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I am just now starting to look at diamonds for an engagement ring. My budget is about $10k.
I’m looking for an oval shape with at least H color, SI2 or better clarity, and at least 1.7 carats. I’ve seen some decent options or James Allen but wanted to get your input.
Here’s a couple diamonds I’m considering too:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.70-carat-d-color-si2-clarity-sku-8198573?a_aid=dmnd1357
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.80-carat-e-color-si2-clarity-sku-9143126?a_aid=dmnd1357
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.70-carat-d-color-si2-clarity-sku-8198573?a_aid=dmnd1357 – This diamond is okay.
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.80-carat-e-color-si2-clarity-sku-9143126?a_aid=dmnd1357 – Since that stone is not lab-created, I would recommend sticking with GIA/AGS certified diamonds. We don’t recommend IGI certified stones. They are looser in grading than GIA or AGS (https://www.diamonds.pro/education/igi/). GIA and AGS are the most consistent and reliable labs.
I found this option with nice measurements (even though the carat weight is smaller, the measurements are bigger):
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.60-carat-h-color-si2-clarity-sku-8456414?a_aid=dmnd1357
Let me know your thoughts.
I like the one you suggested. Because of the measurements I guess it looks bigger than its carat weight. Also appears to be eye clean and the price is right within my range.
…
How about this one:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.60-carat-h-color-si2-clarity-sku-8547432?a_aid=dmnd1357
The measurements look pretty big for a 1.6 carat.
That stone is nicely cut. But the cavity on the table might be an issue as dirt could settle there and then it could look dark. We usually try to avoid diamonds with knots, cavities and etch channels as much as possible.
And how about this one?
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.72-carat-h-color-si2-clarity-sku-9193759?a_aid=dmnd1357
That stone has again some knots and cavities. I wouldn’t recommend it.
Thanks. I’ve sent you a bunch of stones but it seems like this one has been the best:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.60-carat-h-color-si2-clarity-sku-8456414?a_aid=dmnd1357
It’s still available. If you see anything else close to it that looks bigger or better then let me know. I’m getting close to a decision now so I want to make sure I make the right one.
I found this diamond that has just a bit smaller measurements: www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.54-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-sku-8909367?a_aid=dmnd1357.
But I couldn’t find a bigger one at this moment.
That one is really pretty and clean but I would still lean toward the 1.60 carat stone since it’s a little bigger and about the same price.
That’s up to you. But I don’t think the size difference would be visible to the naked eye.
Also, this one:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.51-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-sku-9085000?a_aid=dmnd1357
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.51-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-sku-9085000?a_aid=dmnd1357 – Nice stone. It has just a little bit of a bowtie but I don’t think it would be visible to the naked eye.
How about these?
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.50-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-sku-8690833?a_aid=dmnd1357
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.51-carat-h-color-si2-clarity-sku-8910541?a_aid=dmnd1357
I went ahead and put this one on hold:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.60-carat-h-color-si2-clarity-sku-8456414?a_aid=dmnd1357
I’ve learned a lot through this process and I appreciate your help.
That’s great news!
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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