Pros, Cons and Selection Factors for Oval Diamonds, Part 2

In part one of this two-part blog series, we went over some basics on the oval diamond cut and the benefits and drawbacks it carries. This elongated style is excellent for covering a large portion of the finger, plus providing sparkle and the impression of a larger diamond size without the accompanying cost.

At AAA Jewelers, we’re happy to offer a huge range of GIA-certified diamonds, including oval-cut options for engagement rings, fashion jewelry and many other types. If you’ve determined that the oval cut is your ideal format for a diamond purchase, whether for yourself or someone else, here are some of the primary variables to consider while selecting the perfect option.

Dimension Factors

As we noted in part one, ovals look bigger than their carat weight would tend to indicate. This means it’s important to pay attention to stone dimensions – a 1.50-carat oval-cut diamond will face up closer to a 1.7-2-carat diamond, meaning if you take the right steps, you can maximize your budget here.

One important item: Be sure the weight distribution doesn’t cause the stone to actually look smaller than its weight, which is a rare occurrence but is possible.

Color

Another area we discussed in part one of our series was the way certain imperfections may show up in oval-cut diamonds – but the remedy here is to select a color that adds fluorescence and helps to cover any such imperfections or inclusions. Generally speaking, we recommend at least an “H” or above in terms of diamond color for ovals.

This will make the diamond appear much whiter, plus add color appearance. It will also allow for better warmth to be shown compared to more symmetrical shapes.

Clarity

Clarity is another area to consider when it comes to hiding any minor imperfections in an oval-cut diamond, and how much you should prioritize it tends to depend on how many such inclusions or blemishes are present. If you can’t see any to begin with, there’s no need to spend big on clarity – focus your budget on size and color. If there are visible imperfections, you might consider longer facets and other clarity factors.

Bowtie Effect

Finally, the bowtie effect is one often associated with ovals and other fancy-cut diamonds. It refers to a natural light visualization where the contours of the oval cause light to be seen differently from various angles, not distributing evenly and leading to a darker bowtie in the center of the stone itself. However, most bowtie effects in ovals are subtle and hard to see – this is why it’s important to actually view an oval in person before purchasing it.

For more on oval diamond cuts, or to learn about any of our jewelry appraisals or other jewelry services, speak to the staff at AAA Jewelers today.