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Hi, I wrote a while back and I’ve narrowed it down since then. I’d like to get a small oval diamond ring, and would like your feedback.
First, diamond size. My girlfriend has small fingers – her ring size is 3.75 – so I’m happy to get a small diamond – I was thinking .6 carats or so.
Second, shape. She indicated that she’d be happy with either oval or round. Oval seemed interesting and unique, and after looking into them, it appears to be less expensive as well.
Third, quality. It sounds like (if I’ve read your site correctly) the oval cut requires a better color and fluorescence grade than the round cut. Hopefully I’ve interpreted that correctly.
Finally, budget. I originally had a loose budget of $5,000, but after looking around, it appears that I can get significantly under that. Any money I don’t spend on a ring, of course, is money I can put away for other things we can share. I guess this is my way of saying that I want the best value.
So, I’ve been looking at this diamond: https://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/0.67-carat-D-color-VVS1-clarity-sku-156436?a_aid=dmnd1357
What do you think?
It seems like you have this diamond buying process down pat. I love the diamond you selected.
Let me know how it looks when it arrives.
So, I was reviewing that diamond again and noticed that its polish and symmetry are only “good.”
Is this a problem?
Here’s a diamond that has better polish and symmetry, but lower clarity and color grades:
https://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.02-carat-G-color-VS1-clarity-sku-163047?a_aid=dmnd1357
(Obviously larger and more expensive; just wondering how important polish and symmetry is.)
…….
Sorry for a bunch of emails.
These are probably better diamonds for comparison:
https://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/0.66-carat-E-color-VVS1-clarity-sku-164148?a_aid=dmnd1357
https://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/0.67-carat-D-color-VVS1-clarity-sku-156436?a_aid=dmnd1357
https://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/0.73-carat-D-color-IF-clarity-sku-107513?a_aid=dmnd1357
The last one is significantly more expensive. I assume I’m just paying for the color and clarity grades.
I’m really sorry for the delay in responding. I decided to make an impromptu visit back to NYC. Do you still want some help?
I ordered both smaller diamonds; we’ll see what they look like in person. If you think one would be a significantly better buy than the other, however, I’d be interested in hearing it.
I think they are both good choices. Let’s see how they look in person.
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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