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Oval pictures and video

Post the certifcate.

I'm seeing an uneven bowtie.

And beyond that your pictures and stuff tell me nothing.
Can you go to a good appraiser? Or buy an ASET scope?
 
Hi all diamonds are pretty but with out the information on the certificate its just another pretty diamond . We need stats or ideal scope ..How big how much .....table depth does it have floresence
 
heididdl|1400891514|3679081 said:
Hi all diamonds are pretty but with out the information on the certificate its just another pretty diamond . We need stats or ideal scope ..How big how much .....table depth does it have floresence
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ASET for fancies. Not idealscope.

And numbers are meaningless for an oval. I want the certificate for the the facet pattern. And that will only appear if the diamond is over a carat (most don't pay for that for stones under a carat).
 
Is it eyeclean? The videos aren't in focus enough up close to tell. And the bow tie is distracting.
 
arkieb1|1400892613|3679090 said:
And the bow tie is distracting.
Click to expand...

Very much so.
 
Here is the ASET. I chose four diamonds and it was recommended as the best of the four by a gemologist. There is no report on facet pattern as its a 75 point stone. It is eyeclean, it is returnable.

tesa211126.jpg
 
Here is the GIA report, resolution isn't the best but should be readable if you enlarge it.

gia211126.jpg
 
Hi Wildview,

My thoughts are that you could do better. It does have some attractive qualities, but I agree with Gypsy and arkie that the bow tie is distracting. From the photos and video particularly, I would expect more ' wattage' from this stone especially from the lighting conditions provided, it does not appear that this diamond has a lot of power performance wise and the ASET also shows that in my opinion. So for me, although it has a certain charm and some redeeming qualities, I would consider this diamond to be of typical commercial cut quality that really needs strong lighting fuel to get its engine going so to speak, in lesser lighting conditions it's probably going to go to sleep for the most part and stay that way.

Thank you for posting all the info on this diamond, it was very helpful and I hope all of the comments above are useful to you.
 
Thanks Lorelei, It doesn't have a clear dark bowtie but rather a large shadowy type of bowtie. This is obviously a bit disappointing. I'm thinking of returning this stone and having ERD source an oval diamond for me. I'm working with them for a setting. Anyone want to weigh in on whether ERD has a good track record with sourcing oval/fancy cuts ?
 
Wildview|1400957820|3679345 said:
Thanks Lorelei, It doesn't have a clear dark bowtie but rather a large shadowy type of bowtie. This is obviously a bit disappointing. I'm thinking of returning this stone and having ERD source an oval diamond for me. I'm working with them for a setting. Anyone want to weigh in on whether ERD has a good track record with sourcing oval/fancy cuts ?
Click to expand...

You are welcome, glad to help! I am sorry you aren't happy with the diamond but at least you have seen it in person and know that this particular diamond isn't for you. ERD has an excellent track record for cushion cuts and has sourced some lovely fancy shapes for some clients so I would definitely see what Mark or one of his people can come up with. It can be a little quieter here over the weekend but someone might post that has purchased an oval from Mark and can give you their thoughts.

If you would like, we can have a look for you also if you give us an idea of your budget and preferred specs.

The right diamond will come along, sometimes with fancy shapes it can take a little time to find just the right one, but you will.
 
I too agree with the others; in ovals I think it is a bit easier to find stones without a bowtie than in pears and especially marquise because ovals are not as elongated and narrow. My first impression was that it does not have a great cut. Of course pictures themselves are often not enough as they could simply be poor quality pix but I do think there are a couple of other issues here with the cut. I have to admit that based on the certificate I cannot tell about the inclusions and the facet pattern either, it really would be best to see that but I understand that if the stone is not that large and not as valuable, am I right that I am seeing O color or I just cannot enlarge enough? Nothing wrong with that but you are right OP that perhaps the full report was not a feasible option for the stone. I also think that you could be better. Ovals can be gorgeous stones and you can find some beautifully cut ones.
 
I think working with ERD is a good idea. :wavey:
 
It's a bit frustrating, putting in an enormous amount of research into all that making a wise decision entails, 100+ hours of trying to learn to avoid any missteps. Scouring the few vendors that do have pictures/vidoes of Oval stone. Then to select 4 stones, be surprised by the ASET and order the gemologist listed them, get the best of the lot....and it's a disappointment. I guess the next step is to just let someone else select the stone. So I can go with ERD(Mark has been fantastic so far when discussing settings) but they have a $250 restocking fee on returns and it looks as though a few people on PS weren't happy when searching for ovals with ERD. Or I can go with GOG but they seem to be a bit more expensive than other vendors.

For months while researching I've been convinced online is the way to go but now I'm starting to wonder if purchasing fancy cuts is better done in person. Neither the video I viewed before the purchase, the ASET or the gemologist report would have led me to believe I had picked a mediocre stone. However after receiving the diamond I knew I probably could have done better. There has to be eyes on the stone in order to truly tell, preferably a professional vendor or at the very least my own eyes. Sorry to rant, this is an exhausting process. I truly appreciate all of your knowledge and feedback, it has been invaluable.
 
Ok. Well, then don't go with ERD.

GOG has three glorious (like the best I've seen) ovals right now. So it does look like they do have success. How about working with them?
 
Wildview|1400992356|3679566 said:
It's a bit frustrating, putting in an enormous amount of research into all that making a wise decision entails, 100+ hours of trying to learn to avoid any missteps. Scouring the few vendors that do have pictures/vidoes of Oval stone. Then to select 4 stones, be surprised by the ASET and order the gemologist listed them, get the best of the lot....and it's a disappointment. I guess the next step is to just let someone else select the stone. So I can go with ERD(Mark has been fantastic so far when discussing settings) but they have a $250 restocking fee on returns and it looks as though a few people on PS weren't happy when searching for ovals with ERD. Or I can go with GOG but they seem to be a bit more expensive than other vendors.

For months while researching I've been convinced online is the way to go but now I'm starting to wonder if purchasing fancy cuts is better done in person. Neither the video I viewed before the purchase, the ASET or the gemologist report would have led me to believe I had picked a mediocre stone. However after receiving the diamond I knew I probably could have done better. There has to be eyes on the stone in order to truly tell, preferably a professional vendor or at the very least my own eyes. Sorry to rant, this is an exhausting process. I truly appreciate all of your knowledge and feedback, it has been invaluable.
Click to expand...


I understand Wild, but take a breath and step back for a little time, then begin again. This isn't unusual with fancy shapes, I have seen it happen so much over the years, they can be tricky but you WILL find the one! Also ditto Gypsy, see what Jon at GOG can come up with, he has a superb eye for a fancy shape and as Gypsy mentions he has 3 ovals up right now, check those out or if they don't suit, see what he can come up with.

I know you are probably disappointed and tired from the search but I believe you are getting close. :wavey:
 
I still want to get my setting from ERD, I like their work and Mark has been a pleasure to work with. I've made the call to return this diamond. Garry H has mentioned in some threads that there is a different faceting pattern for ovals that minimizes bowtie. I think I will request said faceting pattern but the name of it escapes me and I'm unable to locate where Garry H has mentioned the name. I'm still not sure if I will go with ERD or GOG to source the stone, but I'm considering both carefully. GOG has a $100 non refundable sourcing fee and ERD has a $250 restocking fee, so if either get it wrong I'll be cutting into my $5500 e-ring budget.

I'll be looking to spend no more than 3k for the stone and I'm looking for 75 points or greater. D-G, SI1 eye clean or better. Gypsy, you've said that GOG has 3 beautiful stones currently. Can you provide links to these stones ? I didn't see them but they may be out of the parameters I've set.

Thanks again for all of the feedback, I'm glad I only have to do this once :twirl:
 
I am sorry that it is a frustrating exercise. I looked for a long long time to find diamonds for myself too and in the long run it is better to take your time and be fussy than settle for something that is ho hum performance wise.

I think you should pay Jon from GOG the fee and let him find something for you, he has a track record of finding great stones and what you might be able to do is ask them to find you 3 stones in your budget, make a video and get the ASETs from all of them and then before you get the next one post the links on here and everyone will give you their opinion, I think if you ask Jon will even give you his opinion, which will be worth the fee - that way hopefully you will not have to get too many more stones before finding the right one.
 
It's my understanding that nearly all ovals have bow tie's and in my conversations with Mark at ERD he has stated that "If you are looking at a clock, think of a bow tie from 230-330 and going across to 830-930" He is of the opinion that if you can keep a bow tie within that range the chances of a well performing oval are increased.

When looking at pictures and vidoes of the diamond I posted the bow tie seems to fit in the category he described and is not a dark bow tie. How well the diamond is cut, probably the most important factor is up for debate. Did the diamond not sparkle because it's a dud or were the videos and pictures subpar and not relay actual performance. It does sparkle more in person than the videos but who really knows, my knowledge isn't sufficient to look at a stand alone diamond and tell cut quality. In a line up of multiple diamonds, in person, I may be able to tell which sparkle more but not looking at 1 diamond alone.

I've actually posted this diamond in other threads recently, along with other ASET images and many gave the opinion that the ASET looked good. Ultimately I'm not sure if the stone I have is great or a dog and without seeing it in person I'm not sure if anyone can accurately judge here on pricescope without laying eyes on the stone.

While I have requested the return information from James Allen, I may keep the diamond, or I may go with Mark at ERD to source a new stone, it's anyone's guess.

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/oval-aset-please-advise.201767/

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/0.75-carat-d-color-si1-clarity-sku-211126
 
Wildview|1401198317|3680888 said:
It's my understanding that nearly all ovals have bow tie's and in my conversations with Mark at ERD he has stated that "If you are looking at a clock, think of a bow tie from 230-330 and going across to 830-930" He is of the opinion that if you can keep a bow tie within that range the chances of a well performing oval are increased.

When looking at pictures and vidoes of the diamond I posted the bow tie seems to fit in the category he described and is not a dark bow tie. How well the diamond is cut, probably the most important factor is up for debate. Did the diamond not sparkle because it's a dud or were the videos and pictures subpar and not relay actual performance. It does sparkle more in person than the videos but who really knows, my knowledge isn't sufficient to look at a stand alone diamond and tell cut quality. In a line up of multiple diamonds, in person, I may be able to tell which sparkle more but not looking at 1 diamond alone.

I've actually posted this diamond in other threads recently, along with other ASET images and many gave the opinion that the ASET looked good. Ultimately I'm not sure if the stone I have is great or a dog and without seeing it in person I'm not sure if anyone can accurately judge here on pricescope without laying eyes on the stone.

While I have requested the return information from James Allen, I may keep the diamond, or I may go with Mark at ERD to source a new stone, it's anyone's guess.

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/oval-aset-please-advise.201767/

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/0.75-carat-d-color-si1-clarity-sku-211126
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Wild, I just wanted to check something and forgive me if it's asking the obvious, but is the stone scrupulously clean? Diamonds can dull quickly just from some careful handling so I just wanted to mention that in case it's picked up any oils that could be dulling its performance.

Other than that, it's so hard to know what is the best way forward, I do understand it's difficult....I have seen better ASETs in this shape certainly, ovals should give a good performance if well cut, but as you mention, it is so hard for us here to advise adequately. Do you have any jewellery stores in your area that sell ovals that you could compare with? It can be like trying to find a needle in a haystack to find a well cut fancy shape but it can be done. You have put in a tremendous amount of work to this project and I know it's going to pay off in the end.

If you could remind us of your budget and other requirements, we would be pleased to help you search again?

I had a quick look for you and thought this one might have potential depending on your budget.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/0.78-carat-e-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-301406
 
Maybe ovals are just not for you?
 
JulieN|1401206757|3680986 said:
Maybe ovals are just not for you?
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That's a thought well worth bringing up Jules, are you sure ovals are the best shape for you Wild? If you are unsure, what about a cushion cut perhaps?
 
Lorelei > It should be clean, I've only handled the tension clasp, never the diamond itself. I could go to a jewelry store and compare it to other similar weight diamonds, assuming the jeweler would be okay with that, I just thought that would not be well recieved. Most jewelers don't have a large stock of ovals but many have a few in house.

My budget is roughly $3000 for a stone, D-G, SI1 eyeclean or better, 75 points or greater. Obviously G/SI1 would be ideal so I don't pay for color or clarity I don't need. Though I will tell you I won't return to James Allen as I didn't like the process and my ASET request has been used up on this past purchase, where I requested 4 ASET images. I've found relying on their videos to be unreliable and the view too limited. Also, the gemologist doesn't comment on the overall quality of the stone, just how it compares to the others you've selected for them to review.

The stone you selected is one I've seen before and was a finalist before I decided I needed more of my budget to go towards the setting.

JulieN > Lorelei > As to whether or not ovals are for me, they're definitely not as I'm far too OCD to handle the unprecise nature of their performance. My girlfriend however wants an oval and that's all that matters.

I want to like the stone I have because it fits well into my budget at $2650, it is 75 points, D/SI1 eyeclean. It has a bowtie but I'm of the understanding that this is nearly unavoidable, Mark at ERD has said as much. The bowtie it does have isn't profoundly dark, more like a shadow, but I'm not comparing it side by side to a great or poor stone so I'm unsure if it's acceptable. The light performance is something I'm lost on and have no way of knowing, this bothers me. The ASET shows a fair amount of red, even on the ends. I was trying to avoid the "dead ends" I've seen mentioned in regards to ovals.

I probably need to have professional eyes find a stone and tell me it's a winner as I'm not trained or confident in my ability to determine this for myself. That is what I should have done in the first place. While I'd like to think many here have an eye for ovals, it seems as though it would be very difficult to assess without actual eyes on the diamond. My poor photography/videography skills won't provide the information needed.

At this point I'm probably just driving myself and you guys nuts with this nonsense but I appreciate the feedback all the same.
 
Hi Wildfire,

You are not driving us nuts and it's definitely not nonsense, it's a big purchase and of course you want to get it right, totally understandable. We can certainly have another look around for the budget but I think your thoughts regarding getting an expert vendor to assist with the search is a solid idea. They have access to so many different diamonds and contacts throughout the world, the right stone is out there even if in the end you decide the one you have isn't it. With comparing in a jewellery store, go and look to see if a store near you carries ovals,if you can't compare your stone directly in store, you could view some others in person so you have a better idea whether yours compares favourably or not.

I am sorry this is being a challenging process for you, but you will get there in the end and your GF will have a ring to be proud of.
 
Ok. So I totally get that your lady wants an oval.

My thought is this. If you do not have a particular timeline. I'd just call GOG and tell them you want a truly SPECTACULAR oval.

Also, BGD has found some fabulous fancies. Brian is very fussy. So if GOG doesn't pan out, there's BGD too.

It might just take some patience.

Where are you located, geographically? It would be nice if you were located by one of our vendors and we could send you to one in person to see a selection of stone.
 
Gypsy, I mailed back the other diamond today. I'm located in Cincinnati, Ohio. As Mark at ERD will be doing the setting I'm going to give him first shot at sourcing the stone. He emails or calls in a timely manner and I have confidence in his abilities. I really, really like your recommendation of asking the vendor to wait for something great. I don't need the ring until September so I can wait a few months for something that's going to be better. Thanks!
 
Wildview|1401241073|3681343 said:
Gypsy, I mailed back the other diamond today. I'm located in Cincinnati, Ohio. As Mark at ERD will be doing the setting I'm going to give him first shot at sourcing the stone. He emails or calls in a timely manner and I have confidence in his abilities. I really, really like your recommendation of asking the vendor to wait for something great. I don't need the ring until September so I can wait a few months for something that's going to be better. Thanks!
Click to expand...

I think Gypsy offered a brilliant suggestion ( as usual), if you don't have time constraints then that's definitely the way forward!
 
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