Please help me choose an oval diamond!

[lemonlyman]

Hi - we're about to order my engagement ring and I could really use some help with picking an oval diamond as I'm completely lost between two!!

Number 1 – 1ct F, VS2, excellent symmetry and polish, faint fluorescence. Table 58.00% Depth 62.80%, girdle medium to thick, GIA graded in December 2019.

Number 2 – 1.09 ct G, VVS2, excellent symmetry and polish, medium fluorescence Table 61.00% Depth 62.60%, girdle medium to thick. GIA graded in July 2020.

The price difference is negligible, and the size difference on my finger would be actually v small (according to diamdb) so I’m completely torn.

Number 1 is the one my consultant chose initially, but number 2 wasn’t available when we started looking and he says each are equally lovely and I can’t go wrong with either. There’s no video of number 1 which makes it harder as I don't really want to choose a diamond just off of one picture! Neither look to have a huge bow tie from the pictures, and in the video of number 2 it seems like there's minimal bow tie, but although it doesn't look milky in the video I'm worried about the medium fluorescence.

My instinct is to go for number 1 for the higher colour but also think it would be nuts to buy a diamond based on spec and just one photo.

I’m probably MASSIVELY overthinking this so please help me get over myself and just pick one before my bf kills me!! *Facepalm*

EDIT - apologies for the massive photos I don't know how to change that!

Number 1:



Number 2:

 

[Big Fat Facets]

hi,

just from the images, i like the way number 2 looks. but what truly matters most is what looks best to you. it's not a whole lot to go by. you wouldn't happen to have a video clip would you?

 

[lemonlyman]

hi,

just from the images, i like the way number 2 looks. but what truly matters most is what looks best to you. it's not a whole lot to go by. you wouldn't happen to have a video clip would you?

I have a video clip of number 2 but can't upload it for some reason....I think if I was going on spec alone I would go for number 1, it just feels a bit mad to buy a diamond just from one photo! Thanks for your input tho!

 

[tyty333]

Did you check on JA or BN to see if either of those has a video of the first stone?

 

[lemonlyman]

Did you check on JA or BN to see if either of those has a video of the first stone?

Yes I did - unfortunately neither do, and our consultant has said the supplier doesn't have video footage unfortunately.

My main concern with the second diamond is milkiness from the fluorescence!

 

[Cerulean]

You are in the land of overthinkers! LOL! So don't sweat it! Too bad they can't give you a video.

I also like #2 more - it appears brighter to me. I am of the understanding that medium fluorescence shouldn't cause milkiness - that it shouldn't make a difference until you are in the "strong" territory - but someone who knows more might chime in.

 

[tyty333]

Yes I did - unfortunately neither do, and our consultant has said the supplier doesn't have video footage unfortunately.

My main concern with the second diamond is milkiness from the fluorescence!

Ask the vendor...it would be rare. Issues with fluorescence usually dont occur until Strong or Very Strong Fluorescence.

 

[Big Fat Facets]

what's the return policy on stone number 2??

if the return policy is decent, id evaluate, if fluorescence, has adverse affects such a milkiness, oiliness, haziness in sunlight. both ambient sunlight and direct sunlight. if fluorescence has impacted the diamonds transparency, it will show up for you in sunlight

but usually, designated *strong* or *very strong* fluorescence may cause the adverse affects.

personally, if fluorescence is at all present, i do still check, just for my own peace of mind

 

[lemonlyman]

Ask the vendor...it would be rare. Issues with fluorescence usually dont occur until Strong or Very Strong Fluorescence.

That's also what he said - but a jeweller friend said never to get other than faint or none so I'm confused!

Based on the specs/pics do you think one would be a better pick than the other? I'm hesitant to get number one without a video to double check the bow tie (which looks v small in the pic), but my consultant seems convinced it's lovely and said he'd recommend even without a video.

 

[lemonlyman]

what's the return policy on stone number 2??

if the return policy is decent, id evaluate, if fluorescence, has adverse affects such a milkiness, oiliness, haziness in sunlight. both ambient sunlight and direct sunlight. if fluorescence has impacted the diamonds transparency, it will show up for you in sunlight

but usually, designated *strong* or *very strong* fluorescence may cause the adverse affects.

personally, if fluorescence is at all present, i do still check, just for my own peace of mind

it's a bespoke ring through a jeweller so I can exchange the diamond for a restocking fee. (I think 200).

Unfortunately I can't inspect in daylight, I only have the video they've sent which is under spotlights!

Thanks for your input!

 

[lemonlyman]

You are in the land of overthinkers! LOL! So don't sweat it! Too bad they can't give you a video.

I also like #2 more - it appears brighter to me. I am of the understanding that medium fluorescence shouldn't cause milkiness - that it shouldn't make a difference until you are in the "strong" territory - but someone who knows more might chime in.

Haha yes I am the queen of overthinking!

It appears brighter to me in the picture too but the other stone is F so I'm wondering if that's just the photograph...

 

[Cerulean]

Haha yes I am the queen of overthinking!

It appears brighter to me in the picture too but the other stone is F so I'm wondering if that's just the photograph...

Unless you are very sensitive to color...I expect the grading might not make a huge difference. I *am* sensitive to color and could probably see it but it is so slight - but I imagine G will still be pleasantly white!

What is the face up size? That is another factor - the G is slightly bigger! But not sure the dimensions?

Did you get a chance to see different color ranges in person? I know with the pandemic that isn't easy...I also made a diamond purchase sight unseen without being able to compare things in person so I know it is anxiety-producing!

 

[lemonlyman]

Unless you are very sensitive to color...I expect the grading might not make a huge difference. I *am* sensitive to color and could probably see it but it is so slight - but I imagine G will still be pleasantly white!

What is the face up size? That is another factor - the G is slightly bigger! But not sure the dimensions?

Did you get a chance to see different color ranges in person? I know with the pandemic that isn't easy...I also made a diamond purchase sight unseen without being able to compare things in person so I know it is anxiety-producing!

I'm also fairly colour sensitive but I'm having it in yellow gold so that should offset the G...

There's actually not a huge difference! The G is 7.76x 5.79 x3.62, the F is 7.62 x5.68 x3.57 which according to diamb is 4% but you can barely tell.

How did you get on with your sight unseen purchase??

 

[Cerulean]

I'm also fairly colour sensitive but I'm having it in yellow gold so that should offset the G...

There's actually not a huge difference! The G is 7.76x 5.79 x3.62, the F is 7.62 x5.68 x3.57 which according to diamb is 4% but you can barely tell.

How did you get on with your sight unseen purchase??

Ah yes - small difference, not a big difference in weight but I was wondering if that mattered! I think the yellow gold might provide contrast too!

And to reassure you - my purchase went great. I pulled the trigger on a diamond (a very different one from yours - an Old European Cut diamond) for my e-ring too - and it is gorgeous. I admire it constantly! What helped me a lot was knowing that I could return it if it didn't gobsmack me in person. I also set expectations with my then fiance, now husband, that if it wasn't my dream stone, we should return it. It didn't occur to him at all, so making my view on that obvious was important.

But it was my dream stone, and I knew I couldn't send it back!