Newbie Help on Oval Cut

[newguy45]

Hi All,

I have been doing a bit of research online for an oval engagement ring which led me here. I have planned on purchasing the diamond online through Blue Nile. However, given the nuances of an oval cut vs a more standardized grading for round, I’ve found it challenging to get comfortable with the cut without seeing it in person (i.e. trying to assess the “sparkle”, make sure of no prominent bow tie, etc.).

What I am looking for is something in the ballpark of 1.25-1.50 carat, D-E color, VS1-VS2 clarity, and 1.35-1.40 L/W ratio.

Based on these parameters, I came across the below diamond, which I am hoping to get some input on as it checks all of my boxes but I am really struggling to understand whether or not this is a great cut. I have no idea how to truly interpret an ASET image and there does appear to be a decent amount of white there. The Blue Nile rep did advise that it should have great brilliance based on the images, but just wanted to get some more opinions!

Link: https://www.bluenile.com/build-your-own-ring/diamond-details/LD14749436?offerId=49650

GIA:


Images:



Any and all input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

 

[tyty333]

Personally, I like it. Its an 8 main with the arrows going straight across which gives you additional nice facets that light
up as the stone turns (headed down towards the ends of the stone). Most 8 mains are offset from the center and
dont provide those extra nice facets as the stone turns. Most ovals dont rate Excellent for Symmetry however, this one
got it. It also has a lovely shape. Its a good choice IMO.

 

[kgizo]

Since you are interested in cut you may want to take a look at Elyque ovals from distinctivegem.com
Elyque ovals face up slightly smaller than standard ovals as they are cut to maximize sparkle and reduce bow tie effect. Tagging @Starfacet as she is more knowledgeable.

 

[newguy45]

Thank you both for the input - very helpful. I am a bit torn on the Elyque ovals as the cuts look beautiful and will maximize sparkle, but I would have to jump up to 1.5+ carat (and thus a much higher price) in order to get to similar face size.

If I am trying to keep within the ballpark of $10k budget, give or take, it seems like the decision really comes down to size vs sparkle.

 

[kgizo]

$10K is a healthy budget and you will find something beautiful at that price point. Does your intended want a D or E diamond? If yes, then keep looking in that color range. Otherwise many people can’t distinguish between colors up to G or H so it may be worth looking at the trade up in size for going down a bit in color. I can’t remember who the oval experts are on this forum, perhaps @whitewave can help?

 

[whitewave]

$10K is a healthy budget and you will find something beautiful at that price point. Does your intended want a D or E diamond? If yes, then keep looking in that color range. Otherwise many people can’t distinguish between colors up to G or H so it may be worth looking at the trade up in size for going down a bit in color. I can’t remember who the oval experts are on this forum, perhaps @whitewave can help?

No, not I. I’m bad at ovals. Lol

I think @tyty333 is a good choice

 

[La2020]

I have seen a traditional oval vs a super ideal cut oval in person.

After viewing the ideal cut oval side by side with the "best" traditional cut oval (with ASET looking very similar as the one you have posted), I definitely will go for the ideal cut.

The sparkle and light returns are amazingly different from the traditionally cut. Here is what I mean (I took this video) - look at the sparkles and light return!

 

[La2020]

Since you are interested in cut you may want to take a look at Elyque ovals from distinctivegem.com
Elyque ovals face up slightly smaller than standard ovals as they are cut to maximize sparkle and reduce bow tie effect. Tagging @Starfacet as she is more knowledgeable.

I think that would be a good choice. The Elyque ovals seem to cut to maximise the light return too...this is also a good alternative.

 

[newguy45]

Thank you all very much for the input. This forum has been such an amazing source of information and everyone is so responsive.

I have been wrestling with the pros and cons of going with the traditional oval vs the Elyque. The consensus seems to be that the Elyque cut is worth the smaller face size / step up in price.

@tyty333 based on your assessment of the Blue Nile stone, would you say that the typical untrained eye (i.e. my girlfriend) would notice a big difference in sparkle between this one and the Elyque? I know the Elyque would be ideal, but I guess my question is if the traditional is just a small step down in brilliance or if it really does not even compare.

 

[newguy45]

$10K is a healthy budget and you will find something beautiful at that price point. Does your intended want a D or E diamond? If yes, then keep looking in that color range. Otherwise many people can’t distinguish between colors up to G or H so it may be worth looking at the trade up in size for going down a bit in color. I can’t remember who the oval experts are on this forum, perhaps @whitewave can help?

Thanks, this is a great point. She is not set on any specific color, but if I am going with a traditional oval, I’d like to go D or E to make up for lower light performance. If I go with the Elyque, I may be able to scale down on color as it would be less important/noticeable, right?

 

[newguy45]

I have seen a traditional oval vs a super ideal cut oval in person.

After viewing the ideal cut oval side by side with the "best" traditional cut oval (with ASET looking very similar as the one you have posted), I definitely will go for the ideal cut.

The sparkle and light returns are amazingly different from the traditionally cut. Here is what I mean (I took this video) - look at the sparkles and light return!

Interesting. I hadn’t heard of JannPaul but that diamond does look beautiful. Would they have options in this price range? Having some trouble finding anything listed on their website.

 

[La2020]

Interesting. I hadn’t heard of JannPaul but that diamond does look beautiful. Would they have options in this price range? Having some trouble finding anything listed on their website.

JP have many youtube videos.. you can check them out..
I have only inquired the prices for their octagon and decagon.. but you email them for prices...they should able to source for you. Good luck!

 

[kgizo]

Do you have the BN diamond? If yes, be sure to look at it in all different types of lighting throughout the day (preferably in a holder and being very careful not to drop it). Is it very sparkly? If yes, you have a super white large sparkly diamond and who wouldn’t be thrilled with that. A D VS1 is a special stone indeed.
If “what if” about the other oval might nag at you then you could purchase with plans to return one - but some people don’t like the hassle of returns so this is up to you. Timing of your proposal is also worth considering, there is a smaller supply of ideal cut ovals and if one you like isn’t in stock would you be willing to wait for one to pop up? Lastly, Distinctive Gems does cut lab diamonds which are at a lower price point (there is a lab diamond forum on PS where that can be discussed). If you would consider a lab diamond I would strongly encourage you to discuss it with your intended first as some people prefer earth mined diamonds, especially for a romantic and significant piece of jewelry.

 

[newguy45]

Do you have the BN diamond? If yes, be sure to look at it in all different types of lighting throughout the day (preferably in a holder and being very careful not to drop it). Is it very sparkly? If yes, you have a super white large sparkly diamond and who wouldn’t be thrilled with that. A D VS1 is a special stone indeed.
If “what if” about the other oval might nag at you then you could purchase with plans to return one - but some people don’t like the hassle of returns so this is up to you. Timing of your proposal is also worth considering, there is a smaller supply of ideal cut ovals and if one you like isn’t in stock would you be willing to wait for one to pop up? Lastly, Distinctive Gems does cut lab diamonds which are at a lower price point (there is a lab diamond forum on PS where that can be discussed). If you would consider a lab diamond I would strongly encourage you to discuss it with your intended first as some people prefer earth mined diamonds, especially for a romantic and significant piece of jewelry.

Thanks for the input. I do not have the BN diamond. I had it on hold but was told that today is the last day they can hold it for me. I’ve reached out to Jonathan on the Elyque ovals but have not yet heard back.

I think I’d like to at least explore the Elyque options, but run the risk of losing the BN diamond in the meantime. At the end of the day, I may not really have a sense of the sparkle of the BN diamond unless I order it and see it in person.

 

[Autpilot2020]

Which diamond did you end up going with?