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Q&A: Half Carat Round Brilliant Cut for $1500 Budget

By Mike Fried,

I would like to get a round brilliant diamond around .5-.65 ct. I am thinking about getting around a color G-I, ideal cut, and clarify of VS2-SI2. I would like an eye clean diamond. Can you suggest a diamond for a budget around $1,500?
I’ve been looking at few round diamonds available on James Allen, but I was not sure which one have the best value within my budget.Could you please take a look at them:
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1338536.asp
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1362622.asp
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1356072.asp
Thanks!


Thanks for writing! Those are 3 very nice picks. I would choose this one:
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1356072.asp

Because it’s basically the same price as the HVS2, but it’s noticeably larger and equally as brilliant. The difference in clarity isn’t perceivable to the eye, so it doesn’t make a difference. I’m concerned the G SI2 wouldn’t be eye clean, so I removed it from contention.

I’ve found 2 more diamonds to compare with the one that you selected last time. I’m so excited that i could not wait until receiving your answer before posting new question. These are going to be my final options, please help me one more time, selecting the best one.

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1356072.asp

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1363183.asp

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1362614.asp

I’m so thankful that I’ve found your website before purchasing my engagement ring. I’m truly appreciated for your kindness and your willingness to help others. Keep up your good work 🙂

Tough tough call! The new H SI1 and the IVS2 are both really really nice. I guess if I had to, I’d choose the new H SI1. COlor over clarity every time.

Thank you so much for your help. I’ve just ordered the ring tonight, hopefully it looks beautiful.

Sounds great! Let me know what you think!

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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