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I’m shopping around for an engagement ring and just wanted to get your opinion of what I should look for. I read through this site and found in very informative. My budget is $6,000 for the stone but that is a max, so I would prefer less. My goal was to get around a 1 carat stone set in a white gold either pave or channel setting.
For cut I have only looked at excellent/Ideal cuts. Where should I look as far as color/clarity?
Also, visually how would a .8 look compared to 1.0?
My final question is regarding Tiffany’s. For years my mother has been telling me that Tiffany’s have the “best” diamonds. Is there any truth to that, or is it just marketing? From what I saw under my budget, I can only get a .6 carat stone at tiffany’s (it would be ideal cut, colorless, and vvs2 or 1).
I appreciate your help.
I wouldn’t want to impugn your mother’s advice, but that is not a good route to go. Tiffany & Co has nice diamonds, but nothing special at all. You are paying for the little blue box. I don’t think that’s worth the 100-200% markup that Tiffany commands. FYI, we wrote an article on the matter (right here).
Just to confirm, you are looking for a round diamond?
Thank you for the reply! I thought so about Tiffany’s.
Yes, I’m looking for a round diamond. I want something that will be eye-clean and look brilliant so that if say compared to a much more expensive (higher clarity/colorless) it would be hard to distinguish the two.
I love this diamond for you:
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS2-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1532866.asp
It’s bright, eye-clean and a great value. What do you think?
Looks amazing, thanks!!
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
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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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