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Q&A: Finding an Eye-Clean 1.5 to 2 Ct. Fancy Yellow Diamond for a White Gold Pave Setting

By Mike Fried,

I’m looking for a yellow diamond with a halo setting. I would like it to be eye clean but otherwise I don’t care about the rating. I don’t mind if it is light yellow but I don’t want any other color (brown, green, etc.). I would like around a 1.5 carat diamond to 2 carats, not including the halo. I’m flexible on round, cushion, oval but I don’t care for emerald, marquis or heart. I really like the delicate halo settings rather than larger diamonds in the setting. White gold is fine. Not sure what it might cost. (5k – 10k) range hopefully. Thanks! 

Thank you so much for your email. I have a few questions:

1. From your website I thought I understood that an eye-clean S1 or S2
even is a better value. Did I misunderstand? Or does it not apply to
yellow diamonds?

2. I’m not sure I understand ‘eye-clean’. I thought that it meant that
when you look at a diamond with a naked eye there are no detectable flaws
or inclusions – no black spots or any other lines, spots, etc. Is this
correct? Because when I look at the 1.8 carat that you suggested I
definitely see a block spot. Is this just at magnification? How do you
know it won’t be visible to the naked eye?

3. I have attached a picture of the setting I would like. I see that
James Allen doesn’t offer it as a choice. I really like the delicateness
of it. Is this something James Allen can do or will I have to get it done
locally?

emerald-cut-sapphire-engagement-ring-wm10122e

Eye-cleanliness is a bit tricky. The actual clarity grade is not so important. Clarity grade only tells you the size of the inclusion. That is one factor in determining eye-cleanliness. But harshness, location and reflection matters as well.

When I search for a reader, I filter SI2+ then I sort by price. I then look for the cheapest eye-clean diamond (with the proper color/cut). With fancy colors, they are mainly VSs (the color is such a strong factor in determining price on fancy colors, so there is little price difference depending on clarity grades).

The SI2 is my least favorite of the bunch. Being honest, its pushing the eye-cleanliness boundary.

Thanks for clearing some of that up. What about the setting? Is that something James Allen can do? I much prefer it over their choices. 

You should contact them directly, but I don’t think a setting like that should be problematic for them. I’d suggest having them put a yellow gold basket underneath the diamond to accentuate the color. 

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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
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  • Free prong tightening, repolishing, rhodium plating and cleaning every 6 months
  • Provide insurance appraisal
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