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

Q&A: Choosing a Round Diamond for a Side Stone Setting With a C$3,500 Budget

By Mike Fried,

Hello,

I’m looking to purchase a diamond online. My local store showed me some diamonds and quite frankly, I wasn’t too impressed. Maybe I’m foolish but they’re offering 0.70 SI2, I, VG cut for $4,275 Canadian. There was a dark inclusion right over the table.

Anyway, I am looking for 0.70 to mount on a Tacori Sculpted Crescent ring. It has two small side stones.

I saw on James Allen this stone www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.70-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-7216009?a_aid=dmnd1357

Given the specs and price, even after duties/taxes, it seems to be a better deal.

I’m looking to spend no more than $3,500 on the stone. I’m in Ontario, Canada and I would get the stone set a local jeweller.

It’s a gorgeous diamond and the price is not bad at all.

I found one that is slightly cheaper and equally beautiful:

Blue Nile LD12759144

Whichever you decide to get, it will look amazing in the beautiful setting you chose.

Thanks for sending the link to the BN diamond. I’m amazed you were able to find me this stone at that price. Great! I’m curious how much more carat I can get if we go right up to $3,500? Do you think it’s worth it?

That budget doesn’t make much difference. The diamond I sent you costs slightly less than C$3,200. C$300 more isn’t enough for a big change.

However, if we went with an I color diamond (which is perfect for the setting you’re going to put it in), you could get a 0.80ct:
Blue Nile LD12754068

Thanks. I think the 0.70 will be fine then. Cheers!

Great!

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.