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Future fiance wants to go fancy! Oval on a $7-8K budget?

DiamondDense

Shiny_Rock
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hey all, so i recently took my girlfriend ring shopping and she gravitated directly towards the oval stones. specifically, she loves an oval stone, quite white but not necessarily colorless (maybe G-H at "worst") and set into a relatively thin (~1.7-2mm?) pave setting.

my concerns are, after doing my research, good ovals seem to be a bit harder to come by - at least in terms of ensuring you get what you want. that said, i plan on harnessing all my available resources in order to make sure this is a beautiful ring!

what i've learned so far is:

steer clear of dark bowties

ovals show color more readily than other stones such as round

length to width ratio for Ovals is between 1.33 to 1.66

some of the better vendors include Good Old Gold, JA, B2C and WF. additionally, as far as brick & mortar help is concerned, Yekutiel seems to be well-thought-of here

so i guess i am looking for a few pieces of advice to get my started in the right direction:

1. is there a singular, "best" vendor for ovals OR is there a vendor i should at least investigate first?

2. does my budget allow for a decent sized stone? the girlfriend has long, slender fingers at approximately a size 6.

3. are there any strict guidelines surrounding the 3 C's like there are with other shapes?

4. any specific settings guidelines to go along with an oval stone? again, she really likes the delicate look of a thin pave.
 

tyty333

Super_Ideal_Rock
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Is the $7-8k for the stone only or stone and setting?


Edit - thin pave can be problematic in that it can be easily damaged (goes out of round). I suggest you try to stay at 2mm at least.
 

DiamondDense

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tyty333|1478002189|4092599 said:
Is the $7-8k for the stone only or stone and setting?


Edit - thin pave can be problematic in that it can be easily damaged (goes out of round). I suggest you try to stay at 2mm at least.
i'd like to get the entire ring for within or below my budget - if possible.

and thank you re: thin pave advice. i will most likely bump up into the 2mm range as i do not want the ring to be super fragile.
 

tyty333

Super_Ideal_Rock
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1. is there a singular, "best" vendor for ovals OR is there a vendor i should at least investigate first?
I prefer to start with James Allen because they videos of the stones and you can see how they react to light
as they move. Enchanted Diamonds is where I usually head after JA.


2. does my budget allow for a decent sized stone? the girlfriend has long, slender fingers at approximately a size 6.
Decent size is relative. What do you consider decent size?


3. are there any strict guidelines surrounding the 3 C's like there are with other shapes?
I usually try to recommend H or higher color...I think you've already got that covered. I will drop down to an "I" sometimes if it is a
beautiful stone and the buyer is trying to gain size and/or setting is yellow gold/rose gold...depends.


4. any specific settings guidelines to go along with an oval stone? again, she really likes the delicate look of a thin pave.
Like I said, dont go too delicate because you want it to last.

Here are a few to start with...need to make sure SI1s are eye-clean, one has a slight bow-tie, one has a feather on the edge that
could be a problem. I'll try to go through in a minute and give you like my top 4 or 5 in order since I listed so many.
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/?CaratFrom=1&CaratTo=1.02&Color=H,G,F,E,D&Clarity=SI1,VS2,VS1,VVS2,VVS1,IF,FL&PriceFrom=200&PriceTo=6570&Sort=Carat%20desc,%20DefaultOrder&ViewsOptions=List&TabSelected=3&DiamondID=2171604,1006171,588356,2151286,1123840,2201496,2139273,606287,749052,374247

Possible settings
https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/14k-white-gold-petite-pave-cathedral-engagement-ring-item-49519 this one is
thin but the height of the band is thick which would make it more durable.
Other options but they are thin
https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/14k-white-gold-thin-french-cut-pave-set-diamond-engagement-ring-item-7092
to thin IMO
https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/14k-white-gold-petite-pave-engagement-ring-flush-fit-item-56252 another very
thin setting
I'd rather you go thicker like these. You'd have to send your stone to BGD. These settings are stronger and better made.
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/pave-and-side-stones/fishtail-pave-with-truth-head-18k-white-gold-5360w18
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/pave-and-side-stones/six-prong-regal-truth-18k-white-gold-5401w18
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/pave-and-side-stones/4-prong-sleek-micro-pave-18k-white-gold-5472w18
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/pave-and-side-stones/truth-micro-pave-eternity-18k-white-gold-5473w18
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/pave-and-side-stones/dream-half-eternity-truth-head-18k-white-gold-5498w18
 

tyty333

Super_Ideal_Rock
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I put these in my top 4 due to cut and size...they are in no particular order but depending on what you are looking for all
of the ones in the list above have merit. Get some options on which ones others like...is this the size you were expecting?

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.02-carat-e-color-vs2-clarity-sku-1123840
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.01-carat-d-color-vs2-clarity-sku-606287
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.05-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-1006171
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.01-carat-d-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-749052
 

DiamondDense

Shiny_Rock
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tyty333|1478017367|4092676 said:

i think those are slightly smaller than what i was expecting for the money, but again, i am a complete amateur.

thank you for posting these. i am continuing research and this is a great start.

hoping some others can come weigh-in too!
 

Sunfish

Shiny_Rock
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Messages
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I know you said you want something whiteish but if you are wanting a larger diamond might you consider an end of the alphabet color (fancy light yellow without the fancy price) which would hugely help your budget to accommodate a larger diamond? If so, this oval is a favorite of mine that I have been drooling over and it is way under budget. It would allow for a gorgeous delicate pave halo which I think would contrast beautifully with diamond and help the color pop. But she would need to like the look of a yellow stone.

http://www.diamondsbylauren.com/index.php/jewelry/loose-yellow-diamond-160ct-u-v-vs1-oval-shape-diamond-gia-r7061

edit to say that tyty333 is a real pro so while I know you are disappointed with the size for your budget and hoping others will find more options, with ovals you can't just throw a dart with number specs and have a good idea of what the diamond will look like or how it will perform like you usually can with modern rounds. She has found you some really gorgeous options. If you were to change your requirements (which I am not suggesting, unless you and your intended were comfortable with) we might find other options. But sticking to a budget is important :twirl:
 

DiamondDense

Shiny_Rock
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Messages
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Sunfish|1478180234|4093216 said:
I know you said you want something whiteish but if you are wanting a larger diamond might you consider an end of the alphabet color (fancy light yellow without the fancy price) which would hugely help your budget to accommodate a larger diamond? If so, this oval is a favorite of mine that I have been drooling over and it is way under budget. It would allow for a gorgeous delicate pave halo which I think would contrast beautifully with diamond and help the color pop. But she would need to like the look of a yellow stone.

http://www.diamondsbylauren.com/index.php/jewelry/loose-yellow-diamond-160ct-u-v-vs1-oval-shape-diamond-gia-r7061

edit to say that tyty333 is a real pro so while I know you are disappointed with the size for your budget and hoping others will find more options, with ovals you can't just throw a dart with number specs and have a good idea of what the diamond will look like or how it will perform like you usually can with modern rounds. She has found you some really gorgeous options. If you were to change your requirements (which I am not suggesting, unless you and your intended were comfortable with) we might find other options. But sticking to a budget is important :twirl:

thanks - yes she does want to trend more towards white than color (yellow).

just quickly browsed ID Jewelry. what jumps out at you as being wrong with this stone? it's 1.31 so the size is a bit better...but maybe there are other glaring issues?

http://idjewelry.com/oval-bd13376.html

does Yekutiel know Ovals as well as he does others?
 

Sunfish

Shiny_Rock
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Messages
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A few things jump out. First, that is a sample image, not an image of the actual diamond. So you need to ask Yekutiel for an image (it is likely virtual inventory but he can call it in for evaluation) When I look at the mapping on the GIA cert I have serious doubts it is eye clean. See this huge cloud of crystals? You'd need to see an actual image to know for sure. Yekutiel knows what a good oval looks like, yes, but he also has tools like ASET to help you evaluate performance etc. I'm going to wager that this one is not eye clean among other things like bow tie which you can't know without seeing it.

untitled_5.jpg
 

tyty333

Super_Ideal_Rock
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I guess I should have mentioned (as a strict guideline) is that you cant buy fancy cut stones (ovals as well as others) by the numbers.
That oval you posted only has a sample picture so we have no idea what the faceting pattern looks like (could have a strong bow-tie)
or how well it is returning light. If you could request pictures that would help but you are shooting into the dark so ???

I checked Enchanted diamonds and these might have possibility...didnt see anything that made me think "this is the one".

This one is 8.5 in length 1.26 carat
https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/search?carat_min=1.18&clarity=SI1,VS2,VS1,VVS2,VVS1,IF,FL,SI2&color=I,H,G,F,E,D&grading_lab=AGS,GIA&heirloom=true&shape=Oval&wire_price_max=7120#diamond=O126-5Z6Z014Z7
 

DiamondDense

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tyty333|1478185265|4093248 said:
I guess I should have mentioned (as a strict guideline) is that you cant buy fancy cut stones (ovals as well as others) by the numbers.
That oval you posted only has a sample picture so we have no idea what the faceting pattern looks like (could have a strong bow-tie)
or how well it is returning light. If you could request pictures that would help but you are shooting into the dark so ???

I checked Enchanted diamonds and these might have possibility...didnt see anything that made me think "this is the one".

This one is 8.5 in length 1.26 carat
https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/search?carat_min=1.18&clarity=SI1,VS2,VS1,VVS2,VVS1,IF,FL,SI2&color=I,H,G,F,E,D&grading_lab=AGS,GIA&heirloom=true&shape=Oval&wire_price_max=7120#diamond=O126-5Z6Z014Z7

again, thank you and Sunfish both!

i have a couple of weeks "deadline" before i need to buy, but i'd like to grab something before Christmas. so it's not needed NOW - but soon.
 

DiamondDense

Shiny_Rock
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tyty333|1478187437|4093261 said:
now THESE are awesome. thank you so, so much. i'll keep an eye out on that Unavailable one.

does that typically mean sold...or? any reason to shoot them an email to inquire?

i don't mind those simple solitaire's but i know she *really* wants pave. i am thinking a platinum, 2MM?
 

DiamondDense

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Sunfish

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An inclusion. You'd have to ask them if it is eye clean and at what distance. Or you can order it and have a look. It would bother me personally. Would an antique oval be of interest? If so you might contact Jewels By Grace and see what she has.
 

DiamondDense

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Sunfish|1478202201|4093352 said:
An inclusion. You'd have to ask them if it is eye clean and at what distance. Or you can order it and have a look. It would bother me personally. Would an antique oval be of interest? If so you might contact Jewels By Grace and see what she has.
not a fan of the inclusion, myself.

i'm not 100% opposed to antique but i'd prefer to shop new first.

basically i am creating a list of what i want and here it is so far:

Color: as low as H
Clarity: as low as SI1 (eyeclean)
Size: 8mm+ (length)
L/W ratio: 1.33+
avoid bowtie

definitely going to look into the rocks already listed, but i think i may call GOG and IDJ to see if they can help in the hunt.
 

tyty333

Super_Ideal_Rock
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DiamondDense|1478201741|4093348 said:
tyty333|1478187437|4093261 said:
looking at this one a bit further, what's the tiny black speck i can see?

any thoughts on investigating these as well as the JA ones posted?

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond-search/1.20-Oval--GIA-H-VVS2-diamond-stock-14935-cert-

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond-search/1.20-Oval--GIA-G-SI1-diamond-stock-14883-cert-


It does have a tiny black spec but it is a VS2 stone so it should be eye-clean...ask though.

If a stone is unavailable it could be in the process of being sold or it could be on-hold while someone makes up their
mind between a few stones. I think if you are interested in that stone, call JA and ask them about it. Tell them
to put it on hold and notify you.
 

DiamondDense

Shiny_Rock
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Messages
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tyty333|1478261360|4093595 said:
DiamondDense|1478201741|4093348 said:
tyty333|1478187437|4093261 said:
looking at this one a bit further, what's the tiny black speck i can see?

any thoughts on investigating these as well as the JA ones posted?

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond-search/1.20-Oval--GIA-H-VVS2-diamond-stock-14935-cert-

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond-search/1.20-Oval--GIA-G-SI1-diamond-stock-14883-cert-


It does have a tiny black spec but it is a VS2 stone so it should be eye-clean...ask though.

If a stone is unavailable it could be in the process of being sold or it could be on-hold while someone makes up their
mind between a few stones. I think if you are interested in that stone, call JA and ask them about it. Tell them
to put it on hold and notify you.

hey tyty. sold!

any thoughts on these?

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.23-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-2205282

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.14-carat-g-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-1782680

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.13-carat-d-color-vs2-clarity-sku-2169763
 

DiamondDense

Shiny_Rock
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@tyty333 and others. any qualms about enlisting the help of Yekutiel at ID Jewelry? he seems to get rave reviews here, but typically for more traditional shapes.

also reached out to WF, JA and Good Old Gold.

thanks for the continued support and assistance!
 

DiamondDense

Shiny_Rock
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msop04|1478358466|4094032 said:
E B|1478188467|4093270 said:

I really love the faceting on this one... it's dreamy! :love: :love:
is it me or does this stone look exactly like this one:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond-search/1.20-Oval--GIA-H-VVS2-diamond-stock-14935-cert-

are they the same rock?

rock2_1.jpg

rock_2.jpg

i say...yes.

either way, this one is the top choice so far depending on if Yekutiel can come through for me. he hasn't answered my email yet.
 

tyty333

Super_Ideal_Rock
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Very well could be the same stone. GOG does not have the GIA report loaded and someone may have typed the width in slightly
wrong.
 

DiamondDense

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tyty333|1478379861|4094210 said:
Very well could be the same stone. GOG does not have the GIA report loaded and someone may have typed the width in slightly
wrong.
yep. think that makes sense.

do those accompanying images look decent or do you have any concerns with it?
 

tyty333

Super_Ideal_Rock
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DiamondDense|1478408830|4094387 said:

This looks decent...whats the lxw (size) color, clarity etc. Yekutiel is pretty good at finding decent stones.

The images from GOG look good to me. Its not one of my favorite faceting patterns in ovals but...this ring isnt for me so if
you like it I think the light return is decent.

The GOG/JA stone is 8.14x5.74...what is the Yekutiel stone?
 

DiamondDense

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tyty333|1478432930|4094416 said:
DiamondDense|1478408830|4094387 said:

This looks decent...whats the lxw (size) color, clarity etc. Yekutiel is pretty good at finding decent stones.

The images from GOG look good to me. Its not one of my favorite faceting patterns in ovals but...this ring isnt for me so if
you like it I think the light return is decent.

The GOG/JA stone is 8.14x5.74...what is the Yekutiel stone?

link to Yekutiel's. he said he'll have it in-hand on Monday and will provide additional images.

http://idjewelry.com/oval-knd02468.html

the stats seems to read quite similar to the GOG/JA stone.
 
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