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Q&A: Eye Clean Diamond for $8-9K Budget

By Mike Fried,

First, thank you so much for writing so many informative articles on your website. They’ve really helped me narrow down what I want for an engagement ring.

I was wondering if you have any suggestions for a princess cut diamond not including the price of the ring in the $8,000 to $9,000 range (preferably on the lower end of this range unless something outstanding is available.)

In terms of priorities I would prefer that the diamond is at least relatively eye clean and above 1.5 carats if both of these conditions can be met.

Additionally, could you please give me at least one Blue Nile diamond to choose from because I currently have a 5% off coupon with my credit card company if I use them. I’ll make sure you get your affiliate link income from whatever diamond I choose.

I wish I could send you a link to a stone on BN, but I just don’t feel right recommending diamonds I can’t inspect. But I’m sure I can get you a better deal than the 5% coupon will save you. Here’s what I mean:

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1325998.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

You could never successfully blindly buy an SI2 princess cut from blue nile. But from JA, since I was able to inspect that stone, I can verify that it’ll be eye clean. The price difference between an H VS2 and an H SI2 1.70-1.80ct princess cut is about $2000 – well over the 5% that the coupon will get you.

Let me know what you think!

Thanks for the quick response Ira. That diamond looks beautiful and has an awesome price! I understand your reasoning behind not recommending Blue Nile. It makes perfect sense once you explain it.

I really like the diamond you recommended but can you give me two or three other choices for comparison’s sake? Also, how do I ensure you get your affiliate payment from JA? Do I just purchase the diamond via the link you sent me in your email or through some other process?

Thanks for the concern about the affiliate stuff! The link should be enough, but even if it doesn’t work for one reason or another, the TAD0611 coupon code acts like a fail-safe measure. That’ll give you 10% off the setting.

Here are a couple more options:

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1277224.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1103116.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

Thanks for all the help! After much indecisiveness, I think I want to go with a round diamond. I’ve determined which ring I want to buy and I think a round stone will look better in the ring. Can you recommend two round diamonds with the same parameters as the my previous request (i.e. in the $8,000-9,000 range, eye clean). I’m very excited to make the purchase today if possible.

I went with the 1.46cts diamond but it was definitely a tough decision! In the end I didn’t think I could justify an extra $800 or so for the 1.51cts diamond or $1,300 for a 1.61cts diamond that just went up on the James Allen website. Thank you so much for helping me with the diamond selection process.

I was sure to use the coupon code provided on your website and even saved a few bucks on the ring. If it wasn’t for your website I would have never known about James Allen. If there is anything I can do to help promote your website (like write a review somewhere) please feel free to ask.

I think it’s a fantastic choice. And I really appreciate your offer for a review. I’ll definitely hit you up for that BUT only after you receive the ring and you let me know how much you love it!

Sounds good Ira! The ring is scheduled to arrive no later than Wednesday next week. I’ll contact you after it arrives.

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!

Please enter your email address to receive your 25% off coupon code:

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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