Limited Contrast - Very bright

[need-help-with-ring]

Hi All, I did all my research, checked the numbers, cut, clarity, table %, depth %, fluro, all the numbers... yet I just received my future fiances ring from Blue Nile and I am worried it is not 100% right. It looks great in most respects. But I am worried about the lack of contrast in the stone. It is very very white and bright, doesnt seem to have the flashes of black which all the diamond images online, and vids on james allen seem to show. It sparkles, but not distinct contrast with black.

It is a E colour VS1, very good cut, excellent polish oval.

Adding to this, the centre seems to be a bit lifeless with just all the lines runningto the point in the centre. No bowtie effect t all.

Tried taking pics but it just isnt coming out in images.

 

[CharmyPoo]

How did you check numbers for an oval?

It also appears the diamond doesn't have much fire which is bothering you as well.

 

[need-help-with-ring]

Checked the length / width for ratio.

Then checked the table %, depth %, girdle etc against specs from many diamond recommendation forums and jewellers online to make sure they were within certain ranges to indicate a very well cut diamond.

 

[Christina...]

I'm so sorry that you don't love your diamond. It's impossible to purchase a fancy shape stone online without a lot of additional information from the vendor. Unfortunately BN isn't a vendor that can offer this additional information, so I'm not surprised that your first attempt wasn't as successful as you had hoped.

BN has a good return policy, so you have the ability to return the stone and start over, so thats good news! Before doing that though, I'd make sure that you take time to view the current stone in many different lighting environments to determine that the lack of fire and contrast aren't just due to the lighting that you photographed the stone in. That said, you want your stone to look beautiful in the lighting environments that you will most often be viewing it. Don't force yourself to love it if you don't. There are some posters here that have experience with oval and I'm sure that they will be happy to help you with a new selection. I'd suggest contacting Good Old Gold, Jon does a very nice job selection fancy shaped stones. As you know James Allen provides videos as well, and they can also do the ASET images necessary to determine how the stone will handle light. You may want to reach out to either of these vendors.

 

[tyty333]

Can I ask what the depth is?

Unfortunately like the other posters have stated, you cant by fancy stones by the numbers. BN is not a good site for
fancies. You really need images and aset to check on light return. If you are not happy you should return it and find a
stone that that checks all the boxes for you.

Do check it out in all different lighting.

 

[diamondloveaffair]

make sure you clean it well and look at the ring under different lightings again.

 

[need-help-with-ring]

Depth is 61%. Table is 61% too.

I am not unhappy, just concerned that there is no dark, black flashes, like on the pics and videos online. Like they have flashes of black and white.

My diamond is very white, very clear, very sparkly in light when u move it around. But doesnt have the contrast blacks that I have seen which is why i posted the question.

I just don't know what I am looking at really. It might be a very high quality diamond and i am just worrying. the pic was on an iPhone and is a bit hopeless.

i am sure my girlfriend will love it, but i like to make sure i get what i paid for and just was concerned about the lack of contrast black and white like on the videos and pics on jewllery sites. however this may be the style of lighting they use?

 

[kenny]

Do check it out in all different lighting.

The best-cut diamond in the world will have zero fire under some lighting conditions.
Bring it to Costco or Home Depot or where there are spotlights in the ceiling.

Another lighting condition that results in dispersion and fire is under a leafy tree that lets dappled sunlight through at noon on a sunny day.

 

[Karl_K]

Contrast in the real world is rarely black, it is a refection of what ever is in front of it.
In online photos it is a refection of the camera lens which appears black.
In the real world it may be a refection of your face or hair or shirt and show up as pretty much any color other times it will appear to show up as grey due to the contrast washing out the color.

 

[need-help-with-ring]

So prob nothing to worry about then? just a matter of the typical internet studio shots of a product being a little different to real life?

Only tested so far inside on a bright day. We have light coloured floor tiles and an offwhite wall colour so could explain the brightness?

 

[CharmyPoo]

Disclaimer that I don't know ovals and don't have much experience with oval diamonds in real life. In the one photo you shared, the diamond looks a bit lifeless but one photo is not sufficient to make any type of judgement like this. You have seen the diamond and you will have to make the call. For us to provide more insights, you will need to share better photos, videos, asets, etc.

 

[MrsBettyBoop]

You might also consider taking into a jewelry store and comparing it to other diamonds in person. This will give you a better IRL perspective.

 

[LibbyLA]

I have an oval that photographs very poorly but sparkles like crazy under most lighting conditions. As others have suggested, clean it really well then look at it under a shady tree and in different lighting conditions. The professional photos and videos are done with special lighting setups to show the diamonds at their best but those aren't the lighting conditions you'll have in real life.

liz