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Q&A: Choosing a Round Brilliant for a Platinum Ring

By Mike Fried,

Hello,

I have read nearly all of your articles about diamonds, and loved them. Thank you for all the info and help! I was wondering if you could check out these diamonds that I am looking at.

I am looking for below 1 carat (she has tiny fingers) so I am trying to prioritize cut, followed by color (I am doing a platinum ring so I want a colorless diamond). I usually search for ideal symmetry and polish, but I am not sure what clarity I want.

Since it’s on the small end, I usually go for near flawless, but many your articles say this is necessary. I just can’t bring myself to consider below VVS2. On the rare occasions I look at VVS1 or 2, I try to find ones where the imperfections are not in the table, but I have been having trouble finding any. Below are three that I like.

Any advice would be appreciated! Thanks again!

https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.946-d-vvs2-round-diamond-ags-104078700004?a_aid=y

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.94-carat-d-color-if-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4554040?a_aid=dmnd1357

You found beautiful diamonds. Either of them will look absolutely gorgeous and brilliant.

However, you can save a lot by going slightly down in both, the color and the clarity. Even though I would normally recommend not going higher than G/H color, even if you stayed in the colorless range, there won’t be any difference between a D and an E.

Look at this 0.90ct option:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.90-carat-e-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4197642?a_aid=dmnd1357
It’s VS1 in clarity, but there are no visible inclusions there whatsoever.

What do you think?

Thank you for the reply. Here a few comments:

I do like that diamond, and I think I can see the inclusion on the edge outside the table, though it is hard to tell because GIA does not tell you where the inclusion is. I assume having an inclusion is preferable close to the edge like that, because it can be covered by a prong?

I absolutely agree about the color grade difference. It seems impossible for a non-jeweler to see the difference between a D and E. Looking forward, I will definitely stick to E. Since I am going down in color grade, I will probably focus more on VVS grade, though I do like the VS1 you sent.

I will keep you posted on my search and let you know if I have other questions!

Thank you for the info.

There is a tiny inclusion on the diamond’s 2 o’clock and yes, it can be covered with a prong.

Keep me posted and let me know if you need any more help with the search.

Based on the articles online, I shouldn’t care about “special” cuts from different brands, right? (Like True Hearts cut from James Allen or Astor from Blue Nile)

I would assume excellent is a sufficiently high-quality cut.

That is true. As long as a diamond is properly cut, you don’t need to pay for anything special.

What do you think of this diamond? Even though it is IF quality, I really like the price.

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.80-carat-e-color-if-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4652865?a_aid=dmnd1357

You’re paying a premium for the IF clarity. You can have a 0.80ct diamond for much less:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.80-carat-e-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3190198?a_aid=dmnd1357

Thanks!

James Allen James Allen is the leader in online diamond sales. Their imaging technology is the same as inspecting a diamond with a jeweler's loupe. They have the largest exclusive loose diamond inventory online and fantastic prices. They also have the nicest collection of lab-created diamonds online. Get 30% off lab-grown diamonds during a limited time sale.
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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
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  • Free prong tightening, repolishing, rhodium plating and cleaning every 6 months
  • Provide insurance appraisal
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