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I am hoping to propose in the next couple of weeks and I can really use your advice. My girlfriend has very simple tastes and wants a very simple ring. I’m trying to decide between these two settings:
https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/2mm-18K-Knife-Edge-Yellow-Gold-Ring.html
https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/gold-solitaire-engagement-rings.html
As far as the diamond goes, I’m hoping to get the best bang for my buck. She feels that .50 carats is a little too big for her hand, but I don’t want to get a diamond that appears small. Due to the simplicity of the setting, I’m hoping to get a diamond that really pops. My budget is around $2000. Less would be better, but if you can find something special, I can splurge a little more. I’m still a broke college student!
Thank you so much for any advice, input or suggestions!
Happy to help! Since you’re using yellow gold, you can be relaxed when it comes to color. So if you’re going to limit yourself to a 1/2ct, then you can save a good amount of money. See here:
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1370839.asp
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1373993.asp
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/K-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1355990.asp
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1355027.asp
Let me know what you think!
Thank you so much for your response! I was hoping to stay around .40-.47ct. We looked at a few rings in the stores and she felt 1/2ct was a little too big for her hand (they’re really small). However, some of the sales people told her to get a bigger diamond because she’ll be more happy with it in the long run. Do you agree?
What do you think about these three diamonds?
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/D-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1304508.asp
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/D-VVS1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1349876.asp
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/D-VVS1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1371422.asp
I really like the first one because it has all the right “specs”: D color, True Hearts cut, and good clarity. The second one is a little pricey for me considering the setting, but is still very beautiful.
As far as the setting goes, are knife edge or round rings more common? I’m worried that I won’t be able to find a matching knife edge band, but the rounded setting looks a little clunky (from the pictures).
Again, thank you so much for your help!
I also really like the first one in your list. It’s a great stone. I think you should get what she’s comfortable wearing now.
Okay, a few more questions. Are these diamonds essentially the same? They look like they both have the same price and specs. However, after looking through the virtual loupe, I noticed some inclusions in different locations. Will these be noticeable?
Whatever you’re seeing in the stones are not inclusions. VVS1s especially are way too small to be seen in these photos. A VVS1 is barely visible under 100x magnification with a microscope!
One more question (I hope). I just found this diamond.
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-IF-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1307839.asp
It’s an I color but IF clarity. How does this diamond compare to:
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/D-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1307940.asp
The IF diamond is actually a couple hundred dollars cheaper than the VS1. Does that make sense? You were saying that sense I’m going with yellow gold the color won’t matter as much so would this diamond be a better choice?
that’s a great idea. This is definitely a better value for you.
Thank you so much for all your help Ira! She absolutely loves the ring!
Such wonderful news! Thanks so much for letting me know! Do you think you could do me a quick favor? If you could leave me a short review on ivouch, I would be extremely grateful. Here’s a direct link if you have the time:
xxxxxxx
Thanks! And Congrats!!
I’d be happy to!
[LINK TO REVIEW ON IVOUCH]
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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