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Q&A: Looking for Round Cut for 10th Anniversary Present

By Mike Fried,

I am looking for a ring to celebrate my tenth wedding anniversary.

This is the first time I am planning to buy a diamond. Although typical anniversary rings are beautiful, nothing beats the beauty and sparkle of the solitaire. I guess, I will go for a solitaire ring with a band. I like one of the settings on Jamesallen.com. But I am clueless about the best possible loose diamond option even though I have been through your diamond buying guide. My final budget including the setting and the band is $10,000. I think, about 1.0 ct will be good.
Any help regarding this will be much appreciated.
Thanks.
https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/14k-white-gold-bezel-solitaire-engagement-ring-round-center.html?a_aid=dmnd1357

What wedding band are you getting (what’s the rough budget for that)? This way I can budget correctly for the center diamond.

Thanks for getting back to me.

Here is the band that I think would look good with the ring.
https://www.jamesallen.com/matching-bands/14k-white-gold-18mm-pave-set-wedding-ring.html?a_aid=dmnd1357

Thanks for your help.

Ahh, the plot thickens. With that style setting, you want the center diamond to be H+ (so it looks white compared to the pave). Take a look at these:

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1541168.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1535929.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

I really like that first one. It’s bright, eye-clean and a great value. What do you think?

Thanks a lot.

I do like both options.
I will take a close look and get back to you.
Thanks again!

Sounds good. Keep me posted.

Here is one more I came across per your suggestions.
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/E-VS2-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1533809.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

Please let me know your thoughts.

Also, there is some discrepancy between specifications listed on the website and the GIA certificate on the website.
Weight- 1.02 ct per specifications and GIA Certificate shows 1.03.
Cut- Excellent per specifications and GIA certificate shows is as Very Good.

Which one is should be considered accurate?
Thanks.

I don’t like the diamond at all. It doesn’t appear to be eye-clean and medium fluorescence is a big no-no in colorless diamonds. You are also getting a smaller diamond. We feel very strongly that its a waste of money to spend on an E color (here is our color article). If you disagree with our logic, thats your prerogative. But certainly don’t sacrifice on far more noticeable qualities (eye-cleanliness and fluorescence) to get a better color (that you likely won’t see a difference in person).

PS I have messaged JA to tell them about the glitch. The certificate is what is right.

I see, makes sense. Thanks!

My pleasure. Let me know what you decide in the end.

I am actually not sure how big will the diamond look on the finger. I am planning to visit a couple local stores to get an idea. I will then order on jamesallen.
What’s the usual timeline after ordering the diamond and the ring?

Depends on the setting. You should ask JA.

I am getting ready to order my ring.
While looking at the settings, I came across tension setting rings on JA website. They claim that tension setting is very safe. Can you give me any insight about tension setting. Thank you so much!

There isn’t much ‘insight.’ They are safe, and you don’t need to worry about the diamond popping out any more than a 4 prong setting. If you like the way they look, go for it.

Nice! Again, thanks a lot!

My pleasure. Please let me know how it looks when it arrives?

Mike, back to square one!

I was working with the customer rep from JA. I sent them the link that you sent me for the diamond. I had liked the first one.
They could not find the same SKU# on their new website. They sent me following options-
Also, with the tension ring price, there is some more room in my budget for the diamond.

Not taking price into account, which one would you recommend? Please give me your top 3 so that I can make an informed decision.

Search Criteria:
Polish/Symmetry — Excellent
Flourescence – None
Table – around 57%
Depth – around 60%

G/SI1/Ideal/1.0
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.20-carat-g-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-67239?a_aid=dmnd1357

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.21-carat-g-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-169994?a_aid=dmnd1357

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.22-carat-g-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-145887?a_aid=dmnd1357

F/SI1/Ideal/1.0
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.24-carat-f-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-170995?a_aid=dmnd1357
** Not too impressed.

H/VS2/Ideal/1.0
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.25-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-190239?a_aid=dmnd1357

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.14-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-188777?a_aid=dmnd1357

H/VS1/Ideal/1.0
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.22-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-152499?a_aid=dmnd1357

H/SI1/Ideal/1.0
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.21-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-70808?a_aid=dmnd1357

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.21-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-176373?a_aid=dmnd1357

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.27-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-184181?a_aid=dmnd1357

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.30-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-51412?a_aid=dmnd1357

I truly appreciate your help. And I hope I won’t bother you for more advice in near future.

Both me & my husband can’t thank you enough!!

I’m sorry, but if you narrow it down to your three favorite I’d be happy to comment on those three.

I love that 1.27 H SI1. It’s eye-clean and a great value.

The more research we do, more options unfold.

Few more suggestions from JA people.
This is one last time, I promise (hopefully)
We are planning to select between these three. Please let me know your expert opinion.
Please note that we are not concerned as much with carats or price. But the quality purchase is the goal.

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.30-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-51412?a_aid=dmnd1357

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.20-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-180426?a_aid=dmnd1357

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.19-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-188146?a_aid=dmnd1357

Thanks a ton!!

I personally prefer the 1.20. The SI1 is not eye-clean. The other two are and are both great options. I have a personal affinity for the look of a 58/59% table, but most experts would say go with the 57%.

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