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Q&A: Looking for a 3 Ct. Round Diamond With Around $30k Budget

By Mike Fried,

Hello! I am looking to purchase the below diamond from Ritani and currently have it on hold. Before I move forward I would love to get your input and also to ask you if there might be something comparable out there that you’ve seen. My original budget was $30k, but I wasn’t finding anything I liked in the 3 carat range. This one seems to check all my boxes, although I haven’t seen the AGSL certification yet or video (they are still working on that).
https://www.ritani.com/diamonds/round-diamond-3-05-Carat-I-color-AGSL-certified/D-56QJFN?search_key=D-56QJFN

Thank you for your help!

The specs that are on the site looks great. However, it’s necessary to see the cert before you purchase it.

I found this alternative:
Blue Nile LD08861102

Thank you so much for your response. I was very happy to find your service online

Could you please share with me your preference on AGS vs GIA? I understand the difference between the two, however I’m not sure if one is perceived as better than the other. I believe GIA is held in higher regard worldwide?

GIA is slightly higher, but for instance, Brian Gavin, who is the world’s expert when it comes to perfectly cut diamonds has all his diamonds certified by AGS only. It doesn’t make a big difference which one you choose. They both are the top laboratories out there.

I really appreciate your opinion – thank you! I think I have my search down to two diamonds. The attached report and photo are for a Ritani diamond.

I’m trying to decide between this or a Signature Brian Gavin cut that would be ready at the end of August. Brian said the diamond he could cut for me would be almost identical to this one: www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/3.024-j-vs1-round-diamond-ags-104094442003?a_aid=y

I have read the online postings on Hearts & Arrow cuts, but I’m still undecided. My fear with the Brian Gavin and the J-color stone is that I will see the warmth, even though they insist the diamond will be cut so spectacularly that I won’t notice yellow. Hmmm…

This is something that Brian Gavin knows the best. Cutting diamonds in the best way possible is his specialty. It’s true that you shouldn’t be able to spot the yellowness in the diamond. I recently saw them putting J colors into WG halos and you wouldn’t believe that they were Js. I wouldn’t’ worry about it. The stone from BGD will be much better cut than the one from Ritani you sent me.

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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
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