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Q&A: Choosing a Round Diamond for a White Gold Solitaire Within a $3,500 Budget

By Mike Fried,

Hello, I have made some research and found your videos and site very helpful. I believe this diamond should be eye clean. Can you help me out with your expert opinion if that is true? Link below:

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.96-carat-j-color-si2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4758810?a_aid=dmnd1357

The problem with that diamond is the comment in the certificate that says “Clarity grade based on clouds not shown.” This is usually a big problem on an SI diamond. It means there is a very large cloud that covers a large percentage of the diamond and saps the brilliance from it.

Did you already purchase that diamond?

Yes I already did, it looks okay on the super zoom video. I snapped it quickly thinking it’s a good value. I was hoping to get a .95 to just above a carat diamond with the least price with Ideal cut, J to H color and an eye clean one which I think I can get the best value on an SI2.

I looked at Blue Nile but most of their SI2s got really bad inclusions. And I thought got a good deal on James Allen.

Is there a stone that you can recommend with the best least price from either retailer?

I’ll have a look at some options. Can you please tell me what style setting (solitaire, pave/side stone, halo) and metal (yellow/white gold, platinum) you’re putting it in? I just want to make sure I’ll pick the right color.

I have canceled my order on James Allen, so we can start again.

Was thinking of white gold solitaire setting from either James Allen or Blue Nile.

The rock can be – .8 carat or the closest to 1 carat. Maybe up to US$3,500 max for the price.

Alright. Thanks for the info.
Here are two diamonds I’d go with:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.91-carat-j-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3605263?a_aid=dmnd1357
Blue Nile LD10175932

Unfortunately, I couldn’t find anything larger within $3,500.

Let me know what you think. They both will look very bright and brilliant.

The Blue Nile one, got faint fluorescence and got Very Good symmetry. Are those going to be okay?

The James Allen one, got Excellent cut, polish and symmetry but seems to have more lines on the top and a dot.

I’m not sure which is better and eye clean.

Both are eye-clean. Some inclusions aren’t a problem as long as they won’t be visible to the naked eye. And I always pick only those that are clean.

The symmetry and polish don’t have to be Excellent. Just avoid Fair/Poor grades and you’re fine.
https://www.diamonds.pro/education/polish/
https://www.diamonds.pro/education/symmetry/

The fluorescence can be none/faint/medium. None of these will be an issue on a J color diamond.

Okay. Thanks for your help and time!

No problem.

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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