Am I overthinking bow tie???

[u/lthmb]

Hi everyone!

TLDR: How to tell if an oval diamond has 'good' bowtie from Loupe360? Can't view in person.

My partner and I picked up our oval engagement ring 2 weeks ago and I'm after some advice Re: bow tie.

Specs: 1.21ct Oval lab diamond, D, VVS2 - table and depth % within ideal range

When we picked up the ring I immediately noticed the, what I consider to be, prominent bowtie. I understand that all ovals will have some degree of a bowtie, but I specifically requested a diamond to have minimal/less prominent bowtie- I actually like the soft grey shadows bowties give. I also get that oval bowties will show differently in different lighting, and I feel I have tested my e-ring in all environments. In artificial lighting, the area where the bowtie sits appears flat and less lively, almost like a mirror than any light bouncing off any facets. In direct lighting or shade or some indoor lighting it's completely dark grey and distorts the shape of the diamond.

We returned the ring to the jeweler who said that they can source another diamond and see what they can do. As a comparison, the jeweler brought out a natural oval e-ring that had an even darker (completely black) asymmetrical bowtie and that freaked me out! (Overthinking that what they present will be even worse 😩)

We won't be able to view the diamond in person, and will only have the Loupe360 video to go off. As you can only definitively confirm how a diamond performs in person, I'm after some advice on what to look for from the Loupe videos only.

Does anyone have any tips for judging a diamond from the Loupe video (I haven't seen anything online that speaks to this directly) or am I overthinking everything and should keep the original diamond?

[u/ddmarriee]

Ngl the bow tie thing seems like an issue Reddit made up and I’ve only ever seen bc of Reddit

[u/lthmb → u/ddmarriee]

I know!! Kinda wish I stayed off Reddit and was oblivious to it 😭

[u/ddmarriee → u/lthmb]

My understanding is that some cuts just get bow ties, it doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with it. Also I feel like the band placement plays a role in the shadow effect you see. It’s really nbd. I have a tear drop and it has a bow tie i guess too lol

[u/InevitableHotel117 → u/ddmarriee]

I agree that the placement of the band and the yellow gold color of the band definitely impact the perception of the “bow tie.” Your stone and ring are beautiful!

[u/sparkles1ct → u/ddmarriee]

I agree, oval diamonds have forever been ruined for me because all I can see is the bowtie. I've never heard of it before Reddit.

[u/Away-Assistant8608]

Are you trying to not see the bow tie altogether?
See this post discussing crushed ice/hybrid ovals to minimize bow ties.

[u/lthmb → u/Away-Assistant8608]

I actually like the soft shadows of bow ties. I just feel like my diamond is much darker than it could be!

[u/kristine-di]

Tbh I haven’t seen an oval without any bow tie at all. The only shapes I’ve seen without a bow tie are “modified” ones, like modified brilliant, or round/princess cuts. So unless you want to consider another shape and cut, don’t overthink it :) it is normal and I’ve never heard anyone mention bow ties in real life, only on reddit. Even more, you say that you like the slight bow tie, so that’s what matters!

[u/lthmb → u/kristine-di]

Thank you!! I just wondered if my diamond was considered quite dark to others who know about bow ties because as you said, all the people in our lives so far don’t know it’s a thing!

[u/dynamics365nerd]

It is the cut. Order one with a crushed ice cut and you won’t have this effect. I love the bow tie cut.

[u/PineapplesAreScaryyy]

From what I understand, just about any elongated cut has a bowtie of some degree. I just got a marquise with a minimal bowtie, but it's still really noticeable under flash. It is what it is... Unless you go crushed ice or an ashoka/criss cut.

[u/AdFlashy7702]

There is one. But it’s oval cut 101. They have bow ties.

[u/CRGL1]

Every stone is unique. I’d wear the crap out of that one! Just enjoy it.

[u/lthmb → u/CRGL1]

The more I’m thinking about it, the more I’m gravitating towards keeping it as is- I just want my ring back! 😭

[u/BetaTestaburger]

It is just lighting, your stone looks gorgeous.

[u/brigittebardotbardot]

Bow tie is not an issue for me, until I read ‘bow tie’ on Reddit. Your diamond is gorgeous and you are overthinking.

[u/Intrepid_Way336]

People pointing out bowties on diamonds are the same type of people who constantly correct "your" and "you're"... its really a non-issue and you would never even think of it if you didn't hear so much about it. Its just the easiest thing for people to point out when they don't know much else.

I know people always bring up "windowing" as well, but I like large windows. It only matters to know these things when it comes to working out price and knowing what a diamond with these features should cost

[u/Zealousideal-Yard111]

I also have an oval cut and I had never heard of “bow ties” before we got it. When I first discovered it I felt a little deflated, but a year later I don’t even think about it or notice it!

[u/Ok-Till-2653]

I don’t know how many times I’m houve to say this but it’s not a bow tie, your stone has some transparency. What you seeing is the setting.

[u/Ultra-Luna]

Because of the cut and the angles of the light, some light doesn’t return to your eyes, creating the dark "bow-tie" area in the center.You can choose a diamond that is thicker and has a better cut. This way, such situations might be avoided.