Q&A: “I know my shortcomings, and one of those is choosing jewelry.”

I just want to take a sentence to say how genuinely helpful and informative your site is – a truly excellent resource.

I know my shortcomings, and one of those is choosing jewelry. That said, I am still foolhardy enough to try choosing a diamond for an engagement ring on my own (for the surprise factor). However, I am planning to have it set in a temporary ring for the proposal then returning (if successful) to have my then fiancee chose her preferred setting.

So lacking that bit of knowledge, I can speak to the other parameters guiding my purchase.

Ultimate goal: Eye-clean & big looking (just like everyone)

Budget: $9k-$15k

Shape: squared cut – radiant, cushion but not princess (don’t like the corners) – or round (sorry for the lack of direction here, but I am torn)

Here are a some examples I have come across that may help:

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1518055.asp

http://www.brilliance.com/diamonds/1.95-carat-cushion-i-color-si1-clarity-ideal-cut-gia-certified-loose-diamond-D12398645

http://www.adiamor.com/Diamonds/I-SI1-Fair-Cut-Cushion-Diamond/D15751955

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1524587.asp

I am somewhat reluctant to buy online without first seeing/holding the stone – not that I have any idea what I’m viewing. Because of this, I have visited a local diamond broker. While no two diamonds are the same, and their inclusions, etc. are determining factors, I’m left with some suspicion as to the prices they provided:

Radiant 1.95cd, I, SI1 (GIA), depth 69.8%, table 62%, ratio 1.00 – $14,200

Radiant 1.89cd, H, VS2 (GIA), depth 69%, table 62%, ratio 1.00 – $15,831

Round 1.20cd, G, VS2, ‘excellent’ cut (GIA) – $10,555

Thanks for any guidance you can offer!

Great meeting you electronically, Mike. And thank you for getting back to me.

I realize that I’ve asked for a lot without giving much information, especially without photos of the diamonds. So I am extremely grateful for the advice that you offered. And I appreciate you confirming my suspicions with the local broker.

I was hoping I could get your opinion on one more diamond within the same parameters: https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS2-Very-Good-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1518463.asp

Thanks again for your help. Take care.

I can’t thank you enough for your time and expertise, Mike. This is a truly wonderful service, and I will tout it on all social channels (digital and otherwise).

Now I just hope that the 1.70 you recommended is available when I put it on hold, otherwise you may be hearing from me again 🙂

Take care.

Greetings again, Mike.

I had one final follow up question for you, if I may impose upon your kindness once more.

Between two of the diamonds you recommended (below), you mentioned loving the 1.70 H VS1 (which I currently have on hold). Comparing them again, would you still choose that one?

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1520817.asp

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1524524.asp

Thanks again.