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My budget is $30k including the mount. For the mount, I’m looking at a platinum solitaire – nothing fancy. For the diamond, I’d like as close to 3ct as possible but eye clean.
I’m looking at this www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/2.80-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-8473516?a_aid=dmnd1357
On the 360 view, I see an inclusion on the edge that looks like the mount might cover it. When I look at the “super zoom”, however, I see what looks like two inclusions at 6 o’clock halfway to the center. Are these the same inclusion(s)? If so, it doesn’t appear to be able to be covered by the mount.
Finally, is there a good way to view what the diamond will look like at 1x? When I set the magnification to 1x, the view becomes so small it’s impossible to see.
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/2.80-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-8473516?a_aid=dmnd1357
Unfortunately, this diamond is a no go. IGI lab is not a reliable grading lab as they tend to inflate the grades. Stick with the GIA/AGS for the best value.
The x1 zoom is actually exactly how the diamond would look in real life. The videos are extremely magnified and in reality, the diamond is around 8mm big. That’s why you don’t usually need to worry about small and subtle inclusions, they would be unnoticeable in most cases.
I found this diamond that I thought would be a wonderful choice for you.
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/2.50-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-7109313?a_aid=dmnd1357
It checks all the boxes and will be very bright and brilliant in a platinum setting.
Interesting – thanks for the heads up on the IGI vs GIA issue.
That is a very nice diamond. Is it possible to go down to VS2 and perhaps get a slightly larger diamond?
I searched in the SI-IF range and that VS1 diamond happened to be the largest eye-clean option I found. The problem with SI and VS2 diamonds is that many are not eye-clean so sometimes you end up with a VS1 or even a VVS simply because there was nothing lower that would look good.
Sadly – looks like I waited too long and that diamond is no longer available. Please let me know when you find another one.
I found this gorgeous diamond:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/2.52-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-7010846?a_aid=dmnd1357
It has fantastic overall specs and would make a beautiful ring.
Thanks for your help. I purchased that diamond.
That’s fantastic news! I’m glad I could help you.
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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)
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