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Q&A: Choosing a Hidden Halo Ring with a Round Cut Diamond for Under C$9,000 In Total

By Mike Fried,

Hello,

I have a few questions regarding a diamond on Blue Nile. I’m hoping you can address them.

Here is the diamond – Blue Nile LD12866175

Can you advise on whether this appears to be an eye-clean diamond? I see the feather in 10x but I’m thinking it might be invisible to the naked eye.

Is the table size being over 60% going to negatively affect the brilliance? I was previously told that this (57-58%) is the ideal max table size.

Ideally I’m looking to find an eye-clean 1ct diamond for under $5k CAD, for this setting – Petite Hidden Halo Solitaire Plus Diamond Engagement Ring

Finally, would you recommend a higher color grade (I color) with this setting because of the accents?

For a halo setting, we recommend H+ colored diamonds. But since those melee diamonds are I-color, you can choose I colored center stone. J might look a bit yellowish. But it’s up to you whether you don’t mind the potential yellowish hue. Blue Nile LD12866175 – I wouldn’t recommend the stone you found as it has a large feather on the table. Moreover, the cut is off as it might negatively affect the brilliance. We suggest diamonds with ideally 55-58%.

I found these alternatives:
Blue Nile LD13340387
Blue Nile LD13273828

Thanks for the help again!

Blue Nile LD13340387

Of the diamonds you sent over, I like this one best because it has the fewest inclusions (my brain is wired to think less inclusions are better, which is probably natural but may not be the best thinking). It looks the most likely to be eye-clean.

I’m going to try to move forward with this within a few days most likely.

I’m glad you like it. I like it too as the feather is strategically located and might be covered with a prong. If you plan to purchase soon, I suggest putting in on hold, otherwise, it might get sold quickly.

Thank you.

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. Get 30% off lab-grown diamonds during a limited time sale.
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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