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Hello, I’ve been reading your blog and trust your judgement on diamonds. I’m interested in purchasing a diamond from James Allen I just needed a little help on which diamond to get. I’ve already decided on the setting which will be this one: https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/18k-white-gold-pave-set-4-prong-diamond-engagement-ring.html
I’m in search of a nice yet afforadable round diamond for the center (preferably 1ct or very close). My budget is about $4800.
I requested info on the following three diamonds last night but after reading your blog I’m not sure any of them are the right choice. Here are the item#’s (524725, 1512287 and 1526793). Your help would be greatly appreciated!
Those diamonds are the wrong way to go. They are all cut far too deeply. Not only will they lack brilliance, but they will look small. Check out our post on diamond size; the diamond I recommend below has the same diameter (the noticeable size of a round diamond) and it will be far more brilliant because it is cut better.
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1528788.asp
What do you think?
Hello Mike, thank you for your assistance.
I had a feeling they were after reading more on the subject. That looks like a great diamond. I also found another last night within my budget (trying to stay under $4850 for the diamond) but it is J in color and VS2 excellent cut in a 1.01 carat. I am a little weary about going so low in color but I’m also looking at size since she does not have tiny fingers. Would the difference from a .91 to a 1.01 be a huge difference? I’ve included a link to it below. I also placed it on hold last night just in case.
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-VS2-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1532403.asp
Thanks again for your help!
I would not recommend that diamond. I do not like the 60% table. And I think the drop in color will be more noticeable than the size gain.
I trust your judgement on the .91 diamond you chose. I may be asking for too much here but would it be possible to recommend a cushion cut in a similar price/carat range. I know these can be harder to choose due to the “bow tie” (I believe that is what it’s called). I was leaning more towards the round but I also like the vintage cushion look. Thanks again for all your help, Mike.
…….
Disregard the last email. I’m going with the .91 round you chose. Thanks again for your help I really appreciate it.
Sounds good. Glad I can help :).
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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