First I’d like to say great site! I read the entire thing and recommended it to a friend.
I’m purchasing an engagement ring and the setting I chose is from James Allen:
I’ve done a lot of searching for the center stone using the guidelines from your site. What I’ve noticed is that color seems to be the biggest factor for price difference (after carat weight of course). You recommended to match color of the center stone with the side stones. I was wondering how critical this is?
For example, the setting comes with F-G side stones, would an I color center diamond look out of place? The reason I ask is you can get a much larger stone for the same money by dropping to I color.
Thanks for your help, it’s much appreciated.
PS – My budget for the center stone is $4500
You’ve definitely got yourself into a bit of a pickle here. Usually in these cases, I tell people that there’s no problem dropping down in color, but that’s because most people confuse the case of significantly sized side stones, and very small pave stones. Color differences aren’t really a problem when the side stones are very small. But in your case, unfortunately, it most definitely is a problem.
You MIGHT be able to eek out an H color and have it look normal, but you really should stick with a G. An I for sure would look out of place.
Another option might be to ask JA to use H/I color side stones instead of F/G. I dont know if that’s even possible, but it’s worth asking, because as you mentioned, it makes a huge difference.
Ask them, and let me know what they say please. This could help me advise people in the future.
Also, when you’ve got that issue settled, please let me know and I’ll happily help you choose the best stone for you. And dont forget to use the TAD0611 coupon code. It’ll give you 10% off the setting, which in your case, is quite significant!
Thank you for the reply. So I took your advice and I spoke with JA. They gave me two options (very nice people to talk to btw). First is to buy the lone setting (in my case for $925) and select my own side stones as I please. The only catch with this option is that the order is now “custom” therefore there are no returns/exchanges. The second option they gave me was to simply ask them (over the phone or in the comments box online) to match the side stones with the center stone that is being purchased. So if I select an I-color center stone, they will pick the side stones to match and the order will NOT be custom therefore return/exchange is available. Personally I like the idea of exchange just in case the ring is not what I was expecting when it arrives (not sure how often this happens to people). The only issue I have with the second option is that I’m paying for “more” than I’m actually getting. So although I will save on the center stone by dropping in color, in theory I am over-paying for the setting/sidestones so it might not make economical sense.
What is your opinion on all this? Also, do you think biting the bullet and spending the extra $ to get an F-G center stone will produce a better end-product?
Thank you for the coupon code; yes it will make a significant difference. I need to have this on order no later than Nov 5 (assuming 2 weeks to receive it after ordering). I would love to have your help selecting stone(s). I really like the diamond you have as your $4000 “daily diamond” from July 15 however I can’t find anything quite as good, maybe prices have gone up?
Thanks again for all your help with this, its rare to find someone offering free advice.
ps – the coupon code will not work with custom orders; another thing to keep in mind
I figured they’d be able to do this for you. I would suggest to go with their side stone selection to match your center stone. The change in real value between H/I side stones and F/G side stone as a percentage of the overall purchase is minuscule.
This way you’re covered in case you want to return it, and this way you can save the real money buy sticking with an H/I colored center stone.
Would you like some help choosing that center stone?
I like your advice, thank you. I would really appreciate your help on the center diamond. I’ve done some research and have listed below what I believe are my options:
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1311266.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1327242.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-IF-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1262146.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-IF-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1302021.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357
I believe that size matters in terms of what you see (and not so much carat weight) so I selected these stones considering L/W dimensions as well as the other characteristics. Let me know what you think.
Thanks for writing. I looked at these four. They’re all nice, but I went on my own search, and came up with this:
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/E-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1327151.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357
It’s slightly smaller than these you linked to, but I think that small sacrifice is worth it in this case. The make on this stone is superb, and the E will most definitely give you a noticeable upgrade in color over the H and most definitely over the I.
let me know what you think!
I really like the one you sent me. The price is right and I do like the idea of an E color with the F-G side stones. There aren’t many other stones of E color at this price point. I just put the stone on hold and I’ll be completing the transaction tomorrow. I’ll let you know how the ring turns out when it arrives 🙂 Thanks again for all your help.
Sounds great! Please stay in touch and let me know what you think when it arrives! Funny how after that whole exercise we ended up with an E color in the end anyway 🙂
I’ve been meaning to write you; sorry for the late reply. I received the ring and I am very pleased! Thank you again for all your help. Your website and advice on a specific stone was incredibly helpful. I am very happy with the E color stone. It’s completely colorless and the side stones match perfectly. I’d be more than happy to write a great review for you if you send me the link. Once again, your help was much appreciated!
Thanks for remembering me and sending me this very kind email!
Thanks again! I wish you and your fiance a long life together filled with health, happiness, and love!
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
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