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Q&A: Best Value Diamond for $8K Budget

By Mike Fried,

Just to confirm, you want a round diamond, correct?

Yes, I am looking for a round diamond, but Princess cut would work as well. For the rest I really look for something following your recommendations.

Thanks a lot!

I love this diamond for that setting:

https://www.jamesallen.com/?a_aid=dmnd1357&chan=x#!/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.20-carat-H-color-SI1-clarity-Excellent-cut-sku-187529

it’s bright, eye-clean and will look great in a pave setting. What do you think?

it looks great. How much do I need to add if we go to the 1.5 carat range? Maybe you allow one question regarding the setting. Will the first setting be comfortable to wear (e.g. when you close the fingers)? I am wondering if I need to check for this as well.

Thanks a lot!

It goes up a lot. You’d be looking at 12k. I think the twisted shank would be fine on the finger.

I wanted to buy this diamond and ask the CS before checkout and they said that the diamond might have some visible inclusions. Only at the side and possible can be pronged, but, I am not sure about this diamond anymore. Any other recommendations?

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.
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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
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  • 100% credit towards future upgrades (must be at least double in value)
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