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First Time Buyer - Round Diamond Halo Setting - James Allen

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kamusta1

Rough_Rock
Joined
Mar 17, 2017
Messages
7
Hi All,

I am planning to purchase a ring in the next week and I was looking for help in choosing a diamond. I am pretty set on purchasing from James Allen based on the comments I have read this site. My budget is around $6500-$6750. We have talked and window shopped a few times. My girlfriend definitely wants a Round diamond in a Halo setting. She prefers a more clear and diamond that will sparkly over size.

This is the setting I am thinking of getting on James Allen:
https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/platinum-falling-edge-pave-diamond-engagement-ring-item-49997
If I choose the platinum setting leaves me about $4500 for the diamond. Is it recommended to get a platinum setting over white gold?

I was looking to get a .09ct diamond, excellent cut. At least an I and VS2 or VS1.
Carat: .9
Cut: Excellent
Clarity: VS2 and up - Is there a real difference between VS1 and VS2?
Color: G - I

Going on site I see a lot of options all around on both spectrums of my price range and it is a bit overwhelming. I am looking for a diamond that will wont look yellow and glimmer. Any help and suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!
-Leo
 
Re: First Time Buyer - Round Diamond Halo Setting - James Al

I'll leave the diamond talk to the experts, and can only speak for myself when I say that I prefer platinum, it retains its colour which is more metallic looking than white gold, if that makes sense to you. Again, my experience is that even some of my 18ct white gold has yellowed, but that may not be the case with James Allen mounts, which is very pretty BTW.
 
Re: First Time Buyer - Round Diamond Halo Setting - James Al

Thank you for the advise. I do not want to have to worry about yellowing. I will stick with the platinum setting.
 
Re: First Time Buyer - Round Diamond Halo Setting - James Al

Someone who has a James Allen mount may be able to advise you on their durability. Before you decide, see if someone else replies. I just prefer platinum :)
 
Re: First Time Buyer - Round Diamond Halo Setting - James Al

In a halo setting like the one you are considering, very little metal actually shows. So I think platinum vs white gold doesn't matter very much here; you won't be looking at very much of either one.

White gold is a little bit of a maintenance issue since it is dipped in rhodium to give the very shiny look. Eventually the rhodium plating will need to be re-done as it is very thin and wears off eventually. This is a pretty easy and inexpensive task.

The white gold "Falling Edge" ring is $400 cheaper which you could put toward the stone. Seems like a reasonable option to me. I don't think you will go wrong either way.
 
Re: First Time Buyer - Round Diamond Halo Setting - James Al

OP
Have you checked out BE, SK, or VC for halo work. Most posters on this forum have very positive things to say about their work.
Best of luck.
 
Re: First Time Buyer - Round Diamond Halo Setting - James Al

OP - are you open to a pre-loved James Allen diamond? Possibly there are GIA XXX loose diamonds in the 0.90 carat weight range for sale on LoupeTroop and/or DiamondBistro which may fit your budget and be higher color/clarity than I-VS2; might be worth a look-see to see what's out there...
 
Re: First Time Buyer - Round Diamond Halo Setting - James Al

Thanks for the suggestions. I am open to other sites. I will take a look tonight after my girlfriend goes to bed and report back.
 
Re: First Time Buyer - Round Diamond Halo Setting - James Al

After some research on the other suggested options I am going go stick with the Fallen Edge setting atJames Allen. I am on the fence now whether to go Platinum or white gold.

Anyone have any recommendations on diamonds from James Allen?
 
Re: First Time Buyer - Round Diamond Halo Setting - James Al

Only you can make the final decision on the setting, but, perhaps it's worth considering that if your wife to be will be keeping this ring forever, rather than upgrading in the future, then platinum will not need any replating, whereas white gold may.
 
Re: First Time Buyer - Round Diamond Halo Setting - James Al

I thought about it last night before bed and thought about the long term. Platinum it is. Now just need a diamond. Moving up my time frame and looking to purchase by tomorrow night.
 
Re: First Time Buyer - Round Diamond Halo Setting - James Al

Good luck with your search for the perfect diamond, it'll be a beautiful ring.
 
Re: First Time Buyer - Round Diamond Halo Setting - James Al

That looks lovely and clean, and as someone pointed out to me, you won't see any colour tint in that kind of setting.
 
Re: First Time Buyer - Round Diamond Halo Setting - James Al

BELLA9280|1489847357|4141528 said:
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.00-carat-i-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2532901
ask them about this one, also dont forget to ask about the periscope discount at james allen
Click to expand...

I see that the diamond is IGI certified. I normally see GIA ones. Does that make a difference?
 
Re: First Time Buyer - Round Diamond Halo Setting - James Al

kamusta1|1489856552|4141555 said:
BELLA9280|1489847357|4141528 said:
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.00-carat-i-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2532901
ask them about this one, also dont forget to ask about the periscope discount at james allen
Click to expand...

I see that the diamond is IGI certified. I normally see GIA ones. Does that make a difference?
Click to expand...

GIA is a little stricter but being this is a VVS2 its pretty much at the top your not at the bottom of the range. i have a IGI its personal preference. maybe others can chime in :)
 
Re: First Time Buyer - Round Diamond Halo Setting - James Al

I think I am going to stick with a GIA diamond. Thank you for your suggestion though.
 
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