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Q&A: Choosing a Round Cut Diamond for a Necklace With Around £5,000 Budget

By Mike Fried,

My budget is around £5000 for a nice 1 carat diamond to offer to my sister set in a necklace for her wedding. Quality is essential. If necessary I can pay a bit more.
What type of diamond cut, colour, clarity should I get?
I am based in the UK.

A second question. While there is classification, sometimes for the same colour/clarity, diamonds can look very different, am I not at a big disadvantage ordering online?

Generally speaking, you get better value online.
Since you’re located in the UK, I suggest purchasing from Blue Nile. They have offices in Dublin so everything will be easier in terms of shipping, returns, and repairs.

Can you also tell me what shape of diamond you’re looking for? Then I’ll be happy to send you my suggestion.

Round, please.

Thank you for the information.

Have a look at this diamond:

Blue Nile LD09348533

It’s very well cut, eye-clean and going to look colorless.
https://www.diamonds.pro/education/color/

What do you think?

Hi,

I am afraid it took me too long to decide and when I was ready the diamond you advised was gone…

Could you recommend another one? There are a few with similar characteristics, should I go for those?

Have a look at this diamond:

Blue Nile LD09402315

And feel free to send me another option if you find one you like in particular.

Just clicked, that one is not available anymore…

I’m sorry to hear that the last stone was gone so quickly. Hopefully, this one is the one.

Blue Nile LD08930599

Keep me posted.

I had a look and found another one with better characteristics and cheaper. Would it be better/as good?

Blue Nile LD09372096

The issue with this stone is its strong fluorescence. It can cause a hazy look, that’s why I don’t recommend purchasing it.
https://www.diamonds.pro/education/fluorescence/

I also saw this one which is a similar one with better clarity, only faint fluorescence, any good you think?

Blue Nile LD09112209

Thanks.

Yes, this diamond you found is beautiful with fantastic overall specs. If you like this one, go for it. It’s a great way to go.

Just to let you know that I have purchased the last stone we talked about. Best regards!

I hope you’ll love the stone once it arrives. Feel free to contact me again if there’s something I can do for you in the future.

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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