3 carat oval opinion/advice NEEDED :)

[Mechealle]

I've been in the market for a 3-carat oval and had yet another meeting with a referred jeweler however wanted to get some input.

• size: 3.04
• color: I
• clarity: VS2
• dimensions: 12.91 x 7.99 x 4.62
• ticket price: $31,300

I originally was set on a LTW ratio of 1.35-1.45 however this stone is 1.61 but the large dimensions made the stone look much bigger... which I like, so am highly considering. My question is if there is anything in the photos or on the GIA cert that pops out as a potential issue/concern? Price reasonable?

The one I am comparing it to (option A in the photos) is not under consideration as I noticed much more yellow in the stone in addition to inclusions seen by the naked eye.

Appreciate all the help!!!

 

[flyingpig]

Very lovely 6 main elongated oval.

 

[Ionysis]

Personally I don’t like the L:W ratio at all. Much prefer a fatter oval. But that’s simply personal preference. Apart from that I don’t like the bow tie effect in that stone. For that price I’d want something more pleasing to the eye not just good on paper.

 

[maryjane04]

Personally I don’t like the L:W ratio at all. Much prefer a fatter oval. But that’s simply personal preference. Apart from that I don’t like the bow tie effect in that stone. For that price I’d want something more pleasing to the eye not just good on paper.

I agree! I am no oval expert but it doesn't look as brilliant as the fatter oval in these pictures.

 

[Big Fat Facets]

please do bear in mind that the i color designation is fairly wide. the lower the color designation the wider the range.

from the images stone A is likely to be considered a low i color whereas stone b might be considered a higher i color.

i quite like the stone you've selected. a nice elongated classic oval with crisp faceting.

was the camera used to capture the last image of the stone, dark in color??

 

[Mechealle]

Personally I don’t like the L:W ratio at all. Much prefer a fatter oval. But that’s simply personal preference. Apart from that I don’t like the bow tie effect in that stone. For that price I’d want something more pleasing to the eye not just good on paper.

Thank you, I appreciate your advice as this is all so foreign to me! I really wanted a more football-like oval but these dimensions are having me rethink due to it looking much bigger than all the other 3 carats. Regarding the bowtie... is this inevitable in all ovals? I swear I see them in every single oval, even in the "best" cuts. Safe to assume seeing a bowtie is the #1 cringe-worthy feature in an oval? SO much to think about... exhasuting,

 

[Mechealle]

please do bear in mind that the i color designation is fairly wide. the lower the color designation the wider the range.

from the images stone A is likely to be considered a low i color whereas stone b might be considered a higher i color.

i quite like the stone you've selected. a nice elongated classic oval with crisp faceting.

was the camera used to capture the last image of the stone, dark in color??

Thank you for the insight on the color scale, this is all so new to me and BEYOND overwhelming... I thought the 4 C's were the only things to consider, boy was I wrong!! As for the camera question, do you mean like was it dark outside when I took the last photo? Thx!!

 

[Big Fat Facets]

the darkening across the belly of the stone ... im trying to determine if it is a reflection of a black phone camera ...

 

[Mechealle]

Oh got it, sorry! Sadly, no... light pink phone case Clearly this is a “bad” bow tie in some of the photos/angles correct? Urgh... I notice bow ties in every oval stone and I’m learning it’s inevitable but some are just must worst than others? Added another pic.

 

[Big Fat Facets]

i really dont think the darkening in the belly is that "bad" ... iv seen much worse

thanks for the additional images, i think it is a beautiful oval. love the elongated shape. love the crisp faceting.

but what is most important is what you love

 

[lydial]

Hi, I am not an oval collector. I am just commenting that Blue Nile has a few 3 carat ovals that look nice to me (less bow tie) with better clarity for a similar price tag.... you may want to expand your search. These 2 have very different table %s And are a touch rounder than your A choice. I prefer a rounder oval. Maybe an oval expert will chime in? https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD10951791?refTab=DIAMONDS&track=viewDiamondDetails https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD13559219?refTab=DIAMONDS&track=viewDiamondDetails

 

[tyty333]

Unfortunately, cameras catch the worst when it comes to the darkness through the center of an oval/pear/marquise.

Are you picking this stone for yourself or giving it as a gift? Just wondering what the return policy is if you buy it and decide you're
not happy with it?

Edit...how do you feel about the center in person? Will you be "good" with it in the long term?

 

[ecf8503]

Have you looked at Elyque ovals at Distinctive Gems?

 

[KKJohnson]

elongated stones are my favorite (especially ovals), I think the Si2 is out due to inclusions and color. The inclusions are what I would be most bothered by, the elongated ovals bow tie is not significant (typical but not terrible). I think it’s a nice option, but if you are not happen ask them to source one more oval for you

You are the customer and don’t have to settle, if neither stone makes your heart sing then keep looking. The jeweler has presented nice choices so I think it’s fine continuing to use their services

 

[AllAboardTheBlingTrain]

I like the stone B out of A & B, especially since my personal preference is for spreadier, elongated stones. I do remember reading somewhere that elongated stones tend to have “worse” bow ties than rounder, fatter stones, but that’s a function of the cut (I guess that’s the trade off for the visual size?). It also doesn’t look like a super terrible bow tie to me, but I’m no expert! I agree with the others that it’s a typical bow tie. Did you like the stone in person? If you’re happy with it then that’s great, if it bothers you I would keep looking since you don’t want to commit that much money for something that doesn’t make you perfectly happy!

 

[Mechealle]

@tyty333 this is the stone I am currently considering however concerned with the bowtie. This has been the only stone I have considered moving forward with however am willing to be patient if this one doesn't end up being "the one". The dimensions are a plus for sure for me even though it's a little elongated than I originally thought I wanted, I'd be willing to compromise that for its dimesons. It is for myself and unfortunately, I'm working with a jeweler (referred by a good friend) and wouldn't be able to take it home for a few days. For reference, this is what I plan for the setting/band to be.

 

[Mechealle]

I like the stone B out of A & B, especially since my personal preference is for spreadier, elongated stones. I do remember reading somewhere that elongated stones tend to have “worse” bow ties than rounder, fatter stones, but that’s a function of the cut (I guess that’s the trade off for the visual size?). It also doesn’t look like a super terrible bow tie to me, but I’m no expert! I agree with the others that it’s a typical bow tie. Did you like the stone in person? If you’re happy with it then that’s great, if it bothers you I would keep looking since you don’t want to commit that much money for something that doesn’t make you perfectly happy!

Thank you for this! I did like the stone in person... the only stone I've actually highly considered. The dimensions are a big + for me, I just want to be sure that I am not missing something or if that bow tie is just "bad" but like I mentioned before, I see them in every stone I have yet to see in person.

 

[Mechealle]

Have you looked at Elyque ovals at Distinctive Gems?

I have not, will 100% do so though. Thanks for recommending.

 

[mewing]

Buying a diamond of this size and price should be an enjoyable process! Do not ever hurry yourself into making a purchase. Take in the moment and enjoy every second of it.

I think the bowtie is very distracting. I've seen Alex from parkfinegroupinc post pictures of extremely well cut ovals without the bowtie.

When I was shopping for my 2 carat green diamond, I made the mistake of purchasing too quickly. Now I kindda regret the greyish in the GIA cert even though the diamond itself is lovely and I got it at a real bargain - thanks to COVID-19.

 

[LIGemzGal]

Diamond B definitely looks much better than A in terms of color. Im no expert but just visually the difference is noticeable. I do like the size of A but I can also appreciate a longer, thinner oval as well. I think that's what makes a classic oval an oval IMO. I do think the l/w of B is a bit on the higher side. I love the way oval shaped stones slenderize the fingers, if you willl. Ive also read that thinner ovals look better when there are side stones, so not sure if that's an option if you're leaning towards stone B. But ultimately you have to go with what you love..