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Q&A: Choosing a 1 Ct. Marquise Cut Diamond for Under $5,000 Budget

By Mike Fried,

Hello,

You helped me out a few years ago and I’m returning to the hunt for a marquise cut, preferably below $5000. I came across the following:

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/marquise-cut/1.02-carat-e-color-vs2-clarity-sku-3679437?a_aid=dmnd1357

However, I’m concerned about the “strong blue fluorescence”. I would love your expert input.

Thanks!

Welcome back!

You’re right to be concerned about the fluorescence. It might cause a hazy look on such high color.

The diamond is no longer available, have you put it on hold?

I did put it on hold originally in my search just to be sure. I will cancel the hold and continue my search!

I found this one with Blue Nile and reserved it:
Blue Nile LD09655611

They will inspect it and send along pictures since none were originally included. This one seems to have good stats, but I guess it would be nice to have your seal of approval!

That one doesn’t look bad, but it’s definitely important to see the pictures. Let me know when you receive them. I’ll have a look at them for you.

Regarding the price range, are there better deals out there?

That price is really good.

But I found this one that looks even better:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/marquise-cut/1.03-carat-h-color-si2-clarity-sku-3278763?a_aid=dmnd1357

I notice it’s SI2 which scares me… Would it still be eye-clean?

Yes, it will. Even though it’s lower in clarity, it’s still eye-clean. https://www.diamonds.pro/education/clarity/
I wouldn’t’ recommend a diamond that wouldn’t be.

I also found an alternative on BN to the one you have on hold:
Blue Nile LD09670668

I know from your website that the cut is a high priority. Is there a reason it’s hard to find ideal cut marquise? Is it because of the shape?

There is no cut grade on a marquise cut. GIA give cut grades to rounds only. All the last three diamonds we discussed were properly cut and there would be no issue regarding that.

Thank you for the help! With the marquise cuts, what do you typically recommend for the band width? I know she wants a pave, but will a ~2mm band be too small?
And what do you think of this diamond:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/marquise-cut/1.00-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-725854?a_aid=dmnd1357

The band with it completely up to you. It doesn’t matter how wide it is as long as you like it.

That diamond has a very pronounced bowtie which is better to avoid as that would be the first thing you would notice in person.

Hope you had a great Christmas and best wishes for the New Year! I will certainly be sending all of my friends to you & Diamonds Pro: The diamond you suggested is gorgeous!!! I attached a picture of the finished product. This is exactly what my fiance was looking for and she is ecstatic.

Best wishes and many thanks!

 

That’s fantastic! I’m glad that she loves it. That’s the most important thing.

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
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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. Save 25% on settings at Blue Nile!

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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
  • 24/7 Customer Service
  • 100% credit towards future upgrades (must be at least double in value)
  • Best in class fulfillment
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