Hi!
I really appreciate your site. It has been very helpful as I’ve narrowed in on what I’d like for my ring.
I have found a setting from James Allen: Platinum Graduated Pavé Swirl Engagement Ring
Although they say this setting is only for round, princess, or cushion, I prefer the look and value of a square radiant stone. The customer service representative I chatted with said they would need to know the exact stone before determining whether it can be used in that setting without an extra fee. So I’m starting to look for a good square radiant that fits my approximate budget.
I’d like to keep it around $2,000-$2,500 for the stone, though I have a bit of flexibility. For example, I’ve found this, and if it was amazing value, I would stretch the budget for it:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/radiant-cut/0.88-carat-g-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-9825258?a_aid=dmnd1357
…
I have found some more possibilities, and am wondering if you could give me your thoughts on these and the first one I wrote about.
Radiants don’t have their own official cut scale given by GIA. Some companies use their own internal grades, but we don’t put any stock in those. We just use our own guidelines and strict parameters to find the best stones possible. Therefore, I wouldn’t pay attention to the cut grades you see at all. For radiants, the depth shouldn’t ideally exceed 72%.
As for the color, I would recommend sticking with H+ color with none, faint or medium fluorescence (medium and strong fluorescence on D-G colored diamonds usually cause a hazy/milky look in daylight – www.diamonds.pro/education/fluorescence/).
Clarity-wise, we search for eye-clean SI2+ diamonds. Sometimes you can find a perfect SI diamond, sometimes the first eye-clean option is a VS stone (www.diamonds.pro/education/clarity/).
Ideally, it’s better to avoid extremely thick and extremely thin girdles (if possible). Other thickness is okay and won’t have a significant impact on brilliance. A girdle is an issue that has little to no impact on the visual appearance of a diamond.
Also, you don’t have to worry about the polish and symmetry. You most likely won’t be able to distinguish the difference between good and excellent (www.diamonds.pro/education/symmetry/ and www.diamonds.pro/education/polish/). You can read more info on this topic here: www.diamonds.pro/education/radiant-cut/.
Here are my comments about the diamonds you found:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/square-radiant-cut/0.88-carat-g-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-9825258?a_aid=dmnd1357 – Nice diamond.
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/radiant-cut/0.80-carat-f-color-vs1-clarity-sku-9160574?a_aid=dmnd1357– Also perfect.
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/radiant-cut/0.75-carat-d-color-vs1-clarity-sku-9160571?a_aid=dmnd1357 – Nice one.
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/radiant-cut/0.84-carat-e-color-vs1-clarity-sku-8688111?a_aid=dmnd1357 – I don’t see any red flags.
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/square-radiant-cut/0.82-carat-e-color-vs2-clarity-sku-9825259?a_aid=dmnd1357– Great stone.
All those diamonds are very nice, you won’t make a mistake if you purchase any of them.
I like this one the most: www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/square-radiant-cut/0.88-carat-g-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-9825258?a_aid=dmnd1357.
I also found this alternative: www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/square-radiant-cut/0.70-carat-d-color-vs1-clarity-sku-10871120?a_aid=dmnd1357.
I am talking with James Allen about the one you recommended. I’ll let you know once something is settled.
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Actually, I have a follow-up question. I just requested the certificate for the diamond you recommended, and took a look at its proportions. On your website, you have a table showing excellent/good/etc. proportions for a radiant diamond, (www.diamonds.pro/education/radiant-cut/ ) but the depth part skips from Excellent (61-67) to Very Good (70.1-74), and doesn’t say where 68-70 falls. The diamond I’m looking at has a depth of 68.7%. I’m guessing this is still Excellent or Very Good?
That table is just a general guideline, you don’t have to stick with it that much. But 68% depth is okay. If it’s lower than 72%, it alright. Radiants don’t have their own official cut scale given by GIA. Bear in mind these parameters don’t have to be that strict as some of them may balance and influence each other. There is no universal rule.
Okay, thank you!
I have just heard from James Allen that there will be a “custom setting” fee for putting a radiant diamond (even a square one) in the setting I like, so now I’m looking at some alternative diamonds, and I am wondering your thoughts. I’m trying to find the best square radiant option under $2,300.
These two caught my eye, but maybe have issues with the table and depth percentages:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/square-radiant-cut/0.72-carat-f-color-si1-clarity-sku-8871960?a_aid=dmnd1357
This one also doesn’t look like the other radiants to me. I’m not sure if the striking patterning is considered good or not?
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/radiant-cut/0.72-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-6952052?a_aid=dmnd1357– This one is deeply cut, it might negatively affect the light refraction.
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/square-radiant-cut/0.72-carat-f-color-si1-clarity-sku-8871960?a_aid=dmnd1357 – This one doesn’t look like a “normal” radiant cut diamond but the specs and cut parameters are good. If you prefer this type of radiant diamond, it should be alright.
Okay, thanks. Just two more I’m wondering about. Which of these is better?
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/square-radiant-cut/0.80-carat-g-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-10853961?a_aid=dmnd1357 – Perfect diamond, I don’t see any red flags.
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/square-radiant-cut/0.82-carat-e-color-vs2-clarity-sku-9825259?a_aid=dmnd1357 – I can’t check the cert since the diamond is no longer available. Did you put it on hold? Could you please send me the cert?
Hi! So, that second diamond disappeared on me too. I think someone else must have reserved it. James Allen got back to me, though, and we came to an agreement on the original diamond you had recommended (9825258). I’ve gone forward with the purchase.
Thank you so much for your help!
That’s wonderful news! I hope the diamond will meet (or exceed) your expectations.
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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