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Hello,
I have found your sight immensely helpful in my search for purchasing an engagement ring. I am looking predominantly at James Allen.
I am looking to have a petite white gold band with solitary setting of a cushion cut diamond. Based on your recommendations I am narrowing my searching to H+ color and GIA or AGS certified. My desired size is between 1.5-2 carats.
My question is trying to narrow the options down. My budget for a ring total is ~$10k, so I have been looking for a center diamond around ~$9k.
Linked below are SI1 and SI2. Are they “eye clean” or not?
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.01-carat-e-color-si1-clarity-sku-9753498?a_aid=dmnd1357
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.01-carat-f-color-si2-clarity-sku-8963755?a_aid=dmnd1357
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.01-carat-f-color-si2-clarity-sku-8963755?a_aid=dmnd1357 – This diamond is nicely cut, I would suggest asking JA if they can confirm eye-cleanliness. I’m not 100% sure in this case but in my opinion, it’s eye-clean.
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.01-carat-e-color-si1-clarity-sku-9753498?a_aid=dmnd1357 – The strong fluorescence might cause a hazy/milky look in daylight, also, the strong fluorescence will decrease the resale value of the diamond.
Is it reasonable to find a 2 carat diamond with the above specifications for around this price (9-10k) or is that a bit out of my range?
Based on my novice understanding the more carats the bigger, but if the depth % of 65 on a 1.5 carat appeared the size of a 1.75 (just making up numbers), I think that would allow me to have the most perceived “bang for my buck”. Or is this really on a case by case basis?
As for the depth % and size compromise, it always depends on the particular diamonds you consider and on the current inventory. I can’t say exactly how big the difference would be. I always suggest checking the actual measurements.
Here are two examples of diamonds with the same carat weight but different depth % so that you can compare them:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.51-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-sku-9516502?a_aid=dmnd1357
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.51-carat-e-color-si1-clarity-sku-8190867?a_aid=dmnd1357
It’s not really in the cards to find a nice 2ct stone within your price range.
I found this one:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.70-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-9429018?a_aid=dmnd1357
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.70-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-9429018?a_aid=dmnd1357 – I wouldn’t recommend this one as it’s a bit deeply cut and it has some etch channels, such inclusions might disrupt the integrity of the diamond.
Oh that’s a gut punch! I really really wanted it to work out. Does the etch channel mean that it would likely be appraised at a lower value or is there an increased risk of the diamond breaking? I’m not exactly sure what integrity means here.
We recommend avoiding knots, etch channels as cavities as much as possible, the risk of chipping is higher. They might cause durability issues. An etch channel is something like a hollow tunnel.
I found this absolutely perfect stone:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.60-carat-h-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-8331786?a_aid=dmnd1357
I love it!
Thank you so much, you have been a huge help.
I’m glad I could help. I hope the stone will meet (or exceed) your expectations.
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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