Hello, I’m looking for a diamond roughly somewhere between 1.2 – 1.6 carat. In your opinion, would I get more “bang for my buck” with something in the I-H, VS2-SI1 range that is eye clear and on the top end of my carat range, OR something G-F, VVSI1-VS1 with a smaller carat weight? All other characteristics being somewhat even. I have been shopping on James Allen.
Any other suggestions are welcomed and appreciated as well! Thank you!
What style setting (solitaire, pave/side stones, halo) and metal (yellow gold, white gold, platinum) are you using? Then I’ll be able to tell you what color would be the best.
https://www.diamonds.pro/education/color/
As for clarity, as long as the diamond is eye-clean, SI2+ is absolutely perfect. https://www.diamonds.pro/education/clarity/
Sorry, I should have included that information. White gold with a halo setting. I am leaning toward a cushion cut. Thanks!
Great! And last question I forgot to ask before, what is your ballpark budget for the diamond (or the whole ring)?
I haven’t set an exact maximum budget yet. I would like to stay in the $6,000- $7,000 range, all inclusive, which seems possible from my shopping on James Allen. But it also depends on what kind of value I can get. I’m not opposed to going lower or higher than that if the value is there.
I should also tell you, since this may affect the search time frame, that I am not looking to purchase until the last week of the month. I want to take advantage of a 30 day return policy should I need it.
No problem, good to know.
For a cushion cut, H+ is required, especially when you’re putting it into a halo setting.
I always search for SI2+ diamonds, but now it seems that this one is the first 1.20ct+ eye-clean stone out there:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.24-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-2687687?a_aid=dmnd1357
It looks gorgeous, it’s more squarish, which is perfect for a halo setting and will look very bright and brilliant.
Let me know what you think. It’s just a starting point. If you don’t want to purchase sooner than at the end of the month, we can do more extensive search about a week before you want to pull the trigger.
I like this one quite a bit actually. Hopefully this one or something similar will be an option toward the end of the month when I am ready. Unfortunately I just can’t do it right now based on the time frame.
What about the thin girdle on this one? Do you see that as an issue? And overall, what is your opinion on the value of this particular piece?
No worries. When we talk at the end of the month, I’m sure there will be something as good as well.
The thin girdle isn’t a problem. As long as you avoid the extremely thin/thick ones, you’re fine.
I don’t remember now what the price was, but I always pick the best value possible.
Hi, please see below dating back a couple of weeks. I will be looking to make a decision sometime next week and am open to suggestions. Thanks!
……
Also, these are primarily the two settings that I have been considering, if this helps.
www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-octagon-halo-diamond-engagement-ring-item-49499?a_aid=dmnd1357
Thanks!
Thanks for sending me the settings.
I searched again for a cushion cut and this one came up as the best option:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.20-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-2744961?a_aid=dmnd1357
It’s perfectly square and cut and will look gorgeous. The halo itself (especially the ones you chose) will make the stone look much larger, so I think there is no need to pay more for anything larger.
Thoughts?
Thank you! Would this one because considered a chunky cut or crushed ice? I can usually tell but it’s hard to on this one. I like this one, but would you be able to identify a couple more to compare it to?
……
Also, in your experience, which of these settings would be more appropriate or look better with this size stone?
It’s a crushed ice look. However, it looks great.
Here are some more:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.22-carat-h-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-2676162?a_aid=dmnd1357
Both settings would look great with the size of the diamond as you’re looking for. There would be no advantage or disadvantage on either one. Go with the one you like better.
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.
