Hello!
I think I need some help. I’ve settled on James Allen as they have the 18K Yellow Gold Marquise Shape Three Stone Ring that my soon to be fiance loves. After reading all your diamond guides, I know I want a round diamond with a very high quality cut. I know color will need to be G-E as the side stones will be G or F according to the website. And my carat range is no lower than 0.70 though I’d like it to be as large as possible. My budget for the diamond by itself is no more than $3,000 (less than I’d like, but all I can afford unfortunately).
Do you know of any suitable diamonds on James Allen?
I’d recommend an H-color center stone. There’s no need to go higher than that (unless it’s a really good deal) as the side stones are too small to make a color difference. And, as you said, the yellow gold also plays a role.
Now, you can definitely get a beautiful diamond for your budget. I found this one that I thought would be a great option for you:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.80-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-7633861?a_aid=dmnd1357
It’s nicely cut and the inclusion on the 1 o’clock can be hidden under a prong. It would make a beautiful ring.
It looks beautiful! I can barely even see the inclusion and that’s with magnification. I’ve never gone down that low on clarity because I didn’t think I’d fine one so clear, but you did quickly! I plan to buy the ring later this month, and have saved this one for future reference. Would this be the one you recommend the most?
I’m glad you like it so much!
As long as there are no visible inclusions and no red flags in the certificate (which there aren’t, I checked), almost any clarity grade is ok. That diamond is a fantastic example of that. But if you are planning on buying later this month, there’s a high chance it’ll be gone so feel free to ask for more recommendations by the time you’re ready to pull the trigger.
The time has come, I am ready to buy the diamond/ring. Could you let me know if there is anything new on the site that you’d recommend?
I double-checked and my original 0.80ct suggestion is still the best option I can recommend for ~3k:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.80-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-7633861?a_aid=dmnd1357
And luckily, it’s still available.
Thanks for the update! Out of curiosity, can you look at this diamond as well?
It’s www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.80-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-7121216?a_aid=dmnd1357
It’s the same color and size but a slightly higher clarity and I don’t see any blemishes (with my highly untrained eye lol). Is there any reason why you wouldn’t recommend this one? Price is about the same either way.
I looked at it and I wouldn’t recommend that diamond. It has strong fluorescence and would most likely end up looking dull and hazy.
Oh wow okay then, glad I asked! Thank you!
…
I hate to be a nuisance, but the diamond you recommended is not available as of today. I was going to purchase this weekend. A bit frustrating but early bird gets the worm and all that…
Do you happen to have a backup recommendation? I’d greatly appreciate it!
No worries. I always have a back up.
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.80-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-7803650?a_aid=dmnd1357
It has a beautiful cut and none of the inclusions would be noticeable in person.
As long as you’re sure they wouldn’t be noticeable lol. It’s very nice. I’m glad I asked you guys for advice because “fluorescence” wasn’t even a factor I was aware of. If this is you’re too choice as of this point, I’ll go with it!
Just zoom out a bit, this way you’ll get a better idea of how it’ll look in person. You can see that the inclusions just disappear.
Thank you for the nice words. I’m glad I could help you navigate the treacherous diamond waters and find the perfect stone.
Yep, I zoomed out to about 10x and they were already almost invisible. I think I’ll go with this! Thank you so much for the help.
It was my pleasure helping you.
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
Still afraid of getting ripped off?
Before you buy a diamond, get personal buying advice from industry veterans. We'll help you get the best diamond for the money.
Ask your diamond purchase question here
DISCLAIMER: We don't use your email for marketing. Period.