looking for your expertise, comparing two stones

[jenn123]

My antique engagement ring is falling apart and rather than rebuild it we've decided to replace it. I looked for a setting that would work alone instead of having an engagement ring and wedding band, and I've selected this setting at Blue Nile: http://www.bluenile.com/build-your-own-ring/classic-sapphire-engagement-ring-18k-white-gold_49913 although I'm open to other suggestions as far as settings go. I'm not married to Blue Nile, I just hadn't found another setting that I liked as much as this one, most others I found that were similar had thicker bands and I like the look of a thin band.

I'm looking for a roughly half carat diamond for the setting and I was leaning toward one of these two. I don't know if you need more information to make a suggestion but do either of these diamonds look like a good buy? I don't think I'm color sensitive so I figured I'd go with J to keep the price down. I kind of like the look of a warm diamond but I wouldn't want something too obviously yellow.

http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD06294437
http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD05683481

I'm open to other suggestions, I'm trying to keep price below $1000. I'm a novice in diamonds so any advice is welcome. Thanks so much!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Hi, I love a diamond with side sapphires! However, it is hard to buy a diamond at BN because they don't give photos or light return images for the stones.

I would recommend looking at James Allen. Their setting is a little more, but it honestly looks higher quality to me. I like the rounded shank better. There are finished rings below the big photo, and you can see a few with half carat center stones.

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/three-stone/18k-white-gold-three-stone-round-blue-sapphire-engagement-ring-item-16769

They will allow you to select up to three diamonds to request idealscope or ASET images (light return). Plus they have videos of the stones. I will tell you with side sapphires, I probably wouldn't go lower than I color as whiter stones look better with sapphires unless you can find a J that is on the high end of it's color grade. Fortunately, James Allen has videos of the stones, and it is helpful at seeing tint in the stones.

Here are some parameters to help you choose well cut stones:

table: 54-58

depth: 60-62.3

crown angle: 34-35.0

pavilion angle: 40.6-41.0

 

[tyty333]

edit...never mind, I see its $1k.

 

[jenn123]

I will tell you with side sapphires, I probably wouldn't go lower than I color as whiter stones look better with sapphires unless you can find a J that is on the high end of it's color grade. Fortunately, James Allen has videos of the stones, and it is helpful at seeing tint in the stones.

Thanks so much for the advice, I'll definitely take a closer look at James Allen and bump up the color a little. Something about their photos turned me off but I think it may just be the photography. Thanks again!!