Q&A: Looking for 1+Ct. Asscher Cut Diamond for Sidestone Setting

I really appreciate the site. The engagement ring process is pretty daunting and your articles really helped.

The situation: My girlfriend and I have been going out long enough (almost 6 years) that we talk openly about getting engaged, which is great because I have gotten more than “hints” when it comes to what kind of ring she wants:

http://www.jewelryexpert.com/catalog/Asscher-Platinum-Geometry-Ring-er.htm

She really likes the look of this antique ring she found online. I like it too, but I would probably get in in white gold and with a diamond in the 1-1.3 carat range.

My budget for the whole thing is under 10,000.

1. In terms of looking for Asscher cuts, on James Allen, is there a difference between the ones they list as “square” and “Asscher”?

2. When I look at the diamond pictures, what am I looking for? The inclusions are obvious to me only when they are black. Some of the pictures make the face not look symmetric, but I don’t know if that is just the way they were taken.

For instance, in the picture in the link, the right side of the center has a white appearance. Is that an inclusion, or did the light just not hit it right when they took the picture?

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-VVS1-Ideal-Cut-Asscher-Diamond-1268080.asp

Overall, I guess I’m looking for anything above VS quality and between H-F color, with an emphasis placed on ideal cut.

One last thing: for the setting, I don’t really like the options on James Allen or Blue Nile for the tempered baguettes. What are your recommendations in terms of getting the center stone and then using a local jeweler to make the setting?

I would appreciate your advice.

Thanks so much for getting back to me. Needless to say, this is something on the top of my to do list. The first diamond, the 1.21 carat one, looks gorgeous and is a much better value.

I’ll email J separately about the setting. Thanks so much for your help and if I have any more questions I’ll let you know.

One more question: is there any appreciable difference in the benefits (e.g. refunds, warranty) that you find especially important between BlueNile and JamesAllen, or are they pretty much equivalent?

I have been talking to the people you recommended at JamesAllen and they have really helped me. I can’t thank you enough. Really. As soon as I get the ring and propose to my girlfriend, I am gonna hype you guys on every forum I know. I might even use smoke signals.

I proposed to my girlfriend on Friday and she said yes. She, my parent, and her parents were all delighted with the ring and very impressed that I was able to come up with such a nice stone.

I cannot thank you enough for the help you provided. Honestly, the fact that you guys help people like me for no charge is heartwarming. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Attached is a picture of the final product, thank you so much.