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I’m looking for a marquise diamond around 1 carat and under $5,000. Here is the setting I have in mind:
Platinum Three Stone Pear Shaped Engagement Ring
In addition to the G-H color range usually being the best value, I thought it might be wise to stay in that range to minimize any perception of color difference between the main stone and the side stones (the website says the side stones are G-H color).
I would also prefer a L/W ratio of around 1.95 or lower.
To me, this appears to be the best option:
However, it looks a little flat compared to this one:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/marquise-cut/1.00-carat-g-color-si1-clarity-sku-9350597?a_aid=dmnd1357 (doesn’t match my L/W preferences, but looks beautiful otherwise)
Should I wait and see if anything better shows up or jump on one of the two listed above?
Color-wise, you can easily drop in color to an H, the side stones are too small to make any color difference.
Unfortunately, this diamond is not such a great option:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/marquise-cut/1.01-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-6551695?a_aid=dmnd1357
It has a Very small culet (it should always be None/Pointed) and has a knot, chip and cavity in the clarity notes, all of which are very serious issues that might negatively affect the diamond’s integrity.
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/marquise-cut/1.00-carat-g-color-si1-clarity-sku-9350597?a_aid=dmnd1357
The same here, cavity and knot in the clarity characteristics.
I currently didn’t find any recommendable 1ct option, but I found a bunch of beautiful 0.9cts:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/marquise-cut/0.90-carat-d-color-vs1-clarity-sku-5301018?a_aid=dmnd1357
They have fantastic specs and all of them would make an amazing ring.
Thanks for the great advice and the better options! I’m going to go with the middle choice (F-VVS2) as soon as I can figure out what ring size to buy.
That’s great news, I’m glad you liked my recommendation so much!
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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