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I’m in the beginning stages of selecting an engagement ring for the love of my life. I’m slightly hesitant to dive into the online retailers for diamonds, but have read many quality reviews of James Allen. Some guidance on how to accurately evaluate diamond quality and aesthetic online would be greatly appreciated. I am aware of the significant mark up when dealing with box store retailers which is why I am researching online as well.
I’m looking for a 1ct oval diamond with a classy, but unique setting, white gold or possibly rose gold setting.
Thanks in advance!
In general, it’s a good idea to choose the setting first and then find the best fitting center stone to pair it with. Could you please these settings?
James Allen Engagement Ring Styles
Blue Nile Engagement Ring Styles
Is there anything that has caught your eye?
Here are 3 settings that caught my attention and are similar to some of the pinterest posts I’ve seen her save. I want it to be classy but also slightly unique.
14K White Gold Shared Prong Marquise Side Stone Diamond Engagement Ring
14K White Gold French Cut Pave Diamond Engagement Ring
14K White Gold Antique Bezel and Pave Set Engagement Ring
Okay, perfect. All of them are from James Allen so let’s stick with them. We usually suggest purchasing the diamond and the setting from the same company because then you would benefit from the lifetime warranty. Of course, you can choose a diamond online and get it set in a setting you find at the jeweler but you won’t get a good warranty. Also, you would need to find a local jeweler who will complete the ring (and you’ll need to pay extra money for it). If you decide to buy a diamond and a setting from the same vendor, they’ll complete your ring for free and set the diamond in your preferred setting (with a lifetime warranty). It’s up to you. James Allen offers perfect return policies, free cleaning and resizing.
I found these options:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.01-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-10491437?a_aid=dmnd1357
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.00-carat-d-color-vs2-clarity-sku-10697189?a_aid=dmnd1357
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.20-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-10896956?a_aid=dmnd1357
Could you possibly route me to some more diamond options in the 1.2-1.5 carat range? The ones you emailed me look great. I just want the best color, clarity and size I can get for her. And review all my options.
Do you have a ballpark budget in mind for the center stone?
Low end $5k, high end $7,500.
Here are some bigger options:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.30-carat-h-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-11075883?a_aid=dmnd1357
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.29-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-11146591?a_aid=dmnd1357
Another follow up question.
These 2 diamonds:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.20-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-10896956?a_aid=dmnd1357
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.20-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-10884629?a_aid=dmnd1357
Is there any significant difference between these 2? I am trying my best to get a really nice color, clarity on a 1.2 carat stone for around this price or so. I am still contemplating getting a 1 carat for less money with even better color and clarity but wanted to review all options while I can.
Out of these two diamonds, I’d definitely go with the H VS2 stone. This diamond (www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.20-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-10884629?a_aid=dmnd1357) has a strong fluorescence, that might cause a hazy/milky look in daylight. Strong fluorescence might decrease the value of the diamond. Also, it has a big black inclusion on the table that would be visible. I don’t think it’s necessary to focus on higher color and clarity but it’s, of course, matter of personal taste and preference. To the majority of people, H colored diamonds look colorless once they are set.
Great, thanks for all your help.
You’re welcome.
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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