Q&A: Need 2nd Opinion on 1.2+Ct. Round Cuts

I was hoping to get your opinion on these three candidates, for a solitaire 6-prong 18k white gold engagement ring

1.28 VS2 with large crystals on the edge – can those be hidden behind a prong? https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.28-carat-j-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-54952?a_aid=dmnd1357

1.40 SI1 with various wisps and needles

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.40-carat-j-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-149838?a_aid=dmnd1357

1.51 VS2 with “only” a Very Good cut – Would you give up a cut grade for 0.1 carats?

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.51-carat-j-color-vs2-clarity-very-good-cut-sku-147170?a_aid=dmnd1357

Thanks a bunch, look forward to hearing from you.

Thanks for your thoughts.

Sorry about the missing prices, I didn’t realize the price would be hidden when I put it on hold.

1.28 VS2 with large crystals on the edge – $7,440
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.28-carat-j-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-54952?a_aid=dmnd1357

1.40 SI1 with various wisps and needles – $8,030
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.40-carat-j-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-149838?a_aid=dmnd1357

Also, I realized that with the ring (the classic platinum 6-prong “handmade” solitaire), I would be a little overbudget with either of those. I was looking very strongly at a cheaper option – please tell me what you think:

1.27 SI2 with clouding on/near the table – $6,400
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.27-carat-j-color-si2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-169746?a_aid=dmnd1357

Do you think the clouding and other inclusions would be visible or reduce the beauty of the stone? The black crystal at the edge could be pronged?

Thanks for all your help!

Thanks for your help again! Unfortunately, I made a mistake and didn’t have the 1.40 SI1 on hold and it has been sold. Looks like my top finalist is the 1.28 VS2 right now.

I’m still trying to find a better deal – I feel like the 1.28 VS2 – $7,440 (large edge crystals) is good but not great in terms of value – almost “too clean” in terms of inclusions since your website convinced me that many often can’t be seen anyway! Would you bear with me for a few more diamonds? =)

Tell me if you think the 1.28 VS2 – $7,440 is great and I should stop obsessing over shiny rotating diamond photos =)

1.27 VS2 – Speckled side scratch – $6,620
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.27-carat-j-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-77791?a_aid=dmnd1357

1.32 SI2 – Faint crystals on table – $6,820 https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.32-carat-j-color-si2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-185042?a_aid=dmnd1357

1.40 VS2 – Internal cloud visible from right, faint fluorescence- $7,540

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.40-carat-j-color-vs2-clarity-sku-180253?a_aid=dmnd1357

Thank you so very much!