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Oval Help Please!

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scottaz76

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jun 3, 2008
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Hi,

I am looking to purchase an Oval Diamond for my gf for an engagement ring. I have done quite a bit of research however I still struggle with analyzing the cut of a diamond. I am looking at two different ovals. I need some advice on whether or not these are good cuts.

Diamond 1
Shape: Oval
Carat weight: 2.68
Cut: Ideal
Color: I
Clarity: VVS2
Certificate: GIA
Depth: 60.3%
Table: 57.0%
Polish: Very Good
Symmetry: Very Good
Girdle: Medium to very thick
Culet: None
Fluorescence: Medium
Measurements: 10.78*7.84*4.73
Ratio: 1.38

Diamond 2
Shape: Oval
Carat weight: 2.72
Cut: Ideal
Color: I
Clarity: VVS1
Certificate: GIA
Depth: 64.0%
Table: 58.0%
Polish: Very Good
Symmetry: Good
Girdle: Thin to very thick
Culet: None
Fluorescence: None
Measurements: 10.19*7.91*5.06
Ratio: 1.29

Thanks in advance,

Scott


 
Hi,

Ovals are hard to judge from numbers alone. They really need to be assessed with your eyes. Try to observe the stones in as many lighting environments as you can. (At least get them away from store display lighting) Look out for bow ties and any other light leakage. Take a look at the symmetry. (Is the culet centered? Are the shoulders too high?-for example)

Can you post pictures?

Good luck!
 
Coatimundi is right. You''ve got to use your eyes with fancies!

I like the depth of #1, but, the ratio of #2. The symmetry on #2 is "good" not "very good". You really need to get a good look at these stones to compare.
 
Thanks for you help. I have one problem, I am attempting to purchase these diamonds over the internet. Based on your advice, it sounds like I should opt for an actual store so I can see the Diamonds. Unfortunately the only picture I have is two large to post and no matter how much I try to compress it, it is too big.

Thanks for the advice.

Scott
 
Thanks Miranda
 
Can they ship them to you for viewing?

Or make a video for you?

Is your photo 72dpi?(that might help--if it's not already sized)
 
Date: 6/3/2008 11:58:54 PM
Author: scottaz76
Thanks for you help. I have one problem, I am attempting to purchase these diamonds over the internet. Based on your advice, it sounds like I should opt for an actual store so I can see the Diamonds. Unfortunately the only picture I have is two large to post and no matter how much I try to compress it, it is too big.

Thanks for the advice.

Scott
Click to expand...
Nope, not at all. You just need to use a vendor that will send you lots and lots of pics and possibly a video to check for those dreaded bow ties.

Try these guys. http://www.goodoldgold.com/ But, be careful...The videos are addictive!

If you find a stone that you think is a winner you can have it sent to an independent appraiser, have an appraisal done, then decide to buy or not. This of course will take a wee deposit, but, you have nothing to fear!

Honestly, you will probably have a lot more luck dealing with an internet vendor than you think!
 
Here is the pic of the 2.72

oval_pic.JPG
 
Did they give you a picture that is not black and white? Have you seen an I color in person? Also, where is the cert from? GIA, AGS, EGL? I have so many questions, don''t I. Sorry, I get excited about ovals!
28.gif
 
Miranda,

This is the only picture they have. This diamond is GIA certified. I have seen an I color in person and it is sufficient (the lowest I will go). The vendor claims in have minimal bowtie. It is just really hard to make a decision on this with minimal information.

Scott
 
Those are all good things. It looks gorgeous! You could ask the vendor to ship it to an appraiser near you and have a look at it there. What is the return policy?
 
Can you get a pic of the 2.68 carat also? I like the ratio on that one better.
 
Coda brings up a good point. How will you set this? I think that makes a difference as far as the ratio goes. For a solitaire I personally like the 1.29 ratio. You may like the more elongated shape for another setting, though.
 
I sent an email to see if I can get a pic of the 2.68.
 
Stone #1 is going to "look" quite a bit larger IMO due to the additional length. I have a pear that has a longer ratio and I prefer it. Some people like chubby fancies, some skinnier ones.

You probably need to set eyes on both stones to see which you prefer.
 
Post the pic when you get a chance. It will be great to see them both. Have you asked the vendor which one has less of a bowtie? Or less body color? I''m curious. In my experience, stones with lower ratio seem to have less of a bowtie effect.
 

Diamond #1 has medium fluorescence, which should reduce the value and therefore the price of the stone. Since most diamond shoppers avoid medium or strong fluorescence, that does reduce your pool of potential buyers if you every try to sell in your diamond in the future. I see the wholesale prices are almost identical for those two stones, which is a little surprising since diamond #2 has the slightly greater weight, higher clarity grade and no fluorescence.


I noticed you had very high clarity for both diamonds. Was that your requirement or was that just chance that both were VVS clarity grades? You are paying a premium for the high clarity that has no impact on the appearance or beauty of the diamonds to the eye compared to VS1 or VS2 clarity grades.


With ovals, the certification numbers just do not tell the whole story. Finding minimal bow tie is critical but there can be a noticeable difference in the facet pattern even with diamonds having the same specifications on paper. To judge these factors you need to see the stones in person under the same lighting conditions. Photos and videos are seldom accurate because the image often has more to do with the lighting and camera settings than the diamond itself. You can never judge color from a photo because digital cameras view color differently and different computer monitors will present the color differently.
 
Date: 6/5/2008 2:42:57 PM
Author: dennyr

Diamond #1 has medium fluorescence, which should reduce the value and therefore the price of the stone. Since most diamond shoppers avoid medium or strong fluorescence, that does reduce your pool of potential buyers if you every try to sell in your diamond in the future.

Click to expand...
Please don''t continue to propogate this myth. Many people on PS seek out flourescence especially in color grades I and higher.

"Most" shoppers don''t even have a clue what flourescence IS. Pricescope shoppers do and do not agree that it reduces the value of the stone.
 
Date: 6/5/2008 3:20:30 PM
Author: purrfectpear

Date: 6/5/2008 2:42:57 PM
Author: dennyr


Diamond #1 has medium fluorescence, which should reduce the value and therefore the price of the stone. Since most diamond shoppers avoid medium or strong fluorescence, that does reduce your pool of potential buyers if you every try to sell in your diamond in the future.

Click to expand...
Please don''t continue to propogate this myth. Many people on PS seek out flourescence especially in color grades I and higher.

''Most'' shoppers don''t even have a clue what flourescence IS. Pricescope shoppers do and do not agree that it reduces the value of the stone.
Click to expand...
DITTO!!
 
DOUBLE DITTO. I personally seek out diamonds that DO have fluorescence. I love it!!!!!!!!!



Linda
 
Of course every diamond shopper has to decide on their own priorities, especially with regards to fluorescence and value. I did misspeak when I said that medium or stronger fluorescence reduced the value. Value can be defined as how much the purchase satisfies the requirements for the price. The price of diamonds on the wholesale market is lower for diamonds with medium or stronger fluorescence but they can still be a great value if that is what the shopper wants. My point was directed more to resale opportunities, given that over 95% of our clients require Faint or less fluorescence regardless of the color grade. I can not speak for Pricescope shoppers in general, just the clients who contact us with their diamond shopping requirements.
 
Oh really. 95% of your shoppers actually specify whether the stone has flourescence or not? How much of that is with your help and opinions?

I do not believe for one little second that 95% of the people buying diamonds know what flourescence in a diamond is, much less that they would know to discuss it as a factor of preference or not.

Shoppers believe what they are told for the most part. Pricescope is here to educate them with the truth, not just the "4 C''s" and jeweler spiel.

As far as resale value goes, many of the vendors recommended here on PS have full trade up policies for GIA and AGS stones. They could care less whether the stone has flourescence. If you are referring to selling person to person in a private sale, good luck getting your full retail price back on ANY stone.
 

I am still trying to get a pic for the 2.68. The return policy on both diamonds is 30 days 100% money back. I asked the vendor about sending both diamonds to a local appraiser so I can view the stones. Attached is picture of the setting I plan to set the diamond in.


Thanks,


Scott



DSC00244.JPG
 
Date: 6/5/2008 3:43:12 PM
Author: dennyr
Of course every diamond shopper has to decide on their own priorities, especially with regards to fluorescence and value. I did misspeak when I said that medium or stronger fluorescence reduced the value. Value can be defined as how much the purchase satisfies the requirements for the price. The price of diamonds on the wholesale market is lower for diamonds with medium or stronger fluorescence but they can still be a great value if that is what the shopper wants. My point was directed more to resale opportunities, given that over 95% of our clients require Faint or less fluorescence regardless of the color grade. I can not speak for Pricescope shoppers in general, just the clients who contact us with their diamond shopping requirements.
Click to expand...
Denny, as a professional in this market, I believe it is your job to educate your consumers. So hopefully, you aren''t propogating, you are educating your customers on flourescence.

Finally, resale on diamonds is poor return on investment anyway. And IMO, it shouldn''t be a factor indeciding on an engagement ring purchase at all.
 
Date: 6/5/2008 5:01:31 PM
Author: scottaz76

I am still trying to get a pic for the 2.68. The return policy on both diamonds is 30 days 100% money back. I asked the vendor about sending both diamonds to a local appraiser so I can view the stones. Attached is picture of the setting I plan to set the diamond in.



Thanks,



Scott

Click to expand...
It''s beautiful, scott! I think having both stones sent in is an outstanding idea! Keep us posted on what you decide!
 
Thanks Miranda, the vendor is willing to ship both diamonds to AZ for my viewing. Thanks for all of your advice. I will let you know what I end up doing!

Thanks,

Scott
 
Great news! I really don''t think you will be disappointed in either stone. It will just boil down to a matter of preference.
 
Well.....Any decision yet?
 
Scott,
I hope you will touch base back on this thread, I want to hear how the experience goes in dealing with the company who is shipping the diamonds, as I am thinking about buying from them as well. An oval stone too
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I just ordered a stone sight unseen from the same site that Scott used. I have been very happy with their service so far... I will post back here when I get the ring
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