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First of all, I love your site. I think I’d be way behind the 8-ball if I didn’t find it, but I still feel overwhelmed with options and I want to pick the best possible diamond for my soon-to-be-fiance! Any help you could offer would be MUCH appreciated as I take this step.
Anyway, I have decided on the setting from James Allen (Platinum Double Claw Prong Pave Set) simple yet elegant:
https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/ring/item_412-4114.asp
As for the diamond, I was looking at round shape, H-I color, Vs2-Si1 clarity, True Hearts or Ideal cut, and 0.9-1.05 carats. And my budget is $4000 to $5500. My girlfriend has mentioned a few times that the diamond size isn’t as important to her as the SPARKLE! So I figure you are the best person to ask. These are the four that caught my eye…maybe I am on the right track or maybe I am way off?
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1316514.asp
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1315248.asp
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1351098.asp
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1315233.asp
The last one I think is my favorite, but I do notice a faint inclusion in the middle, and some odd criss-cross lines on the left side (approx. at 10-o’clock). I am not sure if those lines are a reflection of some sort or an inclusion. I also notice the depth/table are more than 2% from 60, and the girdle is ”thin to slightly thick” despite the H&A designation. Furthermore I don’t know if I just like the H&A best because the TrueHearts marketing is affecting me psychologically! Nonetheless that diamond popped out to me the most on the screen. I am hoping you can tell me if it will look great in person, or if another diamond is a better buy. Thanks SO SO much in advance!!
Thanks for writing and thanks for the very kind words about the site!
I think the setting is fantastic. Don’t forget to apply the TADJ10 coupon code. It’ll give you 10% off the setting.
I really like the TH diamond as well (the last one in your list). You shouldn’t worry at all about the table/depth being 2% away from 60. That’s totally fine and in this case even desirable. And there’s most definitely nothing wrong with a thin to slightly thick girdle.
I do think there’s a visual difference with TH. It’s certainly not going to slap you across the face or anything, but if they were together, you would see a slight improvement in brilliance.
Otherwise, I like this stone 2nd best:
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1351098.asp – it’s an SI1, but also totally eye clean. Great cut and slightly higher color.
Best of luck! ANd please let me know if you have any more questions. ANd also please stay in touch and let me know what you think when it arrives!
Thank you very much for the incredibly quick response and affirmation, as well as the other diamond recommendation. Sometimes it is just good to have a second opinion which immensely increases my confidence in the purchase. I think I am leaning toward the TrueHearts (last one from my original email), since you said that it will have a noticeable increase in brilliance, even if it is just a slight increase. I just wanted to verify something about those criss-cross lines at 10 o’clock on the diamond. If they are indeed an inclusion (not a reflection of some sort) and if they will be visible to the naked eye or if they can be obscured by the prong. Otherwise you answered all my questions and cured all my qualms.
I am in the process of trying to place that diamond on hold so it doesn’t get scooped up by someone else. I also won’t forget the TADJ10 code. Does that also work if I place the order through the phone? (I was thinking over doing a phone order so I could split the payment between two credit cards, but if not I can also do it online).
I will certainly be letting you know how it looks when it arrives! Thanks again.
You can definitely order by phone. Don’t worry about that at all – but I definitely do appreciate your concern.
I do believe that the TH stone will be completely clean to the naked eye. Those are inclusions you’re seeing, but I just feel that they will be too small and fine to be seen. Keep in mind that this diamond is only 6.4mm in diameter! Even when the image is not under the vitual loupe, it’s still very magnified.
I’m sorry I forgot to address that question in my response!
I look forward to hearing your eye witness report!
A: A few weeks later…..update!
I received the ring a little over a week ago and proposed yesterday…..she loves it! I made sure to pop the question in a location with lots of good, natural light to get the full “wow factor” from the sparkle of the diamond. I am very glad I went with the H&A as it truly is brilliant. She couldn’t stop staring at it on her finger, and we both enjoyed looking through the hearts scope that was included with the ring.
I am attaching a picture of it on her hand. (Not the best quality pic but you get the idea!) Thanks again for your help and insight in making this purchase! It couldn’t have gone any smoother.
Wow. The ring looks great. I’m so happy you two love the ring! May you two be blessed with a long life together filled with health, happiness, and love!
Also, if it’s not too much trouble, do you think you could do me a small favor? I would very much appreciate it if you could leave me a review on ivouch. Here’s a direct link if you have the time:
xxxxxx
Thanks again for this email! I love getting emails like these!
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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