Navigating the Treacherous Waters of Diamond Purchasing – One Guy’s Search For The Perfect Diamond

Hi Liz,

I’m sure I speak for the masses when I say thank you for bringing your expertise to such a wide audience at no charge. The information on your site has greatly impacted how I approached my search, evaluated my expectations, and ultimately navigated the treacherous waters of diamond purchasing!

My girlfriend of six years (I’m lame, I know!) has let me know what she does and doesn’t like in an engagement ring, and I’ve used that as my road-map to this point. Her desire is to have a round, solitaire stone, in the 1.2-1.5 range. Seeing how I made her wait six years, I figured it would be in my best interest to get the highest quality cut, largest carat possible for my budget. I’m willing to sacrifice on color and clarity, so long as the diamond is Eye Clean and Facing Up white.

I’ve perused your site enough to hopefully weed out the bad from the good, and would like your opinion on the stone itself. I’ve requested HD Imagery and it has just become available tonight. After my amateur examination, it appears as though it will be Eye Clean, with any inclusions off center. I believe that given the cut, the stone will still face up white.

Would you mind lending your knowledge to me and determining whether this diamond gets your nod of approval?

Ritani Diamond SKU: D-JRHWFP

Gorgeous 1.51ct J VS2 from Ritani

https://www.ritani.com/diamonds/round-diamond-1-51-Carat-J-color-GIA-certified/D-JRHWFP

Thanks,

Alan

Hey there Alan,

Thank you so much for your kind feedback! I’m always happy to hear when ODBA has been of help! 🙂

I took a look at your diamond and you certainly did your homework. You did an amazing job! I absolutely recommend that diamond. Superb cut and definitely eye-clean. The grade making inclusion are a few scattered feathers which are not visible without magnification. Faint fluorescence is fine. It has a gorgeous contrast pattern and sparkles beautifully. The GIA report is within the last year; everything checks out!

I see that you already reserved it – so that’s great! Let me know if you have any last minute questions.

What setting were you thinking of pairing with the diamond? Just curious. 😉

All the best,

Liz

Hi Liz,

Thanks for such a quick response!

I had planned to pair it with the below setting –

SKU: 1RZ7261E
https://www.ritani.com/engagement-rings/solitaire-diamond-knife-edge-engagement-ring-in-18kt-white-gold/5452

She prefers white gold and no sidetones, a simple clean look. I’ve also seen settings at local jewelers that I was fond of (for quite a bit more money), do you recommend exploring that option or sticking with Ritani? I’m not sure of the etiquette and wouldn’t want to walk into a store with the diamond in hand if it wasn’t an acceptable practice.

Finally, prior to making the purchase, I just need to ensure that I use a link from your page correct?

Thanks,

Alan

Hello Alan,

I’m a fan of the simple and elegant settings too. I think your choice is perfect and will compliment your 1.51ct nicely. I do advocate purchasing both the diamond and setting together from the same vendor as this is not only easier for you but also limits liability in situations where a local jeweler has to set your loose diamond.

Are you sure you want 18k white gold? Platinum is also a great option. If you aren’t sure about the differences, here’s a handy article for you: https://www.onlinediamondbuyingadvice.com/white-gold-vs-platinum/

Also, when you are ready to purchase, please click this link to your diamond: https://www.ritani.com/diamonds/round-diamond-1-51-Carat-J-color-GIA-certified/D-JRHWFP

It has the necessary tracking code so that Ritani is aware the ODBA has referred you.

I wish you all the best in your proposal Alan! Keep in touch and send pics of the ring when you get it! 🙂

Best,

Liz

Hi Liz,

You have been nothing but responsive and helpful throughout this process!

I did consider Platinum as that is my preference, however she prefers the look of White Gold. She is worried about the platinum wearing over time as opposed to replating the WG.

Do you think I should reconsider the setting for platinum?

Thanks,

Alan

Thanks so much Alan!

Re: Platinum vs. WG

I personally prefer platinum. It’s heavier and more dense than WG and develops a beautiful ‘patina’ over the years. Is this what she is referring to when she says ‘wearing’ over time? You could always opt to repolish for the mirror-like sheen that all new jewelry has. It’s just a personal preference. However, if your lady prefers WG then I’d say go for what she prefers. She must have her reasons. 😉

Liz

Your Site Opened My Eyes To The Value and Beauty Beyond D,E,F or VVS!

Thanks Liz – just curious, do you think the J color of the diamond will mesh better with platinum or white gold? I personally prefer the platinum setting based on the research I’ve gathered this far and know she’ll approve either way. (If not, it’s easy enough to replace!)

When I initially began my search I was only concerned with D,E,F color grades and VVS2 or better for clarity. Your site opened my eyes to the value and beauty that could be had by conducting a little due diligence!

By the way, this was the other setting –

https://www.ritani.com/engagement-rings/solitaire-diamond-knife-edge-engagement-ring-in-platinum/5668

Thanks,

Alan

Hi Alan,

A J colored diamond would look great with either metal. Generally, white gold stays a bit ‘whiter’ until the rhodium plating rubs away and you see a bit of a warm tone to the metal. Platinum looks white when new, then gets a bit gray; that’s the patina.

If you think she’ll appreciate your research on the subject then go for the platinum. It lasts longer and is generally more luxurious.

Yes, there’s really no reason to overspend on a D, E, or F when you can get a G. An ‘H’ is when our eye’s start to detect color, and I and J colored diamonds are near-colorless and when set in a solitaire they look perfectly white, especially if you get a gorgeously cut diamond. It will sparkle and no one will know the difference. 😉

I hope this helps!

Best,

Liz

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