Q&A: In Search of White Asscher for $5K Budget

I was looking at your site and I think it has a lot of great information, me and my boyfriend are currently shopping for an engagement ring…

I found a setting that I really like, it’s fairly simple, platinum with a tapered baggette and round stone on each side, and am thinking of a princess cut diamond for the center stone.

I have been doing a lot of research on diamonds, and while I really love the setting from the jeweler ( the shane co) I’m not sure their loose diamonds are the best quality for the money…

In reading through your advice on color, cut and clarity I’m now more confused on the parameters to search for… Orginally we were searching for a 1 carat diamond minimum size with a color of F or better and a clarity of VS1 or better… After reading your advice I’m not sure if we need to find a princess of that high of quality and may be able to find a bigger diamond for the same price…

Our budget is about $5,000 for the loose diamond, the setting is another $1,200.

Obviously the bigger the better however I’ve had bad experiences with diamonds in the past, I’m very nervous about the stone appearing yellowish or cloudy and of it having inclusions that are visible…

I am willing to have a different cut, such as a radiant or cushion if the price/quality is better or if you think, based on my description, another shape would look better on our setting, I can send you a photo if you like…

As for the loose diamond search I’ve looked at the Shane co, Blue Nile and Jared, but I am nervous about buying a diamond without looking at it first…

Any help would be appreciated!

Thank you!

Thank you do much for getting back to me so quickly! The diamonds are beautiful, but last night we kept researching diamonds after I sent my email, and believe we may have a different choice in mind…

I really like the look of a square diamond, which is why I initially preferred the princess, but once we began researching I found the asscher and it looks so stunning to me! Unique and something a little rare… Afterall did I mention, I have my bachelors degree in geology and the idea of something pure and unique attracts me…

I read on your website about needing higher clarity and cut for the asscher and once again am concerned about color, I wonder if you wouldn’t mind taking a look for me… I looked at James Allen last night and found three that looked pretty good, of course any you suggest I’m sure will be better you know what to look for on each cut…

The ID numbers that we saw were:

1254225

1294340

1188912

I’m not sure what the minimum color and clarity for this type of cut so I looked at the high end…

I checked with the company who has the setting we like, they said an asscher will fit, and I’m hoping you can tell us if you think it looks good in the setting, I attached a photo of it…

They charge $3/point to set a loose diamond from somewhere else, is this reasonable?

Thank you

I just wanted to let you know that we had one of James Allens gemologists inspect the Asscher d color stone for it’s florescence and they determined that it is bright white and completely eye clean, with no negative impact from the florescence at all.

We are currently arranging to purchase the stone, and we are also choosing a setting from James Allen as well, so we wanted to thank you for all of your assistance, you opinions and input were greatly valued and appreciated! I will recommend anyone I know looking for a diamond to you!

We received our ring, and we love it! Attached is a photo of the ring and setting we chose, thank you so much for all your help!