Opinions on 2 Diamonds Appreciated

[FishaOfMen]

I'll propose to my girlfriend in the next 2-3 weeks. I've researched diamonds a lot and sifted through a lot of posts on this forum.

I had James Allen send me information on two diamonds and was hoping for opinions here.

Diamond #1 (0.76 carats) - $2,840




Diamond #2 (0.80 carats) - $3,300




The gemologist says both diamonds are eye clean. She said the fluorescence of Diamond #1 causes it to be a high H when facing up, closer to a G. The salesperson said after review, he suggests Diamond #1. Which do you suggest?

In case you're wondering, I'm strongly considering this setting: http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/engagement-rings/side-stones/14k-white-gold-common-prong-diamond-engagement-ring-item-661.....

And what do you think about trying to negotiate on this purchase? Is it possible?

 

[JulieN]

The first one is nice. The second one is quite a bit bigger, but not as well cut. Thinking you should get one more option. What's the price?

I always thought that setting was awkwardly priced, when you can get this one in platinum for $75 more: http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/engagement-rings/pave/platinum-0.32ct-french-cut-pave-diamond-engagement-ring-item-1301
or this one which has 3 pointers http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/engagement-rings/side-stones/14k-white-gold-0.54ct-common-prong-round-shaped-diamond-engagement-ring-item-1105

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Ugh, tough choice! I really lean towards number 1 because it is better cut and I like the fluorescence in an H color stone. I'd also consider the platinum setting Julie linked.

 

[heididdl]

Number 1 Number 1 for sure

 

[FishaOfMen]

Thanks to both of you for your input!

Julie - The first is $2,840. The second is $3,300. As for the two settings you suggested, much appreciated. They look great. However, my girlfriend has a simple and not flashy style. I think the simplicity of the setting I chose fits her a little better.

 

[JulieN]

Let's pick one more for them to review.

This one, a little cheaper because it is an SI1, it probably is more firey, but spread is still good. If you are interested in fire, you might ask them to compare in a lighting environment conducive to fire: http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.75-carat-H-color-SI1-clarity-sku-198090

http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.76-carat-H-color-VS2-clarity-Excellent-cut-sku-124736
http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.80-carat-G-color-SI2-clarity-Excellent-cut-sku-154997
http://www.jamesallen.com/#!/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.80-carat-H-color-SI1-clarity-sku-198910

 

[FishaOfMen]

Nice suggestion, Julie! The HCA is 1.7 (vs. 2.1 for Diamond #1). I just requested the IdealScope for it.

 

[diamonds-are-friends]

1st stone seems alot nicer. i would avoid the 2nd stone. it appears to have painted girdles that helps cutters save weight on the stone.

 

[FishaOfMen]

Per Julie's advise, I asked for an IdealScope of a third diamond. The images are below:

Diamond #3 - 0.75 carats - $2,700




The gemologist says it's eye clean. How do you think it compares to Diamond #1?

Also, do any of you think JamesAllen can be negotiated with? Any tips?

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I don't like that inclusion under the table. I like the VS2 stone better.

 

[JulieN]

Love number 3, but number 1 is also a great choice.

 

[FishaOfMen]

Oh no. Two differing opinions. Does anyone want to help break the tie before I make a decision?

 

[04diamond<3]

Number 2 has the best idealscope image although they all look great. When this happens, I just go for the biggest, so again, number two.

 

[JulieN]

#3's inclusion looks like a white crystal to me, but did JA say it was 100% eye-clean? Or did they say someone might be able to see it?

 

[FishaOfMen]

The gemologist said it was eye clean. "100%" was not mentioned. I assumed this was the case, though.

 

[JulieN]

Either is a fine choice, you can't go wrong.

 

[FishaOfMen]

Hey, thanks to everyone who responded! Special thanks to Julie for seeing me through from beginning to end.

My girlfriend and I looked at a few diamonds that had inclusions, and she said she couldn't stand being able to see one every time she looked at it. Thus, I took the safe route and bought Diamond #1 just to be sure.

I will likely propose on the 23rd . Thanks again!!!

 

[JulieN]

Congrats!

 

[FishaOfMen]

The proposal went incredibly well, and my fiancée and I are thrilled with the ring. Everything was perfect. Thanks a bunch to all of you for the help. This forum is great!