Size Advantages To Shallow Cut Diamonds

Q:

Hi Liz!

I would like to buy a round diamond online for an engagement ring, to be set in a simple solitaire 4-prong setting, white gold. I can spend 9-10k total, if you think I can get a great diamond for less that’s always good too.

I want 1.35-1.50 carat. I think I want ideal/excellent cut, color H or better, and I know I want totally eye clean / no imperfections visible through main facet.

Can you help me find one please? Thank you so much, I really appreciate it! I’ve spent time on Zoara.com but I don’t know how to boil down the perfect diamond given my budget! Really really appreciate it!

Thanks,

Curt

A:

Hi Curt,

I recommend this beautiful 1.36ct H VS1 for $9,181.00. It’s a GIA triple Excellent with AGS ideal cut proportions. Super clean VS1 clarity grade with no fluorescence.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Kind Regards,

Liz

Q:

Hi Liz,

Are you able to suggest anything larger with ‘H’ and above color, just so I can compare? Budget is $10k so would prefer to stay below that but if necessary I’ll consider a little above for a slightly larger (>1.4carat).

Thanks again for your help!

Curt

A

Hi Curt,

It’s a little tricky trying to stay with an ‘H’ color in your carat weight and budget range. You’ll likely have to compromise on clarity. However, I did manage to find a really beautiful and super clean 1.43ct H VS1 for $10,158.00. This diamond is a GIA Triple Excellent with VS1 clarity grade and faint blue fluorescence. This is a great diamond that fits your specs and is just slightly over $10K.

Another nice diamond is this 1.44ct F SI1 for $10,170.00. AGS ideal cut proportions, GIA Triple Excellent, with SI1 grade making inclusions of scattered small crystals and clouds. Appears to be eye-clean with magnification, but may not be depending on your eye-sight. Faint blue fluorescence.

Shallow Cut Diamonds – A Rare Find!

There is also this very nice 1.50ct H SI1 for $9,986.00.

This diamond’s table % is larger than the overall depth %, therefore categorizing this diamond as a ‘shallow’ cut diamond. This means that for the carat weight, the diamond will appear ‘larger’ face-up. So, this 1.50ct will visually look like a 1.65ct due to the particular cut proportions. Shallow cut diamonds are not that easy to find but represent a tremendous value in cost savings and size advantages.

Finally, if you don’t mind compromising on color, then here is a nice big 1.60ct I VVS2 for $10,393.00. It’s another GIA triple Excellent with great dark arrow contrast. This diamond has faint blue fluorescence but is absolutely eye-clean.

Please let me know if you have any questions!

Take care,

Liz

Q:

Thanks so much Liz! All are great options and I appreciate the pros/cons to each.

BR,

Curt