We are reader-supported. Buying through any red colored link on our site may earn us commissions. Learn More.
Hi,
I’m looking into buying an engagement ring for my girlfriend and came across your website, I was initially going to go to a jeweler or Costco and have decided against it based on the advice of your website.
I appreciate all the information presented and was wondering if you had any further advice on what to look for.
I am currently working on a budget of around $2,500 CAD for the diamond and the settings I am going between are either solitaire or a simple pave with a round diamond as my girlfriend tends toward a simple/classic style.
…
This is one I found today as I’ve been looking through James Allen, what do you think?
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.73-carat-h-color-si2-clarity-true-hearts-cut-sku-9279772?a_aid=dmnd1357 – This diamond is perfectly cut but the feather might be visible as it’s quite thick. Would you consider I colored diamonds as well? I couldn’t find any H colored diamonds within the same price range.
If you do find a good I colour I would certainly consider it.
I found these options today:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.70-carat-i-color-si2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-8433276?a_aid=dmnd1357
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.70-carat-h-color-si2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-8740616?a_aid=dmnd1357
Let me know what you think of them.
Thank you for the options you sent! I’m favoring the last one (H colour SI2) as it looks the cleanest for the moderate cost difference.
A question I have is how could I tell if a diamond is cloudy? It appears the second and third one have some faint lines throughout the diamond and I’m not sure if that would cloud it up slightly. The first one is also nice as I’m sure one of the prongs could cover up the slight inclusion to the side.
Try to avoid buying I1/SI diamonds with a note in the cert saying “Clarity grade is based on clouds that are not shown”. It means that a large percentage of the stone is covered with clouds that negatively affects the brilliance. Also, if a cloud is mentioned in the first place in the clarity characteristics (in case of SI diamonds), it might also cause a cloudy look. Those faint lines are usually twinning wisps (95% of twinning wisps are not visible to the naked eye). Also, bear in mind those videos are extremely magnified. Try to zoom out to 10x and you’ll see it’s not easy to spot the inclusions.
Thank you for the information! Would you recommend me then obtaining a copy of the GIA certificate of diamonds I’m considering before purchasing?
I’m still favoring the H colour SI2 as it appears very clean, but can continue to search through this week if anything else comes up.
Well, I personally wouldn’t purchase a diamond without seeing the cert. I, of course, checked all the certs of the diamonds I recommended.
Also, I suggest putting the diamond on hold as it might get sold by the time you decide to purchase.
I will go ahead and confirm the order for the H SI2 as I think it’s likely the best value considering the return and upgrade policies with James Allen.
Thank you for your help!
Sounds great!
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
Still afraid of getting ripped off?
Before you buy a diamond, get personal buying advice from industry veterans. We'll help you get the best diamond for the money.
Ask your diamond purchase question here
DISCLAIMER: We don't use your email for marketing. Period.
