Q&A: Help Choosing a Loose Round Diamond Within a $8,500 Budget

I am looking for a diamond for an engagement ring. I have decided to buy the diamond loose and, once I have proposed, take it to a jeweler in Adelaide (Aus) with my partner to decide on the setting.

Setting may be gold of some description but that is not definite.

Budget for a loose diamond $AUD10,000.

I have spent time over the last couple of weeks reading up about the 4 C’s. I am thinking of adding the following ‘minimums’ to be my search:
– 1.4 or higher
– Ideal/excellent
– VS1 or SI1
– H or I
– no to minimal florescence

I have checked out Blue Nile online as well as James Allen. Blue Nile appears to be the best value (albeit on very little research) but I have noticed that you recommend James Allen more so than not.

Firstly, do you think my comments above make sense/are reasonable?

Secondly, I would be very interested too see any diamonds that you guys recommend.

Thanks.

Can you also tell me what shape of diamond you’re looking for?

We usually want to know what style of setting you’re going to use as it influences the search for color.
https://www.diamonds.pro/education/color/

But if you’re not sure yet, I suggest sticking with an H color stone to make sure that it looks colorless.

We’ve had great experiences with both companies. If you prefer Blue Nile, I’ll search preferably on their site.

Thanks for your email. In answer to your questions.

– I am looking for a round diamond

– No preference in regards to supplier – my comment on Blue Nile was simply an observation from limited research/comparison

In terms of a style I am fairly sure she wants a yellow gold setting but I am not 100% sure. Based on the article you sent me, if that was the case then an ‘I’ or ‘H’ should be ok but again, happy to be advised either way.

Please let me know if you need any more information.

Thank you for the information.

Have a look at this diamond:
Blue Nile LD08373632

It’s very well cut and H color stone is going to look colorless in any style of settings.

Unless you decide for halo, here’s a great option for other styles of settings:
Blue Nile LD07297260

I didn’t find any better option on JA.

Let me know what you think.

Thanks. Both look great to me!

H Colour Stone:
· What does Medium Blue fluorescence mean?

I Colour Stone
· The GIA report had a comment saying that ‘Additional clouds are not shown. Pinpoints are not shown’. Is that concerning?

I am probably leaning towards the I colour stone.

I will be in a position to buy early next week. How quickly do they diamonds turnover? Will I be looking at completely different diamonds next week?

Medium fluorescence on H and lower colors can help the stones to look slightly brighter. It’s not an issue. So there’s no need to worry about it.

As for the GIA report, when there’s a comment that certain inclusion is not shown, it means that it doesn’t influence the appearance at all. That’s why it doesn’t need to be shown in the clarity plot. And why it isn’t concerning.

If you like the I color stone, I suggest starting an order or putting the stone on hold. There’s a high chance that the stone will be gone in a couple of days.

Keep me posted.

Thanks for the email. Looks like I was too slow with that diamond unfortunately.

Is it possible for you to have another look on say Monday (your time) next week for another one with a budget of say $AUD11,000 and I will buy then?

Thanks again for all your help!!

Sure, I’ll send you my next suggestion on Monday.

Thanks, sorry to mess you around!!

Here’s my promised suggestion:
Blue Nile LD08408378

It’s very well cut and it has great overall specifications. If you’re ready to purchase, this is a great way to go.

Keep me posted.

Thanks for all your help. Hopefully she likes it ?

I have purchased the diamond this morning.

That’s fantastic news!

Let me know how you like the diamond once 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. They currently run a 10% discount on selected lab-grown diamonds!

Click to Visit

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

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. Right now, Blue Nile offers up to 50% savings on selected jewelry during a limited-time season sale.

Click to Visit

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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Q&A: Help Choosing a Loose Round Diamond Within a $8,500 Budget

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