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Hi team,
Hope all is well. First and foremost I would like to sincerely thank you for all the tips and guides you’ve created to help potential diamond purchasers like myself! It has been truly invaluable to have all your guides at my disposal during this process.
I am currently searching for a diamond engagement ring and have narrowed my choices of round diamonds down to seven based on recommendations from your guides. James Allen will likely be the dealer of choice as I’ve found two ideal settings at different price points that will give me flexibility on the price of the diamond itself.
If it’s not too much of an hassle, would I be able to get your expert opinion on:
a) if any, which one of the seven below would be your top pick;
b) if any, which of the seven below would you recommend;
and c) if any, which of the seven below you would advise to stay away from. Please see links to the seven diamonds I’ve picked below.
I sincerely appreciate your help and guidance, and I look forward to hearing back from you.
Can you also tell me what style setting you decided to go with? I want to make sure I recommend the right color grade for it (different settings suit different colors better).
I am currently set on selecting one of these two settings, depending on how much I end up spending on the diamond itself.
Platinum Entangled Vines Engagement Ring
Platinum Twisted Pave Leaf Engagement Ring
Ideally I would like the diamond itself to be at least 1 carat while keeping the total amount (setting and diamond) to be around CAD$7,500.
Those are beautiful, I really love the leafy nature-inspired designs!
Given the fact that there are smaller diamonds directly next to the center stone, I would go with an H+ diamond to ensure the colorless impression.
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.01-carat-g-color-i1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-8497694?a_aid=dmnd1357
This one is beautifully cut, but has a LARGE feather running across the whole diamond. It’s possible that this might negatively affect the stone’s integrity and increase the risk of chipping. I’d rather skip it.
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.11-carat-h-color-i1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-8280149?a_aid=dmnd1357
Its cert says “clarity grade based on clouds not shown.” This means there is a very large cloud that covers a large percentage of the diamond and saps the brilliance from it. You should never buy a diamond with this note.
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.01-carat-h-color-si2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-8513330?a_aid=dmnd1357
This one looks promising. It has a nice cut and the inclusions don’t seem too severe. But there is a cloud mentioned in the clarity notes so I’d recommend you ask JA if they can run it by their in-house gemologists. This would give you peace of mind whether the clouds would be an issue or not.
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.03-carat-g-color-si2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-8399129?a_aid=dmnd1357
I’m not a huge fan of the cut on this one. The crown and pavilion angles are off.
Thank you so much for your help! With your guidance I have decided to purchase the diamond you’ve recommended after checking it through with James Allen’s in-house gemologist.
That’s fantastic news! I’m glad that the diamond was confirmed as a good option.
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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