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We are looking to purchase a ring from James Allen as my brother had a great experience with purchasing an engagement ring from them two years ago. I would like assistance with selecting an oval diamond. I have read a lot of the information on your website about color, clarity, shape, bowtie effect, etc. However, it seems like asking for help is the best idea.
Here is the info on what we are looking for:
Budget for ring: $5000
Setting: James Allen 14K WHITE GOLD PETITE PAVE ENGAGEMENT RING (FLUSH FIT)
Setting price: $622-830 (Depending on sale, currently 25% off)
Budget for diamond: $4200-4400
Desired carats: at least 1
L/W ratio: 1.35-1.42 preferred
Color: H or higher preferred, but open to other suggestions
I am requesting assistance with selecting three oval diamonds that make the most of our budget. Thank you!
I found these stones with the quality I’d recommend:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.00-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-4426796?a_aid=dmnd1357
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.01-carat-h-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-4605857?a_aid=dmnd1357
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.00-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-sku-4656655?a_aid=dmnd1357
They are all very well cut, eye-clean, going to look colorless, with almost no bow-tie effect. Are you happy with the ratio? What do you think of these?
I really appreciate the diamond recommendations. I particularly like the 1.01 Carat H-VVS2 diamond! I like the ratios as I prefer the diamond to look more round and wide as opposed to long and thin.
When my brother was shopping for an engagement ring he stressed that he wanted a D diamond. When I began looking at diamonds I assumed I should want the same. However, after reading the information on your site and getting your recommendations, I understand that other colors can look colorless to the average person and getting a lower color grade will help my budget. My brother ended up buying a .97 carat diamond as opposed to a 1 carat because he wanted a D color stone within his budget.
Would you recommend looking at diamonds that are just under 1 carat in order to get a better color within the budget? Or is the color really not that noticeable in person between perhaps an H and an F?
Thanks again!
I am pleased to hear that you like my suggestions. There’s a chance that anything we look at now will be gone in a couple of days. If that happens, feel free to let me know. I’ll be happy to suggest more options once you’re ready to visit the showroom.
As for the color, I really don’t see a reason to pay an extra for higher color grades without getting any additional benefit. That’s why I’d stick with H or G colors. Of course, if it’s very important for someone, I am happy to search for higher grades as well. But if you’re asking for our opinion, I wouldn’t go up.
I just looked on the James Allen website and I see the H color diamonds you recommended have been sold. The G color stone is still available, but looking at it more I am not sure I love how round it is (may want a bit more length).
I am not ruling it out as it is very beautiful, just interested in seeing what else you would recommend.
Sure, not a problem at all. Have a look at these diamonds:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.00-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-sku-4400264?a_aid=dmnd1357
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.00-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-sku-4535038?a_aid=dmnd1357
These two are more elongated. What do you think of these?
Thank you for the feedback. I do like the shapes better for those stones. Unfortunately, I do not really care for SI1 clarity. I understand that many inclusions are not visible to the naked eye, but I prefer a better clarity. I started looking at this stone (below).
In your opinion, does this stone have a normal/acceptable amount of bow tie affect? I do not want that to distract from its beauty, but it can be hard to judge without seeing it in person.
I checked the stone you found. The bow-tie is quite noticeable. And also medium fluorescence on G+ colors is an issue. It can cause a hazy look. That’s why I don’t recommend purchasing this one.
The stones I sent are eye-clean. I found a new stone on their site. Have a look at this one:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.00-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-4738077?a_aid=dmnd1357
Thank you for the information and the new stone recommendation. I will show it to my boyfriend and let you know if we have more questions.
Thanks again for your help and your patience. Picking a diamond is a lot harder than I thought it would be!
Feel free to ask me if you have any additional questions.
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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