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Q&A: Looking for an Oval-Shaped Diamond for a Platinum Setting Within a $3k Budget

By Mike Fried,

Hello Diamond Pros!

I’ve really loved your website and have scoured it end-to-end to learn as much as I can. Despite my best efforts, though, I still have a hard time gauging brilliance and clarity from photos. I thought I would pitch this to you to get your help before I make the big purchase!

Price: $3000 or less
Shape: oval
Carats: between 0.8 and 1.1
Setting: Platinum Pave Knife Edge Lotus Basket Engagement Ring

Some bow-tie effect is fine, she didn’t seem to mind when we looked in-store.

Here are four options I’m currently considering:

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/0.81-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-7880234?a_aid=dmnd1357

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/0.90-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-sku-8197442?a_aid=dmnd1357

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/0.81-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-sku-8247715?a_aid=dmnd1357

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.03-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-sku-7417340?a_aid=dmnd1357

Thank you so much!!

Thank you so much for your very speedy reply. I’ve taken your comments to heart and I’ve culled your list down to 3.

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/0.80-carat-g-color-si1-clarity-sku-8328991?a_aid=dmnd1357

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/0.80-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-8088711?a_aid=dmnd1357

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/0.80-carat-f-color-si1-clarity-sku-8073039?a_aid=dmnd1357

I think that, left to my own devices, I would probably contact James Allen to get the reports and then match the depth/table to the “ideal” proportions that I’ve read online. Do you think there’s a good way to compare the brilliance of the last three options, or should I just go with my gut and pick the one that sparkles brightest on my computer screen?

I definitely suggest contacting JA via their live chat so that you can check the certs.

The brilliance can’t be seen in the video. I checked all three diamonds again and I must say all of them are perfectly cut. There isn’t much difference in the cut quality. So it depends on you what you prefer if the higher color or higher clarity.

I’ve contacted JA and to get the certs and I’ll pick one of the options later today.

Sounds great!

James Allen James Allen is the leader in online diamond sales. Their imaging technology is the same as inspecting a diamond with a jeweler's loupe. They have the largest exclusive loose diamond inventory online and fantastic prices. They also have the nicest collection of lab-created diamonds online.
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
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Blue Nile Blue Nile is the largest and most well-known internet jewelry seller. They have a very large exclusive online inventory. Their high-quality images are catching up to James Allens' and their prices are amazing. Save 25% on settings at Blue Nile!

Please enter your email address to receive your 25% off coupon code:

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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