Hi. Firstly thanks for all the information which exists on your site. It’s been really helpful.
I have now made a choice on the setting I would like – yellow gold solitaire – but am now unsure whether to go for a round or cushion diamond. Many websites seem to suggest round “looks” the nicest but I wonder if it would look a bit big on the 1.5mm band and also if it’s better to spend the same amount of money on a cushion shaped diamond with better scores on colour etc or a round diamond with lower scores??
I have a budget of around 3,500 USD for the diamond but of course if there are any great valued diamonds which cost closer to 3,000 USD I’d be very happy to spend less on this and then more on the setting. I would like to purchase from James Allen
Can you help me work out some selections?
As for the price of rounds and cushions, that’s a tricky question. Generally speaking, cushions are cheaper than rounds. If you compare a 1ct round diamond to a 1ct cushion diamond, a cushion will be most probably cheaper, but it will be significantly smaller. It’s about the different ways of how they are cut. Technically, a round diamond looses a lot more weight during cutting (from the rough diamond) so they cost more per carat weight.
So yes, you can get a heavier cushion cut compared to a round diamond. But your eye doesn’t see the weight, it sees the size. Specifically, you see the face of the diamond. Most cushion cuts are cut significantly deeper than rounds (that is natural to the shape). So more of the diamond is in the depth and less of it is noticeable on the face. There is no reason why you should stay away from a cushion cut diamond. Therefore, I would recommend you going with the shape you and your girlfriend like the most.
Can you please send me what setting you plan to go with? Then I will know the budget for the center stone and gladly send you some suggestions.
I made an oversight with the James Allen import costs as I’m based in the UK so I’m going to go with Blue Nile.
Following your comments below I think I’m going to go for a round diamond. I will go for a classic solitaire setting, and like the look of this one: Low Dome Comfort Fit Solitaire Engagement Ring
I would be extremely helpful if you could send me some suggestions for a centre stone from Blue Nile. My budget is ~£3,500 for the stone. Ultimately I’m looking for the best eye clean brilliant diamond I can get for the money so if any come up cheaper which I’d be silly not to go for please do include them.
Here are my recommendations:
Blue Nile LD12536739
Blue Nile LD11976972
They’re well-cut, eye-clean and brilliant.
Thanks so much for your reply and those options. This is such a helpful service!
I hope it’s not too much to ask but could you select 3 diamonds valued at £3,500 GBP/$4,500 USD for me to compare?
Here are some more options:
Blue Nile LD12541657
Blue Nile LD12129250
Blue Nile LD11926802
Thanks again for your response. I love the Blue Nile LD12129250! When valuing the diamond in the future or when insuring it do you know if the inclusions being pointed out on the report increase the chance of the valuation being lowered?
Certificates show the technical specs of the diamond. Appraisals show value. The value of an appraisal is usually higher than the purchasing price. It’s for insurance purposes. You can choose if you want to get insurance with high coverage (for appraisal value), which would cost more, but if you lose the ring, you’ll get more money back. Or you can ensure that ring for the invoice amount which would mean spending less for the insurance, but again, in case of losing the ring, you’ll get significantly less.
That’s really helpful, again, thank you.
You’re welcome!
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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