Advice on ovals?

[matchalatte]

Hey guys!
I’m deciding between two ovals at the moment and am in desperate need of advice!
Stone 1:
Cert - https://ibb.co/r323MH8
Video - http://agft01.s3.amazonaws.com/pics/VIDEOS/1549580.html
Stone 2:
Cert - https://ibb.co/n3NLkxw
Video - https://v360.in/movie/59_2613
I like how clean Stone 1 looks, but am concerned that the girdle is hiding unnecessary weight.
Stone 2 feels like it has better weight distribution, but is not as clean.
Or are neither worth pursuing?
Help!

 

[WillyDiamond]

Neither
Others ,will have to chime in.
Neither stone is eye clean.
In other words 2 dogs.

 

[lovedogs]

I don't love either one, but wouldn't call #1 a "dog". What is your budget and preferred size/color? I'm sure others here can suggest alternatives.

 

[WillyDiamond]

Perhaps some with “dog” in name may take offense, lol

 

[matchalatte]

I don't love either one, but wouldn't call #1 a "dog". What is your budget and preferred size/color? I'm sure others here can suggest alternatives.

Thanks for your input.
Budget is around $11k for 1.75-2.00ish, if possible.
Not too fussed on colour as it’s getting set into rose gold, so I-J?
Suggestions are entirely welcome as I’d appreciate anything at this point!

 

[matchalatte]

Neither
Others ,will have to chime in.
Neither stone is eye clean.
In other words 2 dogs.

Haha, thanks for the response.
These were originally suggested to be by a broker who insisted they’d be great options, but I didn’t feel comfortable with the interaction and it seems as if my instincts were correct.

 

[lovedogs]

I think you can definitely do better, but I know nothing about ovals other than to avoid "mush". I tried looking around, but don't see tons of options. I'm not sure you can quite get 2ct for your budget, so that might make the search harder. Hopefully oval experts can chime in!

 

[matchalatte]

I think you can definitely do better, but I know nothing about ovals other than to avoid "mush". I tried looking around, but don't see tons of options. I'm not sure you can quite get 2ct for your budget, so that might make the search harder. Hopefully oval experts can chime in!

It’s definitely a flexible budget if the right stone comes along - I’m having trouble finding ones without too much bow tie, which I absolutely detest.
Ah well, the search continues! Thank you for your efforts.

 

[rockysalamander]

With modern ovals, you need to be careful about lower colors, because you can get color zoning in these cuts. So, usually H or higher unless a very trusted vendor will look them over.

These are the only ideally cut ovals on the market. These are sold by a trusted vendor.

This has an inclusion on the left side of the table, but you can ask Jonathan if it is visible at 6-8". Nice color and clarity.
https://www.augustvintageinc.net/co...cts/1-53ct-g-si1-august-vintage-oval-1823330; 6.13 - 8.35 x 4.65

He also sells lab grown diamonds (exact same chemically as a natural, just grown in a lab not ground). Given the price difference, you can get a bigger stone. But, you must be 100% sure your girl will like a lab-grown stone.
https://www.augustvintageinc.net/co...t-e-si1-laboratory-grown-diamond-lg_10910801; 10.22-7.08
https://www.augustvintageinc.net/co...t-f-si1-laboratory-grown-diamond-lg_10902905; 10.33 - 7.19

I find selecting oval MUCH easier when they sit on their long edge and when ASET has a white background. Video is key. These have potential.

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.71-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-4625666; 8.66*6.54*4.37
https://enchanteddiamonds.com/v/0Z3685487
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/2.01-carat-h-color-si2-clarity-sku-6431890; 9.35*7.14*4.61

A related shape which is lovely are movals. This first one is more antique looking the second a bit more modern. The vendor can send you videos.
https://www.jewelsbygrace.com/1-58ct-antique-moval-cut-diamond-gia-f-vvs2; 9.63 x 6.05 x 4.03mm
https://www.jewelsbygrace.com/1-59ct-marquise-moval-cut-diamond-gia-g-vs1; 9.83 x 6.46 x 4.05 mm

Its slim picking out there. Calling for help from oval lovers @SimoneDi @tyty333 @AV_ @farrahlyn @ac117

 

[ac117]

Slim pickings is right! The video isn't as good on this one but I really like the faceting on this stone, especially through the middle:
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.71-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-sku-2460417 8.74 x 6.63 x 4.43mm

https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamo...l&wire_price_max=12810#diamond=O201-385780237 9.54 x 7.08 x 4.50mm

 

[rockysalamander]

Slim pickings is right! The video isn't as good on this one but I really like the faceting on this stone, especially through the middle:
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.71-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-sku-2460417 8.74 x 6.63 x 4.43mm

https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamo...l&wire_price_max=12810#diamond=O201-385780237 9.54 x 7.08 x 4.50mm

Thanks for jumping in. Would you eliminate the two JA and ED diamonds I posted (no offense will be taken!).

 

[ac117]

Thanks for jumping in. Would you eliminate the two JA and ED diamonds I posted (no offense will be taken!).

There's a a bit too much mush under the table of the 1.7 H VS2 for my liking especially when I zoom out but I like the 2.01 H SI2 you chose bc of the brightness and defined faceting in the center

 

[rockysalamander]

Great! I feel like you either "have" fancy eyes working on a given day or not. Via computer is so much harder than in person!!

So, this is the current list of modern (non-branded) ovals we are recommending for considering and further data (ASET).
https://enchanteddiamonds.com/v/0Z3685487
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/2.01-carat-h-color-si2-clarity-sku-6431890;9.35*7.14*4.61
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.71-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-sku-2460417 8.74 x 6.63 x 4.43mm
https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamo...l&wire_price_max=12810#diamond=O201-385780237 9.54 x 7.08 x 4.50mm

 

[tyty333]

I checked BN...came up with this. Need to look around to see if it's offered cheaper somewhere else. I did run your budget up to $12k since
you said it was flexible.
https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...DiamondDetails&action=newTab&catalogView=true

 

[WillyDiamond]

https://august-vintage-inc.myshopify.com/collections/opulence

Perhaps Jonathans ovals are considered the high end ( no bowtie and no mush), but may be outside your budget.

 

[matchalatte]

Great! I feel like you either "have" fancy eyes working on a given day or not. Via computer is so much harder than in person!!

So, this is the current list of modern (non-branded) ovals we are recommending for considering and further data (ASET).
https://enchanteddiamonds.com/v/0Z3685487
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/2.01-carat-h-color-si2-clarity-sku-6431890;9.35*7.14*4.61
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.71-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-sku-2460417 8.74 x 6.63 x 4.43mm
https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamo...l&wire_price_max=12810#diamond=O201-385780237 9.54 x 7.08 x 4.50mm

Fantastic! Thank you so much to you and @ac117 for coming up with this list. These stones look great!
You asked earlier if lab-grown was okay, and we’re definitely open to it so it does give us a few more options! Thanks again for your advice!

 

[matchalatte]

I checked BN...came up with this. Need to look around to see if it's offered cheaper somewhere else. I did run your budget up to $12k since
you said it was flexible.
https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...DiamondDetails&action=newTab&catalogView=true

Brilliant! I’ll check this out, thank you

 

[matchalatte]

https://august-vintage-inc.myshopify.com/collections/opulence

Perhaps Jonathans ovals are considered the high end ( no bowtie and no mush), but may be outside your budget.

I’m a super noob so I hadn’t even heard of Jonathan before, but his lab-growns look like viable options within the budget. Cheers!

 

[AV_]

Keep in mind that all other synthetics sell for almost nothing at all. Synthetic diamonds are a novelty for jewelry use (not so much for industrial use, where other characteristics are relevant etc.)
These are getting pushed & I am pulling...

 

[AV_]

I am tolerant of modified ovals & do not quite understand why Jonathan @Rhino chose a straight brilliant model for his breed.

Love ASET shots for ovals & would want green & at least some red in the parts with splintery reflections..

There is a recent thread showing an oval selected by Jonathan via his concierge service - if the videos are still up, they are a great crash course to diamond cut taste! Better than I could ever do it.

 

[kgizo]

Will BE do an ASET for you? I’m having a tough time interpreting the video because it looks like a black camera is reflecting on the upper facets. Agree that it doesn’t appear to have a bow tie.