Hello Diamond Pro’s team,
I’m looking for a round brilliant cut diamond 1.5-1.85 carat diamond set in an elegant white gold solitaire. Keeping in mind color, clarity and cut, I’m not sure which values I should be most concerned with given the size and setting. I could spend up to 18,000 CAD ($13,500 USD).
I’m open to Blue Nile and James Allen. Your thoughts and comments are appreciated.
I’m currently considering these:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.72-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-7997424?a_aid=dmnd1357
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.70-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-7762763?a_aid=dmnd1357
For a simple solitaire setting, I color is absolutely fine. Even J would still be ok and look colorless.
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.72-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-7997424?a_aid=dmnd1357
Unfortunately, I don’t think that this one is eye-clean.
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.70-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-7762763?a_aid=dmnd1357
This one is beautiful, great find!
Here is also what I found:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.72-carat-j-color-vvs1-clarity-true-hearts-cut-sku-5245075?a_aid=dmnd1357
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.77-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-true-hearts-cut-sku-7986811?a_aid=dmnd1357
It’s just a coincidence that they are TH diamonds, they were the best options I found in that range.
I absolutely love this one:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.77-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-true-hearts-cut-sku-7986811?a_aid=dmnd1357
What are your thoughts on lab created, any difference noticeable? Seems like you can go with a larger size for the same budget.
I’m glad you like it, it sure is a beauty.
As for the lab diamonds, well, they are still a big question for us and we are still doing our research. In our opinion, these diamonds are way too pricey than they should be. You can read more about it in our article here: https://www.diamonds.pro/education/lab-created-diamonds-prices-value/
But I’m not saying you should pursue a lab diamond and I’m more than happy to find you a good one.
Haha no worries. I can tell the lab-created kind of weirds her out so lets scrap that.
We went to a couple stores and looked at different diamonds in different settings, different carat sizes too. My wife to be has a 50 (European size which I believe is closest to 5 1/2 in US sizing). 1.5 carat diamonds looked good on her, not too small.
I was thinking 1.65-1.7 would probably work well, I do want to try and stay with H or even better G colour or higher though. Do you have any picks you could recommend?
How about something like this?
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.70-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-8107209?a_aid=dmnd1357
It was the first eye-clean option I found in the 1.65+ range. It has a beautiful cut.
I appreciate all your help as I’m going through this.. journey… I believe we have a better idea of what we are looking for.
For lab-created diamonds from James Allen, what would you recommend for 1.7 and 2 carat with a beautiful cut? I was looking at this one. www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/2.15-carat-d-color-vvs1-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-8143834?a_aid=dmnd1357&chan=LC
To be completely honest, I like the shape of this one more but it is over the 20k budget:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/2.13-carat-d-color-if-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-8143831?a_aid=dmnd1357&chan=LC
I was also curious if its possible to see the GIA certificate for the diamond for table and depth?
I’m wondering what your thoughts are, I want it to sparkle like crazy for her.
Great, I’m glad you now have a better idea of what you’re looking for.
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/2.13-carat-d-color-if-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-8143831?a_aid=dmnd1357&chan=LC
Lab diamonds are not certified by the GIA, they have the IGI certificate. But you can request it through the customer service (I did and can confirm that those two options are simply gorgeous).
I also found these that are significantly cheaper and equally well cut:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/2.16-carat-d-color-vs2-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-7735587?a_aid=dmnd1357&chan=LC
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/2.29-carat-d-color-vs1-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-7362394?a_aid=dmnd1357&chan=LC
They would spark like crazy:)
These are great. I will be ordering tomorrow. Thank you so much for the help.
I have another friend looking. Can I have him email you directly?
I’m glad you like my recommendations so much!
And of course, have your friend email me directly, I’ll be happy to take care of them as well.
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
Still afraid of getting ripped off?
Before you buy a diamond, get personal buying advice from industry veterans. We'll help you get the best diamond for the money.
Ask your diamond purchase question here
DISCLAIMER: We don't use your email for marketing. Period.
