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I loved the video on EGL vs GIA. I learned a lot more there than from hours of research and talking with friends who have already purchased engagement rings.
My time is approaching and I have thought about going to a diamond dealer in either SF or Chicago where friends have bought diamonds with settings for cheap. Thought I would check with you first.
Im looking for a round brilliance cut diamond that is .96 – 1.3 depending on the price.
CERT : I definitely want to go with GIA cert and am looking for the following features or better.
CARAT : .99 – 1.5 (or larger) ROUND BRILLIANCE
COLOR : I / H ( I have heard that it is really hard to tell the different between I and H or G)
CUT : Very Good ( I have heard that cut is more important that color , should I go with IDEAL or stick with Very Good? I heard the table should be less than 60%.)
CLARITY : VS1
I have a budget right now of about 6,500 – 8000 including the setting. Hoping to set this in some kind of halo setting for about 1500 – 2000.
That leaves me about a $6500 cap for the stone.
Can you help me? Can you steer me in the right direction.
I think you should focus on an eye-clean excellent cut H SI1.
Thanks Mike!
Let me know if you find any deals. I like the focus. Eye clean is great with me, as long as there aren’t any black imperfections. Not planning to divorce this girl (no one is) so i don’t think I will need to re-sell later.
I would recommend these two for you:
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1493603.asp
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1536941.asp
I really like the first one and think it’s a great value. What do you think?
Sorry I didnt get back to you earlier. Thanks for finding those rounds. The holidays came around and i have switched my plan. Im actually thinking that I’m going to go with a cushion cut. I’ve done some research but thought you would be a great person to check in with. I want to get a 1.0 – 1.2 carat weight to pair with a Harry winston style custom cushion halo from victor canera or leon mege which will run me around 4000 bucks for the setting alone. I’m willing change the cost of the diamond for a more personal touch.
Can you help me find a cushion? I’m now looking for a cushion brilliant vs cushion modified( crushed ice) brilliant. It could be a modified if it doesn’t have the crushed ice appearance.
mid 60s depth ?
mid 50s table ?
I color
1.0 – 1.2 carat
High quality cut
Inclusions that are hidden to eye are no problem (think i learned that from you)
I found this on James Allen , it’s so hard to look at cushions online.
That’s a real winner. The cut is fantastic on that one.
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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