Hello,
Very interesting article on diamond clarity. The video showing a $5000 and $13000 ring to people who could not tell the difference blew me away.
I’m hoping to buy an engagement ring from James Allen as they have the setting that she likes.
How would I get you to help me selecting a diamond?
Would this be eye clean and good value or can I do better ? www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.30-carat-h-color-si2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4253880?a_aid=dmnd1357
Unfortunately, the diamond you selected is not eye-clean, and I’m also not a fan of the cut. Even though its technically an excellent cut, the diamond is too deep. Not only will it be less brilliant, it will look smaller compared to a well cut diamond of the same size.
http://www.diamonds.pro/truth-about/diamond-carat-weight/
I’m happy to recommend a better alternative. Can you send me a link to the setting your girlfriend likes? This may affect the colors that I recommend for the center diamond (as we explain in our post on color).
Thanks so much for the response. Here is a link to the setting in platinum. I actually plan to order today to take advantage of the sale on setting and matching wedding band.
PLATINUM DIAMOND FILIGREE ENGAGEMENT RING
Still need to figure out the diamond.
I was hoping to find something around 1.3 carats that is eye clean. Ideally under 7k.
Is that possible?
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.22-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3697539?a_aid=dmnd1357
This diamond is fantastically cut and will be very brilliant. The twinning wisps should get unnoticed in the structure.
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.24-carat-h-color-si2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3606717?a_aid=dmnd1357
This one is slightly bigger, but the feather on the edge is a concern. You’d have to run it by JA’s in-house gemologists (which I don’t think they’d be able to do today).
I’d go with the 1.22 H-S1. The difference in size between this one and your diamond is negligible, yet the difference in brilliance would be very noticeable.
To get a stone comparable to the one you recommend at 1.3ct… What would I be looking at in terms of price and can you recommend one?
Sure. Here you go:
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.32-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4329785?a_aid=dmnd1357
You’re good!
Which is a better value? The 1.22ct or the 1.32ct?
The 1.22ct is gorgeously cut. And cut is the most important aspect of a diamond, it’s what makes it beautiful and brilliant. That said, I’d always choose brilliance over size, especially if (like in this particular case) the difference in size is merely ~0.14 mm.
One more question… Would the color H look equally good on platinum or white gold? I’m thinking that if I go over budget and buy the 1.32ct I might do white gold instead of platinum to offset a bit.
For metal, we always recommend white gold over platinum because of the huge disparity in upfront costs: https://www.diamonds.pro/education/platinum-vs-gold/. Both metals require upkeep every few years. WG needs to be dipped to retain its color and luster while PT needs to be cleaned and polished because it gets scratched and duller over time. So in the end, platinum costs you more in the beginning and doesn’t end up saving you any money in the long run. And I’d recommend 14k white gold. It’s cheaper and more durable than 18k.
Thank you very much! Going to put in my order shortly!
…
Just ordered the 1.22ct. I did platinum though just because I know that is her preference.
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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