Tips For Buying A Loose Oval Cut Diamond

The past few years have seen a steady rise in the popularity of oval cut diamonds in the United States. Millions of people are choosing oval cut diamonds for their engagement rings. The oval engagement rings are very classy and sophisticated and it can be used as accent stones or center stone.

Here are some of the important things you need to consider while buying a loose oval cut diamond.

Check The Bow-Tie

The bow-tie effect is the biggest disadvantage of the oval cut diamond and other elongated diamond cuts. The bow-tie effect is the darkened area that runs across the center of the diamond in the shape of a bow-tie. However, the bow tie is only observed when you look at the diamond from certain angles. This effect occurs due to the poor cut quality and the misalignment of the facets. If the bow-tie is not visible at first glance, then you can think about buying that oval cut diamond.

Check The Length To Width Ratio

The oval shape mainly depends on the length to width ratio and it affects the overall shape of the diamond. The length to width ratio will determine whether the diamond should appear wide or narrow. The length to width ratio of an average loose oval cut diamond should be between 1.40 and 1.50. If the length to width ratio is between 1.40 and 1.30, you will have a wider diamond. If the ratio is above 1.50, the diamond will appear long and narrow.

Cut Quality

The Gemological Institute of America does not grade the cut quality of most of the fancy cut diamonds. Therefore, it is difficult to choose an oval cut diamond based on the cut quality. You may have to trust the jeweler to show you the oval diamond with the highest cut quality. Even so, you can look at the oval diamond and see whether it is well-proportioned and brilliant.

Symmetry

You need to make sure that the loose oval cut diamond you choose has perfect symmetry. Both the sides of the oval diamond should be identical and the edges should be neatly rounded. Even a slight amount of disproportion in the symmetry is easily noticeable. Therefore, look for oval diamonds that have perfect symmetry.

Color Grade

Oval diamonds have a brilliant faceting pattern that helps in hiding the color. That means you do not need to look for your favorite color when buying an oval diamond. Most people prefer the D-G colorless grades for an oval diamond.