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Q&A: Choosing a Round Cut Diamond for a Solitaire Setting With Up to $5,000 Budget

By Mike Fried,

Hello there,

I’m looking for a round 1+ carat solitaire diamond from James Allen for $5,000, not including the setting.

Do you recommend 14K or 18K white gold or platinum for the band? Is a 1.5mm band a good size or should I opt for a 2mm? Is a size 5 ring at Tiffany’s also a size 5 at James Allen?

Thank you so much!

As for the metal, we recommend WG over PT. The reason is the huge disparity in upfront costs. As our article says, the WG has to be dipped every few years and the platinum needs to be polished as well because it scratches. So ultimately, platinum costs you more in the beginning and doesn’t end up saving you any money in the long run. And we recommend 14k gold over 18k as it is more durable and resistant to tarnishing.

As for the size, I suggest contacting the site directly to double check. And I believe that the choice of setting is mainly up to your personal taste. Whichever you like more, go for it.

Here’s my suggestion of a 1.02 carat diamond with the quality I’d recommend for a solitaire style setting:

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.02-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-3109624?a_aid=dmnd1357

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

What do you think?

Thank you so much for your help! I’m so grateful your diamond pro team exists!

My husband was hoping for a VS1/VS2 diamond. Would you recommend a 1.00-1.02 carat diamond at least as beautiful as the SI1 you’ve found? It’s ok if the diamond costs up to $5,200.

I’m afraid that I won’t find a 1.00+ carat VS within $5250. But I’m happy to send you my suggestions of the best stones I found with these specs:

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.11-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2183377?a_aid=dmnd1357
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.00-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4447011?a_aid=dmnd1357

What do you think of these?

Someone else bought the SI1, but I think the 1-carat VS2 you found is beautiful as well! I just bought it.

That’s fantastic news!

Please, let me know how you like the stone once it arrives.

I love the diamond! It sparkles wonderfully!

Thank you and have a great day!

Thanks a lot for your message! I’m very pleased to hear that.

It was my pleasure helping you. And if it’s not too much to ask, could you write a review about your experiences with us? We’d be very grateful. If it’s not a problem, here’s a link you can use: [LINK TO REVIEW ON IVOUCH]

Of course! I just wrote a review for you. Have a great day!

Thank you very much!

Have a lovely day, too.

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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