Thank you for putting together this site, it is very informative and helpful. I have read through the materials and am looking forward to purchasing an engagement ring. So far I have narrowed the cut to round brilliant, and carat weight to between 1.7-1.9. The questions I have are:
1) My partner has indicated a preference for a pave setting (on Blue Nile) in platinum. What color should I be looking at to maximize value? I’m under the assumption an H color is the highest but want to know if I could go to I or J.
2) She has a size 4 ring. My concern is a very large stone look the same as a smaller one (e.g. a 1.9 is no different perceptually than a 1.7), which means there’s no point in getting a large carat while sacrificing clarity. Given her finger size, will a 1.7 look the same as a 1.9?
3) I am looking at GIA very good cuts since these seem to be the best value for brilliance and fire. Am I off base here?
4) I am concerned a lot about clarity. I can definitely see the inclusions in an SI1 or SI2, and even VS1. However, as I am looking at these under 20x magnification, are SI1 or SI2 eye clean if on a large stone, with very good cut?
1) I color is our usual recommendation for pave settings. You don’t need to go higher than that, I will look absolutely colorless.
2) Unfortunately, I’m unable to answer this question. The “right” size is entirely personal and what some people would consider too big, others would find too small. There is no rule.
3) The “Very good” cut is not enough. For a round brilliant I wouldn’t settle for anything less than an EX (Ideal) cut as the cut is what makes the diamond brilliant and beautiful (and I don’t just search for excellent cuts, I further limit the search parameters). Keep in mind that about 95% of all GIA diamonds get an excellent (~85%) or very good cut rating, so a VG cut can be very poor.
4) Again, there is no rule. It always depends on each diamond and its inclusions. You can find an eye-clean SI stone and a VVS that isn’t.
I’m happy to make some specific recommendations for you, may I ask what your budget is for the center stone?
I’m looking at ~£10,000.
I found these diamonds that I like for you:
Blue Nile LD12637803
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.70-carat-i-color-vvs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-7353089?a_aid=dmnd1357
They were the first eye-clean options I found in the 1.7ct range. They are gorgeously cut and will look amazing in a pave setting.
Thank you for your help. I just purchased the Blue Nile diamond you recommended.
That’s fantastic news!
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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