Help Choosing an Oval Cut

[Ringsthething]

Hi all,

First time diamond buyer looking for an oval cut for an engagement ring, but I would love some help in picking out the stone. I am hoping for something in the 2.5-3.0 carat range, D-H color, and IF-VS2 clarity. My budget is $30,000-$38,000. I don't have a strong preference between a 2.5 E/F or a 3.0 H, though I know that's a big decision. I think ultimately I will be happy with either/or assuming it matches my budget and has great light performance.

Unfortunately I'm not particularly knowledgeable about oval cuts, so I would greatly appreciate any help in that regard. I want to be sure I get a stone that will have great light performance, as minimal a bow tie effect as possible, and no "crushed ice" look. Currently, the below are my leading contenders--I'd love opinions on these, but I'm also very open to any other suggestions that meet the description of what I'm looking for. Thanks very much for any help anyone can provide!

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/2.51-carat-e-color-vs2-clarity-sku-5238693
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/2.55-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-870238
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/3.01-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-4979991

 

[scarsmum]

Are you tempted by this slightly different direction at all?

https://www.

augustvintageinc.net/collections/opulence/products/2-41ct-h-si1-august-vintage-oval-1670852

Maybe they can cut you a slightly bigger one.

 

[lambskin]

Of the three you posted I like the e color the best. The g and h colors really show.

 

[OoohShiny]

The inclusions under the tables would bug me, but I am a clarity freak lol

All of them look (to me, anyway) like they minimise black/obstruction bow-ties (which is a good thing) and have strong faceting along that central band (which is also a good thing) but they all look a bit 'mushy' between the structured centre band and the ends IMHO.

I would seriously look at the AVInc Ovals posted above - they are a step-change in performance for ovals, and they are currently very rare in the world because they've not long come out

If you drop @Rhino a line off the AVInc site, he should be able to confirm if he has stock in the size you are looking at or has anything coming through the pipeline soon that would suit.

 

[Emeraldsaremyfavorite]

Yes... agree go to August Vintage and see if those appeal to you! I had an oval as my Original engagement ring. I would definitely suggest staying H and above, and then you can go down on clarity as I had an SI2 and never noticed the inclusions. Good luck!! And keep us posted

 

[WinkHPD]

Ovals are one of those shapes that you have to see and experience with your eyes. I recommend looking at some locally and seeing gems both with and without bow ties. Bow ties are not an asset by the way.

Many people love ovals for their multitude of tiny sparkles look at both ends, and when they do not have large dark bow ties, they can be stunning. You will definitely need to train your eyes so that you do not spend a large amount of money, only to decide a month later that you did not notice the distraction of the bow tie.

Good luck with your search!

Wink