Choosing an engagement ring is a big deal. And knowing what diamond shape your partner would like the most can be very challenging. One of our readers reached out to us not knowing if he wanted a round cut diamond or something more squarish. Below we go through all the main points of picking out the right diamond without paying extra for things that won’t be noticeable.
Here’s the reader’s original email:
A friend recommended your site and I’ve just spent 2 hours reading most pages. Your advice is great and really helpful. Before coming across your site I knew nothing about diamonds and my knowledge is still tiny. I am going to propose in the next few months and would like a beautiful engagement ring. I can’t ask her friends and I want this to be a surprise so I can’t ask her either.
Can you please help me find a ring? My budget is $3.5-$5k. I’d like the diamond to be at least 1 carat (maybe more). The clarity should be IF, VVS1, VVS2. The cut should be ideal or excellent. Most likely to be brilliant round with white gold but thinking about a square-shaped diamond as well. I would just like it to be simple with one diamond in the middle. If you find something that is better and not in the exact points above then please include this too as you know best and I am quite flexible. Many many thanks for your help and advice.
The first thing we did was to talk to the reader about diamond clarity. Even though he requested IF-VVS2 grades, we felt it was important to explain that lowering the clarity grade could lead to a significant price drop without sacrificing eye-cleanliness.
Importance of Eye-cleanliness
When choosing a diamond, many buyers focus heavily on clarity grades like IF (Internally Flawless) or VVS (Very, Very Slightly Included) because they are synonymous with perfection. However, an eye-clean diamond (which means no inclusions are visible to the naked eye) can offer just as much beauty and brilliance without the premium price tag.
For instance, a VS2 clarity diamond might have inclusions, but they are often microscopic and invisible without magnification. This makes VS2 diamonds a cost-effective choice for those looking to balance quality and budget.
Let’s look at some examples. This 1ct H color round cut diamond that has an IF clarity grade looks impressive, right? Now, compare it to this 1ct H color round cut diamond with a VS2 clarity grade. They both look absolutely eye-clean. The only difference is that the IF diamond costs a thousand dollars more!
Selecting an eye-clean diamond rather than one with the highest clarity grade allows you to allocate more of your budget toward other factors that significantly impact a diamond’s appearance, such as carat, cut, and color. A well-cut VS2 diamond will look stunning and will be indistinguishable from a higher-clarity stone to the naked eye. This strategic choice enables you to maximize the overall beauty and size of your engagement ring within your specified budget.
Not Knowing What Diamond Shape to Get
Choosing the right diamond shape is a common dilemma for many buyers. Each shape has unique characteristics and appeal, and deciding between them can be challenging. Especially when you want the ring to be a surprise. The round brilliant cut diamond is the most popular choice, known for its exceptional brilliance and classic appeal. Its symmetrical shape and 58 facets are designed to reflect the maximum amount of light, creating unparalleled brilliance.
On the other hand, square cuts like the princess cut and cushion cut offer a modern and elegant alternative. The princess cut diamond is known for its sharp, geometric lines and contemporary look. The cushion cut diamond, on the other hand, with its rounded corners and larger facets, provides a vintage charm and a softer appearance.
Both cuts can offer stunning brilliance but in different ways. When choosing between these shapes, consider your partner’s style and personality. If she prefers timeless and traditional designs, a round cut may be the best option. However, if she leans towards modern and unique styles, a square cut might be more fitting.
Bigger Carat Weight Doesn’t Always Mean a Larger Diamond
After sending our reader some round cut options, he wanted to see a princess cut and a cushion cut as well. He requested a larger carat weight for those thinking he would get a larger diamond.
It’s a common misconception that a higher carat weight always means a larger-looking diamond. In reality, the actual measurements and face-up appearance of a diamond can vary significantly between different shapes. Let’s take a look at some examples.
Here is a 1.04 carat round cut diamond. The measurements are 6.52mm x 6.54mm.
Here is a 1.23 carat princess cut diamond: The measurements are 5.75mm x 5.66mm.
And lastly, here is a 1.20 carat cushion cut diamond. The measurements are 6.18mm x 5.96mm.
As you can see, the heavier square shape diamonds are significantly smaller in measurements. They can appear smaller due to their shape and the way they are cut (deeper). When choosing a diamond, it’s crucial to consider both carat weight and the actual dimensions to ensure you get the best visual impact for your investment.
Conclusion
Selecting the perfect engagement ring is a deeply personal and significant decision. By focusing on eye-cleanliness, you can balance quality and cost effectively. Understanding the impact of different diamond shapes and their actual measurements will help you make an informed choice. Remember, the goal is to find a ring that reflects your partner’s style and the love you share.
With your specified budget and preferences in mind, you’re well on your way to finding a beautiful and meaningful engagement ring. And if you have any questions during the process, we’re here to help. Just leave us a message and one of our diamond experts will contact you.
What we love about them:
- No questions asked returns within 30 days of shipment. James Allen will send you a paid shipping label to return the ring.
- Lifetime Warranty
- Free International Shipping
- Free prong tightening, repolishing, rhodium plating and cleaning every 6 months
- Provide insurance appraisals
- One free resizing within 60 days of purchase
- Free ring inscriptions
- Best-in-class high quality imagery of all diamonds in stock
- 24/7 Customer Service
- Best-in-class packaging
What we love about them:
- No questions asked returns within 30 days of shipment. Blue Nile will send you a paid shipping label to return the ring.
- Lifetime Warranty
- Free Shipping
- Free prong tightening, repolishing, rhodium plating and cleaning every 6 months
- Provide insurance appraisal
- One free resizing within the first year of purchase
- High quality images of about half of their diamonds
- 24/7 Customer Service
- 100% credit towards future upgrades (must be at least double in value)
- Best in class fulfillment
