Q&A: Looking for an Oval Cut Diamond for a White Gold Split Shank Setting With a $6,500 Budget

Good evening, I hope all is well.

First off, this website is extremely helpful and saved me a lot of stress; so thank you. So I’ve spent countless hours reading mostly every article on this website, and possibly found what I’m looking for. I just wanted to find out if I’m making a good purchase.

A little background… I’m looking for a 0.97-1.2 ct., colorless, oval, with excellent cut that isn’t a “mediocre excellent” cut, with clarity between VVS1-VS2 (as long as there aren’t noticeable inclusions to the naked eye). I don’t know what an excellent table is, but I’d like that too. It needs to have as much fire and brilliance as possible.

www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/14k-white-gold-split-shank-ribbon-engagement-ring-item-52623?a_aid=dmnd1357

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.01-carat-f-color-vs1-clarity-sku-2604817?a_aid=dmnd1357

Am I getting the best possible value for what I selected?

So far I’m stuck between color F or G, unless I can be convinced of going to a lower color grade. It has to be colorless to the naked eye since the setting has F-G colored stones.

My budget for the center stone is $5,000, but I wouldn’t mind spending 4k on the center stone.

Please let me know if I’m being unclear… I have difficulties with expressing myself sometimes. I’m open to any professional advice you have to offer. Thank you for the additional help. I appreciate your time.

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Hi, I hope all is well. 3 hours ago, I sent an email regarding a split shank setting with an oval center stone. Since then, I may have found better center stones. They are listed in order from most liked to least liked.

In the first one, are those inclusions visible to the naked eye, and does the clarity take away from this particular diamond? And what are your thoughts on the crown and pavilion? Is it cut badly?
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.00-carat-f-color-si1-clarity-sku-2700926?a_aid=dmnd1357

I like the 1.41 L/W ratio on this one.
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.01-carat-g-color-si1-clarity-sku-2659827?a_aid=dmnd1357

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.01-carat-g-color-si1-clarity-sku-1984647?a_aid=dmnd1357

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.01-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-2598368?a_aid=dmnd1357

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.01-carat-f-color-vs1-clarity-sku-2604817?a_aid=dmnd1357

Factoring in everything except price, which diamond looks the best to you? I’m a bit overwhelmed at this point, so I greatly appreciate your help. Are there better stones than these? Thank you again for your time. I look forward to your reply.

Thank you for the reply.

With the H color diamond you suggested, I’m worried that it will look less clear than the stones on the setting I’m getting which are F and G apparently. And we go to clubs from time to time where there are black lights; how much will a “faint” graded fluorescence glow? And also what is your opinion on a very thick girdle? The price tag is nice on this appealing, but I just want to make sure that the color will look good with the setting.

Thanks again!

……

Hello again, I am hoping to make the purchase by today. I will be using this same email address to make the purchase. I’m thinking of choosing this diamond… What do you think? I feel like it’s overpriced compared to the other diamonds I had in mind:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.01-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-2598368?a_aid=dmnd1357

And I’m still curious as to how noticeable a “faint” fluorescent rating would be, and if the H colored stone will stand out in a bad way when next to F and G colored stones. I am not 100% set on the G VS2 above, and could be swayed or encouraged to do more searching for a better stone.

In general for oval cut, how big of a deal is girdle thickness? For what reasons should I be concerned with girdle? I’ve read about it and saw the cut quality recommendation chart, but I’m still not sure.

I appreciate your time and advice.

Thank you for your help! The ring just arrived and it’s beautiful! Looks better than I imagined! My future fiancé will love it! If you would like a picture, let me know; otherwise I appreciate your help.

Thank you again and take care.