Hi, I’ve been reading your website and have found it very helpful and was really hoping you could point me towards a few options. I am interested in a diamond for an engagement ring. I would like just the loose diamond as I plan to get it tension set.
I would like a round diamond definitly over 1 carat, preferrably in the 1.2-1.4 range. I would say I am most interested in cut as I have gathered that it is very important – so as high as possible there (ideal/excellent). Color wise I don’t really mind, maybe an I/J as it is unlikely to matter too much (but I will be getting it set in white gold so idk, maybe it will matter more?). Clarity wise is where I have the most uncertainty. It seems like you advocate getting the lowest grade “naked eye-clean” stone you can. So does “naked eye-clean” mean when you look at the stone with your naked eye, it looks flawless? So even when inspecting it closely, albeit still with your naked eye, you can see no flaws? Or just like looking a it from a distance on the finger it looks good? I guess I am having some trouble understanding this part. Anyway, I obviously want a diamond with no visible flaws to the eye, but can I find that in the I1 category?
I haven’t determined a steadfast price limit at this point but I have enough for this price range. I tend to be a quirky deal shopper though… I find myself searching for killer deals and sometimes buy things that aren’t EXACTLY what I want just because they are awesome deals (I usually end up happy with the decision though), crazy i know 🙂 Anyway, any help would be much appreciated!
I’d be happy to help out. Will you be pairing the ring up with a diamond pave wedding band? Also, what type of metal? That can affect what I recommend.
I am thinking I won’t use a band, only the ring with the stone. Most likely white gold, 18K.
I’m sorry for the delay in responding. I was away on vacation. While I was planning on answering follow up emails, I came down with the flu (bad timing). Do you still want some help?
I am just now getting back in to looking at diamonds. Yes, I would definitely still like some help.
I’ll kind of restate what I’m looking for to give you an idea again: a loose diamond (as I am going to get it tension set) around a carat. I would prefer to get something between 1.1 and 1.2 carats but would consider a diamond in the 1.01+ range if it was the right diamond. I’d prefer an excellent cut diamond but would again consider a very good cut if the price was right. For the color I was thinking in the G-H range. I am going to have it tension set so it will be very visible from the side and I am aware that the color is more apparent when viewed from the side. Also, I will be having it set in 14K white gold so a little more yellowing in the stone may show up more in this case, am I right? Also, I will not have a band to go along with it, just the engagement ring.
Clarity wise is where I have the most uncertainty. It seems like you advocate getting the lowest grade “naked eye-clean” stone you can. So does “naked eye-clean” mean when you look at the stone with your naked eye, it looks flawless? So even when inspecting it closely, albeit still with your naked eye, you can see no flaws? Or just like looking a it from a distance on the finger it looks good? I guess I am having some trouble understanding this part. Anyway, I obviously want a diamond with no visible flaws to the eye, but can I find that in the I1 category?
And since I am getting it tension set, I have heard that since the diamond will be under more pressure it should have less inclusions, have you heard this? I guess I would prefer to have slightly better than I1, maybe SI2, but again if you’re sure an I1 can look the way I’d like and still hold up to the added pressure of a tension set ring I would likely defer to you as the expert.
Here are a few that I was looking at but would love a variety of suggestions from you:
Thanks so much for your time and I look forward to hearing back from you. I will hopefully be ordering something by mid-March so not to rush you but I’d love to get something on the way! Thanks again
You seem to have this down pat. Theoretically it’s possible to have an eye-clean I1, but it’s one in a million. I really like the third diamond you selected. It is eye-clean and a great choice.
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
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
Still afraid of getting ripped off?
Before you buy a diamond, get personal buying advice from industry veterans. We'll help you get the best diamond for the money.
Ask your diamond purchase question here
DISCLAIMER: We don't use your email for marketing. Period.
