Hello.
I’m looking for help. My husband and I picked out my engagement ring almost 25 years ago. I still love it but when we bought it there was a “we’ll upgrade at some point” thought.
I’m looking for a center diamond of at least 2.0 carats. I have a wish list saved on James Allen that I could send you (cuz I’m not sure if I’ve identified good or overpriced diamonds). Looking at both cushion and princess (my current cut) cuts. My “budget” is $20-25k-ish.
Feel free to send me the diamonds you’re looking at, I’d be happy to give you my opinion on them (and/or find some nice alternatives). Just link to them here.
Here ya go!
Cushion cut:
The crazy expensive one but I’m MESMERIZED by the facets. It would certainly send my budget out the window which I’m not totally comfortable with.
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.01-carat-f-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-10419351?a_aid=dmnd1357
Princess cut:
I have a question on color! I’ve read all the excellent documents on your website but when I look at diamonds at magnification I can TOTALLY tell a difference between near colorless and colorless and always lean toward the higher grade but I really don’t want to WASTE $$$. My concern is this will be set in a lot of white gold with many other small diamonds surrounding it.
Thanks for the links!
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/2.00-carat-f-color-si1-clarity-sku-9758305?a_aid=dmnd1357
This diamond isn’t very well cut. The table % of 64 is too low, ideally, it’s better to keep it between 69-74. Also, there are inclusions in the corners – this is something you need to be very wary of when buying a princess cut diamond as it might increase the risk of chipping.
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/2.01-carat-h-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-11301145?a_aid=dmnd1357
This one is absolutely perfect.
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/2.03-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-sku-8294016?a_aid=dmnd1357
I’m not a huge fan of the “empty” center, the faceting is a little off.
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.01-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-10884972?a_aid=dmnd1357
This one is cut a bit too deep (70.9). It’s better to keep the depth % below 69 for optimal brilliance.
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.01-carat-f-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-10419351?a_aid=dmnd1357
The depth % is on the upper edge of what we recommend, but it should be fine. Beautiful diamond.
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.21-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-sku-10908939?a_aid=dmnd1357
I’m not a fan of the faceting in the center and the effect it makes.
I also found the following alternatives:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.04-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-5398756?a_aid=dmnd1357
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.03-carat-h-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-10436306?a_aid=dmnd1357
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.00-carat-f-color-vs1-clarity-sku-10956815?a_aid=dmnd1357
As for the pictures, try to zoom out, this way you’d get a better idea of how the diamonds would look in real life. I’m not sure if JA can provide other pictures, but you can ask their customer service.
As for the color, we don’t base the color choice on the pictures on the website as the videos are not really made for that (especially the lightning in the room where the video was recorded). We have no problem recommending H color even for WG/PT halo settings as the vast majority of people find it absolutely colorless. But if you are extremely color sensitive, maybe G+ would be a safer choice for you.
Thank you! Was not expecting a response on the weekend 🙂 I’d been thinking more on it and had started leaning back towards the princess cut. I’ve decided to go with the one you noted was perfect.
Thanks for your insight!
I’m glad you found my comments helpful. The 11301145 is an excellent choice and would look amazing in any setting you’d put it into.
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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
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- Provide insurance appraisal
- One free resizing within the first year of purchase
- High quality images of about half of their diamonds
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