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Q&A: Choosing an Eye-Clean 1.5 Ct. Oval Diamond for a $8k – $10k Budget

By Mike Fried,

I am looking for an 1.5 carat oval diamond, and this site seems like the perfect resource to help me make a final decision.

My budget is around $8- 10,000. I have found three diamonds on the James Allen website (all on hold) based on search criteria I pieced together from researching diamonds online. I would love your opinion or recommendation on the better value.

My main concern is that the diamond is eye clean. Although the clarity levels are not VVS, I spoke to a service representative who advised two of the three diamonds are eye clean; the third would have to be looked at by a gemologist.

The other pieces I am unsure about are 1) the bow-tie effect (when is it too severe?) and 2) the length to width ratio (is it just preference or if it is outside of the 1.35-1.5 range, should you consider another diamond?).

Any guidance or help you could provide is greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance!

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.50-carat-h-color-si2-clarity-sku-352072?a_aid=dmnd1357

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.51-carat-g-color-si1-clarity-sku-262269?a_aid=dmnd1357

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.51-carat-g-color-si2-clarity-sku-348725?a_aid=dmnd1357

To be honest, I don’t like any of those choices. The biggest concern with oval cut diamonds is the bow-tie effect (the black figure-eight reflection walking north-south in the diamond).

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.51-carat-g-color-si2-clarity-sku-253355?a_aid=dmnd1357

I love this diamond for you. 

Thank you so much. That is a beautiful diamond. I can see the difference in the cut. I am having a hard time justifying spending this much on one piece of jewelry so I am going to think about it for a few days. Again, thank you so much. 

 

 Well that I can’t help with :). Let me know what you decide to do. 

 I know it has been awhile since my last email. I wanted to let you know that I did purchase the diamond you recommended, and I absolutely love it! My diamond is beautiful and it was within my price range. I sincerely appreciate your expertise and willingness to help.

Thank you again. 

Thanks for writing and letting us know. I’m delighted that you were pleased with our help. We wish you and your partner a life of happiness and fulfillment. 

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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