My fiance and I have set a budget of $2,000 for my loose diamond, my engagement ring, and my wedding band. I am planning on setting the loose diamond in a white gold solitare setting and will have a plain white gold ring for my wedding band.
We are looking for…
A round stone that is a half carat (.45-.50); Color: H (possibly G); Clarity: SI1, SI2, or VS2 (I do not want to purchase a diamond that has visible inclusions to my eye. Also, I am unsure about buying a ring with a feather crack or cloud characteristic). A depth % of 58% to 64%; A table % of 53% to 64%; Florescense: faint or none; Polish: At least good; Symmetry: At least good; Girdle Thickness: thin, medium, slightly thick (I am having a hard time with this as well. I have read diamonds with thin girdles can chip or crack easily. I have also read thick and very thick girdles are not good to purchase either) Culet: none, very small, small
I have looked at Blue Nile as well as James Allen and am feeling overwhelmed and not sure which route to go.
Thank you for any help you can provide.
Happy to help. Here’s what I like:
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1314183.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1315273.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1326686.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357
Have a look and let me know what you think!
These diamonds all look nice. My main concern for two of the diamonds are the the feather and/or twinning wisp characteristics. What effect does a cloud characteristic have on a diamond?
I found this diamond on Blue Nile this afternoon. The only clarity characteristic is crystal. At this point, I think I am leaning toward that because I have been reading that is one of the better characteristics to have. What do you think?
Thank you for getting back to me so quickly!
The opposite is true. Crystals are usually deep dark black spots that are visible to the naked eye. Twinning wisps are mostly translucent and spread out.
Interesting. Okay, I do not want to see dark spots in my diamond. Out of the links you sent, I think I like the first option you sent the best because I do not want a feather characteristic in the diamond.
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1314183.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357
Will the cloud characteristic affect the look of the diamond at all? Would I be able to see where it is at? I did use the loupe, but didn’t notice anything.
A cloud on an SI1 is not a problem at all. You won’t notice it whatsoever. It will be a very bright and lively stone. You’ll love it.
Sounds good.
I am now deciding between this diamond at blue nile…
and the first link that you sent me.
Sounds good. Let me know what you decide to go with in the end!
We went with the ring from James Allen. It arrived on Wednesday. We are very pleased with the purchase. Thank you for your help.
Wonderful news! Thanks for letting me know!
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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