Blue Nile Monique Lhuillier Halo Engagement Ring With Diamond Recommendation

Q: Thanks for all the info! I appreciate the knowledge you have shared with the public for people like me trying to get the best bang for their buck diamond. The site I have been shopping with is Blue Nile, they really have a lot to offer with their variety of settings. Personally I have found a square halo in the Monique Lhuillier modern collection that strikes my attention.

I am looking for a 1.00ct round center stone (setting requires between 1.ooct – 2.00ct) to complete the ring. I’m looking at staying between $4,500 – $5,000 for the diamond itself. I have found a couple that I like, but unsure when it comes to clarity because they are all SI2. I’m perfectly fine with that as long as they are “eye-clean“.

Monique Lhuillier’s Halo Engagement Ring, only at Bluenile. (click image for more info)

What do you think of these two diamonds?:

1.00 Carat, Ideal Cut, H Color, SI1 Clarity – LD02404039
This one has a group of small inclusions only in one corner and I was thinking to request to have that area set under a prong. Would that  really make it look the best?

1.05 Carat, Ideal Cut, G Color, SI2 Clarity – LD03209362
This one has only crystal that might be an issue to the naked eye, but the main concerns I think would be the twinning wisps. I’m not real sure what effect these inclusions have on the diamond, or if it’s even something to worry about when viewing with the naked eye?

Thanks,

Blake

Selecting A Center Stone Diamond For Monique Lhuillier Halo E-Ring

A: Hi Blake, Thanks for contacting me. I’m glad that you are getting value out of my advice.

It is tricky when you search through Blue Nile’s search tool, because not all the diamonds they have listed have a corresponding magnified image. A GIA diamond report barely gives you enough information to make an educated decision and with no actual images it is somewhat difficult to determine which diamond’s will have ideal cut and be eye-clean.

Your 1.00ct H SI1 indeed has a lot of inclusions clustered in one area and is very likely not eye-clean. The grade making inclusions are scattered crystals followed by needles and clouds. I do not recommend this diamond without seeing an actual image or video.

Your 1.05ct G SI2 has twinning wisps as the grade making inclusion. Typically, this inclusion is usually not very visible, but without an actual magnified image, we cannot confirm.

Since it is difficult to gauge clarity grade and cut quality without actual diamond images or videos, you really have to be careful as to what is on paper. It may be helpful to know that AGS is the only lab that provides light reflection technology by way of the ASET image on their diamond quality documents.

Regards,

Liz

Q: Hi Liz, thanks for the diamond reviews. I’ve been doing more research and came across this diamond (1.004 Carat, Ideal Cut, H Color, SI1 – LD02663863) do you think that it would be a better purchase than the one I currently have the ring built with (1.00 Carat, Ideal Cut, H Color, SI1 – LD02404039)?

Thanks for all your help! Still wanting this ring: Monique Lhuillier Halo Diamond Engagement Ring in Platinum.

Blake

A: Hi Blake, Keen eye! Yes, get the 1.00ct H SI1 AGS graded diamond, no question. 🙂

This AGS graded diamond shows a perfect ASET image with bright red light reflection and blue arrows for contrast. The hearts and arrows optical symmetry is also easily distinguished. Diamonds like these can be found on Blue Nile by using precise angles and proportions.

I recommend this diamond for you. It must have just been added to the virtual inventory because I’ve not previously seen this one available.

This diamond will look great with your Monique Lhuiller halo engagement ring!

All the best,

Liz