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Q&A: Choosing a 1.5 Ct. Round Diamond for a Platinum Solitaire Ring

By Mike Fried,

Thanks for helping me out.

I am going back and forth determining what diamond is the best. I plan to set in a simple solitaire setting, white gold or platinum, likely:
www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/platinum-six-prong-knife-edged-solitaire-engagement-ring-item-2426?a_aid=dmnd1357

I think keeping it under 15k is reasonable, but don’t mind going above if its “worth it”.

I’ve read on your site that going above VS2 clarity and H color can be pointless, as the same perceived quality can be obtained for less money. On most purchases I typically opt for higher quality vs. showy, which is of limited value to me (and her). That being said, throwing money at improved quality that won’t be appreciated seems wasteful.

The 3 I am deciding between are:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.47-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2207592?a_aid=dmnd1357

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.80-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2352076?a_aid=dmnd1357

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.71-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-698689?a_aid=dmnd1357

The prices are 12.2k, 14.9k, and 16.4k respectively. What’s your opinion here?

Thanks again for the assistance.

I’m afraid that the bigger stones have eye-visible inclusions right on the table of the stone.

The 1.47 carat stone has great overall specifications but I found this diamond for you:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.45-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2517496?a_aid=dmnd1357

It’s significantly less expensive.

Let me know what you think.

Thanks for your quick reply.

Your recommendation looks fantastic. I guess my question is why is it significantly less expensive than the others? What’s the downside of this diamond when compared with the 1.47 carat I sent over besides the obvious 4C.

Also, I’m still undecided on size. I think anything in the 1.5 carat range is a good size, but would like to consider something a tad larger as well. Any recommendations on size here both in terms of carat as well as a specific diamond you would recommend?

I wouldn’t say that there’s a down side of the stone I sent you. It just maximizes the value.

If you wish for a 1.50 carat stone, have a look at this one:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.50-carat-h-color-vvs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2362130?a_aid=dmnd1357

It’s also very well cut.

I think you misunderstood my request. I am torn between a stone around 1.5 carat (just shy of 1.5 works best for pricing purposes) or 1.7-1.8 carat range. From what I’ve read, anything between 1.5-1.7 has the higher price without the benefit of actually appearing larger.

The first stone was great, unfortunately it is no longer available. Any thoughts?

……

I found this one:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.51-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2477476?a_aid=dmnd1357

What are your thoughts?

If you compare a 1.45 carat and 1.50 carat stone, the difference in measurements (depending on the cut) won’t be that significant and the price can be much lower. At the same time, if you compare a 1.50 carat and a 1.70 or 1.80 carat diamond, the difference will be noticeable for sure.

As for the diamond you found, I don’t see a reason in paying extra without getting any additional value. It’s almost the same as the one I sent you, only more expensive.

Here’s an example of a 1.70 carat diamond:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.70-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2178541?a_aid=dmnd1357

The difference in size between the 1.50 carat I sent you and this one is 0.36 and 0.22 mm. Is it going to be noticeable? Yes. Is it worth the extra buck? I’ll leave the answer for you.

Completely understand the value decision is in my court.

The two stones you previously shared with me both have poor HCA scores. Doesn’t this indicate they are poorly cut?
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.70-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2178541?a_aid=dmnd1357

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.50-carat-h-color-vvs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2362130?a_aid=dmnd1357

Do you other alternatives you can share with me?

The HCA is a useful tool, but it’s we don’t recommend people focusing on it completely: https://www.diamonds.pro/education/holloway-cut-adviser/.

If an extraordinary brilliance is what you’re looking for then I’d suggest Brian Gavin Signature Hearts and Arrows. That’s exactly what they focus on and you can be sure that you’ll receive the best of diamonds. Not only do these conform to the strictest of cut parameters, but Brian himself selects them for optimal brilliance. Brian Gavin is known as one of the worlds experts when it comes to perfectly cut diamonds. If you want to spend extra on their cut, it’s a great way to go. Here is a great choice from BGD:
www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.518-h-si1-round-diamond-ags-104091555007?a_aid=y

Thanks. I completely understand what you’re saying with respect to overusing the tool that gives a number output.

I looked at the Brian Gavin link you sent, but unfortunately that one is already sold. I read the review on your website and it does sound tempting. They look like lovely diamonds, but after checking other comparable stones on the BGD site, I don’t think paying a premium is right for me.

Could you have another look at this one and provide your opinion?
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.51-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2477476?a_aid=dmnd1357

Right now i am leaning that way as it seems to check all the boxes (besides being slightly inflated in price as you mentioned before). Any thoughts or better options for me?

Thanks again for the patience.

……

A follow up question. Why is there a 1000 dollar price difference between:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.51-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2477476?a_aid=dmnd1357

and www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.51-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2523214?a_aid=dmnd1357

They seem to be very similar except the VS1 clarity diamond is more than 1k cheaper.

If you want to keep the price low and don’t want to pay extra for the extraordinary brilliance, sticking with JA is a great way to go.

Both diamonds you found have great overall specifications. And I don’t see a reason why the VS1 with even a slightly better cut is less expensive. I noticed that it’s not available at the moment. Did you put it on hold?

I didn’t. Unfortunately it looks like i missed out on that one.

Then have a look at this diamond:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.52-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2507022?a_aid=dmnd1357

It’s also beautifully cut, eye-clean and 1k less expensive than the VS2 diamond you mentioned before.

If you like it, go for it. It might be gone soon, too.

Let me know what you decide.

Thanks. This one appears to have an inclusion near the edge of the table. I just want to confirm this will have no impact on the stone.

I plan to place the one you mentioned along with this one on hold:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.62-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2333824?a_aid=dmnd1357

Which do you prefer?

Both diamonds are beautifully cut and eye-clean. The inclusion on the 1.62 is not going to be visible to the naked eye.

I can’t really compare the price of the stones but I suppose that the 1.62 is more expensive. The difference in measurements is 0.08 and 0.14 mm. So if you think that this is worth the extra buck for you, go for the bigger one. But both are beautiful and whichever you choose, I think you’ll be happy with it.

Great thanks. I’ll be looking for one more to include in a visit to the showroom. I live in NYC so it’s fairly convenient for me to get there. They allow 3 to be viewed at the appointment. I guess I’ll include a slightly larger stone as well to compare size? Any suggestions there? I don’t think there’s a reason to include another stone around 1.5 carats, do you?

Happy to help. Have you already visited their showroom? If not, you can look at this one:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.70-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2569293?a_aid=dmnd1357

Keep me posted.

Thanks. I haven’t been to the showroom yet, but reserved 2569265 to add to the viewing. It’s a 1.5 carat H/VS1 for 12k. I’ve attached the idealscope. What are your thoughts?

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.50-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2569265?a_aid=dmnd1357

This diamond is also beautifully cut. And the overall specifications are great.

Let me know which of the diamonds is your favorite.

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