Deciding on Engagement Ring

[maria121]

Hi Everyone,

My boyfriend and I have been searching for an engagement ring for the past few months now and we've narrowed it down to this setting, but can't decide between an emerald or oval cut. Both of beautiful in it's own way. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

 

[MonkeysInk]

It's a gorgeous setting, and I love the way the rounds sparkle around the step-cut emerald. The oval is beautiful, too, and has such a different look than the emerald. Have you had a chance to try both of them on?

 

[maria121]

I have not gotten the chance to try them on. Unfortunately, they only have a cushion cut on display. I did try the cushion and it was beautiful, but I wanted something that was a bit unique. If I do purchase either one, I would have to use a little of my imagination on how it will look on my finger.

 

[rennipenni]

I was trying to make the very same decision! Emerald cut vs oval cut in a halo. I ultimately decided on the oval because I was just wowed by the sparkle factor of the brilliant cut of the oval. The emerald cut just didn't compare in my opinion. I think it really helps to try them on and see stones in person. Good luck and great choices!!

RP

 

[maria121]

RenniPenni: Your ring is so lovely. Both my boyfriend and I have the same thoughts as you. The emerald is beautiful, but the oval just sparkles. Btw, I was reading some of the posts and when I wanted to know what is the "bowtie" in certain diamonds and how to spot it when I take a look at the diamonds. Do all ovals have that and what conditions (such as lighting and environment) should I be inspecting the diamonds before purchase? Thanks so much for your feedback!

 

[rennipenni]

It's difficult to find an oval without a bowtie because its an inherent effect of the cut. The picture that you posted demonstrates an oval with a bowtie--it's the dark area spanning the center of the diamond. I saw many ovals and almost all had bowties. When I saw my oval, I really thought the bowtie was minimal, if there was any at all. This is still the case in most lighting. As I wear it more, however, there are times when I do notice a bowtie, especially in darker lighting. The sparkle factor tends to outweigh this effect in my opinion.

When I was shopping, I looked at stones in the store, and took them outside both in cloudy and sunny weather. I finally decided on a stone when it took my breath away. When I saw it, I knew it. I recommend you go with your gut reaction when shopping for fancy cuts; don't get too wrapped up in the numbers.

Best of luck!

 

[Gypsy]

I would go and try on both ovals and emeralds on the hand and in person. They have very different "personalities." You will likely find you prefer one over the other without any real thought. Most people prefer one pretty strongly over the other.

 

[tapio]

Hi Maria 121,

Tapio here. I haven't made a post in sometime and saw your question. I am a male - so you might take that into consideration. I personally think the emerald cut is a lot more classy and timeless. The oval picture didn't really come out that clearly, but maybe I need to put on my spectacles. From what I saw the oval "looked" more like a cluster. I know my wife made it very clear to me she would not have a cluster - but then she had to wait 14 years for a good 3 stone ring. To me you want to see the centre stone loud and clear - the rest are accents. Either way it come down to what you are happiest with - what resonates and sings with your soul. Only you can answer that. You have a very positive and fortunate choice to make.
Tapio

 

[lknvrb4]

I also like the look of the emerald better, it looks classy.

 

[tyty333]

I'm an oval fan but its really up to you whether you prefer set cuts with bolder flashes or brilliant cuts with smaller
sparkles. You really do need to make a trip somewhere that has both and figure out what you like better.

Its difficult to find good ones of either of these stones so...I dont think that will help.

Here is a little bit of eye-candy but you really need to try some on for yourself.

http://www.markbroumand.com/diamond-rings-emerald.aspx
http://www.markbroumand.com/diamond-rings-oval.aspx

 

[maria121]

Thank you all for your advice. My boyfriend and I made a trip to try on the two different cuts. All of you were right, when you try on the different cuts, there will be one that stands out. Therefore, even though I really liked the oval cut, the emerald stone won me over. It is interesting to see that what you imagine is sometimes different in reality.

 

[tyty333]

You can check James Allen and Whiteflash for emeralds but I think it would be good to work with a vendor like GOG to help
you find a stone. You need a place that can provide pictures and aset images. GOG does videos once you narrow it down
to a few which is very helpful.

 

[maria121]

i have not gotten the chance to look at the diamond yet, but i did get a copy of the GIA report. i was wondering what it means by "Additional pinpoints not shown" under the Comments. Also, it this something to worry about?

 

[yssie]

i have not gotten the chance to look at the diamond yet, but i did get a copy of the GIA report. i was wondering what it means by "Additional pinpoints not shown" under the Comments. Also, it this something to worry about?

No, pinpoints will not pose any sort of visibility or performance issue.. I assume the stone is a VS or SI, so instead of making the clarity plot unreadable the pinpoints are just noted for completion.

 

[maria121]

Yssie: Thank you for your feedback. The stone is an E VVS2. Does that mean that it shouldn't have pinpoints that are not shown since you mentioned that you assume the diamond is a VS or SI? How will I know how many pinpoints are there or if it's all over the diamond? Thanks for your help!

 

[yssie]

Ah, if they are pinpoints worthy of comments and not being plotted in a VVS, they are of zero consequence. Just there for completion, but they won't be visible and they won't affect performance at all.

Don't worry about it



ETA I assumed VS/SI because pinpoints are usually the grade makers in VVS whereas in lower grades they have bigger bogeys to worry about. But that's not to say this VVS is any less "good" a VVS as any other w/out that comment!

 

[maria121]

Yssie: Thanks so much for your explanation. I'm not really familiar with daimonds and I get confused with the characteristics. It's hard to look at the report and see why they classify certain diamonds at certain grades. Nonetheless, you seem to have a good understanding of diamonds so any advice on how to make sure the diamond is good and what it's worth would be great. Thanks again!

 

[yssie]

Glad I can help I don't know much about step cuts though, there are other posters who can surely be of more help there once you have narrowed your selection down to a few.

Clarity is hard to come by in this trade, as a consumer. PS is rather a unique source in that respect!