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Q&A: Choosing a Round Diamond for a Yellow Gold Side Stone Ring With $13k Budget

By Mike Fried,

I am looking for the most brilliant “statement” diamond in my price range of $13,000 – I’d like at least 1.5 ct and have been looking at James Allen.

So far, I’m liking these:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.51-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4608162?a_aid=dmnd1357
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.52-carat-g-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4537026?a_aid=dmnd1357
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.52-carat-g-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4238210?a_aid=dmnd1357
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.50-carat-e-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4390320?a_aid=dmnd1357

What do you think is the best diamond for my money? Can you suggest something better (I wouldn’t mind going larger as long as it doesn’t compromise the brilliance and “eye clean” quality? Thanks!

Try avoiding medium or strong fluorescence on I+ diamonds. It usually causes a hazy/milky look and it’s not possible to spot it on a screen. https://www.diamonds.pro/education/fluorescence/

This diamond is the best option out of the four you sent me:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.51-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4608162?a_aid=dmnd1357

Before I start searching for alternatives, can you please tell me what style setting (solitaire, pave/side stones/halo) and metal (yellow/white gold, platinum) you’re planning to put it in? It may affect the diamond’s color. https://www.diamonds.pro/education/color/

Thanks for getting back to me so quickly.

The diamond will be going in my existing setting, which is yellow gold (with platinum prongs) and 3 baguettes on each side of the center stone.

Reading the suggestions on color for each setting, I’m thinking H might make sense for my setting, would you agree? Also, I think I need to stick with 1.5ct for my budget without compromising too much on clarity.

I’m looking at several on Blue Nile, but think this one might be the best – Blue Nile LD10056325.

I look forward to hearing your thoughts.

H sounds like a reasonable color grade.

The diamond you found is cut too deep. Ideally, the depth should be close to 61% and shouldn’t exceed 62.6%. Not only will the diamond be less brilliant, it will look smaller: https://www.diamonds.pro/education/cuts/

This one would be a better option:
Blue Nile LD09699533

I’m sorry I keep emailing you, but I’m not sure whether I’m waiting for you to send me better options, or if the last suggestion was the best one you found.
I’m not sure about the “very good” symmetry on the last one you sent me, when there are comparable stones with “excellent” symmetry.

What do you think about this one?
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.51-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3698660?a_aid=dmnd1357

The symmetry doesn’t play a big role there. The difference between an Ex and VG grade isn’t noticeable. https://www.diamonds.pro/education/symmetry/
You’re paying $200 more for it.

You can even cheat a little and go with I+ color diamond. Look at this one:

Blue Nile LD09704082
It’s the best I found on both sites.

I ended up purchasing this last one. Thanks for your help. I learned a lot!

That’s amazing! It was my pleasure helping you.

Let me know how it looks when you receive it.

I received my diamond today! It is really stunning! I already took it to the jeweler to have it set – he was even impressed with the diamond! Thank you again for all your guidance.

I’m really happy to hear that!.

If it’s not too much to ask, do you think you can do us a quick favor and write us a small review on [LINK TO REVIEW ON IVOUCH]?

Also, can you send us a pic of your new diamond? We’d love to inspire other readers with photos in our gallery.

Enjoy the diamond and good luck with everything!

I love it!

That looks amazing!

Thank you so much for the photo.

Enjoy the ring and best of luck!

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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