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Q&A: Help Choosing a Round Diamond for a Solitaire With an $11-12k Budget

By Mike Fried,

As you mention I’m basically looking for the best diamond for my money. I’m looking to spend around 11-12k for the diamond. I would like to get the largest round diamond I can that is eye clean and color H. As you mention it should also be an Excellent cut. I’ve looked around and have some ideas, but of course your input is welcome. I’m not sure what angles and table and depth %s I should be looking for. I want the diamond to sparkle as much as possible while also maximizing the size, as I’m sure most people do.

Thanks.

I found this diamond that looks amazing and will have a lot of brilliance: Blue Nile LD08556572

It’s eye-clean, there are a few inclusions on the edge that could be covered with a prong. What do you think?

I like the one you sent through. What do you think about this one:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.71-carat-i-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3076179?a_aid=dmnd1357

This is a lower color than I mentioned, but thought it still looked nice.

Thanks.

What style setting (solitaire, pave/side stones, halo) and metal (yellow gold, white gold, platinum) are you putting it in?

I’m planning on a solitaire white gold setting.

Thanks.

In that case, the I color is absolutely perfect.

The diamond you picked out is beautiful. I also found this one that is slightly better cut and also costs a bit less:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.76-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2562464?a_aid=dmnd1357

I really like the one you provided as well. What do you think about these two? I have heard and read that once set J and I are practically indistinguishable to the naked eye.
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.90-carat-j-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2794344?a_aid=dmnd1357

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.80-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2768942?a_aid=dmnd1357

It is true. You were originally asking for H/I, so I wanted to stay within those parameters. But you are absolutely right.

The one you picked is beautiful. However, it’s not much bigger from the I color one I sent you and it’s $710 more.

I like this one more:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/2.01-carat-j-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3016510?a_aid=dmnd1357

It’s eye-clean, the inclusion won’t be visible and it’s much larger.

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!

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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
  • 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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