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Hello!
Let me start by complimenting you all on what is BY FAR the best website related to diamond information. You’re open and honest, truly a diamond in the rough these days (har har).
I’m currently planning on using the James Allen upgrade program, but am having some difficulty choosing a diamond this time around. I’ve decided on the setting (Platinum Split Shank Ribbon Engagement Ring), and likely a cushion cut (though asscher is also on the table). My price range for the diamond is around $6,800 USD, though I’m fine with going up on that (within reason) if it makes sense.
Any and all help is appreciated greatly!
If you want, I can recommend some asschers but they are not as brilliant as cushions.
Are you looking for a rectangular or a square cushion? What size do you desire?
At this point I think we can ignore the asshers and focus on the cushions. I prefer square to rectangle ones, and do not have a hard set line on size. My focus is much more on “real life” aesthetics rather than the specifications on paper.
Here are some perfect diamonds:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.31-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-8355968?a_aid=dmnd1357
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.36-carat-g-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-8178257?a_aid=dmnd1357
I suggest comparing the actual measurements, not the carat weight only.
Thanks for the suggestions!
As it stands, my favourite is the https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.36-carat-g-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-8178257?a_aid=dmnd1357.
That being said, to qualify for the trade-up program I’ll need a minimum of 2x the original purchase price for the diamond I currently have (making my minimum $6,780 USD).
The one that you suggest above does fit that perfectly, though I’m curious if you have any other suggestion with that in mind! I’m somewhat flexible with price, and can see myself going for an option that is $500-$1,000 more (as an example) if I like one considerably more.
No problem, here are some other options you may like:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.41-carat-h-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-8448391?a_aid=dmnd1357
I found an additional option which I’d like you to look over if possible.
I was also wondering if you could provide me with a “rank” on your personal opinion (carat size and price can be totally ignored, strictly based on brilliance/fire/lack of visible occlusions to the naked eye etc.)
As for the diamond you sent over (www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.52-carat-g-color-si2-clarity-sku-5628649?a_aid=dmnd1357), I personally wouldn’t recommend it. The feather are quite long and there are many of them. I’m afraid it might disrupt the integrity of the stone.
My favorites ones would be these two diamonds:
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.36-carat-g-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-8178257?a_aid=dmnd1357
Please, let me know how you decided.
I ended up finalizing my order today and chose this one:
That’s wonderful news! It was my pleasure helping 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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