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I am looking to upgrade my .24 ct diamond solitaire yellow gold engagement ring. The budget was initially $1000 and I found #2329330 at James Allen. For a little more I found #2434183. Then I found #2329330 and loved it. My ring is a size 4, so I don’t want to go any larger. Which of these diamonds is the best choice? Can you find a better one at the lower price?
I don’t like the cut of the L diamond. Ideally, the depth should be close to 61% and shouldn’t exceed 62.6% (62.8%). Not only will the diamond be less brilliant, it will look smaller:
https://www.diamonds.pro/education/carat-weight/
Also, 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 it’s a good balance between appearance of size and brilliance.
The K color diamond looks great. It’s no longer available, have you put it on hold?
Thanks so much for your very detailed response. I just found the K diamond last night and put it in my cart, but it sold out from under me already! I think that’s the sweet spot for me – around .7 carat, $1200-$1300. Can you recommend another similar diamond?
How about something like this?
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.65-carat-k-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2196058?a_aid=dmnd1357
The table is on the smaller side… What is your opinion of this diamond?
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.71-carat-k-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2288176?a_aid=dmnd1357
The diamond has a faint brown tinge.
How about this one?
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.65-carat-k-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2400260?a_aid=dmnd1357
I really liked that one, but it’s sold (not to me). The great ones go fast, I must jump on the next one I decide to buy. How can I put one on hold? What do you think of 2310051 and 2355916? I want to make sure you get credit for this sale, as I will most likely do a wire transfer to save the 1.5%.
They both look nice. I like the second one slightly more because there is no inclusion on the table:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.66-carat-k-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2355916?a_aid=dmnd1357
But the twinning wisp on the first one shouldn’t be visible either. It’s up to you.
OK, I hope I’m on the home stretch here – this is exhausting! I nixed 2310051 because of the twinning wisps. I really like the 2355916, but the strong fluorescence concerns me. It’s down to that one, or 2355872, or 2372858. Got’em all in my cart!
Thanks so much for your patience!
The strong fluorescence doesn’t have to concern you. It’s a good thing on a K color diamond.
Let me know which one you end up in the end.
I did it! I purchased #2372858 because it was closest to the depth and table proportions you recommended. I don’t think I could have done this without your help. Thank you so much!
I’m glad I could help you.
The diamond you picked out is beautiful. 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
- 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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