Hello,
Below is as much information that I can think of that is relevant:
Oval-cut, solitaire, white gold band, budget of $4,000.
A few questions that I have are…
1. I have read that 14k gold is pretty standard for engagement rings, so is this also true for white gold?
2. I have read your articles about Blue Nile and James Allen, yet I am still a little cautious with making such a large purchase online. Are the refund policies 100% in covering any possible dissatisfaction?
3. As far as the prongs on the setting go, do they actually break and fall off often if the piece is worn daily? If so, is it reasonable to go for a 6 prong to protect the center stone from falling if a prong breaks? Are there any other differences between a 4 and 6 prong setting?
Sorry this is a lot of random information and questions, I appreciate any help!
1) For metal, we always recommend 14k gold. It’s cheaper and more durable than 18k.
2) We’ve secret shopped both aforementioned companies many times. There was no issue whatsoever with the purchase or return, everything went smoothly.
3) The chances of the prongs breaking are very low. In fact, I’ve been doing this job for more than five years now and I remember only one case of this happening (one case where the reader specifically told me that one of the prongs broke). Of course, 6-prong setting would add additional security if you wish to do so, but it might also block the incoming light. The more metal there is around the diamond (more prongs, basket to further secure the stone, etc.), the less light comes through to the diamond and it sparkles a bit less. But it’s up to you, the difference is negligible.
Would you like me to suggest some beautiful diamond options?
Thank you very much for the information. I am not quite ready to buy yet, but I will continue to research.
Feel free to get back in touch if there’s anything else I can help with.
I found these two diamonds that I liked. Do you mind looking letting me know what you think?
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/0.93-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-sku-9193753?a_aid=dmnd1357
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/0.92-carat-g-color-si1-clarity-sku-7061225?a_aid=dmnd1357
Unfortunately, neither of those diamonds would be a good option, they have very strong bow-ties. Also, the I color might be an issue in a white gold setting, it might have a yellow hue. I would stick with an H+ to ensure the colorless impression.
I am actually considering lab created diamonds now so that I can get a higher quality stone.
This will be the ring:
14K White Gold Petite Pavé Engagement Ring (Flush Fit)
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/0.93-carat-e-color-vs1-clarity-sku-8081281?a_aid=dmnd1357
I read that y’all at the Diamond Pro don’t typically recommend IGI diamonds?
It’s true that IGI is not the best lab for mined diamonds, but it’s not an issue for lab-created: www.diamonds.pro/education/lab-created-diamond-certification-igi/
The setting you’ve settled on is beautiful, I love it. Unfortunately, the oval diamond you sent me is not such a great choice. I don’t think it’s eye-clean and I’m not a huge fan of its overall look – the center looks kind of “dead” (we call it a fish eye effect).
I found this one that looked absolutely beautiful:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/0.91-carat-e-color-vs1-clarity-sku-8485481?a_aid=dmnd1357
I do really like that one! I will continue to look at that!
…
I have been willing to spend more on the stone, so I have tried looking at diamonds that are in the price range of $2k-$2.5k. Here is one that I have noticed. If it isn’t good, could you look at some of similar quality in this price range?
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.12-carat-d-color-si1-clarity-sku-9354936?a_aid=dmnd1357
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.12-carat-d-color-si1-clarity-sku-9354936?a_aid=dmnd1357
This diamond is unfortunately not eye-clean.
I found this one that looks great (but it might be stretching your budget):
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.12-carat-e-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-9354900?a_aid=dmnd1357
That one diamond that you suggested is no longer available. (Must have been a very good pick!!) Here is one that I am looking at, could you give it a try?
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/0.96-carat-d-color-vs2-clarity-sku-8444560?a_aid=dmnd1357
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/0.96-carat-d-color-vs2-clarity-sku-8444560?a_aid=dmnd1357 – This one has a visible bowtie.
I found these alternatives with similar measurements:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/0.90-carat-e-color-vs2-clarity-sku-8373494?a_aid=dmnd1357
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/0.92-carat-e-color-vs2-clarity-sku-8862063?a_aid=dmnd1357
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/0.94-carat-e-color-vs2-clarity-sku-8485001?a_aid=dmnd1357
I think I’m going to go with the second one. Thank you for all of your help over the last several weeks!
Great! I’m glad I could help you.
Let me know how it goes and how the diamond looks when you receive it!
I received the diamond a couple days ago and love it!
That’s fantastic news! I’m glad you are happy with the ring, thank you so much for the feedback.
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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