Hi,
Like most of your readers, I’m in the process of purchasing an engagement ring. I’ve been researching for months and feel like I have a good handle on the 4Cs and the tradeoffs with each. Where I’m struggling is on the tradeoffs between cut, carat, and clarity.
I’ve looked at James Allen, but can’t get a great read on *how much* I should prioritize cut. There is a significant premium applied to the cut, which reduces my ability to increase clarity and carat.
Is it possible for you to advice me on the following diamonds?
I appreciate any advice you can provide, as I seem to have reached analysis paralysis.
As for the cut, the highest grade is Excellent/Ideal. If you see anything ‘higher” than that, it’s just a mark of that jeweler/company and it’s completely subjective. The only “better” cut I would recommend would be Brian Gavin’s signature cut. He is known as one of the worlds experts when it comes to perfectly cut diamonds.
Both these diamonds are wonderful options:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.17-carat-e-color-vvs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-5888625?a_aid=dmnd1357
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.23-carat-f-color-vvs2-clarity-true-hearts-cut-sku-8165558?a_aid=dmnd1357
Their cut is perfect.
You could also consider something like this:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.17-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-8959514?a_aid=dmnd1357
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.25-carat-g-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-8644416?a_aid=dmnd1357
They would look identical to your original selection and either of these two diamonds would be a much better value.
I did end up buying an engagement ring from James Allen. I went with this diamond: www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.25-carat-g-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-8644416?a_aid=dmnd1357
Many thanks!
You got yourself a gorgeous diamond!
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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