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First off – thank you for a VERY helpful and informative site. I’ve read it front to back. With all the knowledge you’ve equipped me with, I have set out to buy a diamond for an engagement ring. My budget for the diamond is $8,000, I’d like to stay at “I” or better for color, and am fine with inclusions so long as the stone is relatively ‘eye clean’. Ideal cut is a must, and per your suggestion I’ve been looking for stones with medium fluorescence.
For size, I’d love something around 1.50 carats, but 1.40+ will do if you feel it’s a better stone.
James Allen has a lot of options within these parameters and I am overwhelmed. Here are a few SKU’s that i’ve been looking at, but I would LOVE if you could point me in the right direction: 194896, 182791, 198479
Frankly – if you show me the ‘right’ diamond to buy I’ll buy it immediately!
I’m sorry for the delay in responding. I just got back from a vacation (visiting my hometown of NYC). I’m getting through the back-log of messages now. Do you still want some help?
Would love some! I’ve actually been looking extensively at literally hundreds of options and learning a LOT – as far as the right crown and pavilion angles, etc!
I’ve identified this for $9,200 (attached). I’m getting the picture tomorrow. For around 9k (my diamond budget), it seems like a great option with exceptional light performance.
My ONLY question is will it be white enough for a Brian Gavin pave setting (Legera setting, the slightly smaller version of their Novela)? They said they could set it with H&I diamonds for $100 less as well.
Do you think its a good match?
Thank you!
Looks like a winner to me if its eye-clean.
Do you think an I color is OK for a brian gavin novela type setting (melee pave shank)?
…….
Bad news – that diamond i was looking at became unavailable. I’m now looking at these, which I have reserved. Here they are, would LOVE for you to push me in one direction.
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.51-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-198427?a_aid=dmnd1357
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.47-carat-h-color-si2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-198718?a_aid=dmnd1357
I prefer the inclusions on the 1.51.
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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