rounds vs. ovals

[liv2golf]

OK... here''s my dilemma... and a lot of this IS personal preference, so I''ll get answers all over the board here, but regardless, here goes..

If both my girlfriend and I are equally happy with either a round or an oval, and we are not concerned about future resale and are happy to accept that an oval sparkles somewhat less than an equal quality round... Am I wrong in believing that there is a HUGE size differential in the "appearance" of an oval?? - not to mention price differential due to the true economic demand for rounds vs. ovals...(price per carat)? whew...

Basically I believe - from my research - that I can get an oval that has similar appearance SIZE-WISE only to a 2.5 ct round but only have a 1.3 - 1.5 ct in the oval... i.e.the mm size of a 1.0 ct round is about 6.5mm - while a 1.0 ct oval is 8.0+/- x 5.0 +/- ROUGHLY... So, to the observer, I suspect the mind would "see" a MUCH larger stone...

What I am getting at is that I think - and I may be WAY wrong - that I could spend the same 8k and get a fantastically large (to the eye!) and way above average quality oval, or for 8k get a much smaller (again to the eye) also above average quality round...

IF I pursue this strategy, what should my demands in a GREAT quality oval then be??? Table size, depth, etc... Are there parameters that will lead me to be able to find - on the internet - a great oval - just as there are parameters that will indicate a great round... whew again...

I have heard that when it comes to ovals, there are parameters all over the place that will work, and you just have to see them first hand...

OK, I''m throwing this out to the masses... let''s hear your opinions, and remember the presumptions we started with...!!

Thanks for everyone''s time...!!!

 

[ajdubya126]

I''m not exactly sure on the specifics, but from what I''ve read on ovals they do appear larger than rounds. I personally love ovals!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

According to this chart, a 1 carat oval is about 7.0 x 5.0mm. So I don''t think the size differential is quite as huge as you are thinking. But I think they do face up a little larger than a round.

http://images.amazon.com/media/i3d/01/actual-diamond-size.pdf

All I can tell you is that Kaleigh on this forum was looking for a 2 ct. oval and she went through Good Old Gold. They compared some for her and she was able to see them on video, and she got an outstanding stone.

Here''s one they have on the site, but you can call them and they''ll call in a couple in the size, color, and clarity that you are interested in.

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond.php?d=653&shape=65536&ctMin=1.3&ctMax=1.8&clarity=112&color=28&resultsColumns=268435471&singleResult=1

 

[lauralu]

I have ONLY seen two ovals first hand. Both faced up(to me) large than did the rounds that were of excellent cut. However, In my opinion it''s more because it is longer. The length I think tends to make it look so much largerfrom my perspective. I was thinking that it might be even interesting to have an oval set in a setting flipped so the length goes a crossed the finger instead of lengthwise on the finger. Just one of my thoughts I have tucked away for future reference.

In my opinion yes they seem to face up larger and are less expensive. For myself it is a matter of, do I want to have an oval instead of a traditional round??? Hmmmmmmm not sure yet.. Good Luck in your decision.

I guess if you are both equally satisfied with each and in your eyes an oval looks bigger and thats what your shooting for then heck yes! Go for it!!

 

[marcy]

I haven''t seen many oval diamonds but I have seen some pretty ones. If you like the oval shape, as long as you pick out one you love I think you will be very happy with it. 90% of my colored gemstone rings are ovals and I really like them.

 

[shminbabe]

My first e-ring was a 1.01 ct oval and I loved it.

It was stolen from my bedroom.

I''d get another oval in a minute (if I didn''t get an EC

. I really do like them.

Do look at the Good Old Gold''s ovals video: Ovals for Kaleigh. You''ll enjoy it.

jeannie

 

[liv2golf]

thanks to all for your input...

I am still very interested to know if ovals are one of those shapes wherein the "math" of all the angles in an excellent looking stone is so widely varied that you just have to see numerous example in person to be able to know "this is the one"...

WIth rounds I feel pretty confident that there are so many benchmarks to gauge by that you can weed out underperforming stones quite easily without seeing them... Maybe not so with ovals..?

Anyone have information ast to table diameter%, depth%, etc benchmark guidelines to look for in very good, very sparkly oval cuts?

 

[Nicrez]

First try the AGA cut charts: http://www.gemappraisers.com/oldcutgraderules.asp

Second I would say that if what you are looking for is a good spread, get a lower depth stone with a slightly larger table. Of course let your eyes determine the best looking one. I say this because if you are trying to maximize your budget and get a good size stone, you may need to look for a shallower stone whose carat weight is spread out and it''s not easy to find a spread stone with the correct angles and a minimal to non-existant bow-tie. A well cut stone may include extra facets on the pavillion to counteract the bow-tie effect.

In my estimation a RB will have a good spread, but the oval will look a bit larger, based on shape and coverage of the finger. I always recommend ovals to women who want larger for a budget, as the stone is not sold with as much of a premium as RBs. Just watch your color on ovals, as they can show more color than an equal RB.

Good luck!

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 8/28/2007 10:24:42 AM
Author: liv2golf
thanks to all for your input...

I am still very interested to know if ovals are one of those shapes wherein the 'math' of all the angles in an excellent looking stone is so widely varied that you just have to see numerous example in person to be able to know 'this is the one'...

There aren't as yet a set of proportions which can guarantee you a beautiful diamond with some fancy shapes, so photos of the diamond along with light performance analyzing technologies are very useful, also if you can, see some examples in person to get a feel for what appeals to you.

WIth rounds I feel pretty confident that there are so many benchmarks to gauge by that you can weed out underperforming stones quite easily without seeing them... Maybe not so with ovals..?

You can use cut class charts to weed out to a certain extent, for example too much depth, diameter measurements which fall short and may make the diamond look small or large for it's weight etc. Not so much to be able to predict performance though it seems for the consumer.

Anyone have information ast to table diameter%, depth%, etc benchmark guidelines to look for in very good, very sparkly oval cuts?

Yes, here is a chart which gives you a baseline for the numbers, http://diamonds.pricescope.com/fnc3.asp
Then once you have some contenders, your photo of the diamond, Idealscope Images and ASET if available come into play to help you select. Also don't underestimate the eyes and skill of your professional vendor who will be helping you if buying online, they are experts and will be able to advise you. Ultimately the final decision comes down to your own eyes, a good vendor will work with you to help you get it right.

 

[Hudson_Hawk]

My FFi and I just put a deposit down on a ring and oval stone. We looked at a number of ovals before we settled on the one we chose. I really think you just have to go and look at them. Beauty is subjective and what speaks to me might not speak to you, so while someone can say that based on the numbers you have for a stone it should be beautiful, YOU might not think it''s beautiful because what you find appealing is subjective.

Don''t choose based on numbers alone. Go and see several stones in person.

 

[liv2golf]

thanks for the info... VERY useful and I appreciate your time!