Hi there!
I’m doing my do diligence in the diamond search and your site has be so incredibly helpful. While I’ve learned a ton, the time has come for me to ask for help.
My price range is between $10,000 and $11,500 all in. I know my girlfriend really wants a dainty, white gold band and a solitaire stone that really “pops”. Here’s what I know: I want ideal+ in cut quality, and I want to be above a VS1 in clarity (unless its inclusions would be one of those exceptions where they’re technically there, but they’re not really visible to the eye).
So at this point, I’m trying to weigh the benefits of diamond size vs color+fluorescence. I know she likes the idea of a big stone, but can’t quite decide if a larger J color stone with M fluorescence:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.80-carat-j-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3177938?a_aid=dmnd1357
Would be more spectacular than a slightly smaller, I color stone with lower clarity:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.70-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3290552?a_aid=dmnd1357
I know it probably boils down to the specific stone, so I think I need some guidance!
Thanks in advance and let me know what else I can provide!
A J color diamond is a great choice for a solitaire setting. Unless she’s very sensitive to colors, she shouldn’t be able to see any warmth in it.
I noticed that the first diamond is unavailable. Have you put it on hold?
I had not put it on hold. I think at this point, I’m just trying to get a sense of what stones will be a good value to me. If I were to go with a gold band instead of white gold, how much would that offset the color of the stone? If a J wouldn’t necessarily show any warmth on a white gold setting, would a K color stone (generally) do the same on a yellow gold band?
I think yellow gold is actually what I may end up going with, so at this point I think I just need help finding the right diamond!
Thank you.
Yes. If you like yellow gold better, a K color will look amazing in it.
How about this one?
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.90-carat-k-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3344814?a_aid=dmnd1357
That is really great looking. How much should I value the fluorescence rating on a diamond like this? I certainly don’t want it to appear hazy.
Thank you!
……
How would you compare the quality of that diamond to this one?
Blue Nile LD08577232
……
Or this one:
Blue Nile LD09029811
Fluorescence isn’t an issue on a K color diamond. In fact, it’s a bonus that helps the diamond look a bit whiter (https://www.diamonds.pro/education/fluorescence/).
I don’t like the cut of the first BN diamond you sent me. The larger the table, the less light refracts through it (sparkles). “Perfect” light refraction usually occurs with tables around 55-57%. The larger a table is, the larger the diamond looks (that is the biggest facet on the top, so it makes the face appear larger). I like the 58-59% as its a good balance between appearance of size and brilliance.
The second one isn’t eye-clean.
Thank you so much for the help!
I want you to know that I’m going to go with diamond you recommended for the yellow gold band. I am using this email to purchase.
Thanks again!
My pleasure. And thank you for the info. I’m glad I could help you.
Let me know how it looks when you receive it.
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
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- 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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