Oval Shaped Diamond – What Proportions Are Best?

*Note: ODBA no longer recommends EnchantedDiamonds.com

Q:

Hi Liz,

I need help in evaluating which oval shaped diamond I should get. There is about a $70 difference between two diamonds I found online.

The first oval shaped diamond:
https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/Oval/GIA-Certified-0-93-Carat-F-Color-VVS2-Clarity-Diamond-756976283

The second oval shaped diamond: http://www.adiamor.com/Diamonds/J-VS1-Excellent-Cut-Oval-Diamond/D33935761

I would like to set either of them in a rose gold double halo. I don’t have a huge budget and I don’t want to be stuck on carat weight to make an informed decision.

I want to get the best value for my money with the biggest dimensions I can find. I have seen the J color in person and it looks dull in artificial lighting but when we moved to natural daylight, it was stunning.

Please help!!

Thanks,

Alexa

A:

Hello Alexa,

Well, to be honest, I’m not a fan of either oval.

The .93ct F VVS2 has light leakage under the main table facet and quirky contrast patterning.

The 1.01ct J VS1 has a moderate bow tie, but overall the cut is better.

Remember all oval shaped diamonds are cut differently, so the color you see in one ‘J’ oval is not indicative of all ‘J’ colored oval shaped diamonds. This is because the cut of the oval affects how it reflects light. An easier way to know if a diamond will reflect lots of white light back to your eyes is to search for diamonds with an ASET image.

What is your budget range?

Kind Regards,

Liz

Oval Shaped Diamond: Dimensions 8-9mm by 5-6mm & Depth Between 58.5 to 62.5 ?

Q:

Hi Liz,

My budget is between $2,500 and $3,000. I would prefer for the dimensions to be 8-9mm by 5-6mm and the depth between 58.5 to 62.5.

The diamond will be set in a rose-gold halo ring so I am not sure if I should get a white diamond or a warmer stone.

I really appreciate you recommendation and the stone is lovely, but just a little out of my price range.

Kind Regards,

Alexa

A:

Hi Alexa,

Thanks for getting back to me and letting me know your budget.

I had a look for you just now, but didn’t see anything that fit your requested depth and length/width requirements.

I evaluate ovals based on light performance and cut and don’t rely on proportions to set a limit to my search. You may miss some very beautiful diamonds if you decide to keep this strict criteria.

Also, the length/width in mm is most likely going to exceed your available budget as those dimensions are for at least a 1.00ct or more.

Just some food for thought as you go about your decision process. I’ll keep looking and let you know if I find anything of interest.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Kind Regards,

Liz

Q:

Hi Liz

I am opened minded, and I am looking for a 1.00ct and above and my budget can stretch. Any recommendation you make will be greatly appreciated. I can stretch my budget if I compromise on the setting(i.e) getting one halo instead of two. My biggest concern is that I don’t want to spend too much money getting the F-H colored diamond if it is going to look like the I-J color in the rose gold halo.

If you find anything please let me know. I am starting to loose faith in myself at this point.

Kind Regards,

Alexa

A:

Hi Alexa,

Don’t loose faith! I helped another reader out with a oval in a rose gold setting with halo. He decided on a ‘J’ color and it is amazing. Here is the link to my post: https://www.onlinediamondbuyingadvice.com/oval-diamond-engagement-ring-with-halo/

1.04ct J VS1 from Enchanted Diamonds

If you are going with a rose gold setting, then ‘J’ is a perfect color. If that is acceptable, then I found this lovely 1.04ct J VS1 from Enchanted Diamonds for $3,890.00: https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/O104-507412651?aid=ODBA

This oval has a stunning cut as seen with the corresponding ASET image which shows lots of direct bright white light reflection.

Let me know what you think!

Best,

Liz

Q:

Hi Liz,

Thank you for the suggestion. The oval looks really good but is at the top range of my budget. I’ll have to think about it, but thank you for your help!

Alexa