Which color/clarity oval should I pick?

[tada]

I have been looking at oval diamonds on all of the websites - WF, JA, BN, etc. The budget i am working with is around $3600 for the stone. I wanted to go with a 1.0 ct. oval, but my budget affords more like a 0.90 or 0.92 ct. I hope a 0.90 or 0.92 looks close to a 1.0.

But, I am torn on color and clarity. I already want a very good cut or better. I can afford D''s with SI1, E''s with SI1, F''s with VS2, and G''s and H''s with up to VVS2 clarity. Should I go better color and less clarity or vice versa? An help would be appreciated.

 

[sera]

I would totally go with a G color and drop the clarity to an eyeclean SI1 or 2... if it's eyeclean, it doesn't matter much to me if it's SI or VS (providing it's not negatively affecting the diamond). IF I couldn't see the color on an H, I would drop to that as well. I think a ~.90 is a really nice size.

 

[Lorelei]

I think a nice combo would be an F or perhaps G colour with VS2 or SI1 clarity as the main " targets" then you can add VS1 and SI2 clarity ( if eyeclean) to broaden your options if needed. VVS is considered to be overkill and not the best way when budget is a concern. This will give you a very white and clean diamond. Ovals are tricky to judge as there aren't a predictable set of proportions that mean it will be a top performer, also don't go by labels such as very good, premium for cut etc, they don't mean a diamond IS well cut!! Depending on your own colour sensitivity, I would go for a highish colour grade as ovals can show more colour than a round. Also most ovals can show a bow tie effect, so you need to let your vendor guide you there too.

I would take the approach of contacting a vendor such as Good Old Gold, Engagement Rings Direct to start with or pick one, tell them what you are looking for and let them advise you. GOG has picked out some stunning ovals as have ERD, as fancy cuts are best evaluated by an expert and the buyer's own eyes, let the vendors skill and experience guide you, they will be more than happy to help.

Also read this useful page on Shape Tips

 

[jaz464]

I would not pay for anything better than SI1 or SI2 in your case. A completely eye clean diamond in this range will look just like a VVS to the naked eye but you will save a lot of $$. Ovals may show a little more color than RBs so I wouldn't want to go too low, but I am very color sensitive. G or H would be a good bet I think.

Get the best cut you can and then go for size.