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Girdle Help! Does it really matter? Oval Cut

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NWgolfer24

Rough_Rock
Joined
Dec 26, 2021
Messages
12
I’m so confused on how much Girdle size really matters in diamond quality, specifically in Ovals. I’ve been looking at a 1.2ct compared to a 1.51ct. Both F Color, VS2 and SI1 so very similar overall quality and specs there.
The 1.2 has a medium to thick girtle rating versus the 1.51 has very thick to extremely thick rating. I was all set to move forward with the 1.51 as everything else about it the stone seems great, and I was willing to pay the extra $1800 to hit that larger 1.5 mark, but now I’m second guessing as I hadn’t considered girdle at all until it recently popped up in a few searches.
Does it really make that much of a difference? Does the 1.2 appear close to the same size because it’s not hiding the weight in the thickness like the 1.51? Would love any feedback or help on this.
Including the GIA reports of each and a photo that compares them - the 1.51 is at bottom67FB2E78-F697-48B5-8179-70CD8A5C27BA.png.
Help! Which would you go with?
 

Attachments

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What is the LxW of each stone?
 
1.2ct is 8.19 x 5.96 x 3.75 - 1.37ratio - F VS2 with 63% table and 63% depth

1.51ct is 8.37 x 6.32 x 4.20 - 1.32ratio - F SI1 with 56% table and 66.5% depth
 
Girdle size doesn’t matter too in fancy cuts but in an oval I would avoid anything above thick. I would keep hunting if you really want a 1.5 ct size. This one faces up smaller than average due to its overall depth and girdle.
You are paying a premium for more diamond you cannot see.
If these are your only choices then the 1.2 offers better value for money. In isolation it will look almost as big.
My 1.55 oval measures 9.06 x 6.67 which is equivalent to an avg. 1.65ct oval. I have even seen a 1.5 oval with the same surface area as mine and no bow tie.
(Shallow ovals can increase the chances of a bow tie).
 
Thank you both - uploading some YouTube videos here so you can see them.

Comparison in natural light: https://youtube.com/shorts/nKNHwPiHbk0?feature=share

Comparison in shop light: https://youtube.com/shorts/ZBxchlljIPg?feature=share

1.51 in natural light: https://youtube.com/shorts/7HLtiVsfLsY?feature=share

The 1.51 is very thick - extra thick which is what raised a red flag for me. Whereas the 1.2 is medium - thick, so more desirable from what I’ve heard. Curious what you see, I think the 1.51 does look nicer, but torn on if I should hunt for one that faces up a little better. $1700 more for this 1.51 vs the 1.2.
 
If you are not in a rush I would keep looking. As mentioned above, with this oval you’re paying a lot extra for a stone that doesn’t look as large as its carat weight. Essentially $1800 for a 5% increase in surface area. See attachments for more info! 816343C7-A1C4-4DB6-83FE-3A7FB4BF3956.jpeg1009A68F-9AF3-4AA6-8EC5-160BAFAB669D.jpeg
 
EClove said:
If you are not in a rush I would keep looking. As mentioned above, with this oval you’re paying a lot extra for a stone that doesn’t look as large as its carat weight. Essentially $1800 for a 5% increase in surface area. See attachments for more info! 816343C7-A1C4-4DB6-83FE-3A7FB4BF3956.jpeg1009A68F-9AF3-4AA6-8EC5-160BAFAB669D.jpeg
Click to expand...

Also wanted to add if you post your budget and ideal spec ranges here, I bet there’s some kind people who will be able to find you a beautiful stone!
 
EClove said:
Also wanted to add if you post your budget and ideal spec ranges here, I bet there’s some kind people who will be able to find you a beautiful stone!
Click to expand...

Thank you EClove! Those screenshots are helpful.

I am in a bit of a rush as I need the finished ring by Jan 21. It’s going to be a 3stone ring with pear sides FWIW with ~.48ct total weight of both side stones.
Budget for total ring is $12,000-$15,000
I was quoted $12,900 for the 1.2 (mounting is $2750 so 10,150 for the stone) and $14,750 for the 1.51 ($12,000 for the stone). Seems a bit high, but it’s a local boutique that offers design changes and remakes complimentary if my GF wants to adjust. Nice to have peace of mind on that aspect.
 
NWgolfer24 said:
Thank you EClove! Those screenshots are helpful.

I am in a bit of a rush as I need the finished ring by Jan 21. It’s going to be a 3stone ring with pear sides FWIW with ~.48ct total weight of both side stones.
Budget for total ring is $12,000-$15,000
I was quoted $12,900 for the 1.2 (mounting is $2750 so 10,150 for the stone) and $14,750 for the 1.51 ($12,000 for the stone). Seems a bit high, but it’s a local boutique that offers design changes and remakes complimentary if my GF wants to adjust. Nice to have peace of mind on that aspect.
Click to expand...

Gotcha! Will the local boutique set an outside stone? I’m not an expert on oval cuts but wondering if another user can recommend a stone on a reputable site that you can have set by your deadline?

There are some online vendors with similar policies (can reset / remake ring within 30 days etc) but I’m not sure the lead time for that and it sounds like you trust this local jeweler and like the convenience of it.
 
EClove said:
Gotcha! Will the local boutique set an outside stone? I’m not an expert on oval cuts but wondering if another user can recommend a stone on a reputable site that you can have set by your deadline?

There are some online vendors with similar policies (can reset / remake ring within 30 days etc) but I’m not sure the lead time for that and it sounds like you trust this local jeweler and like the convenience of it.
Click to expand...

Yep they will set an outside stone, but with that they charge a little more for the setting/mounting. Goes from $2750 to $3500, so just another factor to consider
 
NWgolfer24 said:
Yep they will set an outside stone, but with that they charge a little more for the setting/mounting. Goes from $2750 to $3500, so just another factor to consider
Click to expand...

That's not bad, considering that they take on a certain amount of liability for having an outside diamond in their clutch and care.
 
DejaWiz said:
Also, here is a link to the PS vetted vendor diamond search engine for ovals <= $11500, D-F, SI1 and better:

Diamond Search Results | Real-time Information on 1,000,000+ Diamonds | PriceScope

PriceScope's Diamond Search is the best place to find the best diamond prices. Search and compare over a million natural, lab and fancy color diamonds.
www.pricescope.com www.pricescope.com
Click to expand...

ooooh I would call White Flash about this one and share some videos! I haven't used WF but it's a favorite here on PS and they have great customer service. They has have a very generous upgrade policy from what I understand https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut-loose-diamond-4438607.htm?a_aid=PS
 
As mentioned, I'm not an expert on oval cuts but I also loved this one - the length to width ratio is great (about 1.5) and visually longer diamonds often look larger. It also faces up larger than the 1.5 you were looking at: https://frankdarling.com/diamonds/diamond-213243-297HK/
 
EClove said:
ooooh I would call White Flash about this one and share some videos! I haven't used WF but it's a favorite here on PS and they have great customer service. They has have a very generous upgrade policy from what I understand https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut-loose-diamond-4438607.htm?a_aid=PS
Click to expand...

The WF upgrade policy doesn't apply to virtual selection diamonds, but I agree that they can and do go above and beyond to provide any and all info as requested by a client prior to a purchase, based on years of testimony here.
 
Ok good to know - it’s just such a big purchase and I know nothing so really trying to get it right. Thanks for everyone’s help.

I may reach out for videos to WF. Is BlueNile and JamesAllen generally pretty solid too? I saw a few that looked good -

Comprable 1.2 for $1K less than my : https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...NDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&catalogView=true

This 1.51 from JA also looks nice, and would basically be in that same $14,750 range if shipped to my jeweler for setting. https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...ferral&utm_campaign=earthdiamonds-ps&a_aid=ps

Any additional feedback on comparing the 1.2 to 1.51 that my jeweler offered? Thinking the 1.2 could be a good option with the 8.19 x 5.96 x 3.75 - 1.37ratio seeming decently spready/proportionate for its size. Essentially $10K for that stone.

Comparison in natural light: https://youtube.com/shorts/nKNHwPiHbk0?feature=share

Comparison in shop light: https://youtube.com/shorts/ZBxchlljIPg?feature=share
 
I'd probably take a closer look at this one from JA, but it looks better to my own eyes, so best to have others more versed in ovals chime in.

www.jamesallen.com

1.50 Carat oval diamond

This oval cut 1.5 carat F color si1 clarity has a diamond grading report from GIA
www.jamesallen.com www.jamesallen.com
 
It’s very hard to tell with regards to the performance of the shop diamonds - but I am not sure if the 1.2 has an element of a dark bow tie about it. But as you have seen it in person and like it then that counts for a lot.
The blue Nile diamonds tips/ends could be more lively, while I would be concerned over the clarity of the SI1 of the Janes Allen. I think that one has the potentionsl for the best light return but at 1.5 cts you need to be careful of SI1 grading. I would not rule out that clarity, just suggest getting it assessed as being eye clean. Your jeweller can do that if you have time… it’s just I would prefer the flaws to be hidden in the crown and pavilion facets, this one has too much showing in the table for me.
 
StorminNorman72 said:
It’s very hard to tell with regards to the performance of the shop diamonds - but I am not sure if the 1.2 has an element of a dark bow tie about it. But as you have seen it in person and like it then that counts for a lot.
The blue Nile diamonds tips/ends could be more lively, while I would be concerned over the clarity of the SI1 of the Janes Allen. I think that one has the potentionsl for the best light return but at 1.5 cts you need to be careful of SI1 grading. I would not rule out that clarity, just suggest getting it assessed as being eye clean. Your jeweller can do that if you have time… it’s just I would prefer the flaws to be hidden in the crown and pavilion facets, this one has too much showing in the table for me.
Click to expand...

Edit - I am referring to the 1.51 the OP found from JA.
 
DejaWiz said:
I'd probably take a closer look at this one from JA, but it looks better to my own eyes, so best to have others more versed in ovals chime in.

www.jamesallen.com

1.50 Carat oval diamond

This oval cut 1.5 carat F color si1 clarity has a diamond grading report from GIA
www.jamesallen.com www.jamesallen.com
Click to expand...

Buy this one IMO. Great find
 
StorminNorman72 said:
Buy this one IMO. Great find
Click to expand...

It does look really nice. I emailed to get the GIA report.

So…
JA = 8.54x6.44x4.09 (tk-vtk)
MyJeweler = 8.37x6.32x4.2 (vtk-etk)
JA specs face up a bit better, but not a ton.

It’s so tough… When I look at the 1.51 from my jeweler in the natural light it look like it performs really great. Is there anything from the videos I shared that I’m maybe missing or that would be concerning about it? I guess other than it facing up smaller due to girtle thickness. I didn’t really notice a bow tie but you all have better eye than me as I’m a major beginner.
 
I think my main hesitation with the 1.5 stone you have is mostly that you’re paying more money for not much more (visual) stone

here’s another option, perhaps? It’s 1.3 ct but really long and shallow and I think will look larger than the two you are looking at BUT you have to decide if you like the length to width ratio. It also has medium fluorescence https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD17296025

this one is also may be good? It’s 1.2 but nearly $2000 less expensive than. The one you’re looking at, and will face up slightly larger. It also has medium fluorescence - not sure if that matters to you. https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD18027122
 
EClove said:
I think my main hesitation with the 1.5 stone you have is mostly that you’re paying more money for not much more (visual) stone

here’s another option, perhaps? It’s 1.3 ct but really long and shallow and I think will look larger than the two you are looking at BUT you have to decide if you like the length to width ratio. It also has medium fluorescence https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD17296025

this one is also may be good? It’s 1.2 but nearly $2000 less expensive than. The one you’re looking at, and will face up slightly larger. It also has medium fluorescence - not sure if that matters to you. https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD18027122
Click to expand...

I think I’m more drawn to ratios between 1.32-1.5. That 1.2 option is actually really nice looking. Better color rating too.

Is medium fluorescence necessarily bad or good? It’s definitely important to me to have the diamond show up really white and bright so not sure if it affects that.
 
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