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Q&A: Help Buying Round Solitaire Pendant

By Mike Fried,

I am looking for a round solitaire pendant

Size – .65 to .75 – setting white gold

Cut – Ideal

Clarity VS2 or better

Color – H or G

Flourescence – None to Faint

I usually wear diamond studs which are .50 each, and then in my left ear i wear two additional studs totaling 1/3 carat. I am looking for a nice compliment with the pendant although I’m not sure about size as I would like to wear it everyday – however in holding one of my studs up to my neck/chest it seems quite small so I opted to go with a larger size and I want sparkle however I don’t want it all to be too overpowering – would a .50 carat be best?. I’m not a large person but not petite either – 5.6 with small to normal build. I may switch the studs for simple ball earrings depending on the pendant. My overall budget is $3,000.

I am partial to the blue nile setting – stock # 12756 or Petite Bail Pendant in White Gold or something similar.

I live overseas so calling is tricky with the time difference. Appreciate all your assistance and find the site extremely valuable.

Thanks for writing! I’ll be very happy to help. Would you mind taking a look here at James Allen’s settings and letting me know if you like any of them? I much prefer to suggest stones from JA because I can see them:

https://www.jamesallen.com/design-your-diamond-pendant/solitaire-pendants/

I look forward to hearing back from you!

PS – I live in Israel, so the time difference is less tricky than you think!

Thank you for the prompt reply – I have to admit the other night I was overwhelmed by the information and searching for stones – last night I actually went to your “about” page – what a lovely family. On JA the only setting I sorta prefer is #58101W – 18K White Gold 4 Prong Wire Basket Solitaire Pendant and would appreciate your comments on naked eye clarity for these stones which differ a bit from my parameters below:

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1279535.asp

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-I1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1373892.asp

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1379655.asp

As this is an anniversary gift – I’m trying to stay within the budget that I set – but my husband is willing to spend more – nevertheless we agree with your philosphy compeltely – we both want quality and not to over pay for things nobody will ever notice – I love that this is clearly evident throughout your site.

Thanks for your assistance.

Thanks for such kind words about my site and especially about my family! That’s very sweet. I like this one that you chose:

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1279535.asp

The I1 doesn’t look like it will be eye clean, and the SI1 is just needlessly expensive.

Thank so much for your recommendation. Of course I had to look at some stones in the .75 range. Please see the linked stone – do you think it’s worth the extra money or should I stick with the recommended stone? Is there any difference to the eye between .72 and .76? I hate making a decision and appreciate all your assistance. The JA setting is starting to grow on me a bit. I think I will be very pleased.

The difference might only JUST BARELY be able to be perceived. But that’s with difficulty and really having to look hard. Definitely not worth and extra $600.

Fantastic – I’ve added it to my wish list for husband to buy. Thanks again for all your knowledge – love the site and will recommend to family and friends.

Thanks so much!! And congrats on your anniversary!

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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