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Q&A: Help Choosing a Round Diamond for an Engagement Ring with $1000 Total Budget

By Mike Fried, Updated October 24, 2017

Hello, I am currently looking for a diamond ring for my wife and my budget is $1000, including the ring. I was wondering if you can help me find something around my budget… if at all possible. 

Sure. What shape do you want? 

I am looking for a round shape. I know my budget is low but I can go upto 1100 to 1150. 

These are my recommendations:

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.35-carat-g-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-262635?a_aid=dmnd1357
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.40-carat-i-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-269767?a_aid=dmnd1357

What do you think? 

Thanks. I like it. One more question for you. Once I pick a diamond and the ring setting. who put them together to make the complete ring and do you know if James allen charges extra for that?  I mean, when i have loose diamond and setting in my cart, there is no other option being asked besides payment options. 


No, they don’t charge extra. Select the diamond, then say ‘put it in a ring’. 

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
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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. 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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