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First of all, thanks for all your work in building this site. I have spent considerable time getting educated on diamonds and engagement rings, and your site is the best resource I have come across (by a long shot)!
Just to give you some background, I am looking to purchase an engagement ring in the next 2 – 4 weeks. My budget for the diamond is $5k – $6.5k. I am looking for a round cut, at least 1.0ct, H-J color (per your advice), and Excellent cut quality. The setting will be either white gold or platinum solitaire (still working on finding the specific setting).
I am leaning towards James Allen, but I am having trouble getting comfortable with clarity. JA shows magnified pictures, so it is tough to get a sense of what is naked eye-clean. I am flexible with VS1 – SI1 as long as inclusions are not easily visible.
If you have a chance, it would be great to get some recommendations from you based on JA’s current inventory.
Appreciate your help!
I actually love this diamond for you:
It’s a great size and excellent value. Its 100% and fantastically cut. What do you think? A cheaper alternative is this one:
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.00-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-sku-207017?a_aid=dmnd1357
The inclusion is right on the edge and can be covered by the prong.
What do you think?
I like your first link. I actually had this on my “wish list” on James Allen:
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.20-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-178969?a_aid=dmnd1357
It is a little more expensive that your suggestion, but I may be willing to spend that much.
In your opinion, which of the two (my pick or your pick) would be the better choice? My pick has a small scuff near the center, whereas yours is more to the side. Tough to tell based on the pictures online. Let me know what you think, thanks!
I think they are very similar diamonds and are indistinguishable. I would not spend so much more money on that 1.20ct. If you read our post on size, you will see that the difference in noticeable size is less than 1%. I would stick with the 1.15.
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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