings??

 

[arkieb1]

Are the two you selected eye clean? I'd eliminate the 1.07 you picked because of the surface reaching inclusion/feather I can see at the 12.00 position (look carefully at the top of it). And the 0.91 has a big inclusion that probably is going to be visible 6.00 position right on the table, the 1.09 JA have picked is probably going to be lacking in the fire department because for my taste it's too shallow.

I'm like Niel I prefer them cubby it might be worth emailing/calling GOG and see what they could call in for you (you might have to pay a fee for this). Here are two stunning examples (one longer, one cubby) which do you prefer;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYs0uIK8bSo&list=UUEV7slr-i-VduBBnfv9MxhA

The first one Niel picked is still the best one so far. I think a lot of places have had their inventories cleaned out for Christmas, so it might be worthwhile seeing what else they can get in for you.

 

[msop04]

Of the ovals listed, I really like these...
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.07-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-sku-374247
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.02-carat-g-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-373919

If you're still interest in the round in an oval halo, it can definitely be done.