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Q&A: Choosing an Emerald Cut Diamond for a Pave Setting With Up to $12k In Total

By Mike Fried,

Hi there! I’ve been actively looking for a 1.5+ carat VVS2+/E+ emerald cut diamond and pave engagement band. I’ve sifted through numerous diamonds in numerous places, both in person and online. My budget is $12,000 total, so I’m estimating $11,000 on the diamond and $1,000 on the setting. Any help you can provide would be so greatly appreciated!

Thank you!

I looked around and I like these diamonds for you:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.52-carat-f-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-3284337?a_aid=dmnd1357

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.50-carat-e-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-3076652?a_aid=dmnd1357

The difference between an E and an F color is not perceptible. These two are well cut, eye-clean and either of them will make a beautiful ring.

What do you think?

That’s great! The E VVS1 is the one I had already selected, so I’m very happy to see that you also chose it. I’m interested in the F VVS2 but for .02 extra carats I lose a little color and clarity and only save $200. To me the trade isn’t worth it, unless the differences won’t be at all noticeable. Then I wouldn’t mind keeping $200! What do you think?

Thanks.

……

Another question,

I chose a new band that I liked and it supports over 2 carats, which I hadn’t considered. I was looking at some 1.7-1.75 carat diamonds for it. Is the difference between 1.5 and 1.75 significantly noticeable in emerald cut?

Thanks again.

I would also choose the E one. I just sent you the other one so you’d have some comparison.

As for your follow-up email, it always depends on how each diamond is cut. Do you want to see some “larger” options?

Yes I’d love to see some options up to 1.75. I’m looking at SKU 2775400 and 3118163. Also saw a 1.65 that I liked, but If that isn’t noticeably larger than the 1.5, I’d rather go with the 1.7 and higher.

The SKU-2775400 has a bit strong black windowing effect. SKU 3118163, on the other hand, looks fantastic, I love it!

I also found this one:
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.70-carat-f-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-802365?a_aid=dmnd1357

Thoughts?

I think I waited too long to look at the one you just previously mentioned. I can’t find it anywhere… I really like 3118163, so I think I’m going to pull the trigger on that one. Thank you so much for the help!!!

You got yourself a beautiful diamond!

I hope you love it when you receive it. If you could let me know how it looks when it arrives, I’d appreciate it.

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.
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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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