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Hi Ira, You have a great site and all the information has been very educational. However, I still find myself confused and having a difficult time making a decision with so many choices.
I have picked out the setting and like one of the previous readers the diamond will be set in a tension setting similar to this one on James Allen in white gold. https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/contemporary-rings/ring/item_500-7607.asp
I also had the same concerns that the ring allows more visibility of the diamond, allowing any inclusions and the color of the diamond to be seen more easily. Wondering if it is more important to focus slightly more on clarity and color with this setting?
I really want the diamond to look amazing.
Budget: $5,500 – $7,000
Carat: 1 – 1.20 – can’t be larger than 1.25 to fit in the ring.
Color: I or better if it will make a noticeable difference.
Cut: Ideal
Clarity: Eye clean
These are what I have been looking at. Following your advice I have been trying to find the biggest diamond I can afford that I think is eye-clean. Please let me know what you think and if you have any other suggestions. I am willing to move down in the size of the stone if necessary. I don’t even know if these choices would look noticeably larger that a smaller 1 carat diamond?
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1308159.asp
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1331886.asp
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1349775.asp
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1344911.asp
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1345559.asp
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1349534.asp
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1188137.asp
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1344594.asp
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1334222.asp
Thanks for looking at these and I’m also very open to any suggestions you have.
Thanks for writing, and thanks for the kind words about the site!
I took a look at all of your selections, and it’s clear that you definitely learned a lot. Almost all of them look to me to be fantastic cuts and if not all eye clean, then some at worst are borderline. If I had to choose one, and it’s almost a toss up, I like this one:
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1331886.asp
In my mind, it was simply the best value. It will for sure be eye clean, so you won’t need to worry about inclusions being visible from the side. It’s a great price among the bunch. And the cut is fantastic. You won’t get any noticeable increase in size by going with one of the 1.20s. So this is a great sweet spot for value.
Let me know what you decide to go with in the end!
Ira, Thanks for your help and time. I purchased the diamond this morning, it was probably my favorite out of all the ones I sent. It seemed like a great price and a very good looking diamond. I was just wanted your expert opinion in case I was over looking something. Thank you again. You and your site definitely made this easier and saved me money.
I ordered from your email link so I hope that is all that is necessary for James Allen to recognize your help. If I need to call or do something further please let me know.
Great! Congrats! No need to worry about the tracking. Looks like it worked OK. Please stay in touch and let me know what you think when it arrives!
Ira
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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