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Q&A: Choosing a Round or Princess Cut Diamond With $1,500 Total Budget

By Mike Fried,

Hey there,
I read your article and I am very interested in seeking some guidance on an engagement ring from Blue Nile. Looking to keep it under $1500, and open about the shape, size of the diamond as well as the setting.

I’m happy to share some suggestions with you, but I would need to know what shape and style setting you are considering. As this is something entirely personal, I think you should be the one to pick out something your future fiancee will love.

I looked into a few settings and I liked the solitare and the one that has many little diamonds on the sides and the big on in the middle. (sorry not sure what it’s called). As for the shape of the diamond round or princess cut would be good.

That does help. Thanks!

For a simple solitaire, I’d recommend a J-color round diamond. For a pave (smaller diamonds in the band), you have to go one grade up to make sure there won’t be any color difference.

You can go with an I-color princess cut for either setting.

Blue Nile LD10830840

Blue Nile LD10794571

Blue Nile LD10769591

These options are very well cut and all of them will be bright and brilliant.

What do you think?

I really like the princess cut one you sent and the 0.45ct round one. I think either one will be perfect. Thank you so much!

Happy to hear that!

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
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  • Free prong tightening, repolishing, rhodium plating and cleaning every 6 months
  • Provide insurance appraisals
  • One free resizing within 60 days of purchase
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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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