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Q&A: Choosing a Center Diamond for a Halo White Gold Setting Within a $7k Budget

By Mike Fried,

Looking to spend $7,000 for a diamond from James Allen that will go in an engagement ring. I know I want round cut and it must be at least 1ct. I’ve read through the site but still can’t decide what attributes would best be worth my money? Go True Hearts? Should I get better color or clarity maybe even go a little bigger on size? IDK, HELP!

Thanks.

Can you also tell me what style of setting (solitaire, halo, pave or other) and metal (platinum/white or yellow gold) you’re going to use? Different settings suit certain colors better.

As for the clarity, we search for diamonds with SI+ grade. Most of SI stones are not eye-clean. But if you find one that is, it usually saves you money.

True Hearts are beautifully cut. I can send you my suggestion of a stone and one True Hearts to compare.

The setting will be halo with white gold.

Thank you for the additional information.

Then I suggest looking for H+ colors. Have you look at these:

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.10-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4634359?a_aid=dmnd1357

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.01-carat-h-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4260035?a_aid=dmnd1357

Both of them are very well cut, eye-clean and going to look colorless.
https://www.diamonds.pro/education/color/

What do you think?

Hey could you tell me why this one is cheaper:

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.07-carat-h-color-if-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4282593

than the one you recommended?

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.01-carat-h-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4260035?a_aid=dmnd1357

If I had to guess the cut is a little better on the one you sent based on what I’ve observed from the geometry of great cuts.

Other than that I really did like the second one you sent out.

The issue with the stone you sent is its IGI certification. You should search for stones with either GIA or AGS cert (these two labs are legit and consistent in grading. You can read more about it in our article:
https://www.diamonds.pro/education/diamond-certification/#igi-certification

That’s fantastic news! Yes, this diamond is beautiful with fantastic overall specs! It was a great option.

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!

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
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