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Q&A: Help Choosing a Round Diamond for a Solitaire With a $1,600 Budget

By Mike Fried,

Hi, I’m looking for a diamond for an engagement ring. My budget is around AUD$2,000. I am after an eye clean diamond, around 0.7 carat minimum, and as good a cut as possible (excellent). I am not sure how to spot an eye clean diamond on the James Allen website.

Thanks!

Can you also tell me what style of setting (solitaire, halo, pave or other), metal (platinum/white or yellow gold) and shape of diamond you’re looking for? Then I’ll be happy to send you my suggestion.

Round diamond, solitaire setting and white/platinum band (although I am just looking for a diamond only at this stage).

Thanks!

Thank you for the information.

Since you plan to use a solitaire style setting, we can go down to a J color stone. It will look colorless and this way we can maximize your budget. Have a look at this stone:
Blue Nile LD08515959

It’s very well cut, eye-clean and perfect for a solitaire style setting. It’s slightly over the budget you mentioned but it’s the best 0.70+ carat stone I found at the moment.
https://www.diamonds.pro/education/color/

Thanks, it looks very nice however it is slightly over budget, especially because I have to add taxes on top of this.

I would also like more information about your commission that you will receive. How does the commission from Blue Nile compare to other online jewellers such as James Allen and any others? How much does each company pay as its commission?

Thanks.

……

Also, if I were to get the ring set by an online jeweller as well, who would you suggest? What is the quality of the setting / ring like in comparison to well known jewellers in my local area? Would doing this change the diamond that you have suggested?

Thanks again.

1) I honestly have no idea how much commission we make. Mike deals with that and doesn’t want it to impact which companies we recommend on a case by case basis. I’m guessing they are all within a similar range, but we don’t really pay much attention to that when we are working with our readers.

2) All of these sites offer fantastic settings and you should get the diamond and setting from the same place. If your personal preference is a ring from James Allen, I’m happy to pick out an alternative diamond there.

Thanks for the information. I would like to know your thoughts on similar diamonds but with a lower price. I’d like to know your recommendations for around US$1,200. I’m still looking for something around 0.7 (can be a little lower if needed) but with the best cut and something that would still look eye clean and colourless in a white gold solitaire six prong setting. I’m happy to take your advice.

Thanks.

Here’s the biggest eye-clean and colorless diamond I found within $1200 (USD):
Blue Nile LD08552966

Let me know what you think of this one.

Thanks for your help. I ended up going with the first one that you suggested.

Thanks!

That’s fantastic news!

Let me know how you like the ring 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.
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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