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Q&A: Help Choosing an Oval Diamond With a $5,000 Budget

By Mike Fried,

Hi

I am a little stuck between these 2 oval diamonds and was wondering if you have an opinion please? I like that the 1.01 seems super sparkly and I like that the 1.07 faces up larger.

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.01-carat-f-color-vs1-clarity-sku-6536491?a_aid=dmnd1357
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.07-carat-f-color-vs2-clarity-sku-9059628?a_aid=dmnd1357

Both diamonds are no longer available. Did you purchase one of them or put it on hold?

I have them on hold. Though now I am not sure about either.
I would like an oval diamond D-F, VS2+, 1-1.25 carat (ideally 8mm+ length), 1.35-1.5 ratio, none-faint fluorescence. Does this sound possible?

Since you’ve put them on hold, I can’t access the GIA report to see their specs. As far as I can say, the 1.01ct has prominent black windowing on the sides and the 1.07ct one has a very strong bow-tie.

I found these that looked great to me:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.01-carat-f-color-vs2-clarity-sku-8963738?a_aid=dmnd1357
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.00-carat-f-color-vs2-clarity-sku-8596555?a_aid=dmnd1357

I have decided to go ahead with a diamond I found yesterday.

I am so sorry for wasting your time!

No worries. If you still need a second pair of eyes to look at the diamond you went with, I’m happy to give you my opinion.

How kind of you! I was so worried, when I saw you’d already emailed me, that you’d be cursing me. I think this is the one I’m going with www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.00-carat-e-color-vs2-clarity-sku-9243328?a_aid=dmnd1357. It would be great to know what you think.

That one was an excellent option, it checks all the boxes. You got yourself a beautiful diamond.

Thank you so much for your input, it was much appreciated!

Glad I could help.

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.
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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
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