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Q&A: Help Choosing a 3 Ct. Oval Cut Diamond for a Platinum Setting

By Mike Fried,

Hi there! I am about to purchase an engagement ring from Lauren B Jewelry in NYC. I have been there in person so I know the quality is great but have not seen the diamond choices given in person. She sent me choices via a youtube video today and I can send the link over but would like your opinion! Thank you!

Please send the videos and certificate numbers here along with the prices and I’ll take a look.

Thank you!

Here is the email that was sent to me.

3.01ct. G-color SI2-clarity oval diamond:
RS-237 – $34,500; SOR-14055 – $35,000
**This diamond has Excellent polish and symmetry.
Measurements: 11.50×8.23×4.94 mm

3.02ct. H-color SI1-clarity oval diamond:
RS_237 – $33,200; SOR-14055 – $33,700
**This diamond has Excellent polish and symmetry.
Measurements: 11.52×8.10×5.08 mm

*All diamonds are GIA certified.

I am glad I have the opportunity to show you high quality diamonds. I also created a video showing each diamond individually, followed by a side by side comparison.

You can check it out here: link to the video.

I need to see the GIA reports to be able to tell you something about the cut. If you have them, please send them to me. If you don’t, try asking them. However, looking at the video, they all seem to have pretty significant bow-ties (especially the first one). The 3.01ct G SI2 seems the best from what I can see.

No problem! Here is the information for the GIA reports. In your opinion, would you go with G and up when it comes to oval? Should I not even bother with any H color sent my way due to a possible yellow color against a platinum setting?

3.01 G SI2
https://www.gia.edu/report-check?reportno=6242391348

3.02 H SI1
https://www.gia.edu/report-check?reportno=6245879858

……

Also wanted to see what you thought of this diamond from James Allen as it appears to have tiny air bubbles but the cut and color look great and I wonder if the air bubbles will be visible to the naked eye once set?

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/3.03-carat-e-color-si2-clarity-sku-2518262?a_aid=dmnd1357

I checked the GIA report of the diamond I liked before and it’s not bad. It has some feathers, but as long as those aren’t visible (it’s impossible to be sure of that from the video they sent you), it’s a good stone.

The JA diamond isn’t eye-clean. Those are crystals that will be the first thing you would notice in person.

H color is absolutely fine as well. There is no reason to avoid it. I found this diamond that looks incredible:

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/3.01-carat-h-color-si2-clarity-sku-769485?a_aid=dmnd1357

Thank you! I think we narrowed it down to one diamond on James Allen. Do you mind giving your opinion on this one?

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/3.02-carat-d-color-si2-clarity-sku-2613726?a_aid=dmnd1357

That diamond doesn’t look bad at all. The inclusions on the side could be covered with a prong from the major part and the rest looks great. It’s no longer available. Have you put it on hold?

Yes I put it on hold! When Lauren B looked at it… I am going with their setting… She said that the needle going across the diamond was not good and that James Allen was shady so do you think she is just trying to get me to go with their diamond to make more money and that I should go with this diamond regardless? I agreed with you that this is a good choice!

……

Also do you think the surface graining line across the diamond is worrisome or will be easily spotted with the naked eye once set?

She is right that an inclusion that goes through the diamond isn’t usually good. However, twinning wisps are the least worrisome inclusions.

I don’t think that diamond is bad and I think it will be eye-clean. Can you tell me how much was it?

It is $35,340.

Well, in that case, I’d rather go with the one I sent you before as it looked a bit better and the price was much lower.

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/3.01-carat-h-color-si2-clarity-sku-769485?a_aid=dmnd1357

Ok thank you so much!

My pleasure. Let me know how it goes.

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
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