My wife lost the diamond from her engagement ring several years ago – just fell out of the setting unnoticed. We have an anniversary coming up – and I would like to finally get her a new (replacement) engagement ring. My budget is $15,000 – $20,000 (inclusive of the setting). We’ve been married long enough, that I know that it is best to just flat-out ask her what she wants. Here it is:
She has already picked-out a favorite setting from James Allen, and it is item #17134Y (yellow gold to match her wedding band), which has emerald-cut sidestones. I need your advice on the best value emerald-cut center stone, that would be at least 1.5 carat and preferably closer to 2.0 carat. She also prefers diamonds that are toward the upper end of the length-to-width ratio for this cut.
Looking forward to seeing your picks. I have read through your site enough to know that you often recommend James Allen, but I an certainly open to any other reputable source for emerald cuts that you might suggest.
Seems like you are on the right path. I would recommend these diamonds for you:
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-IF-Ideal-Cut-Emerald-Diamond-1455394.asp
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Emerald-Diamond-1466342.asp
Honestly, I love that first diamond. It is gorgeous, long (as she prefers) and an excellent value. I really don’t see any reason to spend more than that.
What do you think?
I tried to email you 5-6 days ago from my work email, to ask you to comment on a couple other similar diamonds that I had found on the James Allen website. I am beginning to think I may have had a typo in your email address. So I am doing this “reply” message to your original email, just to check to confirm the you received my follow-up question.
I answered you two days ago. Here is the response I wrote back to you:
I really like that H VVS1 you selected. Its an amazing find and a great value. I think its better than the H VS1 I selected. There is no reason to spend the extra on the H IF; I actually like the VVS1 better.
This was the diamond you referenced in that email (the one that I think you should go with):
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VVS1-Very Good-Cut-Emerald-Diamond-1480240.asp
Thanks – got your email this time. Sorry that I made you have to re-send. I appreciate the additional advice. If my wife also likes it, I think we’ve found my diamond.
Sounds good. Keep me posted.
The deed is done. I purchased the item #1480240 diamond today using your link. So I hope that means that you will get credit for this sale from James Allen.
My wife paired it up with their item #17134P setting. So it will be 10-14 days before the finished ring arrives. I hope it looks as good in reality as it does on the website!
Thanks again for your advice,
Please let me know how it looks when it arrive.
Just to let you know that the ring was delivered on Friday and she loves it !
The diamond looks just as pictured on the website, and the setting workmanship looks very good to my layman’s eye.
Thanks for writing and letting us know. I’m delighted that you were pleased with our help. Do you think you can do us a quick favor and write us a small review on www.ivouch.com? If you could, we would be extremely grateful. Here is the link:
xxxxxxx
We wish you and your partner a life of happiness and fulfillment.
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
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