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Hello I was wondering if you could help me with your thoughts and comments on these two diamonds:
I am looking at purchasing a ring in the $8-10.5k range. After reviewing and studying the different information you provide on your website I have seen that I want to purchase based on: cut, color, carat and last clarity. Am I correct?
Hopefully you can provide me with some help.
My specs are: Round, Ideal cut-above, F-above, 1.1-1.2 carat weight & VS1-above
You are right, cut is the most important aspect of a diamond. Unfortunately, neither of the two diamonds you sent me is a good choice, they are cut too deep.
Here’s a better option:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.20-carat-e-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-6708294?a_aid=dmnd1357
Alternatively, something like this is going to look identical:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.20-carat-h-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-6202133?a_aid=dmnd1357
Awesome. I copied all and will have no issues complying with it all. I guess I was looking at the ideal cut but not with the specs for depth or table?
Would I not want to get the polish and symmetry as excellent instead of very good?
After doing my research I thought I wanted to (IF able) to purchase the best kind of cut followed by color. Would I not want to try to go for an Excellent cut and the highest color (D-F). Or is it not worth the extra money?
Also, what are your thoughts and comments on the type of setting I should use for the ring? Do you think a halo, pavé or vintage would go well?
55-60% of all round diamonds receive an Excellent cut grade from GIA. So they can have the same grades but there is still a wide range within that quality. We like to keep the ideal depth % close to 61.5 and the table % between 55-58 for optimal brilliance.
There’s basically no difference between the Ex and VG polish and symmetry grades. As long as you avoid Poor/Fair, it’s fine.
In general, G+ diamonds are a waste of money. Once set, the difference in colors isn’t recognizable from anything above an H grade.
The setting should represent your future fiancee’s personal taste and style. Something she’s gonna love for the rest of her life 🙂 H-D diamonds are going to look colorless in any setting you choose.
Awesome information! I am really glad that I stumbled upon your website and was able to reach out. I was very skeptical in the beginning but I went for it.
Everything you have said so far makes perfectly sense. I was just planning on getting a G+ diamond because I have been saving up money for this moment my entire life so IF I was able to afford it I would. And since I did mention I was looking at a $8-10k diamond looks like you have done an amazing job helping me out.
Reference the setting I did not know if there was a particular setting that you would recommend for the diamond you had offered me. I will probably be going with the first option you provided me:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.20-carat-e-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-6708294?a_aid=dmnd1357
…
Looks like I will need your help again because it appears the diamond you provided me is NO LONGER AVAILABLE 🙁 so if you can help me pick another similar one to that one that would be amazing. I did not know the diamond would not be available anymore.
…
This one seems to have similar specs:
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.20-carat-e-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-6500643?a_aid=dmnd1357
Or this last one:
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.20-carat-f-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-6526361?a_aid=dmnd1357
Looks like the diamonds sell pretty fast hahaha. Next time you give me a link I might have to run with it and just make the purchase.
…
I was able to view the first option you sent me. Sorry for sending you soooooo many emails lol.
No worries. I’m glad my original recommendation is back on the market!
The three diamonds you sent me are not the best options as their cut is not as impressive as the on on my diamond.
Something like an E VS1 is going to look amazing in any setting you choose. You are right that a solitaire setting makes the diamond stand out the most, but in that case, E color would be A LOT more than what’s necessary to have an impressive ring. You could go as low as an I and get the same look to the naked eye (with a significant price difference, obviously). I understand if that’s not an option for you (you have your mind set on the qualities you consider perfect), but I don’t want to miss out on the opportunity to help you save some money while still getting a gorgeous diamond ring.
You are 100% right. You have done an amazing job so far and I am so happy that I picked you guys.
I figured my choices were shitty again haha. I was happy that the diamond was back on the market 🙂
Would you say then I should stay away from your first option and pick the second one? That is awesome that it would look amazing in any setting I choose. You really have gone above and beyond to offer me help and spending 17k is just insane haha. I was willing to pay up to $10k and then in probably 15-25 years contact you guys again and have the ring upgraded for an anniversary gift.
I thought since you gave me two options either one of them would be a good option. But if you don’t think the first one is worth it I might have to reconsider. Either way I want to buy a ring that you guys back up.
Thanks for the nice words.
Don’t get me wrong, both choices I shared with you were fantastic options. You can’t go wrong with either of them. I just wanted to show you a better-priced alternative in case your budget would appreciate it 🙂 Having seen so many diamonds in person, I can honestly say that the difference between an H and an E can only be seen in an environment close to lab conditions. You’d have to put the two of them, unmounted, side by side on a white piece of paper and use a loupe or microscope to inspect them. At the same time, I understand if going with a higher color grade make you feel more comfortable with the whole online buying thing. So it’s up to you.
The other diamond was not available when I tried to purchase (probably my guess because of the price) compared to the other one you sent me lol. But Still the E VS1 spoke to means that is what I had envisioned. Round 1.20 carat E VS1 clarity diamond GIA was my FINAL choice!
Either way I am extremely pleased with the help and guidance you have provided me and look forward to the package being delivered to me. The diamond is actually overseas so it will take a while for me to get it. But I’m very happy I chose you guys as part of my research and James Allen for the purchase.
I am 100% sure she is going to love the diamond and setting that I picked. 😉
You ROCK!!!
The E VS1 was an excellent choice, you got yourself a beautiful diamond. I’m glad you’re happy with my help, I appreciate 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
- 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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