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Thank you, first of all, for the excellent information you’ve provided. It has been of immeasurable help so far. I am starting my research early, as I don’t plan to propose for several months, but want to set my budget and know what I’m looking for. I have a general idea, so I hope you can help steer me in the right direction. I will do my best to relay what I think we want:
Setting – Solitaire (maybe with accents) like one of the following
Blue Nile Petite Cathedral Solitaire Engagement Ring
Blue Nile Petite Trellis Solitaire Engagement Ring
www.brilliantearth.com/Petite-Tapered-Trellis-Ring-White-Gold-BE142-474/?show_setting_tab=true
Shape – Round (though princess and cushion could be considered in exceptional circumstances)
Carat – 0.75 or higher
Color – G-I (Accents are G-H in the JA ring)
Cut – Excellent/Ideal
Clarity – Here is where I seem to go astray from your articles. When I have done the James Allen virtual loupe, I almost immediately notice imperfections in anything lower than VS1. I know they will not necessarily be visible to the eye, but I am wary without being able to see it in person.
Fluorescence – None preferred
With a setting, I am looking to spend roughly $5,000. Considering the settings, that leaves me a budget of between $3,800-$4,300.
I had looked at something like this:
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.82-carat-i-color-vvs2-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-126910?a_aid=dmnd1357
I understand your concerns, and that is a very nice diamond. However, there is no way you’d tell the difference between these two diamonds side by side:
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.80-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-129021?a_aid=dmnd1357
I think this is a far better value.
That is a nice stone. I noticed what looked like some scuffing on the top. Is that just a function of the computer? Also, if I am willing to spend more (say 4000), what would be the best thing to spend it on (size, cut, or clarity)? Thanks for your help!
If I would go up, I would spend it on cut. Here is a diamond I’d recommend:
www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.801-i-vs2-round-diamond-ags-104055908013&a_aid=y&chan=x
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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