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Q&A: Experience Shopping for a Diamond Pendant on a $1,500 Budget

By Mike Fried, Updated June 29, 2020

Have been eyeing this necklace for a LONG time. Especially like the adjustable chain length. Have compared it to diamonds elsewhere, and the price of $1,460 seems right for a .50 ct, VS2, Clarity I diamond.

Would love your opinion!

https://www.costco.com/Round-Brilliant-0.50-ct-VS2-Clarity%2c-I-Color-Diamond-14kt-White-Gold-Solitaire-Necklace.product.100304771.html

I wouldn’t recommend that diamond. It lacks any kind of legit certification and you have no idea what you’d be paying for and whether the price is right.

I’m happy to help you find a better value if you like.

Yes, what would you suggest?

I’d go with a GIA certified diamond. This way you’ll know what you’re spending your money on: https://www.diamonds.pro/education/diamond-certification/

Blue Nile LD10675988
Something like this is going to look amazing.

You can choose the setting here: Build Your Own Diamond Pendant

What do you think?

Blue Nile has $100 off their diamonds, and I’m ready to take the jump! The diamond you suggested is no longer available. What do you think of this one?

Blue Nile LD10692362

Thank you SO much for your help!

That one is not eye-clean, but these two are:
Blue Nile LD10676066

Blue Nile LD10870685

EIther of them will look fantastic.

Thanks so much for your help!!! I ordered the LD10870685. SO excited!!!

That’s great news! You got yourself a beautiful diamond.

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. They currently run a 10% discount on selected lab-grown diamonds!
Click to Visit
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. Right now, Blue Nile offers up to 50% savings on selected jewelry during a limited-time season sale.
Click to Visit
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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