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Q&A: Choosing an Emerald Cut Diamond for a Baguette Setting with Around $11,000 Budget

By Mike Fried,

Hello Diamond Pro, I am currently looking for an engagement ring. So far, the emerald-cut with tapered baguette side stones from Harry Winston stands out among the rest.

But it is expensive and completely out of my budget. So I am considering buying the stone and making the diamond setting separately.

Is this a good idea? If so, can you give me some recommendations on the how-to’s? And do I stand a chance to get it done exactly as the one in Harry Winston?

Can you send me the link to the setting you like or a picture of it? I will have a look whether I find a similar one. If we don’t find a similar setting online, I would visit one of the local jewelers and ask them for a custom design.

Also, what’s your approximate budget? Then I’ll be happy to send you my suggestion of a stone.

This is the setting of the emerald cut engagement ring that I was referring to you earlier:
http://www.harrywinston.com/en/classic-winston%E2%84%A2-emerald-cut-engagement-ring-tapered-baguette-side-stones

As for the stone, I’m looking for one with a D/E/F color, FL/IF/VVS1/VVS2 clarity, and weighs between 1.0-1.6 carat.

Well, it really depends on the value of the ring as a whole, but I would say somewhere between 8,000$-11,000$.

Do you think it is possible for me to pull it off? Or maybe, even better than the one from Harry Winston?

I am completely open to suggestions, please let me know what you think.

After some research, particularly from this article: https://www.diamonds.pro/education/emerald-cut/ I actually agree to a certain extent that not all of the 4C’s matter equally, but it really depends on a number of factors, one of which is the cut of the diamond. In this case, the emerald cut.
If so, what would be the best combination for a perfect emerald cut diamond? Is getting a larger carat, and compromising on a lower grade color and clarity the way to go? (since it wouldn’t be noticeable with our naked eyes?)

Lastly, we are quite concerned on the warranty and the trustworthiness of the jeweler.

Well, really it is all of these things, coupled with my concern on budget had led me to consult you, in hopes that you would be able to provide me with some advice on what to do.

Hopefully, this post is not too long winded for you. Thank you for listening, and I look forward to hearing from you.

Thank you for sending the additional information.

I checked and found a similar design on James Allen:

14K WHITE GOLD TAPERED BAGUETTE DIAMOND ENGAGEMENT RING

The prongs are more classical. But I suggest contacting JA directly. Ask them if they could custom make a design with the prongs you like.

As for the warranty, JA offers 30-day returns in case you’re not fully happy with the ring. And you can send the ring back for repairs and free re-sizing.

I would go down with the color and clarity grades. G and H color diamonds are going to look colorless. And there are many eye-clean VS stones. Are you willing to go down with these grades? Once you tell me, I’ll be happy to send you my suggestions of stones as well.

Yes it does look quite similar to the one from Harry Winston.

As for the stone, I would prefer to put more emphasis on the carat, say a 1.5ct would probably look amazing for an emerald cut? I would much rather compromise on color and clarity, as long as they look colorless and clean.

What would you recommend to maximize the value of my budget?

They look gorgeous. If I were to upgrade the color to a D/E/F, would it make a big difference?

Going up with the color grade would mean getting a smaller stone or increasing your budget. The impression will be the same, colorless, but the price will differ quite significantly.

If the color is still important for you, have a look at this one:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.51-carat-f-color-vs1-clarity-sku-5109968?a_aid=dmnd1357

Is this a good emerald diamond? In terms of size & appearance, value, and overall performances:

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.20-carat-f-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-4653011?a_aid=dmnd1357

As compared to:

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.20-carat-e-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-4352012?a_aid=dmnd1357

Just wondering if the black lines would be an issue in an emerald cut, and would it affect sparkle with our visible eyes?

The E color diamond is beautiful and it has great overall specs. But I wouldn’t go for the F color stone because of the black windows.

You would pay extra for the high color grade but if you are OK with that, you can go for the E color diamond.

Generally, are black windows bad in an emerald cut diamond?

If so, what will it affect and are these issues very visible through our naked eyes?

Yes, black windows are not desirable when it comes to emerald cuts. It is caused by the cut and yes, they will be noticeable to the naked eye.

Thanks a lot!!!

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.
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.
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  • Provide insurance appraisals
  • One free resizing within 60 days of purchase
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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
  • 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
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