Hello,
I have purchased a Simon G MR1907 wedding set. I am looking for an oval diamond around 2 carats for less than $17k. What diamond specs should I be aiming for? Do you have any diamond recommendations?
I’d recommend an eye-clean H+ diamond that has a minimal bow-tie.
These two look great to me:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/2.01-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-1051450?a_aid=dmnd1357
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/2.01-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-6111913?a_aid=dmnd1357
What do you think?
I like the second diamond. But, I was told that the side stones on the Simon G set are color G. Will an H color diamond clash with the side stones? Or is the color difference negligible?
I’m glad you like it.
The difference in colors isn’t usually recognizable from anything above an H grade. Also, side stones are usually much smaller than the center stone so the difference in colors isn’t really an issue here.
The jewelry store where I bought the setting has shown me a few diamonds. The nicest one is a 1.71 carat diamond that is GIA certified. The gradings are: color G, polish and symmetry excellent, clarity SI1. The diamond looks really nice and matches the sidetones, but there is what I believe to be surface graining on the end of the oval which makes it not eye clean to me, looks like a smudge on the diamond. They are asking $14.5k. I believe I can get a much better deal online.
I want a diamond that is eye clean, minimal bow tie effect, that has the most “sparkle”, and best bang for the buck. If I do not get a 2 carat diamond for less than $17k, then I would look for the nicest diamond that is 1.5 carat or bigger for under $15k.
1. Would you consider the two diamonds that you previously sent me to be eye clean? Would either of the two meet my criteria above? Which would you pick out of the two?
a. https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/2.01-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-6111913?a_aid=dmnd1357
2. I’ve spent a lot of time looking at the diamonds on James Allen but I believe their high quality images are making this search more difficult. If I do not get one of the 2 carat above, in your opinion do any of the diamonds below meet my criteria?
a. https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.50-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-6362972?a_aid=dmnd1357
3. What would you recommend for the 1.5 carat or bigger for under $15k criteria?
1) The two 2 carats are eye-clean. I like the H VS2 more as it has an absolutely minimal bow-tie. That’s the one I’d go with.
2) www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.50-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-6362972?a_aid=dmnd1357
The knot listed in the clarity notes is an issue. I would pass on this diamond.
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.71-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-4625666?a_aid=dmnd1357
This one is very nice, I like it.
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.60-carat-g-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-6124412?a_aid=dmnd1357
This one has a slightly stronger bow-tie.
3) I also like the following ones:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.51-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-6544619?a_aid=dmnd1357
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.60-carat-f-color-vs1-clarity-sku-6124405?a_aid=dmnd1357
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.70-carat-f-color-vs2-clarity-sku-5978341?a_aid=dmnd1357
I put a hold on the 1.5 carat diamond below. I wanted to check with you again to see if you think it’s a good deal.
It’s an excellent option. I like it a lot. Go for it.
Just letting you know that I did purchase the last diamond that I sent. It is currently at the jewelers being placed in the setting.
Thank you so much again for your help!
That’s fantastic news! It was my pleasure helping you.
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
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- Best-in-class high quality imagery of all diamonds in stock
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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
- 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)
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