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Q&A: Choosing the Perfect Diamond Pendant for $2,000 Total

By Mike Fried,

A fantastic site with a tremendous amount of useful information.

I’m looking to purchase a diamond solitaire pendant for my wife as a gift for her 50th birthday. Despite all the information that you have provided I’m still struggling to narrow the choices down. I’m not sure what cut would look best in a pendant – can you help with some input and guidance. I’m looking for an 18 ct white gold setting (looks around $400) on James Allen – total budget of $2,000 hence need a diamond that comes in around the $1,600 mark.

Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. 

Honestly, I love the pear shape for pendants. I think that is the way to maximize size and brilliance.

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/pear-cut/0.72-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-sku-190200?a_aid=dmnd1357

I love this diamond for you. What do you think? 

Thanks for your response and recommendation. Looking at the diamond it seems that the length/width ratio may be a bit off. I see that you generally recommend a pear shape in the range 1.55 – 1.75 while the diamond in question is around 1.90. This seems a little high. Have you been able to take a close look at the diamond to establish whether there are any visible inclusions (I’m not sure how to make the virtual loupe feature work).

What do you think of this one? Would this be a better bet than that which you recommended above? I recognize that it is a little pricier than I quoted however I’d like to ensure that I get the best value possible.

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/pear-cut/0.71-carat-g-color-si1-clarity-sku-198599?a_aid=dmnd1357

To be honest, I like the longer look of the first one. Granted though, that is a personal preference. The diamond you selected is fantastic as well. 

I’m finding it difficult to get my head around the pear cut stones. I have been looking at the idea of a princess cut, set in this setting:

https://www.jamesallen.com/design-your-own-diamond-pendant/18k-white-gold-4-prong-wire-basket-pendant-setting-item-2749?a_aid=dmnd1357

Any ideas on diamonds for this setting. I was looking at these ones:

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/0.71-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-sku-211663?a_aid=dmnd1357

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/0.71-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-sku-207894?a_aid=dmnd1357

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/0.72-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-sku-188759?a_aid=dmnd1357

Appreciate your feedback or suggestions. 

 

 The first one is a gorgeous diamond. It is the winner, hands down. 

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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