Hi, my partner and I are looking to buy an engagement ring. Our budget is $20k which includes the diamond, setting and tax. That means we’re looking at a diamond $17.5k or less. Our hard constraints are:
Setting Color: White gold
Shape: Round
Cut: Ideal+
Carats: 2+
Clarity: VS1+
Color is the one we’re not sure of. We’re in between G and H right now and we’re wondering what you would recommend and which diamonds you would recommend. Previously, we were looking at a G colored diamond but it had strong florescence, which I saw that you discourage. So, currently we’re trying to compare that against other H diamonds with medium florescence (which I saw you recommended).
Specifically, we’re looking at the following diamonds:
We would love your opinion on these. We’re open to other recommendations as well. Thanks in advance for your help! (Your blog has already been so helpful!)
The first diamond is probably the one you talked about (the G color with strong fluorescence). The second one is not cut well (the table is way too big – the larger the table, the less light refracts through it (sparkles). “Perfect” light refraction usually occurs with tables around 55-57%. The larger a table is, the larger the diamond looks (that is the biggest facet on the top, so it makes the face appear larger). I like the 58-59% as its a good balance between appearance of size and brilliance.).
But I like the third and fourth diamonds (especially the last one – that one looks amazing).
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/2.01-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-9324550?a_aid=dmnd1357
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/2.01-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-9377750?a_aid=dmnd1357
Are you only looking for diamonds with a medium fluorescence?
Also, what style setting (solitaire, pave/side stones/halo) are you interested in? This will help me choose the diamond color.
We’re planning to pair the diamond with this setting:
14K White Gold Petite Pavé Cathedral Engagement Ring
We are open to recommendations and not just looking at medium fluorescence diamonds. I started there because Diamond Pro seems to recommend medium fluorescence for diamonds of color H or lower. We are definitely open to other recommendations if you think there is a better option for our budget.
Can you give me thoughts on this diamond as well? Thanks!
You’re right that medium fluorescence is a good thing on an H color diamond. However, focusing on it would most likely lead to a more expensive diamond (there isn’t as many options with med fluor. as there are with faint/none).
The diamond you sent me has strong fluorescence.
Apart from the diamond I liked from your initial search (one of them was sold, that’s why I’m mentioning only one now):
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/2.01-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-9377750?a_aid=dmnd1357
I found another one that looks equally gorgeous:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/2.01-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-9177377?a_aid=dmnd1357
It’s one grade lower on the clarity scale but it’s eye-clean.
Thank you! We will probably select from one of those two diamonds in the coming week. Between the two, which one do you think would be best? (I.e. is the medium florescence and higher clarity grade worth the extra $300. We don’t mind the extra amount as long as it’s worth it.)
I don’t think there will be much of a difference between them in real life. Go with the one you personally like more.
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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