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Hi, I was hoping you could help me locate a diamond to fit to an engagement ring for my girlfriend. The rings I am looking at are platnium, plain solitaire settings with a thin band (example: Blue Nile Petite Solitaire Engagement Ring). As far as the actual diamond, I am looking for something between 1.5 and 2 carats. I have mainly been looking at Blue Nile and James Allen options. I would like a diamond that is free of inclusions to naked eye and is as colorless as possible. My budget is flexible, but I was hoping to be under the $10k mark. I have looked on James Allen and I am struggling to find one that would be inclusion free, so if you could help me out I would really appreciate it.
I’d be happy to help you, but we are not fans of Blue Nile: https://www.diamonds.pro/reviews/blue-nile/
https://www.bluenile.com/build-your-own-ring/14k-white-gold-engagement-ring_20315
http://www.since1910.com/ur8107-six-prong-solitaire-setting
Let me know if you like any of those and I’d be happy to pick out a diamond.
Thanks. I will likely end up going with James Allen, so I think the 1st link to the ring you provided is the best choice. I have been looking at a few diamonds from them as well. I found this one that I like – https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.67-carat-j-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-279832?a_aid=dmnd1357
I am a little confused about the comments section on the GIA report where it says that the clarity grade is based on clouds that are not shown and surface graining is not shown. The price for that one is $8,750 (I have put it on 24 hour hold). It looks to be eye clean to me, with very few imperfections, but I would appreciate your help. I haven’t seen these comments on other stones I looked at.
If you recommend passing on that one, which one would recommend in the $6-9k range?
Stay away. Always avoid ‘clarity grade based on cloud not shown’ in an SI diamond. I think this is a better choice:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.56-carat-j-color-si2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-289414?a_aid=dmnd1357
Ok thank you. In the link you sent, the comments says “additional twinning wisps, coulds, pinpoints, and surface graining are not shown.” This sounds like the same issue to me. Could you not tell if the diamond would be cloudy/milky in the magnified pictures?
Inclusions rarely affect the brilliance of a diamond. The only exception are clouds. clouds are generally invisible, but they function similar to real clouds, they absorb rays of lights and prevent them from refracting. A small cloud is not big deal, but a large cloud (the type that would earn an SI1 grade on its own) will sap the brilliance.
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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