Best Loose James Allen Diamond $2900-$3100

[ROR25]

Hello!
I don't know much about diamonds and I would appreciate your help tremendously! I have 4 questions: First, which of these two settings is better, and why?

A) http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/18k-white-gold-0.39ct-diamond-halo-pave-engagement-ring-item-18313
B) http://www.jamesallen.com/wedding-rings/classic/platinum-pave-set-engagement-ring-round-center-item-18459

Second, why is the platinum so much more expensive; is it worth the extra money, and if so, why?

Thirdly, in your opinion, which looks better: a shank with diamonds on it and with a halo (like those above) or a plain shank with a halo, like this:
http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/18k-white-gold-pave-halo-engagement-ring-round-center-item-17474
I guess, this question is more like a survey question.


Lastly, and most importantly. I do not know much about diamonds unfortunately and I do not feel comfortable making a purchase without relying on the opinion of other more knowledgeble individuals like you guys. For example, I don't know much about cut, sparkle, radiance, depth %'s, other %'s, angles, HCA, Idealscope--things that you guys seem to be quite knowledgeable about. Could you guys please help me out by comparing and taking into account all of these factors to find me the best loose diamonds from the James Allen website for a range of roughly $2,900 to $3,100 or so? You guys could give me your top choices if you'd like, not just one diamond. Thank you in advance for all the information and sorry for all of the questions, but as you can tell, I'm clueless!

 

[treasurehunter]

you should go to a jewellery store and look example of jewellery to see the difference between white gold and platinum and also some diamonds shapes so you have an idea of what your prefer.

 

[smilligan]

The price of platinum and gold is actually very similar on a per ounce basis. The difference is that platinum weighs more than gold, so a 2mm gold ring will contain less precious metal by weight than a 2mm platinum ring. Honestly, though, the difference isn't that much. I've heard people say that platinum is more difficult to work with for certain settings, but I've also heard the opposite. Do you know what stats you're looking for as far as color/clarity? And pave diamonds are a personal preference. My SO loves them and so do I, but some people find them to be too much.

 

[Niel]

First, i like the setting with the cathedral shank best. I know its popular, but I dont like the halos that just have the head "plunked" onto the shank. seems easy to snag or catch on things. Plus, having the shank go up to the halo is more secure. Plus, i just find it more visual pleasing. with that said , all of her inspiration pics have the head like the other one.

Next, unless you ask, i would not go plain shank. Now i LOVE a plain shank halo, but all her inspiration pics look the same, and so Id hate to disappoint her. If you ask and she likes a plain shank halo, AWESOME! But i wouldnt get that one... Id probably ask if they could do the setting mentioned above but sans side pave.

As for metal...Youll notice there are two camps here, a gold and a plat camp. Im a gold person, so Ill put that out there up front

But you are on a budget, and want to get a lot of setting for it, so to me, I would not spend my money on plat, unless she was allergic to white gold. Also, I would get the 14k gold. As it is whiter than 18k, because it has less actual (yellow) gold in it. Plus, it has the benefit of being cheaper.

And, i mean, assuming youre sticking with the setting with all the pave, how much actual metal will you be seeing?

Now to your diamond question. Why do you have a lower limit? Is there a reason? As I know you said you had a 5k budget and would be happy to spend less than the 5k limit.... And you can get the .7 ct you wanted for less than 2900

here are a few
I like this if its eye clean
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.71-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-253410
still like this one
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.73-carat-i-color-vvs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-254783

 

[SMC]

The second setting, the handmade one, looks way better to me. The ridge between the stone and the halo in the first setting really bothers me as it makes the setting look cheap (to me). I agree with Niel - go with 14kt WG to save on money and get a bigger stone.

This is also an option (check with JA to see if it's eye-clean):
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.70-carat-g-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-259181

You can ask JA for Idealscopes on up to 3 stones. They'll also have a gemologist review the stones and let you know if they're eye-clean and which is the best performer. Also ask them for the Pricescope price (it can be 1-5% cheaper depending on the stone).

 

[heididdl]

I will chime in on the settings. I do love platinum but being on a budget or at your budget 18K white gold is totally acceptable even `14 if you want to put more into the stone.

http://www.ritani.com/diamonds/round-diamond-0-67-Carat-G-color-GIA-certified/D-TQM12P

stone : quality over size .51 http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.57-carat-i-color-vvs1-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-247237



Here is my preference as far as halos go

http://www.ritani.com/engagement-rings/french-set-halo-diamond-band-engagement-ring-in-14kt-white-gold/10618

I am not sure I love either of James allen's halos but I certainly prefer the one that makes the center stone look as if it is part of the halo and not sitting on top to gather sweater lint and get stuck in your glove lining et al.

Regarding stones let other ps chime in there are beautiful RB out there look for ideal cut and compromise on color by going G/H even I if you have to and si1 as long as it is eye clean

Table 54-58
depth 60-62.3
crown angle 34-35
15.3%
corwn 14.2 percent 16.2
girld thin to medium
pavilion angle 40.6-41