Hello. I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed with my options here. I’ve picked out a somewhat simple white gold setting from James Allen but now I have the daunting task of choosing a diamond. Here is the setting I’ve picked out:
14K White Gold Twisted Pave Shank Contemporary Solitaire
I want an Ideal or True Hearts cut with at least an I color. I’m trying to find the highest carat without going too far over $5,000. What I keep getting stuck on is clarity. I don’t want to spend money on a smaller high clarity diamond when I could get a larger lower clarity diamond that’s still eye clean.
I’d appreciate any recommendations you have. I’ve read through most of the guides on this site and have learned a lot already but I still want to make sure I’m making the best choice I can. Thanks for your help.
I’ll gladly send you some suggestions. Could you please tell me what shape you’re looking for?
I’m looking for a round diamond but I would also be open to a cushion cut. It’s important to me that the diamond is brilliant and really stands out on it’s own.
Here are my recommendations:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.05-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-8030748?a_aid=dmnd1357
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.03-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-8054078?a_aid=dmnd1357
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.14-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-7091864?a_aid=dmnd1357
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.08-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-8300901?a_aid=dmnd1357
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.09-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-8310855?a_aid=dmnd1357
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.06-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-8213908?a_aid=dmnd1357
I definitely like both the 1.05 and 1.14 carat rounds that you chose. Those cushion cuts look nice but after looking at them in the setting I want to stick with a round shape.
What do you think about this 1.0 carat F color round?
It’s a perfectly cut diamond. However, the medium fluorescence might cause a hazy/milky look.
I hadn’t even considered the fluorescence thanks for pointing that out! I definitely want to avoid a hazy look. This is exactly why I sought help from the pros.
I’m leaning towards the 1.14 carat over the 1.05 because it’s a higher carat but also a higher quality diamond with more sparkle based on what some of the James Allen experts told me when I requested the certs. Would you agree with that statement? It’s still within my budget so I think the extra ~$400 will be worth it.
If you have any other recommendations I’d love to see them but I’ll be surprised if you find one better.
I personally like the 1.14ct stone more. There is a significant difference in size (see the actual measurements). That stone has a lower depth %, therefore, more of the weight can be perceived on the top. And the cut is perfect. I couldn’t find a better stone at this moment. I think it’s reasonably priced.
Very bad news. It looks like I waited too long and that 1.14 diamond is no longer available. I will keep the 1.05 in mind but I’m going to keep looking with the specs you recommended.
I found these 2 that looked nice. I’d love to hear your thoughts.
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.12-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-7699999?a_aid=dmnd1357
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.07-carat-i-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-6909373?a_aid=dmnd1357 [/question]
As for the two diamonds you found, here are my comments:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.12-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-7699999?a_aid=dmnd1357 – I wouldn’t recommend it. Try to avoid buying I1/SI diamonds with a note in the cert saying “Clarity grade is based on clouds that are not shown”. It means that a large percentage of the stone is covered with clouds that negatively affects the brilliance.
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.07-carat-i-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-6909373?a_aid=dmnd1357 – I would recommend sticking with GIA/AGS certified diamonds. We don’t recommend IGI certified stones. They are looser in grading than GIA or AGS (https://www.diamonds.pro/education/igi/). GIA and AGS are the most consistent and reliable labs.
I’m learning more with each diamond I look at. After a few days of searching I cannot find a better diamond than the 1.05 that you found that isn’t $1,000 more. At $4,280 I don’t think I can pass that up. As much as I’ve enjoyed the search I believe it’s time to buy. Unless you have any last minute suggestions I’ll be purchasing this diamond that you recommended.
…
I purchased it yesterday. Thanks again for all your help.
That’s wonderful news!
What we love about them:
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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
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- Provide insurance appraisal
- One free resizing within the first year of purchase
- High quality images of about half of their diamonds
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