Could use some insights on oval diamond engagement ring!

[readytolearn]

Hi all,

I'm new to the site. Read some blurbs elsewhere that there are quite a few experts here. Hoping to get some expert advice in the next couple weeks as I close the deal on buying an engagement ring.

My girlfriend and I went ring shopping for several hours. She decided she really wants an engagement ring with an oval diamond, with the long axis of the oval oriented parallel to her finger. She has long, skinny fingers so that arrangement works well. She wants a double halo around the center diamond.

In a surprising turn of events she fawned over a $3k ring at Helzberg Diamonds. She loved the style. She ended up later commenting though that she really wanted a bigger center stone than the 1/3 ct stone that ring has. http://www.helzberg.com/product/oval+halo+diamond+ring+1994991.do?sortby=ourPicks

I've been keeping in mind the aspects of that ring that she liked but searching for a little nicer ring and center stone. I've heard good things about jamesallen.com so I did some searching there. I'm considering something like this setting with a 1.0 to 1.2 carat oval center stone.
http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-diamond-split-shank-double-halo-pave-engagement-ring-item-9335

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.22-carat-h-color-si2-clarity-sku-159994


Is that a good combo? Should I be concerned about buying a ring that I haven't seen in person? Are there other online sites you'd recommend for double-halo rings with an oval center stone?

Thank you very much for any feedback!!

 

[JulieN]

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/oval-cut//TabSelected:3|ps:15||DiamondID:170937,191832,196664,168096,191069,190776

The one you picked, the inclusion is pretty big and dark.

 

[Christina...]

I'm not an expert, but I really love this one that JulieN picked.

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.01-carat-g-color-si1-clarity-sku-168096

ETA JA will provide ASET images of three stones for you for free, these images will help you further evaluate it's light performance.

 

[JulieN]

If I were buying, that G SI1 would be one of the three I'd pick for a review.

 

[readytolearn]

If I were buying, that G SI1 would be one of the three I'd pick for a review.

Thanks Julie and Christina for the insight on the center stone!

Any thoughts on the setting? Is James Allen a good place to buy the setting also? Any other sites you recommend? Or is it better to get the setting locally?

 

[Niel]

Its easiest to get it set at the same place. And for looking around there aren't many double halo settings out there. So yeah I'd go with that one. I'd want to see if JA has any pictures of it thoughh

 

[JulieN]

That's a pretty good price for a double halo, so I'd go for it.

I'm not sure the G SI1 is a great performer, but it looks good enough from the video for a live person to check it out, and the high crown is intriguing.

 

[diamondloveaffair]

The stone you had picked doesn't look eyeclean.

 

[readytolearn]

Its easiest to get it set at the same place. And for looking around there aren't many double halo settings out there. So yeah I'd go with that one. I'd want to see if JA has any pictures of it thoughh

Niel - would you expect JA to have more pictures of the setting than are shown on the website? Do you mean you'd want to see pictures of it on a lady's hand? Thanks!

 

[Niel]

Its easiest to get it set at the same place. And for looking around there aren't many double halo settings out there. So yeah I'd go with that one. I'd want to see if JA has any pictures of it thoughh

Niel - would you expect JA to have more pictures of the setting than are shown on the website? Do you mean you'd want to see pictures of it on a lady's hand? Thanks!

No I just mean. Do they have actual photos instead of renderings, or have a rendering for an oval. I'd still think this is your best bet but I'd like to see more of what it would actually look like.

 

[readytolearn]

Its easiest to get it set at the same place. And for looking around there aren't many double halo settings out there. So yeah I'd go with that one. I'd want to see if JA has any pictures of it thoughh

Niel - would you expect JA to have more pictures of the setting than are shown on the website? Do you mean you'd want to see pictures of it on a lady's hand? Thanks!

No I just mean. Do they have actual photos instead of renderings, or have a rendering for an oval. I'd still think this is your best bet but I'd like to see more of what it would actually look like.

Got it. Thanks for clarifying. Yes, I would love to see a photo rendering with an oval center stone. I'll ask directly about that. I did verify with the JA rep that the ring can be returned without any charge if I am unsatisfied for any reason.

 

[readytolearn]

That's a pretty good price for a double halo, so I'd go for it.

I'm not sure the G SI1 is a great performer, but it looks good enough from the video for a live person to check it out, and the high crown is intriguing.

Thanks, Julie. That 1.01ct does look like a nice diamond. My gf has made several comments though that she'd prefer a bigger, less "perfect" stone than a smaller "perfect" stone.

With that in mind I'm looking at these two larger stones.

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.24-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-sku-127477
http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.21-carat-g-color-si2-clarity-sku-196454

The second one seems to have blemishes on it but can't tell if they're real or dirt or bad picture.
Do you think they're worthy of consideration? Thank you!

 

[Niel]

the I seems too dark an the inclusion seems to noticeable for the G.

 

[Niel]

also, notice how that 1.01 that julie posted measures just about the same as the 1.21

Go with the one julie posted, with a double halo its going to take up most of her finger as it is

 

[readytolearn]

also, notice how that 1.01 that julie posted measures just about the same as the 1.21

Go with the one julie posted, with a double halo its going to take up most of her finger as it is

Okay, I follow you. Those seem like very good points.

Here's my plan of attack from here on out:
1) Get an ASET image of the 1.01ct stone
2) Request a picture of the setting in oval configuration
3) Determine if the "protection" of buying with a credit card is worth the 1.5% fee
4) Ensure Pricescope discount is applied to center stone
5) Purchase

Any other key steps you'd recommend? Thank you for all of your help!

 

[Niel]

get an aset for all three of those ones julie posted. that gives them a chance to tell you which is best, verses just pass, fail on one stone.

Im not sure if they will have a picture of the oval, but doesnt hurt to ask

The PS discount should apply to just the stone, the wire price applies to everything, if i am not mistaken. I didnt use the wire discount on mine because I didnt have time to go to the bank during my allowed hold time (my bank is only open while i work) I bought something worth about 2.1k and it only would have saved me about 33 dollars.

And of course, post all the asets here, as well as what they say about them, id love to see all the asets

 

[JulieN]

You should pick 3 so that they can let you know if one is better than the others. The G is intriguing, as I said, but not sure if it is great, I don't want you to get your hopes up. And ask if the outline is not symmetric on that one, I'm not sure if it is a little wonky or if it is an illusion. I think the 1.2s you posted don't look that great.

I like these guys: http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-...ndID:171001,170937,190776,191404,26988,168096

 

[readytolearn]

You should pick 3 so that they can let you know if one is better than the others. The G is intriguing, as I said, but not sure if it is great, I don't want you to get your hopes up. And ask if the outline is not symmetric on that one, I'm not sure if it is a little wonky or if it is an illusion. I think the 1.2s you posted don't look that great.

I like these guys: http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-...ndID:171001,170937,190776,191404,26988,168096

Thanks, Niel and Julie!

I'll definitely get an ASET image of the 168096. Any priority on the other two to get ASET images of? I'm now on board with the idea of getting a 1.0ish carat diamond of high quality instead of a larger, lower quality diamond because of the double halo comment Niel made.

I'll also ask about the outline of the 168096 stone. You wrote "so that they can let you know if one is better than the others." Is the feedback I get from the company selling the diamonds really something I should take to heart? Maybe I'm cynical but I would expect to hear that the most expensive of the stones I selected is the nicest if the employees work on commission. Too cynical?

Thank you!

 

[Niel]

From my personal experience, they are very honest. I had them look at thee stones. Of the three, they said one wasnt as good as the others. Two were comparable enough in performance that they actually told me to pick the cheaper one specifically because it was the cheapest.
Also ive seen someone here pick only one stone and ask them to review it, and the JA associate told her it wasnt a stone worth buying. So even when its a sale/no sale scenario, they are still honest

I dont think they work on commish. Maybe they do, but they arent actually actively trying to sell you anything. someone comes and hand picks what they want , and basically the person says yay or nay. I mean, its not someone saying "why buy this one when you can pay 3k more and get THIS ONE!" or something like that.

 

[Niel]

if i was picking three mine would probably be the 1.01 G, the 1.03 G and the 1.03 F

 

[readytolearn]

From my personal experience, they are very honest. I had them look at thee stones. Of the three, they said one wasnt as good as the others. Two were comparable enough in performance that they actually told me to pick the cheaper one specifically because it was the cheapest.
Also ive seen someone here pick only one stone and ask them to review it, and the JA associate told her it wasnt a stone worth buying. So even when its a sale/no sale scenario, they are still honest

I dont think they work on commish. Maybe they do, but they arent actually actively trying to sell you anything. someone comes and hand picks what they want , and basically the person says yay or nay. I mean, its not someone saying "why buy this one when you can pay 3k more and get THIS ONE!" or something like that.

Okay, that's a bit surprising but that's great to read! Thanks!

 

[CharmyPoo]

I don't really know ovals but these seem like good options too.

To my eye, this looks like a nice oval and it is 1.4 ct but it is a J so more yellowy. The setting is simply stunning to me and I am sure you would be able to sell it on the second hand market easily. Heck, I would buy it especially since the head can be easily changed.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/ESTATE-18K-WHITE-GOLD-LADIES-DIAMOND-THREE-STONE-RING-2-01-CTS-GIA-10-200-00-/160895744819?pt=US_Fine_Rings&hash=item2576223b33

I know this one is a fair bit smaller and completely different style .. but darn it .. sure looks pretty to me and it's T&CO. I have a soft spot for ovals with trillions.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-AUTHENTIC-TIFFANY-CO-PLATINUM-1CT-DIAMOND-ENGAGEMENT-SOLITAIRE-RING-/171035443423?pt=US_Fine_Rings&hash=item27d281c0df

A totally way out there idea. I just love this yellow oval. This seller sometimes accepts up to 30% off so it doesn't hurt to make an offer. Take the halo and have someone remake this to a ring. I have seen recently on PS where jewellers added a halo so maybe they can add a shank to this halo and make it a ring!
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Gorgeous-1-53-Carat-Natural-Canary-Yellow-Oval-Diamond-Platinum-Necklace-4-4-g-/400392150662?pt=US_Fine_Necklaces_Pendants&hash=item5d393b5e86

Quest added a halo to this ring ([URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/thanks-to-quest-for-adding-halo-to-my-oval-setting.187833/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/thanks-to-quest-for-adding-halo-to-my-oval-setting.187833/[/URL]) so I won't be surprised if they can add a shank to the above halo.

Here is another totally random design idea just for eye candy. One of my all time fave rings ... I often regret not buying it.
http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.com/SOLD-ITEMS-1/246ct-LightYellow-Diamond-Leon/14435153_n3fF37#!i=1070675412&k=tqxfk7r

 

[readytolearn]

Two of the diamonds that were recommended by posters here were sold by the time JA got back to me.

I've now asked for ASET images of 190776 and 171001.
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.00-carat-f-color-si2-clarity-sku-190776
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.03-carat-g-color-si1-clarity-sku-171001

Any recommendations for a third ASET image (oval diamond in the 1 carat range and $4k-$5k price range)? Would like to get all three images at once and get the gemologist's opinion of the three at once.

Thank you!

 

[Niel]

this one maybe?
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.01-carat-f-color-si1-clarity-sku-191069

 

[readytolearn]

Finally got some ASET images. I'm very interested in opinions on these three diamonds!

Diamond A


Diamond B


Diamond C


Thoughts?

 

[Niel]

Just looking at the asets i like the 3rd, what did they say about each stone, which diamonds do the ASETs correspond?

 

[readytolearn]

Just looking at the asets i like the 3rd, what did they say about each stone, which diamonds do the ASETs correspond?

A = 190776 http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.00-carat-f-color-si2-clarity-sku-190776
B = 171001 http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.03-carat-g-color-si1-clarity-sku-171001
C = 191069 http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.01-carat-f-color-si1-clarity-sku-191069

The gemologist liked C best, just like you. Said it was completely eye clean. Apparently stone A has the bowtie effect.

 

[Niel]

Could you maybe copy/paste the comments they gave. After seeing which stone goes with what aset I'm still inclined to say go with C, but I wanted to hear what they said about the stone.

 

[readytolearn]

Could you maybe copy/paste the comments they gave. After seeing which stone goes with what aset I'm still inclined to say go with C, but I wanted to hear what they said about the stone.

Sure....here you go. Comments from gemologist:

Diamond 191069 faces completely eye clean and has an icy white "F" color. Best of all, it's also bright and lively and performs the strongest of your diamonds. This one is our gemologist's favorite and the one I recommend as your best option. That doesn't mean that your other options aren't nice as well.

Diamond 171001 has great light performance with a minimal bowtie. Most people will view it as eye clean, but a skilled eye may be able to pick up on the feather when inspecting the diamond very closely. The gemologist loves its shape and said that they found it to be your second best option.

Diamond 190776 is icy white and the gemologist found it to be your third brightest diamond. It performs nicely, but its bowtie is a little large and rather noticeable. Like diamond 171001, many people will view it as eye clean, but someone with a more sensitive eye will pick up on its feather.

 

[Niel]

Yeah I say C. It looks like it may not even have a noticeable bowtie, and I like the shape along with the high crown, plus the color is better and its eye clean.

I'd also ask your rep if you can have them give you "claw prongs. Basically making the prongs come more to a point. I believe they would do it for you and should really elevate your setting go look super good. If just ask then see if they could.