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Hello,
I know exactly the kind of engagement ring she wants:
– Solitaire setting, oval cut diamond
– Thin, yellow 14k gold band
– No halo or diamonds along the band
– Budget $2,000-$3,000
I have done a good bit of research through reading your site and I would like to buy through either James Allen or Blue Nile (it appears that James Allen is the best) unless there are other reputable online dealers that would happen to offer the best diamond for my preferences.
Based on research it appears that I should get a diamond with at least SI2 or SI1 clarity and J or K color. I would greatly appreciate help in finding the absolute best diamond for my price range, considering the wide range of diamond options and all the factors that go into the diamond’s quality.
Thank you very much, I look forward to hearing form you.
I wouldn’t go that low in color. Ideally, you should stay with an I or J as the absolute minimum. K would be too yellow in an oval shape. Also, it depends if the prongs in on the setting are from white gold or yellow gold (white gold is more common these days).
Here are some diamonds I found:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/0.90-carat-j-color-si1-clarity-sku-6911280?a_aid=dmnd1357
Blue Nile LD11894402
Check them out and let me know what you think.
Thanks for getting back and providing that explanation and those links.
The second link, the 1 carat diamond from Blue Nile, was probably my favorite, seemed to check all the boxes. The other ones are nice, however I would really like at least .95 carats and preferably 1 carat. Overall, I was pleased with the color and clarity of all three selections.
Would you be able to find any others as close to 1 carat as possible while still maintaining color/clarity? It is okay if that increases the price closer to $3,000. If you can’t find any others based on this, no worries.
Additionally, as I mentioned the band will be yellow gold, but typically the prongs in the setting are white gold? What are the differences between a 6-prong setting and 4-prong?
I found only one diamond that is decent, above 0.95ct and within 3k:
As for the setting, a lot of yellow gold settings are made with white prongs these days. Just take a look at the inventories and you’ll see for yourself. It’s not bad but it’s just something you should be aware of if you want the entire ring to be in yellow gold.
4-prong vs. 6-prong: It’s more about what you like than anything else. In theory, the less metal is around the diamond, the more diamond can be shown and the more light passes through, i.e. more brilliance. But in reality, the difference is minimal.
Thank you so much for answering all of my questions and providing valuable guidance. I ended up choosing the 1 carat diamond from Blue Nile, it was the second link in your first round of recommendations.
I am very happy with the ring and I am looking forward to seeing it person.
This is a great service you offer, and I will be sure to recommend to others.
I like that diamond as well. I hope you will like it in person even more than you do online.
If you could let me know what you think when you receive the ring, I’d appreciate it.
It was my pleasure helping you and we’ll definitely be happy for any nice word you can put out there about us.
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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