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Hi, I listened to your interview on the Art of Charm podcast over a year ago. I’m finally ready to buy an engagement ring and I wanted to check in with you before I committed to anything. Can you please walk me through the steps? As you mentioned in the interview, and several times throughout this website, I’m most interested in a stone with the highest carats, the most brilliant cut, & eye clean. My budget is around $5K.
Thanks so much for your help!
Can you send me what style of setting (solitaire, halo, pave or other), metal (platinum/white or yellow gold) and shape of diamond you’re looking for? Then I’ll be happy to help you with the search.
I’m interested in white gold metal with a halo setting, hopefully combined with a pave setting. I’m also interested in the cathedral setting. I’m currently leaning toward princess, round, and cushion cuts, in that order.
Thank you for the information. Have a look at these diamonds:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/0.92-carat-f-color-vs2-clarity-sku-2284088?a_aid=dmnd1357
They are all very well cut and going to look colorless in the style of setting you like: https://www.diamonds.pro/education/color/.
Let me know what you think.
Those look really nice but I was looking for something a bit bigger. I’m hoping to spend between $4000-4500 on the diamond. Thanks!
Can you tell me which of the three shapes is your favorite? Also, halo settings with a pave cost between $1000 and $2000. Are you willing to increase your budget for the whole ring if I find a diamond for over $4000?
I think the princess is my favorite. And yes I understand the ring settings added cost.
Thank you for the info.
Have a look at this diamond:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.02-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-2299260?a_aid=dmnd1357
It’s very well cut and perfect for either pave or halo setting.
What do you think?
It looks very nice. Thank you so much! I have a question for you. You showed me another princess cut earlier. In your opinion, is the .1 difference in carat size worth the $600 price difference. I know on the website it mentioned there would be a big price jump once you went from .99 carats to 1. I’m curious to hear what an expert would say about it.
Also, just for comparison sake, could you please send me a round brilliant diamond in the new price range too? Thanks so much for your help!!
Check the measurements of the stones. The difference is about .4 and 0.5 mm. If it’s worth the extra buck? That’s a question you need to decide. The difference will be visible but not significant.
Here’s an example of a 0.90 carat round shape stone:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.90-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2268534?a_aid=dmnd1357
Let me know what you decide.
I wanted to let you know that I bought the diamond on your last email and it was delivered yesterday. I’m going to see it at a jeweler tomorrow but it looks great so far. Thank you so much for your help!!
I wanted to get your opinion on a ring setting. I went to several jewelers and they all had similar prices except for one. They said this setting was .7-.75 ct. tw. with a total of 25 diamonds in it. The band is 2 mm. I’ve attached a picture of it. They are charging $1300. Every other jeweler was around .35 ct. tw. for around $1200. Should I be wary of this huge difference? All of their user reviews were 5 stars, is this just a jeweler that gives out great deals? I am wondering, as a professional, would you be concerned about anything specific in this offer?
Thanks again for your help!
I’m happy to hear that you like the diamond.
As for the setting, it’s hard for me to comment on quality of something I’ve never seen in person. The price is low and I’d be a little bit wary. Here’s an example of a very similar setting online. As you can see, it’s closer to the price you’ve seen in the other shops:
www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-cushion-outline-pave-engagement-ring-item-49493?a_aid=dmnd1357
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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