First of all thank you for a very informative and helpful website. I have learned a lot just reading the Diamond Education section and various posts. I was hoping you could help me decide between a Round or a Princess cut for an engagement ring, and then possibly make some suggestions on possible diamonds. My budget is around $7,800 with the setting (solitaire, platinum, less than $800). My girlfriend is not very picky so I am sure she will like whatever I choose, but I would still like to get her the best ring I can. I plan to purchase from James Allen based on the value for the product and your advice. Thank you!
I think you get a much nicer (and larger) diamond with rounds. Check these out:
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1499245.asp
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1446379.asp
I love that first diamond. It’s bright, eye-clean and a great value. What do you think?
Thank you for the response. Sorry I am just replying; I was on vacation until today. I understand you are on vacation now. I like these diamonds in that they are larger than I thought I would be able to get, but I am somewhat concerned about the color grade. I was under the impression that I should be looking at a G or H minimum grade in color. I know that color is hard to notice unless you put two diamonds next to each other, but my concern is that a lot of my girlfriend’s friends just got engaged so a lot of diamonds will “be in the same room” so to speak. Is this something I should be thinking about? Thank you for the advice!
Those stones will be fine. No need to worry unless your fiance to be pops her stone out of her ring along with her friends and they put them together on a white card face down.
Of those two, I like this one better:
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1499245.asp
Thanks for the quick response! I think that diamond looks great. Could you give me some tips for the setting? I want a solitaire setting because it is simple (I know she will like that), and I plan to go with platinum so that it lasts long without tarnishing. However, I am not sure what type/size would look best with this diamond on her fingers. She has very slender fingers. Thank you again!
It’s really not something I could help with – there’s no objective benefit of one setting over another. It’s 100% a matter of personal taste and style. Let me know what you end up getting! and please do let me know what you think when it arrives.
Ok I will! Thank you again for all of your help Mike and Ira!
…….
I just wanted to say that the ring was excellent and the proposal went amazing this weekend! She said “yes” and was very excited. I attached a picture of the ring on her finger. Thank you so much for all the advice and help!
Thanks for writing and letting us know. I’m delighted that you were pleased with our help.
We wish you and your partner a life of happiness and fulfillment.
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.
