Q&A: Looking for an Emerald-Shaped Diamond for a Platinum Three-Stone Setting Within a $15-18k Budget

Thank you so much for all the helpful advice you provide on your website.

Alas, I am still not convinced I would be able to select a diamond with the best quality and value on my own. I took your advice and searched James Allen, but they do not provide a cut grade for emerald cut stones which concerned me after reading your advice on cut. Blue Nile does provide a cut grade for every stone, but I got the impression that Blue Nile may not always provide the best value.

Can you help?

Thank you so much for getting back to me.

The search options are rather overwhelming and I like the idea of working with an expert to select stones from numerous sources, which is where you come in. 🙂 And thank you for the explanation you provided re: emerald cut grade – more the reason I am seeking advice. That said, I’ll go ahead and tell you what I’m looking for and what my own searches have turned up thus far, and you can recommend as you see fit thereafter.

I am looking for a three-stone emerald cut diamond engagement ring, center stone to be between 2.0 – 2.5ct + with side stones most complimentary to the center. My budget is approximately $15-18K, but there is some flexibility there if we decide it is absolutely necessary. I tend toward a platinum setting (single prong or claw?) and am leaning toward emerald or trapezoid for the side stones. Images of rings I have found and liked during my search include:
https://shop.kenanddanadesign.com/products/unique-engagement-rings-three-stones-emerald-rebecca-june-2014

www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-AzL_XLrEo

I’ve read quite a bit of the advice you published on your website. Based on your suggestions, I am leaning toward Brian Gavin or Ritani as they seem to be a cut above BN and James Allen, but am still open to suggestions. I was not very impressed with my introductory chat session on James Allen, but was very impressed with Brian Gavin.

Thing with BG is that since I’m not looking at one of their signature stones, I’m not sure it’s worth the premium to have them select – any thoughts on that are welcome as well. Lastly, I visited a few stores here in NY just to see the options and decide on cut, but I liked working with Ken & Dana Design. Nice people, cute shop and all that. But they allege they can source approx. 2.5ct center stone within my price range. Is that likely to be accurate? As I was looking online it seemed that 2.0ct was more likely in that range, but I was pretty strict on the color and clarity since “eye-clean” is very difficult for me to determine online.

I hope this is sufficient information for us to get started. Thank you again for your time. I look forward to hearing from you.

Thanks. This is great. Any idea when BGD will get the signature emeralds in? I have about 3 months to get the ring. Otherwise, I would love to get closer to a 2.5ct center stone – is that possible (and within the standard range of quality) for my budget? Even somewhat higher is ok – is just like to be able to see the difference.

……

Also, do you have an opinion about Ken & Dana Design? They source locally from NY.

I agree on the BN stone. Do you think BGD option you recommend below is best in terms of size and quality as opposed to looking for a larger stone? I’m leaning toward your choice but just want to make sure I can’t get a somewhat larger center stone for a little more on price, if it’s really worth it.

Thanks again for your help.

Thanks. I’m going to price them all out to include side stones and setting, but I think I’ll go with your previous BGD recommendation. Smaller carat weight but I see what you mean about actual size, so I think that may be the best value within my budget.

Last question for you – you don’t worry about the I color on an emerald cut? Both of the options you provide are I color and some recommend G+ for emerald cut of this size.