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Q&A: Choosing a 1.0 – 1.2 Ct. Round Diamond for a 4-Prong Setting in the Range of $4500

By Mike Fried,

Thank you for all the great info on the site.

I’m looking for a 1.0 – 1.2 ct round diamond to be set in traditional 4-prong setting, 18k gold band. The ring would be a size 5 or 5.5. Color can be anywhere from H-J as long as it is eye-clean. Looking for ideal setting if possible, but at least “very good”.

I’ve looked around JamesAllen and saw a few possibilities, but I’m still learning about inclusions and other factors (I’m still a bit confused as to whether flourescence should be a prime factor or not).

Would you have any specific recommendations for a diamond in the range of $4500 that would look great in the setting I’ve described?

Thanks in advance?

Also, I have been browsing JamesAllen in the meantime and have a few stones saved to the wish list, but wondering if they would pass the eye-clean test and if they are the best I can find within my budget. Again, the stone would be in a traditional 4-prong setting, 18k gold band, size 5 – 5.5.

Here are some examples:

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.01-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-very-good-cut-sku-252828?a_aid=dmnd1357

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.01-carat-j-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-255139?a_aid=dmnd1357

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.01-carat-j-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-148118?a_aid=dmnd1357

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.01-carat-j-color-vs2-clarity-good-cut-sku-245638?a_aid=dmnd1357

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.01-carat-j-color-vs2-clarity-very-good-cut-sku-214529?a_aid=dmnd1357

Many thanks in advance! 

 

 This is by far the best of the lot:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.01-carat-j-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-255139?a_aid=dmnd1357

The cuts were way off on most of the other ones. 

Thanks for looking at those. Do you find that this stone is “eye-clean” enough and will look great in the setting I chose? Or should I keep looking? If so, I’d love to hear your suggestions. I’d like to keep the cost of the stone under $5000 if possible, but might be able to stretch a little beyond that only if it would make a really big difference in quality.

Thanks again.

The one you suggested was sold, unfortunately.

Can you please take a look at this one and tell me what you think? https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.03-carat-j-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-248355?a_aid=dmnd1357

Is the graining mentioned in the certificate something to be concerned about? 

 

 Thats a great choice as well. The graining is not an issue. 

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. They currently run a 10% discount on selected lab-grown diamonds!
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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. 
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)
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