Q&A: Looking for Oval Cut on Tight Budget

I’d like to thank you for all the work you’ve put into the site, I’ve found it very useful.

I’m looking for an oval cut diamond (preferably from James Allen). I’d like it to be around 0.50 carats, although, slightly smaller (or larger) is fine. I’d prefer a color of “G” or better, since when I looked in the jewelry stores I could make out the yellowish color on what I was told were “H”. For clarity, I’m just looking for eye clear. I’d prefer to stay around $1200 or less, but I’d be willing to go up to around $1500 for a better diamond. Additionally, I’ve found some ovals that looked nice, but had a L/W ratio of 1.23 or so, I’m pursuing an oval due to their unique shape, so I’d prefer the ratio to be a bit higher.

I’m seeking help, since after looking at some oval cuts around town at jewelry stores, I saw a wide swing in their appearance. I’ve searched on James Allen, however, I was wondering if it was possible to see the Bow-tie effect on their photos. I assumed you could, so I’ve been avoiding diamonds with large black bands across their narrow dimension.

What I’ve found so far:
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/0.51-carat-d-color-si1-clarity-sku-175139?a_aid=dmnd1357 – However, this has an “etched channel” condition. I read that this is a channel that reaches the surface of the diamond. Does this adversely affect the diamond’s durability? How worried should I be about it?

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/0.55-carat-e-color-si1-clarity-sku-182890?a_aid=dmnd1357 – Medium Florescence, I remember reading on your site that a faint or no florescence would be better for an E.

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/0.49-carat-e-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-167832?a_aid=dmnd1357 – The defects seem to be mostly on the surface, and without experience, I didn’t know how visible they would be to the eye. I don’t think they will be.

Thanks for any help you can offer.

Understood! Thanks for your help!