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Q&A: Choosing a Round Center Diamond for a Solitaire With a $4k Budget Including Taxes to the UK

By Mike Fried,

Hi, I am looking for an engagement ring. I have a budget of approx $4000 dollars including the UK 22% tax and the ring itself.

I like the look of this one:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.85-carat-h-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2111594?a_aid=dmnd1357

But it’s a bit out of budget as it doesn’t take in to account UK tax.

Any recommendations you can provide would be grateful.
Thanks

What style setting (solitaire, pave/side stones/halo) and metal (yellow/white gold, platinum) are you planning to put it in?

I think a solitaire style setting with either white gold or platinum (probably platinum).

Great, thanks.

In that case, you can lower the color to I/J easily. Look at this diamond:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.90-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2265581?a_aid=dmnd1357

I really liked the diamond you showed me, however it sold before i could get the ring size from my girlfriend. Have you seen anything similar?

This combo would be great:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.85-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-1049084?a_aid=dmnd1357
www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/14k-white-gold-2mm-knife-edge-solitaire-engagement-ring-item-7115?a_aid=dmnd1357

However, the total is ~4,400 after the taxes (~3,520 GBP).

I think I went over the budget with the previous one. I think I forgot to count in the VAT.

Let me know if this is acceptable.

Thanks. I have now order the combination below.

Hopefully it arrives in time.

Great news! Fingers crossed you receive it in time.

Let me know how you like it when it gets to you.

Looks like I might need to choose something from Blue Nile on a 3 day turnaround. It’s shipping day for my JamesAllen Diamond but they don’t even have the diamond yet!

I’m sorry to hear about the delay. Have you picked something out from Blue Nile already?

I found this combo:
Blue Nile LD06971306

Classic Four Claw Solitaire Engagement Ring

I took the risk and kept the order with James Allen, it arrived just in time this morning.

It looks fantastic, thanks for your help, appreciated.

I’m glad that it turned out well. Thanks for letting me know.

I 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
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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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