Hello. I am in the process of buying an engagement ring to propose to my girlfriend. I am set on buying either a Platinum solitare setting or the Platinum Cathedral Channel Set Diamond Engagement Ring from James Allen. I am looking for a round cut diamond. My budget for the diamond is between 10-12k (if needed). Can you help me pick the best diamond for my money?
Check these out:
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1532148.asp
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1541273.asp
I think both of these are great values. With that style setting you should stick with H+ on the center diamond. What do you think?
Thank you so much Mike! I am leaning towards the first as it is slightly larger (on paper anyway). I don’t know how noticeable the size difference actually is.
In regards to size, is there a huge difference between a 2ct and the 1.5ct diamond? Just curious.
Thanks in advance.
…….
Another question/comment. I really wanted to be closer to 2ct. (Hence the question in my previous email). In you opinion, how much would my budget have to increase to get closer to that size while maintaining similar quality to the diamonds you suggested? If I go with a solitaire as opposed to the other setting, I might be able to up my budget to $14K. I just don’t know. Will a 1.4 – 1.5ct in the cathedral setting look better than a 2ct on a solitaire setting?
Also with the two diamonds you suggested, i see the larger diamond has more inclusions. Are they very noticeable and will it take away from overall appearance?
I’m sorry for all the questions. As you can imagine, I am nervous and want to the get the best ring possible (for me of course 🙂 ).
Thanks in advanced. I really appreciate your help.
1) In a setting with sidestones/pave, you need to stick with H+
2) Yes, there is a big size difference between a 1.50ct and a 2.0ct. But there is a far bigger jump in price.
3) That H SI1 is eye-clean.
If you go with a solitaire, you can up the diamond to a nice 1.7/1.8ct I SI1/VS2, but I don’t think a nice 2ct is in your ballpark.
Thank you so much Mike. Would you be able to suggest a diamond in the 1.7 -1.8 range? Thank you for all your help and I’m sorry for all the questions.
If you want to bump up, go with this one:
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1519242.asp
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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