3 carat oval lab-grown diamonds

A 3 carat oval covers a lot of finger, and that is usually the point. At this weight the stone is often the whole design, so the conversation with the customer is less about the carat number and more about shape: how long, how wide, and how the outline sits in the setting. Bring the setting drawing or the mounting measurements to the shortlist.

Length-to-width ratio matters more as the stone gets bigger. A 1.30 ratio at three carats looks broad and almost cushion-like; a 1.60 looks long and slim. Neither is wrong, but the customer should see both before they decide. Work the ratio out from the report measurements, and use the 1 mm preview grid to compare outlines at true size.

Check the bow-tie on every candidate and look at colour at the tips, where it collects in long shapes. Stones at this weight are usually requested one at a time for a specific client, so send your shortlist with the specification you are quoting against. Every certified oval carries an IGI or GIA report and a laser inscription. We supply the trade only, from our Los Angeles office.