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Q&A: Choosing a Round Diamond for a Solitaire or Pave Setting Within a $4,000 Budget

By Mike Fried,

I have a solitaire ring that I picked from James Allen that is approx. $4,200 CND. Is the diamond any good?

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.85-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-8959651?a_aid=dmnd1357

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.85-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-8959651?a_aid=dmnd1357
This diamond has a nice cut, but the cloud listed in the clarity notes is very worrisome. Since the cert doesn’t have clarity plot that would show where the cloud is and how big it is, if there is a cloud mentioned first, you should skip the diamond. It usually means that the cloud is the most important inclusion and it can make the diamond look hazy in daylight (it already looks very cloudy in the video).

Would you like me to recommend a better option?

Yes please, would love your advice. I have a few months before I propose. So not really in a rush.

As far as a solitaire setting goes, you can easily go with a lower color grade. I or even a J would be perfectly fine.
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.76-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-7702827?a_aid=dmnd1357
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.81-carat-j-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-8065399?a_aid=dmnd1357
These two diamonds have great overall specs and either of them would be very bright and brilliant in the setting you picked out. The difference in size would be negligible.

Thanks for the info. I like this one, seems to be a lot better on the budget as well. www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.81-carat-j-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-8065399?a_aid=dmnd1357

I have made a change to the ring, if you have some time please send me some diamond suggestions. This setting is a bit more elegant. Also my GF’s hands are thin.
14K White Gold Petite Pavé Crown Diamond Engagement Ring

That’s fantastic news! That diamond was an excellent option.

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. Get 30% off lab-grown diamonds during a limited time sale.
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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