2 Carat Showdown: Opulence Oval vs AVC vs AVR - With Pictures!

[prbaglady]

I have been working with Jonathan at August Vintage Inc. to replace my lost engagement ring (thank god for insurance!). I had originally contacted him because I wanted to look at his Opulence Ovals, but I was also curious about his vintage cuts. Back before my husband and I got engaged (10 years ago!) I had fallen in love with an antique ring and always had those at the back of my mind.

I told him that I was looking for a diamond in the 2ct range, around I color, and he happened to have an AVC, an Opulence Oval, and an AVR in stock around that size and I arranged to see them in person. The Oval was an F color and out of my price range, but there is an I color coming soon with similar dimensions.

When I saw them in person, I instantly narrowed it down to the cushion and the oval. I discarded the AVR quickly because in order to find one in my price range, I would need to go down significantly in color. BUT, it was gorgeous too!!! I have the cushion on hold for a very short period of time (the actual oval I would purchase is not here yet). I would love your opinion on these stones! Here are the specs:

Cushion
2.3 J/VS2
7.60 - 8.01 x 5.15mm

Oval
2.04 F/SI1 (My oval would be 2.01 I/SI1--similar l/w ratio and dimensions)
6.52 - 9.25 x 5.12

The Oval was just stunning- I have been looking at ovals for a while now and these are really in a league of their own. the the way that it reflects light is even throughout and there are no dead areas. It reminds me of a round brilliant and there is really no compromise here in therms of cut. The fact that this was an F color helped as well, and it was just SO SHINY! The is NO BOW TIE whatsoever, and I also noticed that the color doesn't pool around the top and bottom edges like in most other ovals. The only caveat I would give for these ovals is that in order to give maximum light return their are cut deeper than most other ovals (this one was 78% in depth), so they don't face up as large as other ovals. The cushion surface area was about 11% larger than the oval, and what I saw them in person, the cushion did seem larger and I wished that the oval was a bit bigger--but in pictures you can't tell as easily for some reason--the oval appears larger in photos than it does in real life! The Oval would leave me a healthy budget for a setting, and I was thinking of having CVB make something similar to her Acacia setting, or going for a three stone style with half moons or crescents, or maybe something with french cuts.

I was instantly drawn to the cushion. The way that it reflected the colors around it-- it was just very special! The color didn't bother me when looking at the ring on its own, though there was an obvious difference when you placed it next to the oval. It does face up very white. I loved the almost square proportions and the dimensions of the cushion. It seemed to sit well on my finger. I would set this in an antique style setting and I would LOVE something by CVB, but this diamond is near the top of my price range and wouldn't leave me a budget for a CVB setting. Jon would work with me to custom make something not too complicated but still vintage inspired-- likely similar to this singletone setting but with a different basket:
https://www.greenwichjewelers.com/single-stone-amanda-diamond-ring.html

I walked away after meeting Jon thinking that the cushion would be the winner (which was surprising since I went in looking for an oval), but after looking at the photos, I am not so sure. The oval looks so amazing in the photos!! I really don't know what to do. How do people make these decisions!?!? I would love any advice on what you think looks best on my finger and also how to go about this process! This is not the oval that I would purchase, which makes the decision that much harder since I can't compare the actual oval to the cushion.

OK on to my crappy cell phone photos!!

Here we have all three diamonds.



When I upload photos, the quality goes down significantly-- not sure why they look so fuzzy. I will try to attach more photos in a separate post to see if that helps...

 

[prbaglady]

OK here we have more photos. Please ignore the state of my hands!!

Close ups:




side view of cushion:

the two together- they did not look this grey in real life!


I tried them in a rose gold pave setting:





and in a setting with side stones (but these sorts of side stones were not my favorite)

 

[prbaglady]

And finally, here are photos of the Singletone setting that I liked and might ask John to emulate. Although, I am still thinking of settings and haven't really decided on anything-- again, excuse the horrible state of my hands!

 

[BlingObsession]

Oh wow - what a problem to have, hahha.

I'm equally torn between the two stones - they are both amazing and both very, very different flavour from each other.

However, I have a strong preference for antique jewellery so I'd most likely go with the cushion.

No wrong choice though, to be honest.

Can't wait to see what you settle on.

Oh but now I've just seen the oval in that SS inspired setting - oh my - I can't decide now. I'm totally of no use whatsoever to you. Sorry!

 

[ac117]

Oh wow this is such an amazing problem to have!!! Lol! They are all stunning and I think I have the most trouble deciding what I like best because it really depends on the setting....in the RG pave setting, I LOVE the AVC. I'm not the biggest fan of the second setting with side stones but I preferred the cushion in there, too, over the oval. Then you showed the SS setting and BAM I LOVED the oval in that one!

For what it's worth, although I really like AVCs and would probably choose that for myself, I think the oval looks really great on your hand since you have long, pretty, slender fingers and the oval seems to really accentuate that! Can't wait to see what you decide!

 

[marymm]

Absolutely adore the Opulence Ovals ... really would like one for myself ... and while I like AVCs and their symmetry, they're not a particular favorite and J color in general and the J-AVC in these photos specifically is not something I'd seek out ... so that's my bias and personal preference; clearly for me, I'd choose the Oval all the way, no contest. (And I think settings-wise you can go vintage or modern with the Oval.)

 

[Starfacet]

Love both, but on your hand I like the oval!!!

 

[arkieb1]

I prefer the shape of the cushion to the other two stones and like the cushion best on your hand too. I really like the cut of the ovals but this particular one isn't fat enough for my own personal taste. Every member will pick a different stone because the 3 you have selected are all well cut - diamonds are a personal decision go for the one that YOU can't live without.

 

[missy]

All gorgeous and all well cut. I cannot choose so my vote is all of them! Cmon maybe you can work a deal out with Jon...

 

[acv123]

Both amazing! Especially in those first pics they look like computer renderings, thats how sparkly they are! I would go AVC though especially with that Single Stone setting you like.

 

[tyty333]

Such a tough decision...here is my take on it. What do you prefer to see...lots of little facets or bigger flashes? They are both beautiful (and you cant go
wrong either way). The Oval is smaller flashes (more) and the AVC is bigger flashes (and less).

I have voted above so I wont disclose my choice...I want you to get what you like to look at the most!

 

[SimoneDi]

OP, I am sorry to hear about your lost ring however, it is so awesome that you are now choosing from two amazing diamonds. Based on your pictures, I much prefer the AVC! It is such a gorgeous stone, it looks lovely on your hand and it is very white facing in my opinion. It will be stunning in a Single Stone setting or any other setting for that matter the oval is nice too, but it just doesn’t wow me like the AVC does.

 

[LLJsmom]

Go with your HEART. Don’t let the photos fool or distract you. You are looking at YOUR FINGER every day. YOU and no one else so be brutally honest with yourself. Which do YOU like more? Which one makes your heart go pitter patter? I have tried on the SS setting and it is utterly simple, elegant and charming, and would be perfect with an AVC. Clinically both stones are beautiful. But my opinion doesn’t matter, at least not when you have two such beautiful stones to chose from.

 

[soxfan]

AVC for sure

 

[Tourmaline]

I hesitate to answer because I am not a fan of the opulence ovals at all, but I sure do love both of the vintage style August Vintage cuts. AVR, AVC - can’t go wrong. So, since you’ve already nixed the AVR, my vote is the AVC.

 

[foxinsox]

I voted AVC cos I love squared-off stones and chunky flashes and the AVC delivers that in spades.
What does your heart tell you you love most tho? That’s the important part not what we think. What a fun choice to have tho!

 

[prbaglady]

I appreciate all of these responses- thank you so much for taking the time to read and answer the poll!!!!
@BlingObsession - I too really love antique settings and definitely want to go that direction, but I think that the oval could work in an antique setting too!

@ac117 Yes- I was surprised by how much the settings affected the look of the diamonds. I didn't like the three stone setting at all and it made the diamonds look a bit dull. It makes me ever more conscious of the importance of the setting!

@marymm I was worried about the J color as well, but when looking at the cushion on its own, the color didn't bother me at all. Seeing it next to the F colored oval though--- the difference was stark. I want to note that my oval would be an I color (I can't afford the F, but I hope someone on Pricescope snatches it up, since it is just so bright and gorgeous!)-- so in a sense, the two final stones will be more closely matched in color, though I have a feeling that the opulence oval might mask color better since the facets aren't as chunky.

What kinds of settings/metal do people recommend to flatter lower color diamonds? Do certain settings make them look yellower?

@tyty333 Well... In person, I really loved looking at the chunky flashes and was instantly attracted to the cushion, but there is no denying that the oval looked brighter overall. I'm not sure if that's a factor of the color difference or if it's the cut. On my hand, my eye kept gravitating towards the cushion but I worry that I might tire of it or miss the shininess of the oval...

@LLJsmom -- that's what attracted me to the singlestone setting, it was simple and elegant, but it still had some interest on the sides and had a vintage feel. I wish i could get it directly from singlestone, but their settings are SO $$$$, plus there are a few things I would change (mainly the look of the basket). I am hoping that this setting is simple enough to emulate, with some modifications.

@missy, @SimoneDi, @acv123, @soxfan and everyone else Thank you for chiming in-- it looks like the AVC is currently the frontrunner though I am still undecided!!!

Also, the oval seems to look bigger in the photos even though it's technically smaller-- or am I crazy?

 

[BlingDreams]

I'm torn. I love the way the AVC looks on your hand, but you also have the fingers to pull off an oval (longer/skinnier) which most people can't do and it looks equally great on you. *My choice for myself would be the AVC since I love big, broad flashes of light but for you I actually think I'd get the oval since it's more uncommon (and I like things that aren't common).

Either way, it's going to be an amazing ring!!!

 

[Alexiszoe]

I second @LLJsmom - don't let the photos distract you and let your heart do the talking!

I had a situation similar to yours - before walking in to the store to view the diamonds I had already seen photos and videos of a pear and a cushion I was considering. Based on these I was set on the pear. Once in the store and seeing it side by side in person, I realized the cushion didn't photograph well but it was a stunner. The pear was pretty but I fell in love with the cushion - so cushion it is.

Is it possible for you to see the diamonds again in person if you are still unsure? That might help!

Also, I forgot to add that photos and videos are only monoscopic view while our eyes see things in real life in stereoscopic view so what you saw in store is a better representation of how it really looks like to you.

 

[acaw2015]

The AVC, no question! Bur it certainly come down to personal preference...

 

[JDDN]

I will be NO help at all because I think both are absolutely smashing!!! Honestly.

They're really very different flavors, so take a bit to think on which ones makes you feel happiest when you look at it on your hand. I think the oval would look beautiful in an antique setting. It would look AMAZING in the Acacia. In fact Caysie has an east-west oval sapphire Acacia on her IG. It's stunning. I am biased too because my AVC is currently being set in her Acacia .

I'm in the camp who thinks a warm colored stone can be set in any metal. My old AVC which is a K was in both a platinum setting and a rose gold setting. It didn't look 'warmer' in either one to me, but looked lovely in both. The platinum to me, made the stone appear 'whiter' although the warmth of the K came out in certain lighting/environments. Sometimes it was a lovely creamy shade and other times it was white.

You can't go wrong with either, so think about the setting you'd LOVE to have and what stone makes you smile every time you look at it!

 

[OoohShiny]

I don't think I can add anything to the discussion that hasn't already been said, but I think it's wise to go with whichever feels right in your heart/gut - I have bought (non-jewellery) things before that made sense from a logic point of view, and that were liked and recommended by others, but I never really bonded with them.

If something doesn't make your heart sing now, it never will!

 

[prbaglady]

@JDDN the Acacia is probably my favorite setting!!! I would most definitely consider it for the oval, but it would be outside the budget for the cushion, since it's more expensive. I can't wait to see your AVC set in the Acacia though!!!!! what metal are you choosing for the AVC? I saw the east-west oval, and I loved it, though that oval is much wider proportionally than the Opulence Oval-- and I wonder how the Acacia would look with a skinny stone.

@OoohShiny I am by nature a very analytical person-- I need to do research, look at all the data, and weigh all of my options before I can make a decision. I am so bad at going by gut decisions!!!

 

[OoohShiny]

@OoohShiny I am by nature a very analytical person-- I need to do research, look at all the data, and weigh all of my options before I can make a decision. I am so bad at going by gut decisions!!!

Honestly - so am I! It took about 6 months to choose a TV lol. It drives my other half mad!!

It took me a lonnng time to decide on both her engagement ring and then my wedding ring. I put together massive spreadsheets of all the options, with pictures and links, and looked at as much as I could.

However, in the end, it came down to 'just knowing' which was right, and I'm pleased to say that my gut was not wrong

I've experienced similar in other walks of life - your hard-wired dinosaur brain elements tell you things you have to listen to, the logic side of things is only a much more recent development in homo sapiens' development!

 

[JDDN]

Were you thinking of setting your oval east-west too? Or north-south? If you set it north-south then of course you'd have a ton of real estate on the sides where the shoulders meet the stone. If you wanted it east-west then yes I think it would depend on how much 'length' you have for those Acacia shoulders. Either way, Caysie would make it fit for your stone . I think it would look aaahhhhmazing with a north-south oval though!!! My Acacia is platinum with a yellow gold shank .

 

[elle_71125]

I'm an AVC lover but I will admit these are both gorgeous options. I can see why you're having such a difficult time choosing. Plus, the oval looks awesome on your long fingers.

Are you able to go back and try them both on, once the other oval comes in? I think it's easier to choose in person.

 

[flyingpig]

I would go with AVC.
The oval is beautiful. It is a great effort by Jon. It is significantly better than most other ovals available. But I feel the cut can be fine tuned furthermore. I feel the most effort has been spent on reducing bow tie effect and improving overall light return, and it was very successful. But I think a better oval cut with more uniform and symmetrical optics and light reflections is coming from AV INC and Jon.
AVC is already perfected and a master piece.

 

[gm89uk]

The oval is beautiful but I feel the cushion has significantly more presence

 

[Matthews1127]

Both are amazing diamonds. Both look good on you, but I LOVE the Oval on your hand, more. It really compliments your fingers...the shape is perfect for you!
Good luck making a decision!! All of Jon’s “rocks” are awesome!!

 

[GearGirly]

Wow that’s hard they are both beautiful! I think I would lean towards the cushion but then the oval is just really stunning. I also love that setting .