Please help with choosing first engagement ring.

[rb321]

Have you discussed any shape other than a round diamond...oval and marquise?

I have not. Would there be any benefits in looking into those options over a round shape?

 

[rockysalamander]

I have not. Would there be any benefits in looking into those options over a round shape?

They are just as hard to find, perhaps harder, but they can have a much larger face-up size than a round. So, you might be able get more face-up for your budget. It opens up the search parameters to still stay in budget.

@valeria101 @tyty333 @drk14 @msop04 posted these on another thread and the poster has passed them over. For reference, a round 1.0 carat is around 6.5 mm. All these are in budget, just look at the size in mm to see what I mean about face-up size. If these have any interest, then we can look for ovals.

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/0.90-carat-d-color-vs2-clarity-sku-3174435 {I love the cut pattern on this, almost a mix of an oval and cushion; 6.81*5.32 mm}*
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.00-carat-d-color-si1-clarity-sku-3011902 {shown below to compare to idealized 1 carat round;7.63*5.71mm}*
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/0.90-carat-e-color-si1-clarity-sku-3250284 (7.61*5.61 mm)
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/0.90-carat-f-color-si1-clarity-sku-3346580 {7.32*5.45 mm}
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.00-carat-d-color-si1-clarity-sku-3011902 (7.63*5.71}*

Size 7 with .75 ct center round (.25 on sides ttw), note setting pinches in at stone

Size 8.25 1.02 ct oval (note that the setting pinches in at the stone)

 

[msop04]

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/0.90-carat-d-color-vs2-clarity-sku-3174435 {I love the cut pattern on this, almost a mix of an oval and cushion; 6.81*5.32 mm}*
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.00-carat-d-color-si1-clarity-sku-3011902
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/0.90-carat-e-color-si1-clarity-sku-3250284 (7.61*5.61 mm)
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/0.90-carat-f-color-si1-clarity-sku-3346580 {7.32*5.45 mm}
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.00-carat-d-color-si1-clarity-sku-3011902 (7.63*5.71}*

Honestly, I like all of these... What type setting are you going with?

Like @rockysalamander, this one has my favorite faceting, but it is smaller. https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/0.90-carat-d-color-vs2-clarity-sku-3174435

I like these two equally:
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.00-carat-d-color-si1-clarity-sku-3011902
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/0.90-carat-f-color-si1-clarity-sku-3346580
...but I would choose the 1.00 for the added size

 

[rockysalamander]

This marquise is not perfect, but it is over 1.0 carat and the E color works well with the SI1. No major mushy areas. Some flaws visible at a steep angle t. And...look at the spread! But, she really needs to love marquise as some really don't like them. Ovals are very popular, by comparison.

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/marquise-cut/1.02-carat-e-color-si1-clarity-sku-2853047 (9.6*5.34)

Setting: https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/14k-white-gold-pave-rope-engagement-ring-item-52625

 

[rb321]

Thanks for all those suggestions. I discussed it with my gf and she really likes the oval shape. Unfortunately it looks like i wasn't' quick enough it making a decision and most have been sold out.

Some of the .9 are still available:
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/0.90-carat-f-color-si1-clarity-sku-3346580

Any other oval suggestions? Maybe in 1.0 carat? Thanks!

 

[rockysalamander]

Just to summarize. You are now looking for:
~oval
~eye-clean
~read as white
~budget of $4k for the diamond alone (or is back to $6k?).

The only oval previously posted that is still available is posted above and is the one to beat at 7.32*5.45*3.54. You are hoping for more spread, if possible.

Have I got that correct for the oval prosumers to start with?

 

[rockysalamander]

Here's one that has faceting that I like and has a lot of life and spread, but wait for others who are fancy pros to vote too!

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.00-carat-d-color-si1-clarity-sku-3221206
7.92*5.25*3.48

 

[rb321]

Here's one that has faceting that I like and has a lot of life and spread, but wait for others who are fancy pros to vote too!

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.00-carat-d-color-si1-clarity-sku-3221206
7.92*5.25*3.48

Yes! That's exactly what I'm looking for. I will wait for the votes.

 

[bmfang]

Here's one that has faceting that I like and has a lot of life and spread, but wait for others who are fancy pros to vote too!

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.00-carat-d-color-si1-clarity-sku-3221206
7.92*5.25*3.48

Good gosh, the faceting on that one is beautiful!!! Only thing that bugs me is the crystal/knot that sits right under the table!

 

[rockysalamander]

Out of caution, I'd put these two on 24 hr hold. No cost, but I'd hate for them to be sold.

 

[rockysalamander]

@bmfang I spent a looooot of time looking at it and I think it will be eyeclean. Maybe one of the PP on this thread @valeria101 @tyty333 @drk14 @msop04 and other oval prosumers will chime in on my suggestion and maybe offer a few more.

 

[msop04]

@bmfang I spent a looooot of time looking at it and I think it will be eyeclean. Maybe one of the PP on this thread @valeria101 @tyty333 @drk14 @msop04 and other oval prosumers will chime in on my suggestion and maybe offer a few more.

For me, it would be eye clean enough... minimize to less than half magnification, and you won't see it (and that's WAY bigger than it will actually be).

ETA: You'd be hard pressed to find anything that checks all the boxes more than this stone... it's lovely.

 

[valeria101]

The inclusion is smaller than a typographical point. It doesn't matter to me.

 

[drk14]

For the record, I'm not digging that 1ct-D-SI1. It looks like it may have a lot of leakage under the table, and also in under the crown (except for the belly region). If you're considering this oval, definitely request an ASET.

 

[rb321]

Thanks everyone. I asked for an ASET and will be receiving them in the next few days. Will update you guys then.

 

[rockysalamander]

Yes! That's exactly what I'm looking for. I will wait for the votes.

Here's two more to consider.
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.01-carat-e-color-si1-clarity-sku-2335577 (7.49*5.37*3.37)

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/0.90-carat-g-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-3358238 (higher clarity,7.62*5.62*3.47)

 

[rb321]

Here is the ASET image for this diamond https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.00-carat-d-color-si1-clarity-sku-3221206

What do you guys think?

 

[valeria101]

@rb321 - we were writing in the same time & I cannot see the ASET shot yet.

Thanks everyone. I asked for an ASET and will be receiving them in the next few days. Will update you guys then.

I expect the same as @drk14

Ovals cut to the concept behind the ASETº are just hitting the market - via @Rhino 's new company.


____
º much that I understand, the intention is to confine most of the light reflected out of the hemisphere above the girdle, to a circular ring within (periferic) sight at arm length [the excluded core lets that the stone be difficult to get in the shade of the viewer]; the result is an impression of brighteness from diamonds kept approximately in this position.


Dissent: diamonds are exceptional objects in a miriad ways - visible & otherwise perceived in any form they come from not cut to anything you make of them ...

There are other landscapes of light in diamonds. Most would might be possible to evaluate using their ASET projection, some such are rather beyond me - for example, diamonds, randomly polished - are said to look like water: the quaint metaphor describes colour, clarity and optics silly well; the letter, works by analogy with reflections off flow break that would take me too long to work out in the technical terms of another science !

 

[rb321]

 

[rockysalamander]

Did the JA gemologist (not Sales Associate) say if it would be eyeclean?

Hopefully, @drk14 @tyty333 and some of the the fancy ASET readers will come on by and give more thoughts.

ASET POSTED: https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.00-carat-d-color-si1-clarity-sku-3221206; 7.92*5.25*3.48

Other suggested stones (no ASET yet).
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.01-carat-e-color-si1-clarity-sku-2335577 (7.49*5.37*3.37)

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/0.90-carat-g-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-3358238 (higher clarity,7.62*5.62*3.47)

 

[rb321]

Any thoughts from the experts?

 

[tyty333]

Not liking that D/SI1, E/SI1 ...I have to get dinner on the table and will look at the others after dinner.
The G/Si1 looks to have the best potential. Whats the budget?

Edit...as the stone turns you want to see more facets in the center area lighting up down towards the
longer ends.

 

[rb321]

Not liking that D/SI1, E/SI1 ...I have to get dinner on the table and will look at the others after dinner.
The G/Si1 looks to have the best potential. Whats the budget?

Edit...as the stone turns you want to see more facets in the center area lighting up down towards the
longer ends.

Budget is 4k for the diamond.

 

[rb321]

One more ASET! For this diamond: https://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.01-carat-e-color-si1-clarity-sku-2335577
It's supposed to be eye clean according to rep.

 

[HyBoNiX]

I'm a fan of JA also, but read their trade-up policy carefully. They require that the upgrade is 2xthe price of the current. So, if you spend $6k on a diamond now, do you see yourself spending $12k later? If no, you might focus on WF, GOG, or HighPerformanceDiamonds, and BrianGiven -- all excellent trade-ups. BG requires you up 2 of color, clarity or size.

I would like to add that JA might not do a full buy-back if it's not 2x the price, but they will do a partial credit. If you do not meet the 2x price point for the centerstone, they will still reduce the price and take the other stone as a trade-in. So you can still get a discount and they will work with you! (Confirmed on phone with JA specialist)

 

[rb321]

Any thoughts on the last ASET?

 

[rockysalamander]

Its a weird image, TBH. Someone pieced together 4 tiles into one and it looks like they were not all taken at the same time. The right and left two don't match. That aside, there is a lot of grey areas that don't show enough green and red interspersed (blue circles)...but, I'd feel better if one of the oval ASET pros chimed in to make sure I this odd image right.

That leaves this one: https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/0.90-carat-g-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-3358238 (higher clarity,7.62*5.62*3.47)

We'll also look again in case anything new was posted. Maybe @drk14 @valeria101 @msop04 or others can chime in on your brief.

~oval
~eye-clean
~read as white
~budget of $4k for the diamond alone

 

[rockysalamander]

One more with potential...

7.99*5.63*3.25, https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.01-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-3468303

 

[valeria101]

Not too expertly ...

The ASET looks very good to me - in the oval sort of way: much green, some red, less white. The stone was tilted a little, this is why the sides do not match. I expect some of the red areas to become black if tilted at a small angle, it is quite inevitable. What the black means: this oval will give a bright flash in that tilted position - that is to say, all the time during wear ...

2c

 

[rb321]

Not too expertly ...

The ASET looks very good to me - in the oval sort of way: much green, some red, less white. The stone was tilted a little, this is why the sides do not match. I expect some of the red areas to become black if tilted at a small angle, it is quite inevitable. What the black means: this oval will give a bright flash in that tilted position - that is to say, all the time during wear ...

2c

Thanks! I'm leaning towards this one and will probably proceed unless someone can let me know if there's something wrong with it.