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Help me choose a an Oval Diamond

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mkpbv

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jun 23, 2025
Messages
22
Hello,
Found this forum and after reading a lot I decided to post in the hope I might find some help. I wish to propose very soon and need to find a rock this week.
Over the past month I've read so much about oval diamonds that I feel I could sit an exam. The more I read the more I went down the rabbit hole and closer to due date I got without buying a rock, so here I am in hope of some guidance to help me decide.
I am based in Europe and found a website with some decent prices. I know most diamonds will be off polygon or rapnet as I've seen the same one with different vendors but these guys seemed to have a better deal.
I have been searching for a diamond using the characteristics below:
Max Budget: 4000 EUR/3500GBP/4600USD
Setting will be yellow gold( mentioning this as I've read that it can hide lower-ish colors)
Weight: 1ct ish ( Measurements 7.9mm/5.5m+ ish - more interested in good spread rather than actual weight)
Color: H-G+
Clarity: VS2+ ( search mostly for higher as a lot of the VS2/1 have feather or clouds which I did not like)
Polish/Symmetry: Excellent ( Seen that IGI also grade cut for fancy diamonds but unsure how realible that is)
Table: 56-60%
Depth: 60-63% ( with Table always lower than depth)
L/W:1.4-1.55
Fluorescence: Initially search for None or Medium but then went up to Medium as after further read I got to the conclusion that it won't impact the rock( was worried about hazyness in sunlight). Not really interested in the resale value.
Mostly interested in having a good spread, nice fire and brillaince and minimal bowtie....basically getting best bang for the buck paid. Most website do not offer an ASET view or an Ideal Scope view and after tens of hours of looking at stones...feeling lost.

NB: I know best thing is to see them in person....unfortunately I cannot do that so need to pick based on what I see online.

I did select a few stones so please find below some stuff I selected but if there are some good samaritans please let me know if other interesting stones on the website catch your eye.
1. https://midaslifestyle.nl/pages/cer...a5f3-48f4-a7e7-7481acf4f273&stoneType=diamond
This one seemed nice and fitted the critertia but it has a 4 pavilion main. Bowtie does not seem overly pronounced from the video. Unsure though of fire as 4 pavilion main seem to be more briliant with less fire. Also IGI cut grade is VG which tend to think is because of the Girdle( not sure how accurate this IGI cut grades are)
2. https://midaslifestyle.nl/pages/cer...be52-49f2-a2d7-da28cac5a3ae&stoneType=diamond
Good specs with a rotated 8 pavilion main. IGI cut grade is EX but the bowtie seems to be quite pronounced. Also color seems to be darker but maybe that is due to the higher crown at 15.5%?
3. https://midaslifestyle.nl/pages/cer...fc21-476a-bda0-77f4e6185082&stoneType=diamond
Decent specs, with lower clarity with a few pinpoints and a crystal. A 4 pavilion main again.
4. https://midaslifestyle.nl/pages/cer...1068-46e8-b19e-c757399164d2&stoneType=diamond
Very good spread for the weight but again a 4 pavilion main( seems these appeared to my eyes with less bowtie). Fether close to edge so maybe a risk?
5. https://midaslifestyle.nl/pages/cer...5f5b-423d-a4f6-3ecd1ae826ab&stoneType=diamond
Very decent specs at 1.03 G IF but Medium Blue fluorescence. Rotated 8 Pavilion Main which seems to create a small bowtie but also seems to have nice sparkle. I have attached the certificate of another almost identical diamond I have been offered but have no video.
This one I also found it at Ritani for about 10% more expensive( https://www.ritani.com/products/1-0...d-cut-g-color-if-clarity-gia-sku-d-i2u3q89m9z )

6. https://midaslifestyle.nl/pages/cer...4e6e-49b7-baf7-78dfcba6ceac&stoneType=diamond
Lower specs and with a few clarity characteristics( needle, cloud, pinpoint, internal graining) which are not shown on the certificate where they are but also lower price. Somehow it caught my as it has good spread for the weight and decent sparkle.
7. https://midaslifestyle.nl/pages/cer...d575-447e-9b80-4d75c14a6b6a&stoneType=diamond
On the upper limit of the budget but seems really nice. Slightly elongated at LW 1.54. Medium Blue and slightly thich to thich girdle but with a very nice surface area for the weight. Kinda like this one

Apologise in advance for the very long message but would be very gratefull for advice/opinions on the above or even other diamond suggestions as I need to pull the trigger very soon.

Many thanks!

Paul.
 

Attachments

Last edited:
No opinions?
 
Well, I was kind of holding out for input from one of our experts on another thread.

So, you do look like you did your research. Can I ask you what you consider a bow-tie? I think you may know
more than our usual poster.
 
@tyty333 thanks! At least the few tens of hours put into reading about this was not for nothing.
I consider a bow tie both a visible “black” but also areas of light leakage that appear clear and you can see the pavilion through the crown( some seem to have wider pavilion facets that come across as a flat white when viewing through the crown). And yes, I did read the forum discussion amd your debate with Gary from Saturday.
Also adding to the list above this 6 pavilion main. Video here:
https://imgur.com/a/ZuL7T2y

What would you go for from the above or in that budget?

96362535-72cd-4fc4-bce1-8251cf75d2a6.jpeg
 
tyty333 said:
Well, I was kind of holding out for input from one of our experts on another thread.

So, you do look like you did your research. Can I ask you what you consider a bow-tie? I think you may know
more than our usual poster.
Click to expand...

After OP posted on Reddit, I pointed them to that recent thread with you and Garry. He has clearly done more reading after that! I don't know enough to help him on ovals besides pointing him here.

mkpbv said:
@tyty333 thanks! At least the few tens of hours put into reading about this was not for nothing.
I consider a bow tie both a visible “black” but also areas of light leakage that appear clear and you can see the pavilion through the crown( some seem to have wider pavilion facets that come across as a flat white when viewing through the crown). And yes, I did read the forum discussion amd your debate with Gary from Saturday.
Also adding to the list above this 6 pavilion main. Video here:
https://imgur.com/a/ZuL7T2y

What would you go for from the above or in that budget?

96362535-72cd-4fc4-bce1-8251cf75d2a6.jpeg
Click to expand...

In one of the lighting moments in the video that is the yellowest looking "G" ever, which is a risk of these unknown labs. I'm also not convinced the diamond itself is a 6 main even though the facet diagram is, but others have a better eye for these things than I do.
 
newtojewels said:
After OP posted on Reddit, I pointed them to that recent thread with you and Garry. He has clearly done more reading after that! I don't know enough to help him on ovals besides pointing him here.



In one of the lighting moments in the video that is the yellowest looking "G" ever, which is a risk of these unknown labs. I'm also not convinced the diamond itself is a 6 main even though the facet diagram is, but others have a better eye for these things than I do.
Click to expand...

Many thanks for recommending this forum. Hopefully I get some guidance :)
 
Most won't load for me but i like #1 and #4, and the .91 you posted. Maybe #1 the best, but I'm not an expert.
 
Ibrakeforpossums said:
Most won't load for me but i like #1 and #4, and the .91 you posted. Maybe #1 the best, but I'm not an expert.
Click to expand...

The initial links seem to be weird on mobile. Please check my last response with the loupe360 links as they work. Interesting that all are 4 main.
Many thanks for the opinion. I very much like #4 and #9( the 0.91 one) The smaller one has a significant better color( D vs H). Although a 1.52 LW it does not seem to create a big bow tie. Price is almost identical with the larger one being just 5% more expensive.
 
Usually I disregard color but in an oval it might matter, the smaller facets on the ends will appear more tinted. A D-E-F might be worth it in this case.
 
Ibrakeforpossums said:
Usually I disregard color but in an oval it might matter, the smaller facets on the ends will appear more tinted. A D-E-F might be worth it in this case.
Click to expand...
Setting will be in yellow gold. Assuming some color will be reflected off the gold as well.....maybe not a bad idea to focus on better color. Think I can get away with a G?
Asking as I found this one with MED Fluorescence but really nice fire and sparkle.

Loupe360

loupe360.com loupe360.com
 
YG will be a good contrast to the G color and the fluor will make it icy white outside.
I like this one. Can it be returned if not as expected?
 
Ibrakeforpossums said:
YG will be a good contrast to the G color and the fluor will make it icy white outside.
I like this one. Can it be returned if not as expected?
Click to expand...
The only thing that puts me off is the Med to Very thick girdle. Which takes away from weight having almost the same spread as the 0.91 diamond which is a D color and no fluorescence. ( med fluri diamond is actually cheaper by about 500 usd)
 
So my favorite, as far as looking like it had overall nice light return, was #4. What do you think about the outline shape?

I also like #9...I wonder if it has end caps/earphones...whatever you want to call them.

#1 also has potential...

Looks like I'm agreeing with @Ibrakeforpossums .

Both the 8 mains you picked look so similar. I would probably prefer to have the 1.03 with the GIA report.
The pair would make great side stones on a 3 stone ring.
 
tyty333 said:
So my favorite, as far as looking like it had overall nice light return, was #4. What do you think about the outline shape?

I also like #9...I wonder if it has end caps/earphones...whatever you want to call them.

#1 also has potential...

Looks like I'm agreeing with @Ibrakeforpossums .

Both the 8 mains you picked look so similar. I would probably prefer to have the 1.03 with the GIA report.
The pair would make great side stones on a 3 stone ring.
Click to expand...
I really like #4. It is a tad fat. H collor might come up as a bit too yellow for an oval?
#9 seems to punch above it’s weight( pun intended ) . What do you mean by earphones?( shoulders?)
If you had to choose, between 1, 4, 9 and the 1.03 one( https://loupe360.com/diamond/2524452461) for a yellow gold ring which one would you go for? Still 4?
Many thanks!
 
I need to decide by tomorrow so any further input would be greatly appreciated ☺️
 
Hold on...I need to do some more over-analyzing!:D
 
General comments...

Color/tint in an Oval

Color is such an individual choice... to help you figure out what color you can and can't deal with in an Oval, look at this link.


These should be side views that show you the tint in a stone. Make sure GIA is selected under Advanced options-> Certificates.
Compare and play around with (spin) the different colors and see what you think. James Allen used to have pics of rings they
created that you could filter on Oval and color of metal to see made-up rings. I think they have done away with
this, unfortunately. :(


The color mostly shows up where you see the difference between "nice facets" that return light well and virtual facets that are more
"mushy." Pick a stone with minimal mush, and you won't see as much color difference (although all-over color/tint will be lower).

Obviously, to be on the safe side, pick a high color (D-F) with no mush. Unfortunately, as you well know, this is difficult to find.:(2

I* am not bothered by lower colors, so a nice H oval in yellow gold would be fine for me...however, other people are color sensitive
and this would be a no-go. I can't tell you what to think.

Ear muffs/headphones/earphones

Some ovals have a look where the end facets on the North/South ends go dark. I thought I had figured out the faceting pattern
that was causing it, but later realized it was happening with a couple of different faceting patterns (I'm referring to crown facets here
not pavilion).

Anyhow, the best way to show is an example...here is what I consider a pretty nice 4 main...


But straight on this is what shows up. Someone, lovingly(?), named them earmuffs/headphones.:lol:

Do they bother you? They do bother me*. I could really like this stone minus the earmuffs!
earmuffs.png

Oval Shoulders - shoulders are different than earmuffs
oval anatomy.png

So, let me say, you (me/anybody) can pick apart almost any oval (minus, super ideals) and you'll end up with nothing. You have
to decide what is tolerable to you. Hard, I know.

#4 looks a little wide through the belly because it's a little thin in the shoulders. May or may not bother you.

#9 I can't pick this one until I know if it has earmuffs or not. I'll get Karl_k's attention and see if he can tell.

#1 I like but a little worried about the IGI report. They have really stepped their game up lately with lab diamonds which
I hope also means the same with Earth-minded diamonds (should). It is a newer report (apr 2025), so that is good. I'll ask
karl what he thinks about IGI too.

The 1.03...I think you need to decide whether you want a 4 main or an 8 main rotated pavilion. If you want an 8 main,
this is probable a good one.

My next post will be asking for Karl's input...
 
@Karl_K seeking your advice/opinion related to a few oval stones.

Do you think this stone has earmuffs where the N/S ends go dark?
9. https://loupe360.com/diamond/7522388944

What do you think about IGI reports (dated apr 2025) with respect to earth mined stones? Are they up to par with GIA? or ?
 
Just FYI
I did find this H oval in a yellow gold setting by Whiteflash...of course, lighting is everything but it looks pretty nice IMO.
Not trying to push you one way or the other, just trying to provide more information.

WF H Oval.png
 
@tyty333 I just want to acknowledge how much above and beyond you go on all of these oval threads. Thank you so much for your contributions!
 
tyty333 said:
General comments...

Color/tint in an Oval

Color is such an individual choice... to help you figure out what color you can and can't deal with in an Oval, look at this link.


These should be side views that show you the tint in a stone. Make sure GIA is selected under Advanced options-> Certificates.
Compare and play around with (spin) the different colors and see what you think. James Allen used to have pics of rings they
created that you could filter on Oval and color of metal to see made-up rings. I think they have done away with
this, unfortunately. :(


The color mostly shows up where you see the difference between "nice facets" that return light well and virtual facets that are more
"mushy." Pick a stone with minimal mush, and you won't see as much color difference (although all-over color/tint will be lower).

Obviously, to be on the safe side, pick a high color (D-F) with no mush. Unfortunately, as you well know, this is difficult to find.:(2

I* am not bothered by lower colors, so a nice H oval in yellow gold would be fine for me...however, other people are color sensitive
and this would be a no-go. I can't tell you what to think.

Ear muffs/headphones/earphones

Some ovals have a look where the end facets on the North/South ends go dark. I thought I had figured out the faceting pattern
that was causing it, but later realized it was happening with a couple of different faceting patterns (I'm referring to crown facets here
not pavilion).

Anyhow, the best way to show is an example...here is what I consider a pretty nice 4 main...


But straight on this is what shows up. Someone, lovingly(?), named them earmuffs/headphones.:lol:

Do they bother you? They do bother me*. I could really like this stone minus the earmuffs!
earmuffs.png

Oval Shoulders - shoulders are different than earmuffs
oval anatomy.png

So, let me say, you (me/anybody) can pick apart almost any oval (minus, super ideals) and you'll end up with nothing. You have
to decide what is tolerable to you. Hard, I know.

#4 looks a little wide through the belly because it's a little thin in the shoulders. May or may not bother you.

#9 I can't pick this one until I know if it has earmuffs or not. I'll get Karl_k's attention and see if he can tell.

#1 I like but a little worried about the IGI report. They have really stepped their game up lately with lab diamonds which
I hope also means the same with Earth-minded diamonds (should). It is a newer report (apr 2025), so that is good. I'll ask
karl what he thinks about IGI too.

The 1.03...I think you need to decide whether you want a 4 main or an 8 main rotated pavilion. If you want an 8 main,
this is probable a good one.

My next post will be asking for Karl's input...
Click to expand...

You are an absolute star! Many thanks for the very detailed response.
( Can I buy you a drink somehow?)
In terms of color I will try to steer towards a G but wont' discount Hs either.
Thanks also for the explanation on earmuffs. Very clear and another thing to look out for as they do not look very nice.
You are right, the shape of no4( I described it as fat) but indeed the shoulders are narrow and give it a slighly weird outline. Will still keep it as a reserve but somehow it still appeals to me. Also thinking that in reality the stone in quite small and unsure how visible the shape will be once set and between prongs.

Regarding IGI reports, I have not been so critical of them. I know in the US they are not very popular but in Europe they have a bit more traction...still GIA dominates. All the misstrust around their grading standards make me think twice but also wondering how wrong can the grading be?

In terms of the 1.03, although I really liked the stone, the Medium fluorescence is a bit off putting. Having seen a few videos of GIA graded MED Fluorescence......I see there is a big difference and one can be unlucky a get a MED that gears towards strong and end up with a rock that turns blueish and flat outside. Will try to discount MED flurorescence as I feel it is a bit of a gamble if you get a decent MED or a strong MED.

Quite surprised how fast stones dissapear from websites( yes I know they are from databses like Nivoda, Polygon, etc and there is a global market). Feels like everyday I have to go back to the drawing board and increasingly desperate as I need to pull the trigger.

Will also mention that I am less fussed about a 4 main or an 8 main and more concern with it performing well.

Curently I am left with these:
1. https://loupe360.com/diamond/667429037 ( IGI that you mentioned you like. Thinking how bad can it be? Could they misgrade color?)
2. https://loupe360.com/diamond/696579387 ( IGI that seems to have a bit of a bowtie but which IGI graded EX cut vs the #1 above which they graded VG cut. Thinking what did they see in hand?)
4. https://loupe360.com/diamond/3485100919 ( H color and slightly weird shape with narrow shoulders but seems to have good light performance. Thinking once mounted it may not be that bad)
9. https://loupe360.com/diamond/3485100919 ( You said you like it but it may have earmuffs so got me doubting it )
X. 1.03 MED: https://loupe360.com/diamond/2524452461 ( really nice sparkle between the virtual facets but a bit of a gamble as to how pronounced the fluorescence is)

New additions to the list:
10. https://loupe360.com/diamond/2516907255 ( G VVS2 with faint fluoresce which may help and a bit fat but seems to have nice sparkle)

11. https://loupe360.com/diamond/6522055695 ( this is a stretch but getting desperate. :)))

If you really had to choose, what would you go for? ( even though now I know a lot more.....the more i read the less I feel I know and need a bit of reassurace. Apologies for pestering :))
 
Last edited:
We'll have to do a virtual toast after you make your selection...I've got some wine in the pantry!:lol:

I prefer the 1.01 G of the last two you posted, but it's more of a personal thing.

Unfortunately, I think @Karl_K is very busy right now.

We used to say that IGI could be off 2 color grades but...like I said, they have really upped their game in the last couple of years so
not sure if that applies anymore.

BTW...you can use this tool to get a relative size of what any stone will look on a finger...set the finger size accordingly.

1ct Oval (8.12×5.41×3.3) vs 1ct Oval (8.12×5.41×3.3)

Compare 1 carat Oval (8.12×5.41×3.3mm) vs 1 carat Oval (8.12×5.41×3.3mm) on actual diamond size and finger coverage (36.02mm² vs 36.02mm²)
www.diamdb.com www.diamdb.com
 
tyty333 said:
I think @Karl_K is very busy right now.
Click to expand...
lol yes extremely.

When the pavilion is cut in a way to minimize the bow tie in the center the ends can go dark in an oval.
Either from leakage where the pavilion facets under the ends get very very shallow or from obstruction where the facets are just slightly shallow.
Of course obstruction(black in vid/pictures) is better but can still be bleh.
Its a matter of how reactive to obstruction it is, the video actual shows it at its worst.
The question comes down to how bad is it in person.
In general if its not over dark face up in video and slight tilt its in the good range.
Looking at a bunch of video and controlling the spin its easy to pick out the worst ones.
Picking between the better ones is much harder.
 
tyty333 said:
We'll have to do a virtual toast after you make your selection...I've got some wine in the pantry!:lol:

I prefer the 1.01 G of the last two you posted, but it's more of a personal thing.

Unfortunately, I think @Karl_K is very busy right now.

We used to say that IGI could be off 2 color grades but...like I said, they have really upped their game in the last couple of years so
not sure if that applies anymore.

BTW...you can use this tool to get a relative size of what any stone will look on a finger...set the finger size accordingly.

1ct Oval (8.12×5.41×3.3) vs 1ct Oval (8.12×5.41×3.3)

Compare 1 carat Oval (8.12×5.41×3.3mm) vs 1 carat Oval (8.12×5.41×3.3mm) on actual diamond size and finger coverage (36.02mm² vs 36.02mm²)
www.diamdb.com www.diamdb.com
Click to expand...
PS: Both of the last ones are 1.01 G :))
But out of all I posted in the last post and assuming IGI are true to color, which would you go for in terms of overall appearance?

Yes, I read about IGI and the fact that their USA lab was usually true and other labs were more lenient. Older certificates used to have the location of where it gas graded but new ones do not. I've looked at these IGIs for a long time and both are a G officially.....can't imagine in reality them being an I....but then again I am a noob.
I have seen some video and comparisons online( indeed from a few years ago) and yes in 80% of the cases IGI had overtstated colors but usually in the lower color range.( PS: maybe I am just trying to convince myself that they are not selling Is as Gs..refering to the ones above)

Thanks for the tool. I have used it since yesterday as @newtojewels also recommended it to me.

I am insisting with the question: Out of all I posted in the last post and assuming IGI are true to color, which would you go for in terms of overall performance and personal preference? ( I do apologise for my persistance
PS: I did not post prices in order not to bias the discussion but all are around 4000USD, apart from the MED Fluro diamond which is 3550 USD. So which one would be best bang for buck?

Happy to have a toast as this process drained me a lot but also got me really into this and will probably dwelve more in the future as it seems really interesting.

Thanks!
 
I like the H 1.07 and the G 1.04. Also like the 2 with fluor a lot. Not much help, sorry. Karl said you have to see them, I'm sure he's right.
 
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