Need help picking a diamond and setting!

[ginie]

Hi,
I'm new to this forum but have gathered valuable knowledge from it. I have finally narrowed down my search to the following diamond from James Allen (I found their prices very competetive and love the 360 view):
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.61-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-247301

It has a score of 1.6 on HCA and priced at $13,040 (PS Discount). I would appreciate any input before I make the purchase.

The other two that they are having looked at are:

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.70-carat-i-color-vvs2-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-73567 ($15,810)

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.52-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-126882 ($13,980)

Also, I'm fond of 18K yellow gold setting and since this I grade I'm assuming a higher color will be an overkill. Not too crazy about JA settings but I've heard that it's best to get the stone and setting from the same vendor. I like a thin band with pave setting and would prefer a low setting as I have young kids - would the basket setting block the light?
here are a few I'm looking at but don't absolutely love:

1. http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/18k-yellow-gold-pave-knife-edge-lotus-basket-engagement-ring-item-9308
My concern with that one is that it looks a little too busy with two petals between the prongs.

2. http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/18k-white-gold-pave-cathedral-claw-prong-engagement-ring-item-7895
I like the design but is not available in yellow gold

3. http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/18k-yellow-gold-single-claw-prong-pave-set-surprise-diamond-engagement-ring-item-1373
Again covers too much of the diamond.

Any thoughts or suggestions would be most welcome!

 

[Niel]

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/18k-yellow-gold-scroll-basket-pave-set-diamond-engagement-ring-item-2492

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/18k-yellow-gold-double-claw-prong-0.18ct-pave-set-surprise-diamond-engagement-ring-item-2028

Here are my favorite setting from JA that fit your requirement. The extra six prongs in the first one allows for extra protection, and u don't think they sit too high for it to be bothered by your children.

Whatever you pick I think the basket wouldn't hid too much light. Being in prongs will let in lots. Make the prongs white gold though I suggest.

Also, its easiest to get it from the same place but not at all required! If you don't like any you can of course get the setting elsewhere.

 

[ginie]

Thank you Niel! I love the settings you included in your reply! What do you think about the diamonds?

 

[Niel]

Thank you Niel! I love the settings you included in your reply! What do you think about the diamonds?

I assume you are only willing to look at H&A stones? I like the 1.7ct one but for the price increase I don't know if I'd support it.

 

[ginie]

Can you tell me specifically why you prefer it over the 1.6 carat one? (That one is almost 3k cheaper)
Thanks in advance for your reply!

 

[Niel]

Can you tell me specifically why you prefer it over the 1.6 carat one? (That one is almost 3k cheaper)
Thanks in advance for your reply!

I like a smaller table. And I like the look of the arrows. But like I said I don't think that justifies the price difference.