Need Help with Ovals, please!

[Daisycakes617]

Hello, I'm a long time lurker on PS, and I like to think that I've picked up a thing or two from reading all of your wonderful advice! BUT, now that it's almost time for me and my dear BF to start looking for rings, I think I'm still confused. We are going to go to shopping next weekend so i'm starting to contact some stores now because I"m looking for an oval and I know that they're not popular so I want to make sure that the stores have some in stock. I found one place in Philadelphia that has an oval that might be good, and I like the price. So, to the experts, I ask if you guys think that this seems like a good deal? The price is $3,921.43.
The catch (maybe, not sure if it's an issue) is that the cert is EGL. And, there's no pictures. Thank you.

WEIGHT 1.24 Cts.
Shape and Cut: OVAL
Measurements: 8.19 x 5.89 x 3.77

PROPORTIONS
Total Depth: 64.00%
Table Width: 60.00%
Girdle: STK

FINISH
Polish: VG
Symmetry: VG

CLARITY GRADE: SI2

COLOR GRADE: E
Fluorescence: NON

 

[Harpertoo]

I don't think anyone can help much with an oval, or any other fancy shape, without pics at least and an idealscope would help as well.
You may just have to go take a look in person.

I'm sure you also know that GIA is the preferred grader.
Good luck with the oval hunt!
I understand it is a difficult cut, and so good ones are probably rare.
I think it's a beautiful elegant shape for an e-ring!

 

[yennyfire]

I don't think anyone can help much with an oval, or any other fancy shape, without pics at least and an idealscope would help as well.
You may just have to go take a look in person.

I'm sure you also know that GIA is the preferred grader.
Good luck with the oval hunt!
I understand it is a difficult cut, and so good ones are probably rare.
I think it's a beautiful elegant shape for an e-ring!

Harpertoo is entirely correct. Without a photo (at minimum), it's impossible to evaluate an oval (or any fancy shape). Typically, EGL stones are at least a couple of grades off on color and maybe one/two grades off on clarity (which you don't mention). If you are talking about EGL Israel or EGL International, there can be even more of a discrepancy. What's your budget and preferred L/W ratio? Or, if you're not sure, can you post a photo of an oval that you like so we can get an idea of whether you prefer long/thin versus chubby?

 

[Daisycakes617]

Thanks for both of your replies. The clarity on the one i listed was SI2. It sucks that there weren't any pictures. I figured that with the EGL cert, it would be better to look for higher grades (like E color) so that when I actually saw it, if it was an H or something, I wouldn't be upset. I really have no idea what I'm doing (obviously!)

Ok so here's what I do know: My SO said that the max budget is $10,000, but I'd really like to stay under that, and I know he would too. I want a bigger center stone, though because I don't think I will ever have the opportunity to upgrade (and I'm sentimental).

I saw a really nice 1.47 oval at Jared a few weeks ago...it was E, I1 (and i didn't see the inclusions with my naked eye). It was $6,000, graded by IGI (don't know who they are though). So, I was hoping that I'd maybe find something else like that from a different jewelry store, preferably not a chain, because I think that I'll have a better chance at getting a really great ring that way.

I'm not sure about my L/W preference, but here is a ring that I likes at Bailey Banks & Biddle, though the color was way off for me. The specs on this were 1.2 ct center stone, I color, VS 2. Tcw was 1.87 and its platinum. Aside from the fact that it was $16,000, it's an I color, and I couldn't understand why it would be set with higher color stones around it.

I think i like the length on this one. the main reason I want an oval is because I like the way they lengthen my short hands. Please excuse my gross nails in the pic.

 

[04diamond<3]

If you're not color sensitive, here's the biggest I could find:

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/2.00-carat-j-color-vs1-clarity-sku-177763

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.71-carat-j-color-vs2-clarity-sku-160363

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.51-carat-f-color-si2-clarity-sku-197029 (I'd make sure this is eye clean)

You can put up to 3 on hold and I'd request aset images for all of them and as what kind of discount their giving on these stones (they do that for PS members) .

This one's also really nice but a bit small so you can ask them to find you one bigger:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/10124/

 

[LibbyLA]

daisycakes,

I1 may not just refer to visibility of inclusions. It may refer to an inclusion that affects the structural integrity of the diamond, like a feather that reaches the surface, even if you can't see it. I would steer clear of an I1.

Good luck with your search. I have a 2.06 ct. J SI2 oval ering and a 3/4 ct. antique oval RHR, plus several other ovals. Definitely an oval lover here!

liz

 

[Daisycakes617]

Thank you so much! I actually like the 2 smaller ones better. And the length of the one from GOG is awesome! So I think what I have to do is 1. learn about ASET and
2. see if there is any way to convince my SO that buying online is a good idea. He has not been receptive to that at all when I've mentioned websites like Blue Nile. I am hopeful that in my store visits next week that I will find some nice options that are in the size ranges of those last 2 stones (1.2-1.5) because so far, I've spoken to one store and they told me that all they had in my range was a 1.01 F and a 1.27 J....neither of which was very appealing. Soooo...I guess I have more research to do. But I really like this one http://www.jamesallen.com/?utm_source=adcenter&utm_medium=cpc#!/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.27-carat-g-color-i1-clarity-sku-185088

I kind of wish that I could buy the stone myself!

Hey Libby, thanks for that input! I will make sure to keep that in mind.

 

[SMC]

But I really like this one http://www.jamesallen.com/?utm_source=adcenter&utm_medium=cpc#!/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.27-carat-g-color-i1-clarity-sku-185088
d.

This diamond you picked looked kind of fragile. I'd be worried about the feather right in the middle of the table (splitting risk) and the cavity on the edge of the diamond looks like it might make the girdle too thin (chipping risk). This might be a good choice for a pendant but doesn't seem sturdy enough for a ring. The JA gemologist can give you an opinion on it though.

 

[04diamond<3]

Thank you so much! I actually like the 2 smaller ones better. And the length of the one from GOG is awesome! So I think what I have to do is 1. learn about ASET and
2. see if there is any way to convince my SO that buying online is a good idea. He has not been receptive to that at all when I've mentioned websites like Blue Nile. I am hopeful that in my store visits next week that I will find some nice options that are in the size ranges of those last 2 stones (1.2-1.5) because so far, I've spoken to one store and they told me that all they had in my range was a 1.01 F and a 1.27 J....neither of which was very appealing. Soooo...I guess I have more research to do. But I really like this one http://www.jamesallen.com/?utm_source=adcenter&utm_medium=cpc#!/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.27-carat-g-color-i1-clarity-sku-185088

I kind of wish that I could buy the stone myself!

Hey Libby, thanks for that input! I will make sure to keep that in mind.

That stone is way below your budget...I thought it was 10k??? Also, are you not looking to buy from any of our vendors?

 

[Daisycakes617]

Thank you so much! I actually like the 2 smaller ones better. And the length of the one from GOG is awesome! So I think what I have to do is 1. learn about ASET and
2. see if there is any way to convince my SO that buying online is a good idea. He has not been receptive to that at all when I've mentioned websites like Blue Nile. I am hopeful that in my store visits next week that I will find some nice options that are in the size ranges of those last 2 stones (1.2-1.5) because so far, I've spoken to one store and they told me that all they had in my range was a 1.01 F and a 1.27 J....neither of which was very appealing. Soooo...I guess I have more research to do. But I really like this one http://www.jamesallen.com/?utm_source=adcenter&utm_medium=cpc#!/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.27-carat-g-color-i1-clarity-sku-185088

I kind of wish that I could buy the stone myself!

Hey Libby, thanks for that input! I will make sure to keep that in mind.

That stone is way below your budget...I thought it was 10k??? Also, are you not looking to buy from any of our vendors?

My SO said $10K, but I'm sure he'd appreciate me coming in under budget (and so would I!) . He is not excited about making such a large purchase online, but if I could convince him that it's OK, I would. I am in the very early stages of looking/learning, and so do not know how this is going to end up. Is that stone "too cheap??" I did see the PP comment about the feather, and I noticed it too, so I suppose that I'd have to pass on that one because it could be a fragility issue. I didn't really know that there was this much to learn about diamonds!

 

[yennyfire]

Thanks for both of your replies. The clarity on the one i listed was SI2. It sucks that there weren't any pictures. I figured that with the EGL cert, it would be better to look for higher grades (like E color) so that when I actually saw it, if it was an H or something, I wouldn't be upset. I really have no idea what I'm doing (obviously!)

Ok so here's what I do know: My SO said that the max budget is $10,000, but I'd really like to stay under that, and I know he would too. I want a bigger center stone, though because I don't think I will ever have the opportunity to upgrade (and I'm sentimental).

I saw a really nice 1.47 oval at Jared a few weeks ago...it was E, I1 (and i didn't see the inclusions with my naked eye). It was $6,000, graded by IGI (don't know who they are though). So, I was hoping that I'd maybe find something else like that from a different jewelry store, preferably not a chain, because I think that I'll have a better chance at getting a really great ring that way.

I'm not sure about my L/W preference, but here is a ring that I likes at Bailey Banks & Biddle, though the color was way off for me. The specs on this were 1.2 ct center stone, I color, VS 2. Tcw was 1.87 and its platinum. Aside from the fact that it was $16,000, it's an I color, and I couldn't understand why it would be set with higher color stones around it.

I think i like the length on this one. the main reason I want an oval is because I like the way they lengthen my short hands. Please excuse my gross nails in the pic.

I think you got some good suggestions for stones. I would look at as many ovals as you can locally and if you can convince your FI about buying online, I would. The PS preferred vendors are more competitive than a Jared's or BBB and if you tell them you're a PSer, it tells them that you understand the 4Cs and have higher expectations than most folks.

I totally agree with the bolded part. That's one of the reasons I love my oval so much!

 

[04diamond<3]

Thank you so much! I actually like the 2 smaller ones better. And the length of the one from GOG is awesome! So I think what I have to do is 1. learn about ASET and
2. see if there is any way to convince my SO that buying online is a good idea. He has not been receptive to that at all when I've mentioned websites like Blue Nile. I am hopeful that in my store visits next week that I will find some nice options that are in the size ranges of those last 2 stones (1.2-1.5) because so far, I've spoken to one store and they told me that all they had in my range was a 1.01 F and a 1.27 J....neither of which was very appealing. Soooo...I guess I have more research to do. But I really like this one http://www.jamesallen.com/?utm_source=adcenter&utm_medium=cpc#!/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.27-carat-g-color-i1-clarity-sku-185088

I kind of wish that I could buy the stone myself!

Hey Libby, thanks for that input! I will make sure to keep that in mind.

That stone is way below your budget...I thought it was 10k??? Also, are you not looking to buy from any of our vendors?

My SO said $10K, but I'm sure he'd appreciate me coming in under budget (and so would I!) . He is not excited about making such a large purchase online, but if I could convince him that it's OK, I would. I am in the very early stages of looking/learning, and so do not know how this is going to end up. Is that stone "too cheap??" I did see the PP comment about the feather, and I noticed it too, so I suppose that I'd have to pass on that one because it could be a fragility issue. I didn't really know that there was this much to learn about diamonds!

It's not that it's too cheap but the feathers (including that very large one on the girdle) could cause structural issues (the stone chipping, shattering etc), so we'd advise to stay clear of a stone with such a large feather on the girdle. I was thinking more that you wanted as big a stone as you could get because you said that you wouldn't be able to upgrade....Have you considered a round? They face up larger...

 

[Daisycakes617]

That stone is way below your budget...I thought it was 10k??? Also, are you not looking to buy from any of our vendors?[/quote]

My SO said $10K, but I'm sure he'd appreciate me coming in under budget (and so would I!) . He is not excited about making such a large purchase online, but if I could convince him that it's OK, I would. I am in the very early stages of looking/learning, and so do not know how this is going to end up. Is that stone "too cheap??" I did see the PP comment about the feather, and I noticed it too, so I suppose that I'd have to pass on that one because it could be a fragility issue. I didn't really know that there was this much to learn about diamonds![/quote]

It's not that it's too cheap but the feathers (including that very large one on the girdle) could cause structural issues (the stone chipping, shattering etc), so we'd advise to stay clear of a stone with such a large feather on the girdle. I was thinking more that you wanted as big a stone as you could get because you said that you wouldn't be able to upgrade....Have you considered a round? They face up larger...[/quote]

I do want the biggest stone that I can get...but I'm also terrified of making such a purchase, which is why I'm still looking at smaller (cheaper) stones. This is a lot of money! I know that it'll be easier to find a round...but I really love ovals. I'm going to have to do some more looking around and really work on my BF about the online buying thing. I suppose I am also concerned about buying online because who can you take it to for service when/if there's an issue? I like the idea of being able to go to a store and talking to someone face to face if there's an issue. Though, I'm not sure if that outweighs getting a better product at a better price.

 

[04diamond<3]

With all your concerns and everything, I'd suggest calling Good Old Gold. They're a very trusted jeweler in NY and they have beautiful ovals. I'll repost the one I previously posted because he made a video of it and it's stunning and well below your budget:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/10124/

If you call them they will make you feel completely calm and help you find what you're looking for.

 

[SMC]

That stone is way below your budget...I thought it was 10k??? Also, are you not looking to buy from any of our vendors?

My SO said $10K, but I'm sure he'd appreciate me coming in under budget (and so would I!) . He is not excited about making such a large purchase online, but if I could convince him that it's OK, I would. I am in the very early stages of looking/learning, and so do not know how this is going to end up. Is that stone "too cheap??" I did see the PP comment about the feather, and I noticed it too, so I suppose that I'd have to pass on that one because it could be a fragility issue. I didn't really know that there was this much to learn about diamonds![/quote]

It's not that it's too cheap but the feathers (including that very large one on the girdle) could cause structural issues (the stone chipping, shattering etc), so we'd advise to stay clear of a stone with such a large feather on the girdle. I was thinking more that you wanted as big a stone as you could get because you said that you wouldn't be able to upgrade....Have you considered a round? They face up larger...[/quote]

I do want the biggest stone that I can get...but I'm also terrified of making such a purchase, which is why I'm still looking at smaller (cheaper) stones. This is a lot of money! I know that it'll be easier to find a round...but I really love ovals. I'm going to have to do some more looking around and really work on my BF about the online buying thing. I suppose I am also concerned about buying online because who can you take it to for service when/if there's an issue? I like the idea of being able to go to a store and talking to someone face to face if there's an issue. Though, I'm not sure if that outweighs getting a better product at a better price.[/quote]

Some people purchase the stone online and get the setting locally. The service issues that you'll have after you get the ring will most likely come from the setting (polishing, prong tightening, replating white gold), so your local jeweler will be able to take care of those.

I don't know much about ovals, but here's a useful guide if you're looking at stones:
https://www.pricescope.com/wiki/diamonds/oval-cut-diamond

 

[Daisycakes617]

With all your concerns and everything, I'd suggest calling Good Old Gold. They're a very trusted jeweler in NY and they have beautiful ovals. I'll repost the one I previously posted because he made a video of it and it's stunning and well below your budget:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/10124/

If you call them they will make you feel completely calm and help you find what you're looking for.

Oooh a video! I'm subscribed to GOG's Youtube and I love watching their videos. Thanks so much! Time for more homework!

 

[LibbyLA]

Have you considered a round? They face up larger...

Actually, that is not true. Ovals (unless they are overly deep) generally face up larger than rounds and they also cost a good bit less. My 2.06 GIA J SI2 oval was less than 9K about a year and a half ago. I've seen one other that faced up about like mine does for about that price, but most are over $12K (but still much less than a comparable round).

liz

 

[ecf8503]

Have you considered a round? They face up larger...

Actually, that is not true. Ovals (unless they are overly deep) generally face up larger than rounds and they also cost a good bit less. My 2.06 GIA J SI2 oval was less than 9K about a year and a half ago. I've seen one other that faced up about like mine does for about that price, but most are over $12K (but still much less than a comparable round).

liz

2nd. Ovals face up larger than rounds per carat weight most of the time. As do marquise...

 

[Daisycakes617]

Have you considered a round? They face up larger...

Actually, that is not true. Ovals (unless they are overly deep) generally face up larger than rounds and they also cost a good bit less. My 2.06 GIA J SI2 oval was less than 9K about a year and a half ago. I've seen one other that faced up about like mine does for about that price, but most are over $12K (but still much less than a comparable round).

liz

Liz...would you mind showing off a pic of your ring? Where did you find a 2ct under 9k??

 

[04diamond<3]

Have you considered a round? They face up larger...

Actually, that is not true. Ovals (unless they are overly deep) generally face up larger than rounds and they also cost a good bit less. My 2.06 GIA J SI2 oval was less than 9K about a year and a half ago. I've seen one other that faced up about like mine does for about that price, but most are over $12K (but still much less than a comparable round).

liz

I meant all around. Ovals are only "bigger" in length.

 

[LibbyLA]

daisycakes,

Here's a thread on it. The pictures are not very good, but my vendor doesn't do glamour shots like some of the others and my jewelry photography skills leave a lot to be desired. [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/oval-2-06-j-si2-in-brilliance-custom-tulip-pave-setting.169780/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/oval-2-06-j-si2-in-brilliance-custom-tulip-pave-setting.169780/[/URL]

I first saw the stone on the Blue Nile web site, priced at a little over $10K. I don't remember how I found it listed at brilliance.com, but it was something like $8700 there.

I saw one a little over 2 carats and under 9K on BN awhile back but it's not there now. Everything above 1.8 cts. and not too deep is over $10K. You may have to keep looking for awhile.

liz

 

[Daisycakes617]

Thanks for sharing...it's beautiful! So now I'm confused. The I that's in the pic I posted above looks way more tinted than your J, which looks very white. I guess I'll need to see them all in person. I contacted a store in my area that has a 1.27 J that could work. Hmmm this is all so interesting! I am getting excited! Thanks!

 

[LibbyLA]

daisycakes,

A GIA J will look different from an EGL International J. Also, different lighting makes things look different colors. My J faces up pretty white most of the time. I just got an old cut M (EGL USA) and it's amazingly white most of the time. A well-cut diamond won't show tint look a poorly cut diamond.

liz

 

[Daisycakes617]

Ok I have another question for the oval experts out there...how can you tell what the Length/Width Ratio on a diamond if that information isn't given online?
For example, I'm looking at one with the following specs

1.40, Oval, I, VS1, Depth 63.3%, Table 60%, Measurements: 8.53x6.11x3.87

This one is at a local jeweler that I'm going to check out this weekend, so i suppose I can just look at it when i get there, but just curious.

Thanks!

 

[kimmo416]

Ok I have another question for the oval experts out there...how can you tell what the Length/Width Ratio on a diamond if that information isn't given online?
For example, I'm looking at one with the following specs

1.40, Oval, I, VS1, Depth 63.3%, Table 60%, Measurements: 8.53x6.11x3.87

This one is at a local jeweler that I'm going to check out this weekend, so i suppose I can just look at it when i get there, but just curious.

Thanks!

Not a diamond expert AT ALL, but this is something I know how to do from when I was searching for my cushion. To get the L/W ratio, just divide the length and width. 8.53 divided by 6.11 = 1.396. This diamond has a L/W ratio of almost 1.4. I would suggest calculating the L/W ratio on the diamonds you find attractive and you'll be able to figure out a range of what you like. Good luck with your search

 

[Daisycakes617]

Ok I have another question for the oval experts out there...how can you tell what the Length/Width Ratio on a diamond if that information isn't given online?
For example, I'm looking at one with the following specs

1.40, Oval, I, VS1, Depth 63.3%, Table 60%, Measurements: 8.53x6.11x3.87

This one is at a local jeweler that I'm going to check out this weekend, so i suppose I can just look at it when i get there, but just curious.

Thanks!

Not a diamond expert AT ALL, but this is something I know how to do from when I was searching for my cushion. To get the L/W ratio, just divide the length and width. 8.53 divided by 6.11 = 1.396. This diamond has a L/W ratio of almost 1.4. I would suggest calculating the L/W ratio on the diamonds you find attractive and you'll be able to figure out a range of what you like. Good luck with your search

Thanks so much! that is really helpful!