Q&A: Choosing a Perfect Round Diamond of At Least 0.9 Ct Within a $4,000 to $4,500 Budget

Hi, I’m currently looking for an engagement ring. My current plan is to buy a loose diamond from james allen, take it to a local jewelry shop to make sure its ratings are valid, and then buy a setting from them. I have a couple old rings from my grandma that they are willing to take for credit.

My plan is to spend between 4,000 and 4,500 on the diamond, and I’d like it to be at least .9 carat (but of course the bigger the better). From what I can tell, it seems like the categories I need to pay the most attention to are cut and color, so I’ve been trying to find diamonds that are either a “true hearts” or “ideal” cut, have either an I G or H color, and a clarity of S1 or S2. Also, her favorite shape is round, so I’m set on that.

I wanted to ask you if it’s worth getting one of the true hearts diamonds, or if there is not much difference between that and a normal ideal cut. I am also not sure what size difference is noticeable. For example, is it worth it to pay extra for a .05 upgrade in size or would it not really be noticeable unless it’s closer to a 0.1 upgrade?

Lastly, do you think that if I really want to get a nice diamond around the 1 carat range, I should increase my budget to about 4,800? If it’s necessary, I can do it to make sure that I get a quality diamond.

Anyways, here are a couple that I am considering…

1. https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.95-carat-h-color-si2-clarity-sku-250754?a_aid=dmnd1357
This one is a good size in my opinion, ideal cut, H in color, but from looking at the picture, it seems to me like the imperfections would be noticeable. What do you think?

2. https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.92-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-252035?a_aid=dmnd1357
This one looks pretty to me and it seems like the inclusions would not be noticeable (but I guess that makes sense because it’s SI1)

3. https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.01-carat-i-color-si2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-252861?a_aid=dmnd1357
I like this one because it’s above 1 carat and still in my price range, but it seems like the inclusions in this one may not be noticeable to the naked eye.

4. https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.98-carat-i-color-si2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-258713?a_aid=dmnd1357
This also seems to be a pretty diamond and “eye clean”. Would you agree?

Any input is very appreciated. I wanted to send you a few options that I’m considering both to get your take, but also because I don’t know if I have a very good feel for what would be visible to the naked eye or not. 

Thank you very much for the quick response! I think I will choose the second option you gave. Also, your website was very helpful!

 The diamond looked great and it looks even better in the setting that I picked out. Thank you so much for picking out the perfect diamond! 

 I just wrote it. Thanks again! [LINK TO THE REVIEW ON IVOUCH]