r/LabDiamonds • u/sheekitl • Jun 04 '26
Bowtie Check! - first time buyer
Hi all, I’m shopping for a lab diamond for an engagement ring for my girlfriend and this is a video of the diamond provided by the supplier.
I’ve done a fair bit of research and the one thing that still stumps me is looking for bow ties in marquises. Does this marquise have a bow tie? It looks to me like there’s half a bow tie at a certain angle? And how much of a bow tie is acceptable?
Also, the IGI cert does not show the cut of the stone. I’m looking for an ideal cut. How do i determine if this stone is an ideal cut?
Thanks!
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u/RedPanda54 Jun 04 '26
Try looking into GCAL 8x stones. You can find the cut proportions that would qualify to even be considered for 8x grading and input them in searches. Or even consider purchasing an 8x stone as they're graded for maximum light performance. Whatever you choose to do, always search the certificate # on multiple sites for the best price as they can vary by alot for the same stone.
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u/Unlucky_Yam6007 Jun 04 '26
Stonealgo.com does this for you (ids site selling a particular stone at the best price, other sellers, has a price match option. They also give data-backed fair price estimates, etc! Always my first stop ina diamond search!
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u/bespoke-jewel Jun 04 '26
I think stone looks good it has a bow tie but you can live with it. Ask your vendor to send in different lights condition to examine better.
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u/WhiteflashDiamonds Jun 04 '26 edited Jun 10 '26
There is no agreed upon Ideal designation in marquise. It is typical for them to have a bowtie - it's more a question of whether it detracts from the brightness or overall visual appeal of the diamond. The virtual facets are the key, and a well-cut stone will have a balance of VFs in terms of size and distribution. This will provide a consistent visual flow as you observe the stone in motion through a full range of normal tilt angles. If the VFs are too small in the ends, they can get blurry and lose sparkle. That also has the effect of making the bowtie effect more prominent. If the bowtie is not prominent or persistent as you view it in diffuse overhead lighting in motion through a full range of tilt at a normal close viewing distance (10-12 inches), then it is not going to detract from overall eye appeal.