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I married my wife almost 50 years ago and we could only afford simple gold bands. For our anniversary I would like to finally buy her a diamond ring and even though she never talks about it I am sure she would love to have a nice ring. Because I have no idea what I am doing when it comes to diamonds I am asking for your help.
I think a simple solitaire ring with a decent-sized diamond would be best and I worry about the size as my wife is very petite.
I have tentatively chosen from James Allen a Platinum Intertwined Bypass setting and a 1.93 Carat H-VS1 Excellent cut Round Diamond:
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.93-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-9174639?a_aid=dmnd1357
Can you tell me if what I have chosen is a decent value and fits what I am looking for and that I can trust in the dealer?
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.93-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-9174639?a_aid=dmnd1357
Unfortunately, the diamond you sent me is not a good choice. It’s cut way too deep (63%) and would lose some of its brilliance. Ideally, the depth % should be close to 60 and ever exceed 62.6%.
I’m happy to recommend a better option. May I ask what’s your maximum budget for the stone?
Regarding your question about appropriate size, I’m sorry, but I can’t really help with that. It’s completely subjective. What some people consider too small, others find too big. There is no rule, different people perceive carat weights/sizes differently.
If you are familiar with our review, you know that we think very highly of James Allen. The quality of their products and services is excellent and we receive fantastic feedback on them from our readers.
My budget started at $10,000 but as I looked it started creeping towards $15,000 so I guess that is my range. I also looked at http://jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.50-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-10088374?a_aid=dmnd1357 and http://jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.72-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-8725911?a_aid=dmnd1357
I wouldn’t recommend SKU 10088374 – it is certified by the IGI lab that is looser in grading and not as accurate as the GIA/AGS.
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.72-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-8725911?a_aid=dmnd1357
This diamond is not a great option either. It’s not very well cut (too deep) and has a knot that might disrupt its integrity in the future.
Here’s what I’d recommend instead:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.70-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-9845668?a_aid=dmnd1357
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.84-carat-i-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-10018375?a_aid=dmnd1357
They are beautifully cut and absolutely eye-clean. They’ll be very bright and brilliant in real life.
I have to admit that I see little difference between the two diamonds or the others I picked. I think that is why I reached out to you in the first place. I think I will go ahead with the 1.70 carat diamond as I can see little difference between it and the slightly bigger diamond.
The 1.70ct is a perfect stone and I don’t think it’s necessary to go higher in carats to have an impressive ring, especially if your wife is a petite woman.
Thanks for your help. I am going to place the order this afternoon.
That sounds great!
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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