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Q&A: Choosing a Round Diamond for a Halo Setting With Up to $3,000 Budget

By Mike Fried,

Hello,
I am a college student looking at engagement rings on James Allen. I found a halo ring I really like, and it says the small diamonds are color H. So I assume I need an H center diamond.

I was looking at size 0.7 carat diamonds, for I don’t want it to look too small but I also don’t have the biggest budget. I was planning on spending around 2500-3000 dollars and the setting is 950. So that leaves me with around 1500-2100 dollars for a center stone.

Can you help me find a perfect stone on James Allen?

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

I am looking for a round diamond that goes with the James Allen 14K WHITE GOLD CATHEDRAL STAR ENGAGEMENT RING

Thank you for sending the link.

Here’s my suggestion of a diamond with the quality I’d recommend:

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.65-carat-h-color-vvs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3016822?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?

So you don’t think the .65 carat will look too small right?

I believe that size is the matter of your personal preference. What one thinks is small, the other thinks is too big.

But I think that this stone is beautiful with fantastic overall specs. And a slightly smaller diamond with great specs will make a better impression than a larger stone with a visible inclusion, lack of brilliance or warm tint.

Thank you for your help!! I really like the diamond you chose. I’ll place the order.

OK, thank you for your feedback. It’s been my pleasure helping 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.
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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