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Hi, I’m looking for the best place to get an oval diamond. Hoping to stay around $17k or lower (if possible).
Specs:
1.8 – 2.0 ct
SI1 and up. (looking for something eye clean)
Color: D-G
Flouro: faint to none
Cut: I’m less familiar with how to judge oval diamonds but want the highest cut quality possible.
Any recommendations on best place to buy?
There are two main rules when choosing an oval:
1) The depth shouldn’t exceed 74%.
2) The bowtie should be as minimal as possible.
We usually recommend H+ color for ovals as they tend to show their true color more than rounds (https://www.diamonds.pro/education/color/). As for the fluorescence, H color with none, faint or medium fluorescence is completely okay (medium and strong fluorescence on D-G colored diamonds usually causes a hazy/milky look in daylight – https://www.diamonds.pro/education/fluorescence/).
Here are my recommendations:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.80-carat-g-color-si1-clarity-sku-6074686?a_aid=dmnd1357
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.82-carat-d-color-si1-clarity-sku-5172111?a_aid=dmnd1357
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/2.01-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-5238699?a_aid=dmnd1357
They’re well-cut, eye-clean and brilliant.
The idea of the bigger 2.01 diamond is appealing.
Do you find that faint fluorescence is usually noticeable? Would it be worth for example going down to a 1.9 ct that has none to avoid faint fluorescence?
There is no reason to avoid faint fluorescence. There isn’t any visible difference between none and faint fluorescence and it doesn’t negatively affect the diamond.
I also found this stone you might like:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/2.08-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-sku-5916733?a_aid=dmnd1357
95% of all twinning wisps are not visible to the naked eye, so those are alright.
Will the twinning wisps impact the light at all and make it less brilliant? Also, in your opinion should I jump from G to H in color? I’ve had round diamonds in the past that were H and looked fine but some of the pictures the yellowness is more apparent. Perhaps this is due it being an oval diamond?
No, the twinning wisps won’t affect the brilliance. Color and clarity are not related to the brilliance, it’s a matter of the cut.
Well, as I said, ovals tend to show their true color more than rounds but based on our experience (and the experience of our readers), H colored diamonds appear colorless in any setting. It’s up to you whether you want to stick with H or G color. I would suggest choosing an H colored oval and in case you end up not liking it, you can easily return it and choose a G (or higher) diamond. James Allen has a great return policy.
I think I’m comfortable w/ an H after getting feedback from you. I liked the idea of the VS1 you sent below :
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/2.01-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-5238699?a_aid=dmnd1357&chan=ve?a_aid=dmnd1357
Thanks for finding it for me. I am slightly concerned it may look yellow (I’m a bit of a worrier) but I figured I can order and always return if necessary!
That’s great! It’s my pleasure helping you. No worries, you’ll have 30 days to return it if the stone doesn’t meet your expectations.
Thank you!
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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