Ovals

[Tsavomn]

Hi all. I am kind of a newbie here. While browsing around. I came across some people who stay away from ovals. But didn't say why. Do ovals tend to show more flaws than the other cuts? I am thinking about either a pink, or pink red Mahenge Spinel. Or a Merelani Garnet. Both in the 2ct range. Thanks!

 

[Tsavomn]

A great cutter can make anything shine, I would recommend looking at a master cutters like Dana at master cut gems and you will find any cut if done right can look amazinghttps://www.mastercutgems.com. I would say the only reason someone stays away from a cut is either value, personal taste, or that a lot of ovals come from overseas cutters with large windows. Find a good cutter and they can make almost anything shine

Thanks very much! Will do.

 

[chrono]

Just tired of seeing and having ovals all the time since most rough tends to be of a shape that favours oval shapes (to retain maximum carat weight). Nothing wrong with ovals if you don't mind them.

 

[digdeep]

For me it's not the shape that is the issue, it's the distinct extinction/shadow that the cutting (even well cut oval's) can produce. Unfortunately I've never seen an oval without some extinction--even though I've heard they exist. Windows can be there too, so these are not mutually exclusive 'things'.....but extinction/shadows drive me nuts!

 

[elle_71125]

I know ovals is have a bow tie, which could bother you. I imagine if it's well cut that shouldn't be a problem.
Personally, after cushion, oval is my favorite shape.

 

[lambskin]

My shape preference depends upon the stone. For example- all things being equal- I prefer a step cut for an emerald, a cushion for a ruby and a round for a sapphire. But I have seen some gorgeous ovals in colored stones in rubies, sapphires and other colored stones. As long as the stone is nice and the cutting well done, an oval is beautiful. Also, ovals are flattering to my fingers as rounds seem to accentuate my big knuckles and the oval shape makes my finger appear more elongated.

 

[Seaglow]

I assume by ovals, you mean faceted ones, because ovals look good in cabochon. I have to agree it depends on the stone. Even a well cut one can display a certain degree of extinction, while a highly fluorescent stone can mask extinction and bow ties. Stones like flame spinels, Burmese rubies, Paraibas, Mandarin Spessartites, can be fully bright stones in ovals. Certain types of inclusions and double refractive stones can also mask extinction and bow ties, such as silk in rubies and sapphires which tend to have a desirable softer overall effect and the high scintillation of zircon will catch the eye in all angles.

 

[Acinom]

I second what elle_71225 says: ovals can have a bowtie. If you choose well cut stones, this will not be a problem.

Ovals are one of my favourite shapes as they look super elegant on the hand. Therefore I have several oval rings. For me it's colour first though. I do not care what shape the stone is, as long as it's a great colour, well cut and no ugly inclusions (I love inclusions in Paraibas and emeralds). With the exception of trillions as they are so difficult to set.

 

[Seaglow]

 

[chrono]

That is SO cute!

 

[mastercutgems]

Well I am honored by what Helicoptergem said

Evidently they have not seen all my cuts LOL As many failed miserably... But hey that is half the fun of cutting and experimenting on designs even with a ray tracing program...

This is just from my experience; a full eight main pavilion oval is about as close to a true brilliant oval without the bowtie as you can get. Of course designs like super nova oval etc. use that premise as it is like a round brilliant; you are bringing in all quadrants of the geometrical shape to a center point; therefore it reduces the disturbed light reflection effect...

I know you are correct in that much of the rough in the world will tend to be in the ovalish shape and therefore rough is money and you want to # one, not waste the rough, # two; cut it in a design that will bring out all the qualities of the gem mineral; # three; cut a design that will SALE !!! I do not cut the odd shapes and designs I did when I was a competition cutter; I have not used my 80 index in about 15 years; no need for pentagons here lately Many of us cutters that cut for our living and to feed our kids; cut the cuts that you the consumer desires as we work for you and not for ourselves...

To eliminate the blinking bowtie in ovals to me you have the 2 choices; go with a full main brilliant cut ( except for the elongated or European oval as they can have ends to long from the center to make it cost effective); or use the step cut pavilion and brilliant crown; all of which are lovely cuts and with the right tone, saturation, RI of the gem mineral they do make a very lovely gem that looks great in most directions it is viewed in...

I will have to say that rounds I cut the most of, then ovals, then cut corner square brilliants, then cushions... I do not like pears, and emerald cuts are mostly for color, and trillions I love but not many buy them so why cut them...
It is all about the demand of the consumer; what you want is what we try to provide.

Love to talk about cuts ...

Most respectfully';

Dana Reynolds
ASG Certified
Supreme Master gem Cutter
#96cge42

 

[Tsavomn]

Thanks for your info everyone! What a great forum! I understand what your saying. Very helpful especially to a newbie.

I actually prefer rounds over any other cut. Then comes antique cushions, ovals, and pears. What i have gathered. Round Mahenge Spinels and Merelani garnets are rare.

Right now the biggest thing for me. Is to decide on which stone in the 2ct range. And of course. Prices sure can vary. And i am very fussy too. But this a different topic altogether.