We are reader-supported. Buying through any red colored link on our site may earn us commissions. Learn More.

Q&A: Choosing a J-color Round Cut Diamond With Up to $35,000 Budget

By Mike Fried,

I’m trying to decide between two diamonds.

One is 3.5 ct (I like them big!) but it’s proportions are on the deep side so it’s LxWxD is not too large. There’s a 3 ct I like with also excellent proportions that is $5,000 cheaper but will face up almost as big as the 3.5.

What is the right choice here?? Is it worth it to get the 3.5 for $5,000 more or not?

3 ct: www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/3.06-carat-j-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-6316070?a_aid=dmnd1357

3.5 ct: Blue Nile LD11857105

I don’t like the JA diamond because of the two crystals on the table. They will be visible to the naked eye which isn’t ideal.
The BN diamond is no longer available. Have you purchased it already?

I also found this option on BN:
Blue Nile LD11517421

It’s just s smidge smaller, but that difference won’t be visible at all.

Is the diamond I just purchased (3.5 ct) worth the difference in price from the one you sent? It is about $6K+ difference. Is the size of my 3.5 stone that much bigger, in terms of it’s measurements, that it would be noticeable between the two stones? In your opinion…

It’s true that the depth % of 62.7 is on the upper edge of what we recommend, but it should be fine. The rest of the cut parameters looks great. It’s not the cut of the diamond that concerns me, it’s the black crystals on its 6 o’clock. Given the size of the diamond and the location of those imperfections, they might be visible to the naked eye. I’m not saying they will, but they might be. Let me know what the situation is when the diamond arrives.

As for the difference in size between those two, the 3.50ct is, admittedly, larger than the 3.13t, but I don’t think that the difference would be noticeable in person. That said, should the 3.50ct turn out not eye-clean, the 3.13ct would be a pretty decent alternative in my opinion.

Do you think you could do a search and find the diamond you recommend the most on BN or JA?

I would like a triple excellent, J color (at the lowest), and a plus is fluorescence (but not strong), and 3-3.5 ct. I love the measurements of a 3.5 ct but the one you sent me is enticing because it has a very comparable face-up size at a much lower price… but it is SI1. Is that cause for concern given the large size of the diamond? I guess, if you could find a couple more options that have measurements close to the 3.50 I just bought, I’d love to see those too. Brilliance needs to be awesome, of course. Let me know! I need a professional’s opinion.

The SI1 clarity grade is not an issue in this case. Why else would I recommend it? I only recommend eye-clean diamonds with no question marks attached to them. The 3.13ct is an excellent option for the price.

Here’s a bunch of more diamonds with the specs you desire that I really like:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/3.03-carat-j-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4381883?a_aid=dmnd1357

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/3.20-carat-j-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-6151099?a_aid=dmnd1357

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/3.43-carat-j-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-6081284?a_aid=dmnd1357

Blue Nile LD11941274

Blue Nile LD02313935

Blue Nile LD11302279

That one has very visible crystals on the table. You wouldn’t like it.
Not all of SI1s are eye-clean.

Many thanks!

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
Arrow down
Arrow up
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
Arrow down
Arrow up

Still afraid of getting ripped off?

Before you buy a diamond, get personal buying advice from industry veterans. We'll help you get the best diamond for the money.

Ask your diamond purchase question here

  • Hidden
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

DISCLAIMER: We don't use your email for marketing. Period.

Please enter your email address to receive your 25% off coupon code:

Here is your coupon code: GFDSF3GF

Diamond Pro

Diamond Pro

  • Unfortunately, the AI chat we worked so hard training is not helping our readers the way we would like. You deserve the best advice you can get.

    Would you like to contact a human diamond pro? Just fill out this email form and we will answer you ASAP (usually within one day).

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.