Hello,
I came across your website when researching about an engagement ring I plan to get for my soon-to-be-fiancé. First, I’d like to thank you for the amount of guidance listed on the website, especially the links to help illustrate the details, I’ve learnt a lot by reading through them and by taking a look at the sample diamonds in the links.
I really like the designs at James Allen, and specifically like this setting: Platinum Round Split Band Diamond Halo Engagement Ring
I would like your help with selecting a diamond to go with this setting, and have a few questions:
1. The diamonds setting has an average color of G-H, and so I am thinking that a diamond also in the G-H scales will be good. Would you suggest the same? Should I look for a diamond with a faint or medium fluorescence to help bring out the color better?
2. A diamond roughly around 1 carat (+/- 0.1 carat) is what I am thinking. Would it be a good idea to go for a slightly smaller diamond (say 0.9 carat) because the diamonds in the halo will give it a larger look overall? In terms of budget, as a ballpark figure, I am thinking around $5,000 for the diamond.
3. The other “C” that I haven’t asked about yet – from your articles, I think a VS1 or VS2 would give a good level of eye cleanliness for the diamond. Do you agree?
Finally, I would appreciate it if you could give me a few recommendations for diamonds to go with the setting.
1. H+ color is what I’d recommend. This way you could make sure there wouldn’t be any yellowness. For H color diamonds, you can go with faint or medium fluorescence with no problems at all, but for G+ stones only none or faint fluorescence is acceptable. Medium fl. might make them look hazy in daylight.
2. The difference between a 0.9ct and a 1ct diamond is usually not noticeable. You’d have to compare them side by side (and unmounted). I’ll search in the 0.9+ range and see what I find there.
3. Eye-cleanliness is a bit tricky. The actual clarity grade is not so important. Clarity grade only tells you the size of the inclusion. That is one factor in determining eye-cleanliness. But harshness, location and reflection matter as well: https://www.diamonds.pro/diamond-clarity/. You can find an SI1 (even an SI2) diamond that’s eye-clean as well as a VS2/VS1 that’s not. It always depends on a particular diamond and its inclusions. I always search for SI2+, but sometimes it happens that the best-priced eye-clean diamond has a VS or VVS grade.
Generally said, large and dark inclusions (such as crystals or large feathers) often are noticeable while twinning wisps are fine in most of the cases. Sometimes the diamonds look just perfect but the ‘clarity grade is based on clouds not shown’ note is an issue. That means that there’s a large cloud that saps the brilliance from the stone. I also recommend avoiding diamonds with knots and cavities and diamonds <1ct with clouds – they don’t have a clarity plot in the certificate so you wouldn’t know the size and location of the cloud and the diamond might end up being hazy and less brilliant.
Now, on to the diamonds!
The largest recommendable option I found for up to $5k was this beautiful 0.90ct diamond:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.90-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-10500049?a_aid=dmnd1357
It has a gorgeous cut and would make an amazing ring.
Awesome! I just placed my order! Thanks for your help.
My pleasure.
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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