Yet another newbie looking to purchase an oval

[V8Ranger]

Hi everyone. I have been reading through previous posts and the wealth of information on this site is incredible.

I'm looking to propose to my amazing girlfriend shortly and I'm trying to find an oval diamond for the ring I'm going to have made for her. I've read through the Pricescope forums so I'm a bit more educated that I was a short time ago but I'm still hesitant to pull the trigger on such an important purchase without some of your valuable advice (especially when shopping for an oval). Basically I'm looking for a diamond with the following specs:

Oval
Ideal Cut
.95-1.05 Carats
F-H color
VS2 or better Clarity
No (or minimal, non-critical) Bowtie
1.3-1.5 Ratio
Budget: $2750-$3500

I have sent out my inquiry to some Pricescope online vendors an am awaiting their replies. In the mean time, what do you think about these two ovals:


http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Oval-Diamond-1172131.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Oval-Diamond-1133160.asp

Should I be concerned about the medium fluorescence of the second diamond?


Thanks again for all of your input, you make the intimidating process of buying a diamond quite a bit more enjoyable!

Regards,
Matt

 

[Gypsy]

Just looked at them really super quickly. First one doesn't have a pic posted. So ask for that, and an ASET while you are at it.

Second one has a bowtie... or more like a line right across the center. Get and ASET, but I think it's gonna be pretty noticable. The numbers look good on both. But the second one only has good for symmetry... though you have to see it to find out if it's an issue. Med flour is fine. Would bother me at all. Girdles are pretty uneven on both. I'd ask about that.

 

[Kaleigh]

I''d widen your search and contact GOG, Jonathon helped me select an oval for a RHR, they aren''t easy. But he found some lovely ones, and am happy with mine. No bow tie, etc... I don''t mind fluro, it''s not a problem in most cases. Good luck.

 

[V8Ranger]

Thank you both for your replies. I was told that the diamond in the second link did have a minimal bowtie but judging by the picture online, it looks as if it might be a little more significant.
I''ll see if they can dig up a picture and ASET for the diamond in the first link.

Kaleigh, I did contact GOG and am waiting for a reply.

Thanks again, I appreciate your replies.

 

[Gypsy]

The bowtie of the first one looks uneven... looks larger up top than on the bottom. The bottom half, from the pic (which is only one pic) looks okay, with a minimal bow tie... the top has a couple of facets that look like they would be larger.

I recommend GOG too. They provide you with a lot of information, so it''s easier to make a really informed decision. James Allen will , of course, provide you with the information on request as well.

 

[V8Ranger]

Well, I heard back from most of the vendors that I sent inquiries too (quick communication in the diamond industry!).

I have attached the GIA cert from the diamond that GOG recommended. Other than the cert they don''t have any additional documentation but for $50 they will pull the diamond, take pictures and give their opinion. The basics of the diamond are:
.90 Carat
SI1
Polish: VG
Sym: VG
Flour: None
Color: F
Depth: 61.0 %
Table: 55 %
Girdle: Thin to Thick, Faceted
Culet: None
Measure: 7.54x5.63x3.43


These are what WhiteFlash has recommended:
Oval #1
Oval #2

I realize that I''m going to have to get them to pull the diamonds before I can make my final choice but I was hoping to narrow it down to a couple of diamonds before I have them go to the trouble. Also, I''ve noticed that the GIA certs don''t list anything about the cut quality. Is this normal? I''m looking to get an ideal cut diamond but most of the sites, with the exception of James Allen, don''t list the cut quality. I was even told by one vendor that ideals are not existent at the present time.

Thanks,
Matt

 

[V8Ranger]

Hi, here is the idealscope from a diamond that I inquired about from James Allen. Here are the specs:
Shape: Oval
Carat weight: 1.04
Cut: Ideal
Color: H
Clarity: VS2
Certificate: GIA
Depth: 61.8%
Table: 55.0%
Polish: Good
Symmetry: Very Good
Girdle: Thin to very thick
Culet: None
Fluorescence: Faint
Measurements: 7.48*5.94*3.67
Ratio: 1.26

Can you please give me your input on the idealscope image? Are the black facets a bowtie?
Also, I am thinking about calling in "Oval #2" from whiteflash so they can give me their opinion (the 1.04 carat oval listed above). Suggestions as to whether or not I should call it in are also appreciated.

Thanks,
Matt

 

[V8Ranger]

Oops,I forgot the IdealScope!

Thanks again everyone