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Hello, I am in the market for an oval diamond, and have read through your oval cut diamond guide. I plan to purchase a diamond and setting from an online retailer, most likely James Allen.
I have familiarized myself with the 4 Cs and some other metrics that are used to get a good idea of the diamond’s quality. I have narrowed down my search to a few ideal cut ~.8 carat diamonds on James Allen’s website.
I would greatly appreciate any help or advice that would point me in the right direction.
If you want me to make specific recommendations, can you please tell me what setting style and metal you’re planning to go with? Do you have a ballpark budget in mind? Then I’ll gladly send you some suggestions.
Yellow gold solitaire. I’m hoping to stay around $3,000 total.
Thank you for the additional info! For yellow gold solitaire settings, you could possibly go with I color. However, that setting has white gold prongs and therefore H color might be better.
Here is what I found:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/0.80-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-7148002?a_aid=dmnd1357
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/0.81-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-sku-7253820?a_aid=dmnd1357
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/0.81-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-5073247?a_aid=dmnd1357
They’re well-cut, eye-clean and brilliant. I always recommend checking the actual measurements, not the carat weight only.
Will the H color have any discernible yellow tint? I like the two with the better clarity ratings. Is there any particular reason the VVS2 diamond is around $300 cheaper than the VVS1 stone? Is it just due to the different L/W ratio?
The price difference depends on many things: where the stone comes from, carat weight, how it’s cut (different proportions), the location of inclusions, different grades for polish/symmetry, different color, and clarity grades, etc. I like the stone with a lower L/W better, it would refract light better. H color would look colorless, you shouldn’t be able to see any yellowish hue.
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/0.90-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-sku-7034767?a_aid=dmnd1357
I appreciate all of your help. I liked the diamond from the top link the best out of the ones that you sent me, but I would like to get your opinion on another diamond that I found in JamesAllen.com. This diamond is .1 carats larger, with a very similar length to width ratio. It is about the same price, but sacrifices some clarity. It is an SI1.
I checked that 0.90ct stone (www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/0.90-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-sku-7034767?a_aid=dmnd1357) and I think it’s a great stone! It’s nicely cut and eye-clean. Nice find! Is it cheaper than the 0.79ct H VVS1 diamond?
It is very close in price. I wanted to get your opinion on it before placing an order. Thank you for the help!
Well, the measurements are the same. If it’s cheaper, then I’d recommend purchasing it. Both are perfect choices.
Thank you!
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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