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Oval - Advice Needed Please!

Which one is better?

  • Option 1

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • Option 2

    Votes: 4 44.4%

  • Choose a new diamond

    Votes: 5 55.6%
  • Total voters
    9
  • Poll closed .
RockySeeker

RockySeeker

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jul 4, 2018
Messages
19
Hello All!

First of all, I just want to say I've been scouring online about oval diamonds and this site has been amazing in regards to opinions and advice. As for my dilemma, I need some help picking an oval diamond. My girlfriend wants to stress no/minimal bow tie and dimensions (to make it look larger). I've purchased a couple diamonds and want to get the forum's opinions on each. The difference in cost isn't far off so I want to choose the best diamond between the two (or if none of these are great, I'd like to know that too).

Also, the setting of the ring is yellow gold with a halo so that's why I went down to I color. The VS1/VVS2 isn't that important (was originally looking at SI1 or VS2), but it just so happens the proportions of the stones make the stone seem like a higher carat weight than they really are, in my opinion.

Option 1: (linked)
GIA6281707281
SHAPE: Oval
CARAT WEIGHT: 1.20
COLOR: I
CLARITY: VS1
POLISH: Excellent
SYMMETRY: Very Good
FLUORESCENCE: None
L/W/D (MM): 8.76*6.03*3.41
L/W RATIO: 1.45
DEPTH %: 56.50
GIRDLE: Slightly Thick - Very Thick
TABLE %: 56.00
CULET: None
CERTIFICATE: GIA
CROWN ∠: 35.40
CROWN %: 15.30
PAVILION ∠: 35.70
PAVILION %: 36.20
5069226 (1).jpg upload_2018-7-4_20-15-32.png


Option 2: (linked)
GIA5256162934
Shape Oval
Carat 1.200
Color I
Clarity VVS2
Measurements 8.53x6.11x3.67 mm
Cut None
Polish Excellent
Symmetry Very Good
Fluorescence Faint
Eye-Clean Yes
Culet None
Depth % 60.1
Table % 59.0
Crown Angle 0.0
Star 0.0
Pavilion Angle 0.0
Crown % 0.0
Lower Girdle % 0.0
GIA5256162934-ASET.jpg GIA5256162934-Diamond.jpg
video (linked)

Summary:
I like option 1 so far because the bow tie is "clear" or minimal so it doesn't look like a giant dark spot in the middle, but I'm concerned the brilliance isn't great from the ASET. I'm still waiting for option 2 to come in to compare, but I'm worried the bow tie is very prominent in person. I'm curious to know what folks think based on the stats and images above.

Any guidance or advice is welcome! Thanks in advance.
 
Welcome to pricescope!

Color. Oval diamonds show more color than around and that color tends to concentrate in the tips (making the stone a bit bicolor) especially when the faceting is not good. We actually recommend you stay at H or above for an oval. I would personally consider an I in an a "super ideal" oval (August Vintage Inc is the only maker of them) or from a vendor who is very good with non-rounds (for example, DiamondsbyLauren).

So, #1 is a classic example of a strong and prominent bowtie. You are looking for a diamond that has a active bowtie with facets beside is that are also active. This is not a good choice. You can also see the body color very clearly in this stone. I'd eliminate.

#1 has a very good aset and picture (I can't seem to get the video to play). But, that I color would give me pause. You'll have to see when you have it in hand if it has color concentration.

You didn't mention a budget, but if this is eyeclean (just email AV), this is a nice size and will have ideal optics.
https://www.augustvintageinc.net/co...ducts/1-5ct-g-si1-august-vintage-oval-1649420
There was not much stock between 1.5 and 1.0, you can also ask if they have more on the way in that size range with your budget.
 

Attachments

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Thanks for the tips! Sorry, the budget is under $6,000 USD with the idea of stressing the "look" of a larger stone and minimal bowtie, while being eye clean.
 
Last edited:
RockySeeker said:
Thanks for the tips! Sorry, the budget is under $6,000 USD with the idea of stressing the "look" of a larger stone and minimal bowtie, while being eye clean.
Click to expand...
The good thing about ovals is that they are spreadier as compared to a round. Putting it in a properly proportioned halo setting is a good way to cheat the eye, but the size is the size.

Here are a few options. I'm playing with color and clarity to see if we can find something physically larger and eyeclean. Compare ovals by size in mm not by weight. There is no standard relationship between the two.

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.09-carat-e-color-si1-clarity-sku-5234058 {8.10*5.88*3.73}

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.15-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-4867139 {8.15*5.83*3.69}

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.09-carat-e-color-si1-clarity-sku-5234058 {8.10*5.88*3.73}

This is another type of oval with more of a 'crushed ice look'
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.11-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-4966477 {8.00*5.72*3.26}

Maybe @tyty333 @mrs-b @diamondseeker2006 @Lorelei and other fancy lovers can post some additional options.
 
Oooooh - @rockysalamander - those are some very nice finds!

I'm not fond of the 1.15 H VS1 - but the H VS2 1.11ct is cut like an 8 main cushion with the corners removed - and it's a cracker! However.....

That 1.09ct E SI1 is a larger surface area due to its small table (which is actually my preference anyway), and way whiter - and in an oval, color is such a huge factor to consider. Agreed - I would NOT go down to an I, and since ovals concentrate color in the ends (which can give you a patchy color look), I would stay away from even an H, unless 'warm' is what you like. An E has precious little color to concentrate, so you're solidly safe there.

You won't find an August Vintage oval in your budget and size range - altho they are definitely the best oval on the market and perform markedly differently to other ovals. I do like that E SI1, tho, and it seems to have -zero- bow tie! It's a terrific find.

@RockySeeker - just to add - re the 2 stones you attached - #1 has horrible light return, and #2 has a bit bowtie. Not good options.
 
I have not seen that "crushed ice look' oval cut before. (Second to last option in Salamander's post. It seems to have quadrants rather than the bow in the center.) Interesting. I would like to see a comparison of this with the August Vintage new oval. Getting back to the original post, I agree that the oval shows more color and I would not go below an G-H. You can go with lesser clarity as the oval can hide some flaws. Plus if she wants a big look that means that the cut may not be optimum and that the bow will be more noticable. IMHO the chunkier/fatter (AKA rounder ovals) have less of a bow tie than the elongated ovals.
 
I love that second stone, it is unique and has a lot of personality, and I would want to see it in person.
I would not call it a bowtie because it is not dark. It is more like two areas of faceting, which I find intriguing.
 
But if the diamond is put on a yellow gold setting, would it be recommended to still not go below G or H color? I was thinking the yellow gold would reflect some yellow on the diamond anyways.
 
RockySeeker said:
But if the diamond is put on a yellow gold setting, would it be recommended to still not go below G or H color? I was thinking the yellow gold would reflect some yellow on the diamond anyways.
Click to expand...

The concept about metal color is that you see less contrast between the diamond color and the metal. Even while that does not really work in ovals, ovals optics create color concentration along the long axis often leading to more color in the tips than the belly. But, if you are aiming for "white", this is not likely to be a successful tactic for this shape diamond. In a round, you can cheat a bit on color. Also, the ability to see color is biologically defined.

But, if you want this to look white, then you have to deal with the optical reality of the oval. Its a lovely shape, but it takes time and effort to find one that meets all your parameters.

Here's an example. Can you see how the rounded end of the oval has more color than the middle, even ignoring the terrible bowtie?

upload_2018-7-5_11-52-4.png

Couple more color details. The Also, the number of shades within a color increase as you go downward. I is the first color where most viewers can reliably see body color from the side and 45 degrees. That is the angle the wearer sees. The more body color in a diamond, the more the concentration can occur.

Did your girl see GIA graded ovals in I color and loved them? If so, then you are fine provided you can find one without color concentration and nice faceting. If so, I'm just offering some caution.
 
That E/SI1 is killer!!!
 
I like the 1.09 E SI1 of the stones posted. You mentioned a yellow gold setting. Often the prongs of the ring are white gold or platinum, and then the shank of the ring is yellow gold. I would not put yellow gold prongs on a white diamond. It might reflect in the stone and that would drive me nuts The prongs should be as invisible as possible.
 
So, my girlfriend has looked at some I colors and doesn't seem to mind it too much, but that could be because we haven't seen it compared to a D-G color stone on the yellow gold setting yet.

I agree the halo setting above from ivy and rose looks amazing, but she seems set on a Tacori 2620 halo now.

I just started looking at the 1.09 E SI1, but it looks like it's sold now :(2. My girlfriend saw the crushed ice and doesn't seem to like the look. If there are other suggestions, I'd appreciate it. Thanks.
 
diamondseeker2006 said:
I like the 1.09 E SI1 of the stones posted. You mentioned a yellow gold setting. Often the prongs of the ring are white gold or platinum, and then the shank of the ring is yellow gold. I would not put yellow gold prongs on a white diamond. It might reflect in the stone and that would drive me nuts The prongs should be as invisible as possible.
Click to expand...

I agree with this... a yellow gold shank would be fine, but I would leave any prongs (or bezel) around the center stone in white metal.
 
RockySeeker said:
So, my girlfriend has looked at some I colors and doesn't seem to mind it too much, but that could be because we haven't seen it compared to a D-G color stone on the yellow gold setting yet.

I agree the halo setting above from ivy and rose looks amazing, but she seems set on a Tacori 2620 halo now.

I just started looking at the 1.09 E SI1, but it looks like it's sold now :(2. My girlfriend saw the crushed ice and doesn't seem to like the look. If there are other suggestions, I'd appreciate it. Thanks.
Click to expand...

Hmmmm... that Tacori is going to set you back some cash. Would you consider having it made by David Klass?? He could tweak it just so that it's not an exact copy (something minor like on the basket so it's not so obvious), it would be the same, if not better quality, and it would likely save you some cash. The Dantela is very pretty, I just think Tacori is waaaaaay overpriced for what it is. I thought I HAD. TO. HAVE. a certain Tacori setting... until I saw it in real life and was underwhelmed, to say the least.

Has she actually seen this setting in real life... in yellow gold... with a mid-colored oval in the size you're looking at? I really think she should before she decides it's Tacori or bust, KWIM? Just my $0.02...

I still wouldn't go below H in an oval, UNLESS she's actually looking for a "warmer" diamond. The yellow gold is automatically going to make it appear more yellow unless there is a stark contrast (like in the DEF range).
 
Just to check, is @Rhino not cutting the AVInc ovals in this sort of size / budget?
 
Sorry, the $6,000 USD budget was for the diamond only. I already set aside a budget for the tacori setting so now just looking for that perfect diamond, haha.
 
RockySeeker said:
I just started looking at the 1.09 E SI1, but it looks like it's old now :(2. My girlfriend saw the crushed ice and doesn't seem to like the look. If there are other suggestions, I'd appreciate it. Thanks.
Click to expand...

You may want to reach out to JA... someone could've just put it on hold. If that is the case, and you think you want this stone, then tell them to contact you if the other sale falls through.
 
Just contacted them and they said that sale was final. I got sidetracked at work and missed it. Drats!
 
I searched again and did not find anything new. Maybe another member with fresh eyes can find something. Searching for fancies is tough even with experienced eyes...
 
So, reading through these comments now, it seems I should be targeting with my budget:
color: H+
clarity: SI1+ (?)
fluorescence: medium or lower (?)
Any thoughts on symmetry and polish? I was trying to choose "very good" or "excellent" for both.
 
RockySeeker said:
So, reading through these comments now, it seems I should be targeting with my budget:
color: H+
clarity: SI1+ (?)
fluorescence: medium or lower (?)
Any thoughts on symmetry and polish? I was trying to choose "very good" or "excellent" for both.
Click to expand...
Personally speaking, I think that Ovals need to be approached in the same way as step-cuts - assess them for beauty first, with the numbers / symmetry / polish just being an afterthought!
 
Between the 2... number 2
 
scarsmum said:
Sorry that link didn’t work

https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamo...4-Carat-D-Color-VS2-Clarity-Diamond-3207623Z2
Click to expand...
I agree that the one posted is not knocking my socks off.

I like this one, though I think the ASET will be similar to the one you just posted.
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.09-carat-e-color-si1-clarity-sku-5234058; 8.10*5.88*3.73
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.05-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-4351834; 7.84*5.81*3.69

Not sure if eyeclean enough, but strong ASET.
https://enchanteddiamonds.com/v/34Z879621; 8.00×5.93×3.73

What about this antique oval?
https://www.augustvintageinc.net/co...ts/1-018ct-g-vs2-august-vintage-oval-1537773; 5.18 - 7.15 x 4.11 {just note that this vendor only has a 7 day return policy, I can't find the note on the website, so confirm this}

Beautiful. This vendor is very good with fancy shapes and may be willing to separate the setting, although I think its lovely.
http://www.diamondsbylauren.com/index.php/jewelry/107ct-j-si1-oval-diamond-r7813
 
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