Hello!
What are your recommended parameters for an oval diamond in regards to cut, color, clarity, diamond table %, etc. Will most likely be looking for .70 to 1.0 carat and in the $3,000 range (or less if possible).
I really just want it to look high quality to the naked eye, but not go crazy with getting the best of the best. I’m trying to give my boyfriend guidance for when he goes to shop.
Cut – GIA gives cut grades to rounds only. If you see a cut grade to any other shape, it’s just a mark of that jeweler (diamond company) and it’s completely subjective. We use our own parameters for ovals to maximize brilliance: depth% below 74 and table% below 75.
Color – Ovals don’t refract light just as well as round diamonds and thus tend to show their true color more. For a WG/PT setting, you should stick with an H+ color (I-color if you’re using a yellow gold solitaire).
Clarity – The actual grade doesn’t matter. As long as the diamond us eye-clean, the grade can be basically anything. We search in the SI-IF range and pick the best eye-clean diamond we find.
Bow-tie – Some ovals then to have a very strong bow-tie effect, try to find something where this trait is not too significant.
The most important aspect of a diamond purchase is the certificate. The most accurate labs are GIA and AGS.
As for buying the diamond in a store, it can be pretty risky and the chances of getting ripped off or scammed are high: https://www.diamonds.pro/education/buy-diamonds-online/. We think that the best bang for your buck is purchasing a diamond from an online retailer.
I’m happy to recommend some diamonds to you if you like. Just let me know if you need help.
Thank you for all of the very helpful information!
I would love some specific recommendations.
Great. Here you go:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/0.71-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-sku-4550170?a_aid=dmnd1357
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/0.85-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-sku-4838321?a_aid=dmnd1357
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/0.90-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-4794302?a_aid=dmnd1357
They are well cut, eye-clean and all of them will be very brilliant.
What do you think?
Thanks so much for those! They are all beautiful diamonds. My favorite is the last one. I will pass on all of that information to my boyfriend. Thanks again!
Sounds great!
Feel free to get back in touch if there’s anything else I can help with.
What we love about them:
- No questions asked returns within 30 days of shipment. James Allen will send you a paid shipping label to return the ring.
- Lifetime Warranty
- Free International Shipping
- Free prong tightening, repolishing, rhodium plating and cleaning every 6 months
- Provide insurance appraisals
- One free resizing within 60 days of purchase
- Free ring inscriptions
- Best-in-class high quality imagery of all diamonds in stock
- 24/7 Customer Service
- Best-in-class packaging
What we love about them:
- No questions asked returns within 30 days of shipment. Blue Nile will send you a paid shipping label to return the ring.
- Lifetime Warranty
- Free Shipping
- Free prong tightening, repolishing, rhodium plating and cleaning every 6 months
- Provide insurance appraisal
- One free resizing within the first year of purchase
- High quality images of about half of their diamonds
- 24/7 Customer Service
- 100% credit towards future upgrades (must be at least double in value)
- Best in class fulfillment
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