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Q&A: Choosing a Natural or Lab-Created Diamond for a Yellow Gold Ring with Around $1,500 Budget

By Mike Fried,

Blue Nile LD13885741
Is this diamond eye-clean?

Also, could we found something similar in lab created diamond?
Thanks.

Blue Nile LD13885741
This diamond is definitely not eye-clean, the black crystal would be very noticeable in person.

I’m happy to find some better options for you, can you just tell me what style setting you want to put the diamond into? I want to make sure I recommend the right color grade for it.

Good to know! I’m a big fan of all the info we can find on your internet site.

I would like to pair the diamond with a halo in yellow gold.

Blue Nile LD13982822
Something like this would look gorgeous in a YG halo.

Or here’s a lab diamond in the same price range:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.04-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-8569845?a_aid=dmnd1357
James Allen uses F/G melee diamonds in their settings so you need to go a bit higher in color to ensure the colorless impression of the center stone.

Good start!

Do we need to stay with the ideal cut?

Does it make a big difference if I downgrade to very good cut?

Can we find something smaller (less expensive) in lab diamond?

Yes, for a round brilliant, EX/ID cut is an absolute must. It’s what makes the diamond beautiful and brilliant: https://www.diamonds.pro/education/cuts/.

Here’s a less expensive lab diamond:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.75-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-8646974?a_aid=dmnd1357

Any recommendation for lab diamond around $1,500?

Price is perfect.

It is going to be this one.

Thank you!

I’m glad you like it, it’s a gorgeous stone.

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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