We are reader-supported. Buying through any red colored link on our site may earn us commissions. Learn More.
Hi,
I am looking to buy an emerald shaped diamond engagement ring and have found a variety of loose diamonds online and in stores that are around $11K and are 1.5 carat, F color, VS1.
They seem to have other different characteristics, but I was wondering what would be the best thing to focus on and the best emerald diamond I can get for around $10,500-$12,000?
This is what I’d recommend:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.50-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-4802046?a_aid=dmnd1357
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.70-carat-h-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-5548824?a_aid=dmnd1357
They are going to look amazing. There’s no need to pay a premium for higher grades; once the diamond is set, H color looks identical to an F.
What do you think?
Thanks for the quick response, I appreciate your help. I definitely like the idea of a 1.7 carat, but I am concerned that an H color might be too low and show more because of the bigger size. Would that be a concern?
I think the price for that one seems good ($11,500), but it also has only very good symmetry and the depth % is a little high and the girdle seems a little thick.
I was wondering how much the cut matters for emerald shape diamonds and what are the biggest factors that go into that cut?
Also, I was looking at some other diamonds and there are a few on James Allen and Blue Nile with medium blue florescence. Is that something that should be avoided, or does medium fluorescence make no real difference?
Thanks for explaining the compensation process and that makes sense if you help me find the diamond that I select. However, I was wondering if you have any discounts or promo codes through James Allen or Blue Nile that I would be able to use?
The color grade H is not a concern. We even recommend it for 2 or 3ct emerald cuts and there’s no yellowness. I wouldn’t recommend diamonds that would look yellow when they shouldn’t.
“Very good” symmetry grade is also fine. There’s basically no difference between a VG and Excellent grade. Girdle has little to no impact on the visual appearance. Unless it’s extremely thin/thick, you’re fine.
Regarding the cut parameters, we use our own guidelines to maximize brilliance. We like to keep the depth% under 75 and the table % under 74. The ideal L:W ratio is 1.30 – 1.45. Medium fluorescence is a slight bonus on H and lower colors, it helps them look a bit whiter. It is, however, a problem on G+ diamonds, they might end up looking hazy/milky. For DEFG diamonds you should get only none or faint fluorescence.
Here is the code for $50 off of a purchase over 1k: [contact us for your own unique coupon code]. According to BN, this is the best coupon they are offering right now. Do you want me to suggest some diamonds from Blue Nile as well?
That would be great if you could recommend a few Blue Nile diamonds at the G or H color, I haven’t really looked at those.
I was looking back at the James Allen 1.7 carat diamond you recommended below. But, I also saw the following 1.7 carat James Allen diamond.
Is there anything about the first one you mentioned that you think would be better than this one, or does this one look good?
It’s not the worst, but it has a bit more pronounced black-windowing. I like my diamonds better.
Great, thanks so much for the help!
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
Still afraid of getting ripped off?
Before you buy a diamond, get personal buying advice from industry veterans. We'll help you get the best diamond for the money.
Ask your diamond purchase question here
DISCLAIMER: We don't use your email for marketing. Period.
