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HELP! OVAL 2.5+ Carat Diamond Needed Engagement Ring ASAP

C

conyankee2

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jun 1, 2017
Messages
18
I'm under the gun here and looking to propose over the July 4th weekend while we are out of town, leaving LA June 29th. I would first like to say thank you to everyone on here, this has been an incredible resource and I've learned so much reading through post after post for many hours over the last few months. We've decided on an oval diamond, in a petite 18k setting. I'm at a crossroads and need to make a decision asap. My budget for this is right around $30k, and would like to come in under if at all possible.

SETTING INFO - I've been dealing with both (a) Victor Canera and (b) The Good Stone, Inc. (based out of Austin, TX).
A - Clearly Victor does not need any introduction. I've read everything on here and have met with him in person (wonderful guy). Since this ring will have pave on the band, but will be petite, it would seem using him would make the most sense, even though it will cost about $600-$700 more than my other option. Also, he is based here in LA so if I ever need anything done, it would seem like that would be the most convenient. I'm heavily leaning toward VC.

B - You're probably thinking these two could not be more dissimilar, but my girlfriend found The Good Stone, Inc. https://www.goodstoneinc.com/commissioned/ and fell in love with the setting that we are going to base her ring off of (picture attached). Has anyone heard anything/dealt with The Good Stone, Inc. before? I've talked a lot with the owner Blake Asaad who has been very friendly and seemingly very knowledgeable. He admits they are a new company, but has done all he can to provide references, etc. He says they would hand forge my ring in its entirety, except for the prongs. He said all of their work is actually done here in LA, by his own people. It probably is a no-brainier that I go with VC here in LA, but wanted to ask the question. Anything I should be sure to be asking Blake at Good Stone? He also has been seemingly very helpful on the diamond front as well (discussed below).

DIAMOND INFO - I do not currently have a diamond. I've been looking on Blue Nile/Brilliant Earth, along with working with VC and Good Stone. I think the most bang for my buck would be to order a stone online (or from Good Stone) and have it sent to VC. It is very scary to me ordering an oval I've never seen with my own eyes, based on grading alone. If I purchase through VC, then in theory I have to pay sales tax, but will receive a discount on the setting (which would not amount to the sales tax of course). If I purchase online or with Good Stone, Inc. , no sales tax, but I'm buying a stone, sight unseen. Here are the ranges I'm looking for on the oval, do these seems correct? Anything else I should be looking for?

Most important to me is size and color, closer to 3 carat the better, but don't mind being just under since I can probably get a better deal that way?
Carat - 2.6x - 3.x
Color - D-H
Clarity - SI1 + (eye clean)
Table% - 55-60
Depth - 59-63
Length/Width ratio - 1.35 - 1.50 (ideal 1.45 of so)
Crown Height % - 12-15
Girdle thickness - thin to tick (1-5%)

I've been told by Blake at Good Stone to look for the 'face-up carat' weight as well, but I'm not 100% sure how to calculate that. If a stone looks like a 3 carat stone, but is actually 2.8 I'm very ok with that. Just haven't heard a lot about that before and am somewhat unsure.

At this point I need to find a diamond asap. If any of you have experience with ovals and would like to give recommendations on stones out there for sale, please weigh in. Any and all advice is very much welcomed!

For the setting she wants it in 18k yellow gold, with double prongs and micro pave on the band. Any recommendations on what type of pave (u pave / french / etc)?
View media item 122190View media item 122189
 
You cannot buy fancies based on numbers alone -- they mean nothing. You have to see them with your eyes... photos, videos, ASET, IS, etc.

Also, unless you're going with yellow gold, I would not consider 18K white gold. The rhodium will fade and it will look dingy, since 18K has more gold in it than 14K. If working with VC, go with platinum.
 
Is the $30K all in or just for the stone itself?
 
msop04 said:
You cannot buy fancies based on numbers alone -- they mean nothing. You have to see them with your eyes... photos, videos, ASET, IS, etc.

Also, unless you're going with yellow gold, I would not consider 18K white gold. The rhodium will fade and it will look dingy, since 18K has more gold in it than 14K. If working with VC, go with platinum.
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yes it will be a yellow gold band. I understand it will wear more over time, but is that something I should really be worried about here? Will it be THAT big of a deal, if made properly?
 
conyankee2 said:
yes it will be a yellow gold band. I understand it will wear more over time, but is that something I should really be worried about here? Will it be THAT big of a deal, if made properly?
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18K yellow gold is fine...
I don't think you're going to find a 2.5-3 ct oval that is white (D-H), eye clean, nicely cut, with minimal bow tie for $27000 (VC setting will be at least $3K). You may be able to find a 2 ct oval. You said the most important aspects were size and color. Ovals show more color in the tips, so H is the lowest I'd go if you want "white"... however, if she likes a warmer stone, then that's a whole different ball game.

Does she want "the whitest possible" or a warmer stone?
 
If the stone is in the color range D-G, I'd also recommend platinum over white gold. *Especially* if it's colorless D-F. White gold will yellow after the rhodium plating is worn off, and with time. The color of standard unplated white gold is better suited to warmer diamonds like J/K. A colorless D-F will look blindingly white next to unplated white gold, and the gold will look "dingy," as someone else said. Some people's skin chemistry turns all gold darker faster. Some people have allergies to the nickel in white gold. (eta: Never mind. i missed the part about it being YG.)

Also, you are really pushing it for a custom setting in under 1 month. 6-8 weeks or maybe even 10 weeks is more realistic. June is peak wedding season and everyone wants something for wedding or anniversary. You are not the only customer, and your ring isn't even in the CAD stage yet, you don't have the diamond, and yet you want a completed custom ring in your possession by June 29??! How is that going to get accomplished?

Concentrate on finding the diamond, and use a temp solitaire setting of stock parts from Adwar, Stuller, or other and get the forever setting made later sounds like a better strategy to me.
 
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You guys, OP said 18kt yellow gold..but yeah, I have no idea how the timing will work out. Unless 1. VC can source you a stone tomorrow or 2. You find a stone and place it in a "temporary" or stock setting 6/29 ain't happening.
 
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I agree with SimoneDi -- there is no way you'll find a stone AND get a custom setting done in such a short amount of time.

I found this oval on BN -- it looks nice from the video and pic... not a lot of mush and no bow tie. It's 2.5 ct E/VS2 and 9.7 x 7.61 mm -- so really nice chubby shape.

https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD08345579
 
msop04 said:
I agree with SimoneDi -- there is no way you'll find a stone AND get a custom setting done in such a short amount of time.

I found this oval on BN -- it looks nice from the video and pic... not a lot of mush and no bow tie. It's 2.5 ct E/VS2 and 9.7 x 7.61 mm -- so really nice chubby shape.

https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD08345579
Click to expand...
msop04 said:
I agree with SimoneDi -- there is no way you'll find a stone AND get a custom setting done in such a short amount of time.

I found this oval on BN -- it looks nice from the video and pic... not a lot of mush and no bow tie. It's 2.5 ct E/VS2 and 9.7 x 7.61 mm -- so really nice chubby shape.

https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD08345579
Click to expand...
Thank you all for the quick responses. I met with VC yesterday and he said timeline is doable. So has Good Stone. Thus the urgency, if it's going to happen at all, I need to make the diamond decisions asap. Very much appreciate all the input. Have been scouring the internet for diamonds for a while now. Nice thing about BE I guess is they have an office right by me and said they could have any diamonds sent to them for my viewing. Maybe the way to go?
 
conyankee2 said:
Thank you all for the quick responses. I met with VC yesterday and he said timeline is doable. So has Good Stone. Thus the urgency, if it's going to happen at all, I need to make the diamond decisions asap. Very much appreciate all the input. Have been scouring the internet for diamonds for a while now. Nice thing about BE I guess is they have an office right by me and said they could have any diamonds sent to them for my viewing. Maybe the way to go?
Click to expand...

I'm not impressed with BE... they are overpriced. At this point, you'll need someone (or many) to help you find a nice oval. Nicely cut ovals are very hard to find, and most look pretty crappy. You need to have seen several nice ones to be able to tell the difference.
 
http://webcache.googleusercontent.c...monds-buying-guide/+&cd=8&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us
...length to width ratio of 1.47:1.00 which is within my preferred range of 1.40:1.00 to 1.60:1.00 because it produces what I consider to be a classic oval shape diamond...
...
Those which tend to exhibit the highest volume of light return are those with a total depth between 55 – 60% and a table diameter between 59 – 63% with a crown height between 12 – 15% and a girdle thickness between thin to thick, according to a legacy proportions chart created by appraiser David Atlas, which I find to be helpful when searching for oval cut diamonds.

Since it can be extremely difficult to find oval cut diamonds within this tighter range of proportions, you might consider expanding the range to include a total depth up to 65.4% and a table diameter up to 64% if the first search parameters does not yield any satisfactory options...
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^ That's from a cached copy of an old post on Brian Gavin Diamonds education page.

Beware of the bow tie effect in the middle. Don't want a strong black one. Ovals are fancies that can be cut with any parameters that use up the rough. ASET images are used, along with videos, inspection by a trained pro, and then you seeing the diamond and liking its look. Rounds are loads easier to buy by the numbers. AGS has cut grading for princess. No such "cookbook" exists for ovals. Good Old Gold has sold some gorgeous ones, but GOG is in NY and also might not be working with Victor due to Victor offering a competitor to GOG's August Vintage.
 
msop04 said:
18K yellow gold is fine...
I don't think you're going to find a 2.5-3 ct oval that is white (D-H), eye clean, nicely cut, with minimal bow tie for $27000 (VC setting will be at least $3K). You may be able to find a 2 ct oval. You said the most important aspects were size and color. Ovals show more color in the tips, so H is the lowest I'd go if you want "white"... however, if she likes a warmer stone, then that's a whole different ball game.

Does she want "the whitest possible" or a warmer stone?
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we would be leaning toward the whitest possible. I've seen several Hs in person, and that color was fine to my eye, for this setup/application.
 
Okay... cool. Let me look at some H color ovals...
 
msop04 said:
I'm not impressed with BE... they are overpriced. At this point, you'll need someone (or many) to help you find a nice oval. Nicely cut ovals are very hard to find, and most look pretty crappy. You need to have seen several nice ones to be able to tell the difference.
Click to expand...
I agree with you, seeing them in person is really the only way to know for sure :-/ Some have videos and pictures but not all (obviously). Thank you for the input!
 
Well, I looked at all the H color ovals BN had with a 360 video. There was 1 that was a tiny bit larger, but had a bit of a black bow tie and was the same price as the higher colored stones. I still like the 2 I posted up thread -- nice faceting, no bow tie and WHITE WHITE WHITE!
 
What do you think of this diamond? 23,200. It's an I which is not ideal.

454889-c86a26ca144b02f858c3663679617cc7.jpg


Cert
454890-478b8a0e1f5e2611ed5369edc402c616.jpg


image5233911563.jpg

5233911563.jpg
 
Or possibly this one - $27,750
2.82ct H-VS2
A litle concerned about the crystals found in the center, but would have to see in person to know for sure

oval.jpg

5182189828.jpg
 
msop04 said:
Well, I looked at all the H color ovals BN had with a 360 video. There was 1 that was a tiny bit larger, but had a bit of a black bow tie and was the same price as the higher colored stones. I still like the 2 I posted up thread -- nice faceting, no bow tie and WHITE WHITE WHITE!
Click to expand...
I think they look very promising too, nice finds!! :)

but... Strong Fluorescence...

@conyankee2 - do you / your partner mind a stone that would glow blue under a UV blacklight? (and maybe even to some extent in direct sunlight!)

I am on the fence about it but you need to be aware of it, and that some people might view it as a negative.
 
OoohShiny said:
I think they look very promising too, nice finds!! :)

but... Strong Fluorescence...

@conyankee2 - do you / your partner mind a stone that would glow blue under a UV blacklight? (and maybe even to some extent in direct sunlight!)

I am on the fence about it but you need to be aware of it, and that some people might view it as a negative.
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Not sure if we really feel strongly about fluorescence. Everything I've read makes it seems like it's a very subject subject, and while it may impact the resale value to some customers, since this is a forever sort of situation, it's not really of issue to me. I haven't read much where people say they can actually tell the difference under normal lighting conditions (including outdoors in the sunlight), but perhaps I'm mistaken on this. Thoughts on the stone I just posted? the 2.82c one?
 
Hey Conyankee2,

My boyfriend just purchased an oval diamond for me very similar to what you're looking for (2.5+ct, faces up like 3ct, GIA H color eye clean). I have some resources that can help you especially if you're in a rush timeline!

Are you able to private message me? I worked with some vendors recommended on here and can give you my honest thoughts.
 
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grapples said:
Hey Conyankee2,

My boyfriend just purchased an oval diamond for me very similar to what you're looking for (2.5+ct, faces up like 3ct, GIA H color eye clean). I have some resources that can help you especially if you're in a rush timeline!

Are you able to private message me? I worked with some vendors recommended on here and can give you my honest thoughts.
Click to expand...

so new here I'm not sure how to private message you... can you message me?
 
grapples said:
Hey Conyankee2,

My boyfriend just purchased an oval diamond for me very similar to what you're looking for (2.5+ct, faces up like 3ct, GIA H color eye clean). I have some resources that can help you especially if you're in a rush timeline!

Are you able to private message me? I worked with some vendors recommended on here and can give you my honest thoughts.
Click to expand...

Why not post your honest thoughts here in this thread for all to see?

The vendors would be interested in your feedback, as would we all.

Don't take offence, but can you see how suggesting you can tell someone about a great deal / vendor, but only in the secrecy of PM, makes it look as though you have a hidden agenda and/or are a shill who doesn't want your wares scrutinised in public?


Welcome to the forum BTW - we'd love to see the 2.5ct rock so please do post up some pictures in the 'show me the bling' section.
 
Ok no PMs here, so here are my tips:

You're on a tight timeline, so I really advise you to work with a jeweler who can source stones and do the setting local in LA so you can pop in to view the stones in person. I worked with Martin from USACerted, he's a nice and helpful guy but he is a middleman who does not have access to many diamonds in person and ovals are too difficult to shop for unseen. Working with him on a tight timeline is almost going to be impossible.
Luckily, LA jewelry district is huge and you have many good options. Viewing ovals in person is key BUT if you can find a jeweler who you trust has impeccable taste to source stones for you then that's a good route especially coupled with the ability to see the narrowly sourced stones in person. I found a jeweler who knows how to pick a good looking oval on instagram and his office is in the downtown LA jewelry district. His name is Sam and his instagram handle is @icerock_diamonds, look at his work; I sourced my stone from him. He is very responsive and if you express seriousness he will find you things quickly. He was able to do a one week turnaround for one of his clients recently. The tricky thing is, all the good jewelers are at the JCK tradeshow in Las Vegas next week so you must move fast. David Klass is doing my setting and based on my own ring's timeline I know that your timeline will not work with his production schedule. I went with DK over Sam because Sam's quote was a touch out of our budget, but only by a few hundred.

From our experience you should be able to get a GIA H SI (eye clean) excellent cut oval at 2.5+ ct easily at your budget.

The proportions you noted up top are excellent to follow by, but at the carat weight you're looking at you want to get as close to (or bigger than) 11mm x 8mm.

If you have instagram and need further help, feel free to reach out to me at @gracerella.
 
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I preferred to keep it to PM since my boyfriend has not yet proposed and didn't want too much random info floating around, but whatever
 
conyankee2 said:
What do you think of this diamond? 23,200. It's an I which is not ideal.

454889-c86a26ca144b02f858c3663679617cc7.jpg


Cert
454890-478b8a0e1f5e2611ed5369edc402c616.jpg


image5233911563.jpg

5233911563.jpg
Click to expand...

Honestly, I think an I color will be very warm... I would stick with H and above (preferably with fluorescence)

EDITED TO ADD: I do think the faceting on this stone is nice, but the I color will be very apparent at the ends...
 
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conyankee2 said:
Or possibly this one - $27,750
2.82ct H-VS2
A litle concerned about the crystals found in the center, but would have to see in person to know for sure

oval.jpg

5182189828.jpg
Click to expand...

I wouldn't be concerned about the crystals at all -- it's blown up huge and I can barely see them... it's a VS2 for a reason. I'd be more concerned about the large bow tie. It's not as noticeable in a still photo, but I feel like it might go dark if you could see it at different angles.
 
Are you doing a solitaire or a halo?
 
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