Searching For A Large 3.5 Carat Diamond – Too Many Choices!

*Note: ODBA no longer recommends EnchantedDiamonds.com

Q:

Hi Liz,

Firstly your website has been so helpful and informative in my search for a diamond. Thank you!

I am looking for a diamond that is 3.5 – 4 carats and eye clean. I would ideally like VS clarity but I would consider SI1 if eye clean. I am considering an I or J coloured diamond in order to keep within my budget however I would like an excellent cut so that the diamond looks white from above and has lots of sparkle and fire.

The setting I have chosen is:-
http://www.laurenbjewelry.com/lepozzi-1-76-ct-round-diamond-two-tone-engagement-ring.html

I have read that J coloured diamonds look whiter against the contrast of a yellow gold setting. Do you think that the same result would be achieved in this two tone setting?

Could you recommend some diamonds which you think would meet my requirements within my budget of 40000 usd for the loose diamond?

The Jewler I am purchasing the setting from has suggested the following diamonds (there are no pictures on Zoara however the Jeweler is going to send me a video of the diamond next week):-

http://www.zoara.co.uk/diamonds/p_round_excellent_cut_j_vs2#p=2573735

Based on the gia report I am not sure about this diamond and think the following seems to have better proportions (I have used your helpful ‘super ideal’ measurements as a guide), clarity and colour grade, although slightly more expensive.

http://www.zoara.co.uk/diamonds/p_round_excellent_cut_i_vs1#p=5932789

Please do let me know your thoughts on the two diamonds above along with any others you can suggest.

Thank you in advance for your help.

Kind regards,

Steven

A:

Hi Steven,

I’m so glad that ODBA has been helpful to your diamond search. I think your setting is lovely. Although a ‘J’ colored diamond is still ‘near colorless’ the size of the diamond will show more body warmth and therefore the yellow gold band will be a beautiful compliment to the color making it appear whiter from all angles. Facing up, the diamond will appear white due to it’s ideal cut proportions.

My favorite diamond for you, and one that I feel represents the best deal (with consideration to quality and value) is this 3.53ct J VS1 for $35,030.00: https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/R353-FY4QFC

3.53ct J VS1 from Enchanted Diamonds for only $35,030.00

With regard to your other two diamonds, the 3.50ct J VS2 has no image which is critical. Let’s wait to see what they can send you.

The 3.63ct I VS1 is nice, but for $5K more I don’t feel it’s worth it. There is a dark ‘dead zone’ under the table facet which is pretty obvious. I’d pass on this one and go for the 3.53ct. 😉

Please let me know if you have any questions. Happy New Year.

Best,

Liz

A Second Opinion Is Always Helpful!

Q:

Hi Liz,

Thank you so much for your quick response and for you suggestion. The 3.53 diamond from Enchanted Diamonds looks really impressive.

Just so I can be certain could you give me you thoughts on the email which I have attached, from the Jeweller I am purchasing the setting through, where he suggests three diamonds and attaches a video comparison and the GIA Reports. The prices are higher than the same diamonds that are listed on Zoara so I will be challenging this but could I get your thoughts on the diamonds themselves?

Thanks again for your help!

Steven

A:

Hi Steven,

Of the three diamonds, in my opinion, the 3.50ct has the best cut/optical symmetry. Even though the pavilion angle is large on the 3.69ct it shows great scintillation. I don’t like the cut of the 3.51ct at all.

The 3.53ct J VS1 from Enchanted Diamonds is only $34,470 whereas the other two diamonds quoted are $44,000 and $48,900 which is significantly more. If you were going to go for nearly a $50K diamond, I would point you in this direction: https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/R355-MHVEVQ which has a superior cut to all of the diamonds we’ve been looking at.

Let me know if you have questions. It’s a hard decision! 😉

Best,

Liz

Q:

Hi Liz,

I think that I am going to go for the 3.53ct you previously suggested.

Thanks again for all your help and I will be sure to support ODBA.

Kind regards

Steven