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Q&A: 5th Anniversary Ring Upgrade to Round or Cushion-Cut 1.25-1.5 Ct. Diamond

By Mike Fried,

I’m looking at upgrading my ring for our 5th anniversary and have set aside a budget of 10-12.5K. It would be great if I can trade in my current ring towards the new purchase but, it’s not necessary. Here is the setting I am interested in:
Blue Nile Petite Cathedral Pavé Diamond Engagement Ring

This to me would be an investment and I am concerned about going down on clarify or color because I am concerned about resale value. I was ideally looking at VV2 and above, color G and above with ideal cut.

Thanks much!

I would go with this diamond:
Blue Nile LD02660522

Thank you for suggesting the diamond, it looks good. I have been in touch with James Allen’s customer service and they suggested the following diamond. Given that you always suggest JA diamonds, I want to try them out. The only reason I was looking at Bluenile was because I have some credit with them.

Here is the JA diamond that the CS suggested.
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1485281.asp

Please also provide your opinion on a Cushion cut diamond. I already have Cushion Cut studs and was thinking that maybe I should go the Cushion cut route but, I really like how the round diamond looks in the setting I want. Sorta confused there 🙂

I was hoping to get a Diamond above 1.35, is there a visible difference in size between a 1.28 and 1.35? Also, I might be willing to go up to 15K for the whole ring, if we can manage a 1.5 carat and then set it in a solitare setting. Do let me know if that’s possible at all.

Thanks so much.

…….

Here are a few diamonds I think look ok but, I really don’t know what I am looking for so please provide your opinion:
Blue Nile LD02322970

Blue Nile LD02342111

Blue Nile LD02518048

Blue Nile LD02276273

JA diamonds:
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1460826.asp

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS2-Very-Good-Cut-Round-Diamond-1498644.asp

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS1-Very-Good-Cut-Round-Diamond-1473809.asp

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS2-Very-Good-Cut-Round-Diamond-1482619.asp

Thank you!

I misread your original email and assumed that you were insistent on G VVS (which we think is ill advised). So for those diamonds there is no difference between BN and JA. But you get far better value with VS diamonds than you do with VVS and on those we don’t think you should ever purchase from BN (you absolutely need to see the photo).

I really like this diamond for you:
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS2-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1508238.asp

It is bright, eye-clean and an amazing value. What do you think?

As for cushion cuts, that is a personal choice. However, they are not as good investment-wise (their popularity isn’t consistent), so take that into account.

I did want a VVS because my understanding is that I can trade-in those diamonds easier. I might be wrong! 🙂 The diamond you’ve linked below looks good but, I can see those white spots when I use the magnifying lens. When we say eye clean, do we only mean that there are no black spots? Please excuse me if these questions are too dumb but, I have been looking at so many diamonds and really don’t understand what eye clean means now 🙂

What do you think of this?
Blue Nile LD02686944

Also, I’m working with a jeweler that has quoted me 12,900 for a VVS2 G 1.37 carat diamond with the setting I am interested in. If I do go with him, can you tell me what precautions I should take as he is from India(I’m originally from India too).

Thank you!

1) Eye-clean is defined as being clean to the naked eye. When someone looks at the diamond, they won’t see any inclusions. This is a little subjective as some people are better at it than others (e.g. as a trained expert, my eye is much more discriminating). That image you looked at is a 40X magnification. There is no way that you will see those inclusions with your eyes.

2) VVS is not any easier to re-sell. In fact, if you ever try to sell it on eBay, VS will be much better to sell. Additionally, 1.50+ is a much better sale point than a bump up in size.

3) Can you get the GIA report number for that diamond the guy wants to sell you? I think you are better off going with the 1.51, but at least let me make sure there is nothing wrong with that diamond and then you can decide.

Thank you for patiently answering all my questions. I’m just being a bit indecisive 🙂 Yes, I will ask the jeweler to send the GIA certificate. This Jeweler is a trusted person, otherwise I wouldn’t be considering this option at all.

Can you please also suggest a Cushion cut diamond? How do these look?
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-VS2-Good-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1508189.asp

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1381125.asp

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS2-Good-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1484582.asp

…….

I went to a B&M store today and really loved the Cushion cut and am thinking of ordering this stone that you’ve recommended on your site.

You’ve listed it for 12700 but, it comes up at 12180 on their site. Can you please confirm that it is the same stone?

Also, I am thinking about this setting. Do you think a cushion cut will look good in it.
https://www.jamesallen.com/designer-engagement-rings/meno-collection-by-danhov/ring/item_294-7631.asp

Thanks so much.

…….

I’m sorry about all the emails 🙂 just one more question, I was trying to apply the code TADJ10 to get 10% off on the setting as mentioned on your website. However, it doesn’t work. Can you please let me know if there is a code that works that’ll help me get the 10% off and make sure you get the credit?

…….

What do you think about this diamond:
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1480216.asp

magnified image:
https://www.jamesallen.com/DiamPics/RIRR13753pic.jpg

Vs

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1465778.asp

I have both of these diamonds on hold and have requested a gemologist’s opinion on them too.

I really like the first diamond. They are both excellent choices, but I think that cushion cuts look more elegant when they aren’t perfectly square.

Thank you Michael. It it’s not too much trouble, can you suggest a stone if I were willing to lower on the color/clarity and keep the carat at 1.5?

JA came back with a price of 2060 for the setting i wanted and I’m trying to weight my options and see if I can fit the stone and setting under 13K.

…….

The Gemologist came back with a glowing review for:
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1465778.asp

Here is what they had to say:

The favorite of the two diamonds was item number 1465778 due to its exceptional light performance. They also stated that the diamond has great fire, brilliance and scintillation and also that it out performs item number 1480216. With a great review I agree with gemologist that this is your best option. Diamond number 1480216 had ok light performance and there was some darkness under the table.

It is a definite contender but, I want to see if I can keep my cost under 12K. I see that if i go to 1.25/1.3 carat, the price falls substantially. Please help me with a couple of choices in this carat range.
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1509593.asp

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VVS2-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1439334.asp

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/E-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1509597.asp

What are your thoughts on the above?

…….

I have one other diamond for you to look at:
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-IF-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1509876.asp

This will be my last! 🙂

Thanks

…….

I had requested 3 diamonds be sent for inspection. Here are the comments from the Gemologist at JA. Based on the comments below, I’m considering 1439334. What do you think?

Thank you for your patience while waiting for the gemologist inspection of diamonds 1439334, 1465778, and 1509876.

You’ll be happy to hear that diamond 1439334 (1.25crt G VVS2) has great light performance and appears the brightest of your selections. It’s eye clean, has a true “G” color, and modern faceting. This diamond will be your best option if you are interested in the diamond with the strongest fire, brilliance, and scintillation.

Diamond 1465778 (1.51crt G VS2) also very bright and is a close second in light performance. As we previously shared, it has a mid “G” color and faces eye clean. If you are looking for a larger diamond that is also very bright, this would be the diamond I recommend moving forward with.

Diamond 1509876 (1.25crt G IF) is not recommended because it has weaker light performance and isn’t very lively under its table.

Diamonds 1439334 and 1465778 are both great options and there is no bad decision between the two of them. They both offer great light performance and will look fantastic in person. As I shared above, if you are being very particular and want the diamond that our gemologist found to be the brightest, then you’ll want to finalize a purchase with diamond 1439334.

I agree that the 1.25 is the best bang for your buck. The 1.51 is great, but I don’t think the size increase justifies that jump in price.

Great! I went ahead and ordered the 1.25 carat. Do let me know if there is a code for 10% off the setting, I’ve already let JA know that I was referred to your website by TAD.

Thank you so much! You have a great website and I really feel educated regarding diamonds! Wish I had stumbled upon your site before I bought my diamond studs.

Appreciate all your help and patience.

Unfortunately, JA discontinued all discount codes last year.

Let me know how it looks when it arrives.

Sure, I will let you know when it arrives. I asked for a custom setting so it will take 10-15days per JA.

…….

I didn’t realize that the diamond I chose was crushed ice. I saw some videos of the crushed ice cushions and don’t really like it. The 1.51 G VS2 which was my 2nd option has sold out. If I wanted to wipe the board clean and start fresh, keep the color at G or above and leave all else to you, which is the diamond you would suggest with a 10K budget? I’m so sorry about all this back and forth but, I want to do it right and do it right once. I hope you understand 🙂

I just found out my Guy has been in touch with you looking for a diamond. So I’ll let him pick the stone:-)

Thank you for your help!

Sounds great. Let me know his name (actually his email address) so I’ll incorporate anything you specified into the recommendations.

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. Get 30% off lab-grown diamonds during a limited time sale.
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. Save 25% on settings at Blue Nile!

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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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