Post # 1
Member
142 posts
Blushing bee
<div class=”post-body-content” style=”margin: 0px; padding: 5px 15px 5px 25px; min-height: 130px; font-size: 12px; color: #073467; line-height: 20px; font-family: Tahoma, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; max-width: 745px;”>I am purchasing a diamond upgrade from James Allen and would like opinion on the two I’ve narrowed it down to- Both are lovely ovals but at different ends of the color spectrum.
The first is a .90 carat D vvs2 with excellent polish and very good symmetry. It’s size is 7.46 X 5.46 X 3.32 with a LW ratio of 1.37 – $4500
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/0.90-carat-d-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-891054
The second is a 1.21 carat J vs1 with good polish and very good symmetry. It’s size is 8.64 X 5.64 X 3.66 with a LW ratio of 1.53 – $4750
http://www.jamesallen.com/mobile/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.21-carat-j-color-vs1-clarity-sku-496875
I currently have the .90 in my possession but am still able to exchange it.
Both are GIA certified.
One of these will be set in a simple 2mm banded bezel setting for a right hand ring.
I prefer white metal but would consider rose gold but not yellow gold.
I’d love the larger stone but am afraid it will look entirely too yellow but understand in “real life” it’s not too much of a difference. Out of the two, which would be a better purchase?
Thank you all-</div>
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Post # 2
Member
3302 posts
Sugar bee
My e-ring is a D color and the ring I wear on my right hand has an N color diamond. I like the contrast.
Post # 3
Member
733 posts
Busy bee
A J oval is going to show a lot of tint. Personally, I don’t care for so called “warm” diamonds, I either like them to look white, or look fancy colored on purpose. Can you go lower in color and play up with color? A light yellow oval would be beautiful, and the w-z colors are usually a good bargain. I have a Y-Z yellow pear that looks like a fancy yellow. The differences in the color when graded are slight.
But otherwise, I’d go with the D color, if those are the only 2 choices. Are you in a hurry or can you keep looking?
Also ovals are a tricky cut, so make sure you love the facet pattern.
What about this one? Antique ovals are so rare. http://www.jewelsbygrace.com/loose-diamonds/1-ct-to-2-00/1-01ct-antique-oval-cut-diamond-gia-i-vvs2#.VuLOlfHqkrI
Post # 4
Member
1836 posts
Buzzing bee
Although my diamond is an E, I’ve come to find that I like a little warmth. But that said, J color is generally not recommended for ovals and I definitely wouldn’t recommend it for anyone who would mind seeing color in their diamond as ovals are going to show tint more than a round would. I probably wouldn’t go below an H — unless I specifically wanted a warmer diamond and/or intended to set it in yellow gold.
D color, on the other hand, is probably overkill. I wouldn’t necessarily recommend paying the premium for D color when you most likely won’t be able to tell the difference between a D and an F.
Cut is the most important thing, especially with a fancy shape. Agree with PP that you should make sure you love the facet pattern.
Post # 5
Member
178 posts
Blushing bee
Personally, I prefer the J colored stone. I generally prefer stones with a little color, and considering this is a right-hand ring, it’s likely that you already have a near-colorless white diamond. So why not go for something a little more out of the ordinary?
Post # 6
Member
5765 posts
Bee Keeper
I like the warmer colored oval. Both are gorgeous.
Post # 7
Member
9519 posts
Buzzing Beekeeper
punkybrewster: looooove that chubby oval!
Post # 8
Member
626 posts
Busy bee
I like the one you already have better. I’m a big fan of chubby ovals (my own has a L/W ratio of 1.36 so I’m biased 🙂 ). Plus the J color looks pretty dark and ovals show more color than a lot of other cuts.
I think the sweet spot for an oval is F color, and you can probably go down to VS2 clarity for a diamond that size. However, when I was buying my oval I saw a glut of D color stones (and ended up choosing one myself). I have no idea why there are so many D color ovals out there.
Post # 9
Member
733 posts
Busy bee
Post # 10
Member
2455 posts
Buzzing bee
punkybrewster: ugh! Stop! I’m going to spend all of my money on a diamond I don’t have any use for! They are all Sooo gorgeous!!!! Omg! I want them all!
I personally perfer the j, but that’s me! If colored stones bother you then I wouldbt get it. Or why don’t you return the one and then see the bigger one in person and go from there?
Post # 11
Member
1373 posts
Bumble bee
- Wedding: June 2009 - Mountain Meadow/Mansion
I’d go for the D as the cut is better and it appears to sparkle more. I also like a “fatter” oval, so the ratio of the D more my style. Both really are gorgeous though!
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This reply was modified 4 years, 10 months ago by
MrsT2009.
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This reply was modified 4 years, 10 months ago by MrsT2009.
Post # 12
Member
142 posts
Blushing bee
Wow- thanks for the advice everyone! Here’s the thing- i contacted JA and showed the awesome rep these two and i could tell he wasnt a fan of the larger oval…I told him I wasn’t set on ovals that I just wanted something to face up larger…so he pointed me in a completely different direction!
A little back story- I was engaged for 3 Years (!!!) after being together since 2001- it ended up not working out and I hated seeing my Engagement Ring just sitting in its box! JA has an awesome upgrade policy so I decided to take advantage of that. I doubt I’ll ever get married again but I do want a lovely sparkly diamond ring that’s in my budget! (Who doesn’t?!)
This is the one I chose!
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/pear-shaped/1.13-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-897445
😍😍😍😍
Im having my local jeweler make a custom bezel once I get it!! Something like this-
Post # 13
Member
626 posts
Busy bee
The stone you picked is GORGEOUS 😍😍😍 that rep steered you right! Congrats on your new bling!