We are reader-supported. Buying through any red colored link on our site may earn us commissions. Learn More.

Q&A: Best “True Hearts” Diamond for $8200 Budget

By Mike Fried,

If you had to choose between these two diamonds – which would you choose?

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1317097.asp

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1344952.asp

My budget is $8,200 max and I would like a diamond that shines and sparkles the most (hence why I am only looking at TH diamonds). I am open to Ideal cut diamonds but I have seen the TH G-VS2 diamond in person and love the way it sparkles.

I recently saw the TH G-SI1 diamond on their website and am now thinking that I could be saving an extra $1K if I just went with the SI1 vs. the VS2. Please let me know your thoughts. Thanks so much!

I definitely think this one’s the better choice:

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1344952.asp

Just a much better value. Both are eye clean, so why pay more for something that’s more invisible? Invisible is invisible!

Thank you so much for the super prompt response Ira!

I think I will go with the diamond you suggested. Just curious, but are there any other James Allen diamonds I should consider? I know you don’t necessarily recommend purchasing a TH diamond over an Ideal diamond because the brilliance and fire isn’t that much more noticeable. So based on my requirements (round, $8200 max, super sparkle & 100% eye clean), are there other diamonds that are perhaps bigger (Ideal cut, lower color or clarity) that you would recommend? Please let me know. Thanks so much!

I actually looked myself even without your asking and couldn’t find anything. There was a 1.17 TH stone, I believe (an H color, maybe), but it wasn’t noticeably larger in diameter, so I didn’t recommend it.

Good to know. Thank you so much again for all of your help. I feel so much better about purchasing the diamond you recommended. Thank you for being such a wonderful resource! I will definitely use your discount code when purchasing the diamond with a setting.

Thanks! Please let me know how it goes!

I just wanted to give you an update that I decided to go with the SI1 stone: https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1344952.asp and absolutely love it! I can’t see any flaws or clouds with my unaided eye at all.

I just have one more quick question though. I recently found this other stone on their website: https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1348201.asp currently listed for $7,510. The one that I chose above was $7,210. Do you think the H-SI1 is the better value since it’s bigger? Or do you still think the G-SI1 that I currently have is the better value since it’s a HOF and color G? Please let me know your thoughts. Thanks so much again for all of your help and input!

I think you’re better off sticking with what you already have. It’s cheaper, first of all. The difference in size is only about 0.25mm which is only JUST BARELY noticeable. I mean, you have to really study them to see that one’s larger than the other. And in a setting, you probably wouldn’t be able to tell the difference at all.

Have a great weekend!

Do you think you might be able to do me a favor, actually? If you have a spare few minutes, do you think you could leave me a review on ivouch? if you could, I would be most grateful! Her’es a direct link if you can do it:

xxxxx

Thanks again! Congrats!

Thanks so much again for your expertise and superb help! I did a review for you via the link. Thanks again!

LINK TO REVIEW

Thanks so much!

James Allen James Allen is the leader in online diamond sales. Their imaging technology is the same as inspecting a diamond with a jeweler's loupe. They have the largest exclusive loose diamond inventory online and fantastic prices. They also have the nicest collection of lab-created diamonds online.
What we love about them:
  • No questions asked returns within 30 days of shipment. James Allen will send you a paid shipping label to return the ring.
  • Lifetime Warranty
  • Free International Shipping
  • Free prong tightening, repolishing, rhodium plating and cleaning every 6 months
  • Provide insurance appraisals
  • One free resizing within 60 days of purchase
  • Free ring inscriptions
  • Best-in-class high quality imagery of all diamonds in stock
  • 24/7 Customer Service
  • Best-in-class packaging
Arrow down
Arrow up
Blue Nile Blue Nile is the largest and most well-known internet jewelry seller. They have a very large exclusive online inventory. Their high-quality images are catching up to James Allens' and their prices are amazing. Save 25% on settings at Blue Nile!

Please enter your email address to receive your 25% off coupon code:

What we love about them:
  • No questions asked returns within 30 days of shipment. Blue Nile will send you a paid shipping label to return the ring.
  • Lifetime Warranty
  • Free Shipping
  • Free prong tightening, repolishing, rhodium plating and cleaning every 6 months
  • Provide insurance appraisal
  • One free resizing within the first year of purchase
  • High quality images of about half of their diamonds
  • 24/7 Customer Service
  • 100% credit towards future upgrades (must be at least double in value)
  • Best in class fulfillment
Arrow down
Arrow up

Still afraid of getting ripped off?

Before you buy a diamond, get personal buying advice from industry veterans. We'll help you get the best diamond for the money.

Ask your diamond purchase question here

  • Hidden
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

DISCLAIMER: We don't use your email for marketing. Period.

Please enter your email address to receive your 25% off coupon code:

Here is your coupon code: GFDSF3GF

Diamond Pro

Diamond Pro

  • Unfortunately, the AI chat we worked so hard training is not helping our readers the way we would like. You deserve the best advice you can get.

    Would you like to contact a human diamond pro? Just fill out this email form and we will answer you ASAP (usually within one day).

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.