Need some advice....

[Sr4482]

so I’m purchasing an engagement ring and am looking at oval diamond. I know I am putting a lot of pressure on myself because I want to get the perfect diamond. I’ve found myself trying to assess diamonds by the numbers. I know these numbers play a significant role in the way the diamond looks, but being able to view the diamond itself is critical. I’ve been told many things from different jewelers and sometimes they contradict each other. Then I look online at what’s recommended and I begin to second guess myself. I’ve began to think a little more about brilliance and fire. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Btw, this is the diamond I’ll be taking a look at tomorrow (I’ll add GIA # after I view it). What should I be asking or looking for?

Shape: oval
carat weight: 2.0
color: G
clarity: VS2
cut: Excellent
polish: Excellent
symmetry: Excellent
Fluorescence: None
l/w/d (mm): 9.88*7.11*4.34
l/w ratio: 1.39
depth %: 60.8%
girdle: ???
table %: 60
culet: None
certificate: GIA

 

[rockysalamander]

Unfortunately, in ovals, the numbers are totally meaningless to predict performance. You have to select them visually and, when available, with an ASET image. Good ovals are VERY hard to find. It takes patience and a good eye. If you want to post a budget, we can point you to some options from online vendors. You local jeweler may be able to obtain these, but I think you'll find online a better option. At the least, by spending some time here and looking at our process and recommendations -- you can train your eyes. Please don't buy from your local store until you have some time to learn what to look for...

Then only oval on the market that is actually "ideal" is cut by August Vintage. They have an opulence oval. There selection is presently mixed between lab-grown and natural, but you can see how they are labelled is quite clear.
https://www.augustvintageinc.net/collections/opulence

If you want a brick and morter dealer, Diamonds by Lauren in NYC is very good with non-round diamonds. Their online supply is much less than they have or can obtain.
http://www.diamondsbylauren.com/index.php

 

[rockysalamander]

If you go look...walk the diamond away from the lights by the cases. Ask them to accompany you over to a window or some kind of natural light. If there is none, find a corner without small spotlights. Those lights make glass look good.

1) inclusions - visible black carbon on the table (top), cavities, or knots are all no's; feathers and twining wisps are maybe
2) you should see a nice, lively center where all the facets turn on and off. No grey or mushy area. The tips on the short ends should sparkle on and off. The mush will be where I highlighted in yellow. The longer the oval, the more likely you will have poor performance.


https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/0.71-carat-f-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-6181400

This is a nice oval. https://enchanteddiamonds.com/v/84Z14Z103
This is sad. https://enchanteddiamonds.com/v/203806274

3) H color or above. Ovals show more color than rounds.

 

[Matthews1127]

Unfortunately, in ovals, the numbers are totally meaningless to predict performance. You have to select them visually and, when available, with an ASET image. Good ovals are VERY hard to find. It takes patience and a good eye. If you want to post a budget, we can point you to some options from online vendors. You local jeweler may be able to obtain these, but I think you'll find online a better option. At the least, by spending some time here and looking at our process and recommendations -- you can train your eyes. Please don't buy from your local store until you have some time to learn what to look for...

Then only oval on the market that is actually "ideal" is cut by August Vintage. They have an opulence oval. There selection is presently mixed between lab-grown and natural, but you can see how they are labelled is quite clear.
https://www.augustvintageinc.net/collections/opulence

If you want a brick and morter dealer, Diamonds by Lauren in NYC is very good with non-round diamonds. Their online supply is much less than they have or can obtain.
http://www.diamondsbylauren.com/index.php

^—-This!

 

[sledge]

Great post @rockysalamander. This needs tagged and put in the useful threads location.

 

[tyty333]

This is a nice oval. https://enchanteddiamonds.com/v/84Z14Z103
This is sad. https://enchanteddiamonds.com/v/203806274

@rockysalamander Could you give more detail on why you think the first one is nice and the second one is sad?

 

[Sr4482]

Unfortunately, in ovals, the numbers are totally meaningless to predict performance. You have to select them visually and, when available, with an ASET image. Good ovals are VERY hard to find. It takes patience and a good eye. If you want to post a budget, we can point you to some options from online vendors. You local jeweler may be able to obtain these, but I think you'll find online a better option. At the least, by spending some time here and looking at our process and recommendations -- you can train your eyes. Please don't buy from your local store until you have some time to learn what to look for...

Then only oval on the market that is actually "ideal" is cut by August Vintage. They have an opulence oval. There selection is presently mixed between lab-grown and natural, but you can see how they are labelled is quite clear.
https://www.augustvintageinc.net/collections/opulence

If you want a brick and morter dealer, Diamonds by Lauren in NYC is very good with non-round diamonds. Their online supply is much less than they have or can obtain.
http://www.diamondsbylauren.com/index.php

Thanks Rocky. I want to be somewhere around 20k. Right now the diamond I described up top and setting will be about 21k which I am ok with as long as this thing is a beauty. My jeweler says she’s seen it and it’s top notch with no to very little bow tie. I’ll see it here soon.

 

[Sr4482]

Unfortunately, in ovals, the numbers are totally meaningless to predict performance. You have to select them visually and, when available, with an ASET image. Good ovals are VERY hard to find. It takes patience and a good eye. If you want to post a budget, we can point you to some options from online vendors. You local jeweler may be able to obtain these, but I think you'll find online a better option. At the least, by spending some time here and looking at our process and recommendations -- you can train your eyes. Please don't buy from your local store until you have some time to learn what to look for...

Then only oval on the market that is actually "ideal" is cut by August Vintage. They have an opulence oval. There selection is presently mixed between lab-grown and natural, but you can see how they are labelled is quite clear.
https://www.augustvintageinc.net/collections/opulence

If you want a brick and morter dealer, Diamonds by Lauren in NYC is very good with non-round diamonds. Their online supply is much less than they have or can obtain.
http://www.diamondsbylauren.com/index.php

Also. How do you obtain an ASET. Can any jeweler create or get one?

 

[Sr4482]

Gia # 2195657227

No black whatsoever.

 

[lovedogs]

Gia # 2195657227

No black whatsoever.

Like rocky said, ovals need pictures and videos rather than numbers alone. We can't help much with certificates only.

 

[Sr4482]

Like rocky said, ovals need pictures and videos rather than numbers alone. We can't help much with certificates only.

Absolutely. I’ve seen this one today and it is completely eye clean and the inclusions with loupe are not black or dark.

 

[sledge]

Also. How do you obtain an ASET. Can any jeweler create or get one?

Not all jewelers will have ASET scopes. You will have to ask them. Most don't around here, but maybe you will be luckier.

If not, then you can buy your own for about $50, plus shipping. David Atlas is on this forum, and many people have bought from him. I bought mine directly from AGS several months back when non-members could get them for $25. Now, AGS has upped the price to $50 for non-members.

FWIW, shipping from AGS was about $13. Nice thing about ordering from Atlas is he has additional scopes & accessories available if you want them, so you can save a few bucks on combined shipments.

https://datlas.com/ideal-scope-store/aset-scope/

https://www.americangemsociety.org/page/newhandheldaset

 

[lovedogs]

Absolutely. I’ve seen this one today and it is completely eye clean and the inclusions with loupe are not black or dark.

Good that you saw it, but as rocky said, you need to learn what to look for, and we can't help point out issues without video/aset

 

[Sr4482]

Thanks to everyone who replied. I’ll see what I can do to get some images.

 

[Sr4482]

https://www.yadavjewelry.com/diamond/oval-diamond-2.0-carat-g-vs1-yd3858824

Here it is. Thoughts?

 

[ringo865]

Bumping for oval experts to look at the link. I’ll be following to see what more seasoned oval connoisseurs have to say.