Q&A: Help Choosing a Round Diamond With Up to $8,000 Budget

Hello,

I am seeking advice in relation to selecting a diamond for a particular engagement ring setting on James Allen.

The type of diamond I am looking for is a round, 1.2-1.35 carat, H colour, SI 1, excellent cut diamond, although I’d be open to compromising based on your advice. My budget for the diamond is around $8,000, although I’d obviously be happy to save money where possible. Would you be able to help?

The SKU for the setting is 17732P:
PLATINUM FLORAL BASKET TAPERED PAVE ENGAGEMENT RING

One diamond that I had initially identified was SKU 2164895:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.30-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2164895?a_aid=dmnd1357

I’d be interested to hear your opinion on this, whether it’s good, and if you can find anything better.

Also, I was planning to use a voucher that gives a $100 discount. I just wanted to let you know and check that using this voucher wouldn’t prevent you from earning compensation with James Allen? Lastly, and assuming you are happy to provide advice, is there any chance you could respond as soon as possible, ideally in the next 12-24 hours? James Allen’s lead time for making this setting is long, and I need to order the ring urgently.

Thanks.

Thanks for your quick reply and the diamond suggestion.

I noticed that this diamond has a medium-slightly thick girdle and that it’s dimensions are slightly smaller — would this be noticeable, and what’s your opinion on compromising these dimensions vs. the cloudiness you described?

Also, would you be able to suggest similar sized diamonds (i.e. ~1.3 carat) for a slightly lower price? I’m assuming I would need to compromise on some other aspects like colour or clarity etc., which I may be fine with — At the moment, I don’t know what would be best to compromise on, so I’d be interesting in seeing some suggestions and your opinion on what I’d be trading off and whether it’s a sensible trade-off etc.

Best regards.

I just wanted to follow up on this message. Unfortunately I couldn’t get this diamond at the time we were initially discussing, as James Allen said it was going to take longer than advertised to make the ring, and it wouldn’t have been ready in time for me to collect on my trip to the US.

I’d still like to order a diamond with the same setting, and I liked this first diamond that you had suggested:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.32-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2794428?a_aid=dmnd1357

Unfortunately that diamond has been sold, so I was wondering if you could suggest something similar? I’d still like to stick with similar characteristics that I had suggested in my initial email and to keep with an $8,000 budget for the diamond.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Best regards.

Thanks for your reply. I have ordered this diamond that you suggested.

I am still waiting for confirmation from James Allen, so perhaps I can let you know once I actually receive the order so that you can receive your commission?

Thanks.

Just to let you know that I collected the diamond and really liked it. Thanks again for your help – really appreciate it.

To confirm, I used this email address for my purchase.

Best regards.