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Hello,
I am torn between the following two diamonds. Do you have any recommendations? I’m leaning toward the .81 but see that the girdle is slightly thicker, and it is somewhat lower quality but appears to be a good diamond overall.
I wouldn’t recommend purchasing those diamonds because of the strong fluorescence. The fluorescence is usually an issue (medium and strong fluorescence on D-G colored diamonds usually cause a hazy/milky look in daylight – https://www.diamonds.pro/education/fluorescence/). Ideally, it’s better to avoid extremely thick and extremely thin girdles (if possible). Other thickness is okay and won’t have a significant impact on brilliance. A girdle is an issue that has little to no impact on the visual appearance of a diamond.
It’s the cut what makes the diamond’s “sparkle” or, as we call it, brilliant. The cut is the most important of the 4C’s (https://www.diamonds.pro/education/4cs-diamonds/). For cushions, it’s great to keep the depth under 68% and the table shouldn’t exceed 70% (https://www.diamonds.pro/education/cushion-cut/). Is there a specific reason you want to go that high with color?
Can you please tell me what setting style and metal you’re planning to go with? I might suggest some other alternatives.
Thank you for your speedy response. I did wonder about the fluorescence as well but read somewhere for under a CT strong blue was mediocre. I guess I assumed if the other specifications were good that it may not be an issue. Also, I’m pretty sure I read on your blog to shoot for a depth of under 70%. Could you help me understand that more please?
I am going with a white gold cathedral setting:
Riviera Pavé Heirloom Cathedral Diamond Engagement Ring
I am a little disappointed, because I thought I did thorough research and finally narrowed down a large selection to these two. But I definitely want to be sure that my diamond looks great in person. I would be interested to see what you suggest. I am open to a lower color as well, some do appear yellow though and I’m not sure if it’s just the lighting in the pictures. I like the crushed ice look vs the chunky look and would like a more rectangular style. I’m not set on a 1.16 but did find that I prefer that L/W ratio the most but would be okay with something close to that.
Well, in our article it says under 70% depth. But bear in mind the lower the depth is, the larger the diamond usually appears to the eye (and also is usually more brilliant as the light can refract better). Whenever possible, we like to keep the depth ideally under 68%. So even though you may get a diamond with smaller carat weight, a diamond with lower depth % can have the same measurements as some heavier stones.
As for the fluorescence, as I said, it is usually an issue. It’s not the case of all diamonds with strong/medium fluorescence. But the chance a D-G stone with strong fluorescence will appear milky is higher, that’s why we try to avoid recommending such stones. The milkiness can be seen in daylight usually.
Have a look at these alternatives:
Blue Nile LD11827023
Blue Nile LD09700148
Thanks. You have been extremely helpful. We feel much more educated and confident now.
Have a great day!
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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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