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Ask A Diamond Pro: Making the Right Choice in Selecting an Engagement Ring

By Mike Fried,

In love stories, few things compare to the thrill of choosing an engagement ring. It represents love, loyalty, and the hope of a shared future. When someone starts this journey, they have certain likes and needs in mind. It’s not just about finding any ring; it’s about finding a special symbol that captures the essence of their relationship. Take, for example, one of our readers who asked us for advice on buying a diamond for their partner. Their careful approach shows they put a lot of thought into the decision.

Here’s the reader’s original email:

Starting to look, girlfriend likes sparkle the most, with size a close second. She is not color sensitive at all. What are your thoughts on this stone https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.62-carat-k-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-211166?a_aid=dmnd1357 in this setting https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/14k-white-gold-2mm-knife-edge-solitaire-engagement-ring-item-7115?a_aid=dmnd1357 ?

Any other suggestions? Thanks in advance.


After viewing the reader’s diamond choice, we instantly knew he chose a beautiful diamond. Even though we would normally not put a K color diamond in a white gold setting, he didn’t have a problem with the center diamond being slightly warmer at all.

Let’s explore why their choices are so praiseworthy when it comes to picking the perfect ring.


Understanding Preferences

The reader’s first part of their message shows us an insight into their partner’s preferences – a fascination with sparkle and a secondary consideration for size, with no particular sensitivity to diamond color. This shows that our reader pays close attention to what she wants. They’re making sure to find a ring that she’ll love. By prioritizing what matters most to her – brilliance and size – they know exactly what to look for, making sure the ring they choose will make her happy.

A round cut solitaire engagement ring


The Selected Stone

The diamond under consideration, a 1.62 carat round cut with K color and VS1 clarity, represents a balance between quality and preference. While some might prioritize more colorless diamonds, our reader knows their partner’s focus is on brilliance and size. By opting for a diamond with excellent cut grade, they ensure maximum light performance (i.e. a lot of fire and brilliance). Additionally, the VS1 clarity grade gives them minimal imperfections visible to the naked eye.

Also, the fact that the reader’s partner is okay with a K color diamond shows they’re being practical. They know their partner isn’t too picky about color, so they have more options. Instead of focusing on things like how colorless the diamond is, they’re putting more importance on what their partner really cares about – how sparkly and big it is. This shows they understand what truly matters in selecting the perfect ring.

For those who prefer diamonds without any hint of warmth, we suggest opting for a diamond that is at least one color grade higher. By selecting an I or J color diamond, such as this 1.62 carat J color round cut diamond for a solitaire setting, you can maintain a reasonable price while getting a nearly colorless diamond.


The Chosen Setting

The reader chose a 14K white gold knife-edge solitaire setting, a timeless choice that complements the brilliance of the diamond without overshadowing its radiance. The simplicity of the design accentuates the diamond’s beauty, allowing it to be the center of attention.

Solitaire setting

For such a setting, we would normally recommend a diamond with a higher color grade, such as J or I color, or a change in the metal type. A 14K yellow or rose gold would work perfectly with a K color diamond without any obvious yellowness.


Final Thoughts

In the reader’s journey to find the ideal engagement ring, every aspect – from understanding their partner’s preferences to selecting a diamond and setting that aligns with those preferences – reflects a thoughtful and meticulous approach. By prioritizing brilliance and size, while remaining mindful of budget limitations and personal tastes, the reader did a god job choosing a ring that will not only symbolize their love and commitment but also resonate deeply with their partner on a personal level.

If you find yourself in a similar situation, whether you’ve already selected a diamond and seek a second opinion or you’re still in the process of choosing one, feel free to reach out to us. Our experts are here to assist you every step of the way, ensuring a smoother decision-making process for you.

James Allen James Allen is the leader in online diamond sales. Their imaging technology is the same as inspecting a diamond with a jeweler's loupe. They have the largest exclusive loose diamond inventory online and fantastic prices. They also have the nicest collection of lab-created diamonds online. They currently run a 10% discount on selected lab-grown diamonds!
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
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Blue Nile Blue Nile is the largest and most well-known internet jewelry seller. They have a very large exclusive online inventory. Their high-quality images are catching up to James Allens' and their prices are amazing. Right now, Blue Nile offers up to 50% savings on selected jewelry during a limited-time season sale.
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
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