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Hi there,
I have been shopping for an engagement ring for a while and I’m asking for your help in regards to choosing the right diamond.
I have decided to buy a ring from James Allen after doing my research and exploring all of my options. I have narrowed it down to a few settings but am heavily leaning towards the Platinum Presentation Solitaire (Six Prong)
I would like a diamond that meets the following criteria:
Cut – True Hearts/ Excellent
Carat – 1.10 (ish)
Colour – I or beter
Clarity – VS1 or better
In conclusion, I am trying to find the most stunning diamond that I can for the best possible price. I would like the diamond to be near perfect to the naked eye and after reading all of your articles I’ve learned that that does not mean the diamond must be “perfect” throughout all facets of grading. I’ve added a couple links to diamonds that I have found that I believe are potentials.
The first one has a strong fluorescence (www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.06-carat-i-color-vvs1-clarity-true-hearts-cut-sku-7120351?a_aid=dmnd1357), therefore, it wouldn’t be my top choice. It might cause a hazy/milky look. The other one is very nice (www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.13-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-true-hearts-cut-sku-7216372?a_aid=dmnd1357).
Thank you for the reply! I would also love some additional recommendations!
Here are some beautiful diamonds I found for you:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.31-carat-h-color-si2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-8143743?a_aid=dmnd1357 (This one is a bit borderline of eye-cleanliness)
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.24-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-8187947?a_aid=dmnd1357
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.21-carat-i-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-8193885?a_aid=dmnd1357
All of those look amazing. I am worried about the SI1 clarity grade and that’s mainly why I need your help. Would the 1.24ct diamond show any visible flaws to the naked eye?
Also, are there any diamonds comparable for less money, in and around the 1.10ct size? Would the price savings be significant?
Sure thing I can recommend some smaller diamonds so that you can compare the prices. Here you go:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.11-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-8270900?a_aid=dmnd1357
As for the 1.24ct stone, yes, it’s eye-clean. When you look at the cert (you can request it via their live chat), there are just two feathers. One of them can be covered with a prong and both are faint and thin). You’ll find the longer feather on the 4/5 o’clock. We don’t think it’s always necessary to overpay for VS1+ clarity. Even some I1 diamonds are eye-clean and you wouldn’t be able to see the difference in person (but it’s quite rare to find an eye-clean I1 diamond).
Between the 1.11 ct vs2 and the 1.08 ct vs1, which one would you choose? Do they both fall into the “super ideal proportions” category? I feel more comfortable spending around the $5500USD mark for diamond alone, making these seem like good options for me.
I also love the 1.24ct discussed previously but the “feathers” that may be visible scare me. The price seems good given the carat weight.
Yes, both are nicely cut, but the 1.08ct is superbly cut (all the proportions are perfect). If it was up to me, I’d choose the 1.08ct stone over the 1.11ct one. As for the 1.24ct diamond, I still think it’s a nice option (you can read more about feathers here: https://www.diamonds.pro/education/diamond-feather-inclusions/). You can also ask JA what they think of the diamond and if they can confirm the eye-cleanliness. Let me know what they say, please.
I’ve been talking to James Allen and have almost made up my mind. There are a couple more potential stones that appear to be similar to the 1.08ct that we have narrowed it down too. I am worried about cloudiness and was wondering what your thoughts are?
Here is the stone that we have decided on again: www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.08-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-8412531?a_aid=dmnd1357
Here is another stone I am considering: www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.08-carat-i-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-8030984?a_aid=dmnd1357
Both those diamonds are wonderful choices, I like them both. In my opinion, the VS1 has just a little bit better cut than the VVS2 diamond, but the difference isn’t significant at all. They would be both very bright and brilliant, not cloudy at all.
I hate to do this but I ended up asking her close friend for help.. apparently she wants a pear shaped diamond. I’ve found one that I think is a good choice I’m just not sure about the inclusion.
That diamond has a medium fluorescence, it might cause a hazy/milky look in case of D-G colored diamonds. That’s why I wouldn’t recommend it.
Here are some other options:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/pear-shaped/1.08-carat-h-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-8118427?a_aid=dmnd1357
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/pear-shaped/1.08-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-sku-7061213?a_aid=dmnd1357
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/pear-shaped/1.12-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-8039036?a_aid=dmnd1357
Do you like any of them?
I love this one!
Thanks so much for your help!
I’m glad I could help you.
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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