Q&A: Choosing a Radiant Cut Diamond Within a C$2.5k-$3k Budget

Hey,

I’m picking out a radiant diamond (0.8 carat range, 2,500-3,000 CAD$). I’ve found several ones I like, but have very thick girdles like this one:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/radiant-cut/0.80-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-8061993?a_aid=dmnd1357

Or they have what I observe to be a bowtie effect and darkening in the middle:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/radiant-cut/0.80-carat-h-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-7936830?a_aid=dmnd1357.

How would the larger girdle effect the look of the diamond… I can’t really tell.

The one you suggested looks great. It says it’s girdle is ‘very thick’ though, what are you thoughts about that? I’ve also taken a look at similar diamonds in the 0.70 carat range in case I want to spend a little more on the setting – do you have a suggestion in that range?

…

What would you think of this one I just came across: www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/radiant-cut/0.69-carat-d-color-vs2-clarity-sku-5525543?a_aid=dmnd1357

I had a couple more diamonds I would love you opinion on for piece of mind. I do like both the 0.8 and 0.7 carat’s you suggested above.

For a 0.7 carat I saw the following
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/radiant-cut/0.70-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-sku-7730987?a_aid=dmnd1357
How would that compare to the one you suggested? I know the cut is deeper and the polish is not as good – are those noticeable for the price difference?

For a 0.8 carat I found the following:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/radiant-cut/0.82-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-sku-7611270?a_aid=dmnd1357
I spot a tiny inclusion on one of the corners, do you think that is worth the price difference ($300) from the one you suggested? How much does the depth% affect the brilliance?

Thanks for all your help. I ended up choosing the original 0.8 carat you suggested.

Cheers!