Last Updated on 24th March 2025
| Anonymous Reader
Hi Sebastian,
Firstly, thanks for putting together such a helpful website. As a diamond-buying rookie, I had no idea where to turn and a friend of mine recommended your website. I feel much more confident spending such a significant amount of money after reading your advice.
My budget is roughly $10k AUD so approx. $7400 USD including the ring setting. As such, the diamonds I’ve been reviewing are around $4900 – $6300 so quite a range. As the ring setting is most likely 14k yellow gold, I’ve lowered the colour grade by several notches based on your tips. I’ve narrowed down to a few options and would hugely appreciate if you would be willing to take a look and provide some guidance on best buy.
All are rated Ideal/Excellent, rated at least VS2 or above, colour J or K, GIA/AGS, between 1.15 – 1.25 carat, and I’ve searched using the advanced filters on table/depth/pavilion angle from your super ideal cut ranges.
– 1.15 carat, VS2, J colour True Hearts per James Allen proportions but more imperfections on the AGS report, $6030
– 1.18 carat, VS2, K colour, slight feather imperfection on the GIA report – much cheaper at $4910
– 1.19 carat, VVS1 so much higher clarity, J colour almost no imperfections on GIA report, girdle is medium to slightly thick whereas it should be (thin – medium), $6300
– 1.20 carat, VS1, J colour, very few imperfections but crown angle is 36% so just outside of range, $5970
– 1.20 carat, VVS2 so slightly higher clarity, J colour, visually less impressive when viewing at 20x, very few marks on GIA report, perfect dimensions per proportions, $6100
– 1.25 carat size, VS2 clarity, J colour, very minor mark on the table but barely visible under 20x, thin to slightly thick girdle size – $6220
Sorry to send you more diamonds than I’d like to but I’m having issues narrowing down from the below. Are there any of the above you would immediately mark as not worthwhile/good value? Thanks so much for any guidance you can provide!
Your Diamond Teacher |
| Thank you for your inquiry. I am happy to help. And I am glad to hear that the information on my website is helpful. Thank you!
All the diamonds you selected are a great choice. But we need to narrow it down to the one. I would choose the below diamond, sku 4901542.
If you view each of these diamonds from their profile, you get a much more honest read of their color. You will see that diamond sku 4901542 is the whitest of the six diamonds. This is a “high” J color, meaning it is closer to an “I” color than a “K” color. In addition, the proportions/ angles of this diamond are excellent. Please let me know if you have additional questions. |
| Anonymous Reader
Hi Sebastian,
Thanks so much for your advice, I’ve placed that diamond on hold for 24 hours. Quick follow up question: I’m thinking of pairing the ring with this setting:
14K YELLOW GOLD PETITE PAVE ENGAGEMENT RING (FLUSH FIT)
However, is this band too thin for a 1.25 carat? It’s 1.6mm but I noticed you suggested bands of 1.8-2.2mm. Alternatively, there are these two options I’d be happy with too. Would you opt for this pave instead?
14K YELLOW GOLD PETITE PAVE CATHEDRAL ENGAGEMENT RING
If neither of the pave options suit, I could use this:
14K YELLOW GOLD TAPERED SIX PRONG DIAMOND ENGAGEMENT RING
Thanks for your help – so great having a second opinion. Thanks!
Your Diamond Teacher |
| All the ring settings you selected are very nice. I would, however, select the below setting. The narrower the band, the bigger the diamond will look.
14K YELLOW GOLD PETITE PAVE ENGAGEMENT RING (FLUSH FIT) Also, do you see how the four prongs that hold the center diamond sit more on top of the band? This will make the center diamond stand out more and better showcase the diamond. |
| Anonymous Reader
Hi Sebastian,
I’ve ordered the diamond and ring settings that you suggested and I’m really happy with the final product. I can’t wait to receive it. I just wanted to say a big thank you for taking the time to respond to my query! It’s helped me out massively and I feel a lot more confident of my purchase. Cheers!
Your Diamond Teacher |
| Great! It is my pleasure. Let me know what you think of it when you receive it.
I’d love to hear back! |
| Anonymous Reader
Hi Sebastian,
I proposed to my girlfriend on Saturday morning at sunrise on Bondi Beach and she said yes! I wanted to again say thank you for all your help. She absolutely loves the ring and the setting and you’re a big part of that in helping me decide!
It’s rare to find someone who’s willing to give trusted advice with no strings attached so I really appreciate your feedback. I’ll be sure to recommend your site to any of my friends looking for a ring.
Your Diamond Teacher |
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Congratulations! I am so happy for you and your fiancée. Thank you so much for letting me know. I wish you all the best! |