Pleasssse!!! Can anybody help me find the best Oval for under $3,000?

[Tony44]

Title says it all.

My mind is fried and looking for help.

Thanks so much in advance, Tony.

 

[JDgirl]

I don''t have much experience with ovals, but I thought this one looks nice...no bad bowtie like so many of them have.

http://www.exceldiamonds.com/diamond/1193.html

What factors are most important to you...size, color?

 

[coda72]

Here''s a couple to check out. They are under $3000, and could be AGA 1A if you knew the crown height.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamond.asp?cid=131&item=426302&aff_id=ps621

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamond.asp?cid=131&item=139108&aff_id=ps621

 

[pearcrazy]

It would help if you would tell us the lowest color and clarity you are willing to accept. Are you looking for the biggest, best oval for under 3000 and are open to our interpretation of what WE would get?

When I went looking for my pear shaped diamond I set my lowest limits at I color and SI2 clarity. I found exactly what I wanted in a 1.12, I color, VS2 clarity and it came in at just under $3000. I know prices have gone up quite a bit since we bought it in 2004.

 

[Tony44]

Sorry for not being clearer. My brain really is fried. I''m hoping to get the diamond and ring put together by Christmas or New Years.

I would like something around
.9 cts
Color of H or better
VS2 or better

I would like to lean closer to quality rather than size.

I don''t know too much about ovals. I did my research and learning based on rounds but when I get to the mall (which I would never buy at) all she seems interested in is ovals.

I appreciate the help guys and gals as I''m getting pressed for time. Thanks again, Tony.

 

[Tony44]

Also,

I could go as high as $3500 if there is a real differance in the diamonds available. Thanks so much for any help.

 

[pearcrazy]

I think that you are going to have to raise your allowance to $3500 to give yourself a working budget that allows some choice in different stones. I did a search at DCD's site ( I like to use theirs because they group their diamonds by cut quality) and I didn't come up with a single .90 and higher diamond H and higher and VS2 and higher for under $3000 that were considered "ideal" proportions according to the numbers. The closest I came to your budget and requirements was a .86 D color VS2 for about $3150. You'd have to ask them about the medium fluorescence. Here's the link: http://www.dirtcheapdiamonds.com/diamond_detail.cfm?did=2988870


Now by only lowering your color to an I instead of an H with a VS2 could keep you well under $3000. Here's a .90 I color VS2 stone for $2759 . That would leave more money in your budget for a nicer setting. http://www.dirtcheapdiamonds.com/diamond_detail.cfm?did=6237812


* Just a note: James Allen that Coda72 linked and DirtCheapDiamonds are owned by the same company. Whichever site you use will have you dealing with the same people. I can recommend them as I've purchased 3 diamonds from them myself.

 

[Tony44]

Will lowering my search to SI1 still provide me with an eye clean stone?

Also, I found an ungraded stone DCD that looked decent. What''s everyone''s opinion on something like that.

Thanks again everyone!

 

[Kit]

Tony, I am not too familiar with ovals but in rounds, you can go SI2 and get an eye clean stone with only cloud or feather inclusions...also, as for the color, have you seen an I in person? I wouldn''t rule it out arbitrarily. I recommend going to a local trusted B&M to just look at examples of ovals so you can hone your criteria, if you haven''t already.

Good luck!

 

[pearcrazy]

MOST diamonds graded SI1 are eye clean. There are a few folks here who can see inclusions in an SI1 stone but I have never been able to spot them even with a loupe. SI1 diamonds usually offer a great bargain. I personally go for the lowest clarity I can get without being able to see the inclusions with my naked eyes. There are a lot of SI2's in that catagory too but you would really need to ask the vendor about them and check out the inclusion plots to see where they are located and of what nature they are. I don't want to pay for clarity I can't see when I look at my diamond.

As far as an ungraded stone, it will be cheaper but you are trusting the judgement of whom as to what color and clarity it are? For about $250 (someone correct me if I'm wrong) you can send the diamond to be graded or you can have the diamond sent to an independent appraiser before purchase to verify the grading. It would be worth a call to DCD to discuss those uncertified diamonds. They could turn out to be the deal of the century if they are accurately graded.

 

[Slykat12]

0.90 H VS2 60.5% 57% GIA med-sl thk, f no vg vg no 7.71x5.52x3.34 $3341 blue nile - 150.00-sale
0.90 F SI1 60% 59% GIA m-stk no vg vg no 7.66*5.58*3.34 $3221*S lots of venders
0.90 D SI1 60.8% 55% GIA tn-m no vg gd no 7.55*5.48*3.33 $3335 lots of venders.
I really like these 3. I did not check the length to width ratio as that is all personal. For that you need to decide yourself what you like. I like these 3 as according to Atlas they are 1a rocks and to find a vg symmetry and polish in a fancy is a special treat. Also because the girdles are not thick you won''t be paying for lost weight.

Note blue nile has a 150 off sale now.