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Q&A: Help Choosing a Round Diamond for a Solitaire With a $10-12k Budget

By Mike Fried,

Hello!

Great informative site. I’m looking for a ring, budget around $10k.

Round/classic with a simple single stone silver colored setting. I probably have a lot of questions that don’t have simple answers.

Is $10K enough? Or is that a threshold where $12k would go exponentially further?

Is that budget correct if I want something that appears larger than average without sacrificing the stone quality to the eye? By the way, she says she doesn’t care about ring size, that’s more my thing. 🙂

I looked around and I like this combination for you:
www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/14k-white-gold-15mm-comfort-fit-engagement-ring-item-22606?a_aid=dmnd1357

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.71-carat-j-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2112926?a_aid=dmnd1357

This diamond is beautifully cut, eye-clean and will be very brilliant in that setting.

What do you think? Are you happy with the size?

Thanks!

Does a J colored diamond look the same in the white gold setting as a better color rating?

Also, I’ve read online about the proportions of a “super ideal” cut diamond. This one says it’s “Excellent” but when I compare the stats with “Super Ideal” it appears to fall in that range. Am I missing something? (pasted below)

super ideal
diamond 1

table size
54-57
57

crown angle
34-35
35

pavilion angle
40.6-41
40.8

depth
61-62.5
61.9

girdle thickness
thin-medium
medium

culet
none
none

And finally, can you give me some options in the 1.5 carat range, potentially saving some money or higher quality?

It does, there are no additional diamonds in the band that might make the difference in colors noticeable.

55-60% of all round diamonds receive an Excellent cut grade from GIA. So they can have the same grades but there is still a wide range within that quality. I don’t just search for excellent cuts, I further limit the search parameters.

Here are two more options from James Allen that might suit you:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.50-carat-j-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2459934?a_aid=dmnd1357

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.51-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2380579?a_aid=dmnd1357

I have another suggestion for you. If you want maximum brilliance and fire possible, I would recommend Brian Gavin’s Signature Signature Hearts and Arrows. Brian Gavin is known as one of the world’s experts when it comes to perfectly cut diamonds. BGD’s Signature diamonds are incredibly brilliant and truly impressive.

www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.223-i-vs2-round-diamond-ags-104063219007?a_aid=y

This one is superbly cut and will be extremely brilliant.

What do you think?

Thank you, that’s very helpful. It looks like Brian Gavin diamonds are $15k+ if we get to the 1.5 carat range.

Is there any way to guess the details of the rock below in the pictures? I know it’s a 1.45 carat. That ring looks amazing.

……

Sorry- one more thing. I can have an idealscope done on any options at James Allen for free if they don’t have them, right? You’ll still get credit? The True Hearts cuts seem to have them but the others don’t.

Brian Gavin is the perfect choice for those who focus on the best quality they can have. Of course, if you like the bigger size, then there is no reason not to purchase from James Allen.

I’m sorry, but there’s no way for me to determine the parameters of that diamond. It looks stunning, but without seeing it in person and without seeing its certificate, I can’t tell you anything.

Which Brian Gavin setting would you recommend for the 1.22? I think that would be the best option.
www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/solitaires?a_aid=y

Well, it’s 100% a matter of personal taste and style, but I like these three the most:
www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/six-prong-solitaire-14k-white-gold-5351w14?a_aid=y

ww.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/minnie-sholdt-14k-white-gold-5771w14?a_aid=y

www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/jody-sholdt-14k-white-gold-6975w14?a_aid=y

Hello,

So, sadly the Brian Gavin diamond is gone.

I’ve narrowed it down on James Allen to the following, do you have an opinion on these? I mirrored your searches + ideal dimensions from online. Then eliminated ones I could find something wrong with on the ideal scope or reports.

JA diamond list

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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