I know absolutely NOTHING about diamonds. Please help!!
My boyfriend has a budget of $5,000.
I would like an Oval diamond for my engagement ring. I would love to be able
to get at least a carat and the best quality possible.
Do you have any suggestions?
Start by reading about the 4Cs (cut, color, clarity, carat) to decide what's most important to you. Then take a look at James Allen and Blue Nile to get an idea for what's available in your price range. Ovals can be a bit tricky in terms of cut, due to multiple dimensions (do you want a fat oval or a longer skinnier one) as well as potential bow tie effect. Once you narrow down what you are looking for, definitely post the links here to get feedback. Best of luck!
Oh also, if you're open to lab created diamonds (vs. naturally mined), you can stretch your budget a bit further.
Call them and ask if they have any images and see if anyone can pull it and tell you if it has mushy facets on the tips and how prominent of a bow tie it might have.
You didnt give color/clarity specs so I'll list a board range I found at BN. That one @whitewave found looks like it has potential too.
Not sure what ratio you like either. You might let us know what your color/ratio wants are. You also didnt mention if size (LxW)
was a high priority or cut/light return was more important.