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Q&A: Help Choosing an Emerald Cut Diamond With a $4,000 Budget

By Mike Fried,

I am considering this diamond. Am I paying up too much for the color and IF? Thanks.

Blue Nile LD13233879

Blue Nile LD13233879– That stone is nice. But we don’t recommend overpaying for such a high clarity/color. However, it’s a matter of personal taste and preference. If you want to stick with IF D diamonds, there is absolutely nothing wrong with it.

For example, this stone is bigger in measurements and cheaper: Blue Nile LD13388241

Ok. Would you compare this one to those 3 please?

Blue Nile LD05119339

Blue Nile LD05119339 – It’s nice. It’s a bit shallower cut but it shouldn’t affect the diamond’s appearance in a negative way.

I think I am finally almost done. Out of the Blue Nile ones and the 3 previous James Allen ones, how would you rank them?

Honestly, the James Allen worries me because of the little black spots. I know they say that it’s only because of the magnification and it wouldn’t show up looking at it but it would be in the back of my mind. The other 2 I don’t really know. The biggest difference I see is the size. I actually like the .9 better but would it be better to do the .95… would the size difference be noticeable in person?

All of them are eye-clean, you wouldn’t be able to see any blemishes in person. Well, if compared side by side, the 0.95ct would look the biggest. But if you wouldn’t compare these diamonds side by side, I don’t think there would be some significant size difference that would be visible to the naked eye. But of course, the 0.95ct has bigger measurements and it would be slightly bigger, however, we talk about 0.5mm difference. You can buy it and worst-case scenario, if you end up not liking it in person, you can easily return it and choose a different stone.

Ok, thanks for your help.

It was my pleasure helping you.

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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