Engagement Ring Diamond Advice

[Jwp87]

Have been researching and shopping around for a few months for an engagement ring for my girlfriend and have narrowed my diamond choices down to a couple, wanted to get some feedback before I pull the trigger. Looking at two different diamonds on BN, specs are below. Just for some background, I am looking at round shape and it will be in a 14k white gold solitaire setting (so I know the color will be masked slightly by the absence of other diamonds in the setting). Both of the below are priced within $100 of each other so right in the same ballpark. Thanks for any thoughts or feedback!

.8 Carat, Very Good Cut, I Color, VVS2 Clarity
.9 Carat, Very Good Cut, J Color, VS1 Clarity

 

[sledge]

Hi @Jwp87 and welcome aboard.

First off, it's very hard to really make a determination based on the limited information you shared with us. Ideally, you will share a web link and we can analyze the angles and percentages, certifications, images and videos to make a solid determination.

Prior to sharing a web link, I would encourage you to call BN and ask them to place a temporary hold on both items while you finalize your decision. This prevents someone else from swooping in and buying your potential stone.

Next, I'd encourage you to share your budget (total for ring & stone), and what is important to you (cut, color, size, clarity, etc). With that information we can either confirm you've already picked a splendid stone, or make a better recommendation.

 

[farrahlyn]

Cut really is the most important of the 4 C's. You want a nice, bright sparkly diamond so don't settle for a Very Good cut. Go with Excellent or Ideal. Secondly, don't be afraid of even SI1 clarity. If it's eye clean then no need to pay for VVS clarity. I or J color is probably totally fine with a well cut stone of the size you are looking at. If you share your budget, we can offer suggestions! I'm guessing youre looking at the $2500 range so i'll throw a few out that would be worth looking into:

https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...AMONDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&action=newTab

https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-de...AMONDS&track=viewDiamondDetails&action=newTab

https://www.fourmine.com/diamonds/index/diamonddetail/id/WUSE-0748

https://www.fourmine.com/diamonds/index/diamonddetail/id/618302589 terrible picture but shows promise

https://www.fourmine.com/diamonds/index/diamonddetail/id/070W739667

https://www.adiamor.com/Diamonds/0.93-ct-J-SI1-Affinity-Cut-Round-Diamond/D41531446

https://www.adiamor.com/Diamonds/0.83-ct-J-VS2-Affinity-Cut-Round-Diamond/D41520755

https://www.adiamor.com/Diamonds/0.80-ct-F-SI1-Affinity-Cut-Round-Diamond/D40647766 i'd be very interested in seeing a video of this one and it would need to be confirmed that the fluorescence is not causing any issues but it looks like it could be eye clean and potentially a nice stone especially for the price.

 

[Jwp87]

Thanks for the info. You were right on with my budget, just for the diamond I am looking around $2,500-$2,750. I have looked into the SI1 clarity level, but with Blue Nile it's tough to tell if the stone is eye clean when looking at the magnification level they use (obviously that is the downside to buying online). All other things equal (dimensions, table, depth, fluorescence) am I basically at a point where it is just personal preference? A smaller stone with a better color grade vs. a larger stone with a slightly worse color grade. Obviously when a diamond is shown in the proper setting (against a white paper or side by side with another diamond) to grade the color it is very evident, but when just the diamond is in the setting is any "normal" person going to be able to pick out an I color vs a J color?

I didn't know BN would do a hold, I'll reach out and ask (I was leery about posting links so they don't get snatched up before I make a decision).

 

[farrahlyn]

Thanks for the info. You were right on with my budget, just for the diamond I am looking around $2,500-$2,750. I have looked into the SI1 clarity level, but with Blue Nile it's tough to tell if the stone is eye clean when looking at the magnification level they use (obviously that is the downside to buying online). All other things equal (dimensions, table, depth, fluorescence) am I basically at a point where it is just personal preference? A smaller stone with a better color grade vs. a larger stone with a slightly worse color grade. Obviously when a diamond is shown in the proper setting (against a white paper or side by side with another diamond) to grade the color it is very evident, but when just the diamond is in the setting is any "normal" person going to be able to pick out an I color vs a J color?

I didn't know BN would do a hold, I'll reach out and ask (I was leery about posting links so they don't get snatched up before I make a decision).

it is very dependent on the person. J color wouldn't bother me at all. However, a very artistic person may more readily pick up the tint in a J colored stone, even face up. Most of the tint will be seen from the side of the stone so if you choose a setting that covers more of the side, it can work very well. But again, you should make sure your intended is ok with a J colored stone. it's not for everyone. definitely safer to stick with I or above.

that said, i found this on JA and i think it's a decent find. It's not a perfect stone, there is a large feather on the table of the stone but it's an F! i zoomed out and could not make out the feather. I'd definitely have it checked out to see how eye clean it is (you can call or chat and ask to have it inspected) and since it's SUCH a large feather, make sure there is no issue structurally.

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...f-color-si2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4975337

also will throw this one in
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-di...i-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4989424

 

[sledge]

What are the exact dimensions of each stone? Also, what is your girl's ring size? I'm asking because even though carat weight gives us an approximate size, the exact measurements will vary depending on all the angles and percentages specific to each stone.

Below is an example using carat weight only (.80ct is on the left, 0.90 is on the right).



Again, actual measurements can make a difference. I say this because in my own search I ended up buying a 0.867 carat stone that actually sized bigger than other stones with a higher carat weight.

Here is the site, if you'd like to experiment: https://www.diamdb.com

FYI, there are ways to make your diamond appear more substantial. I'm not sure what you had in mind for the setting, but putting a halo around a smaller diamond can give a different feel. You might spend a little more on the setting, but you might be able to get a smaller, and better well cut (and/or higher color) stone. Just food for thought.