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Q&A: Help Choosing a Round Diamond for a Solitaire With a $5,000 to $6,000 Budget

By Mike Fried,

Hi,

I would like help finding a round diamond for a solitaire engagement ring. I would like a 1-1.25 carat round diamond with no visible inclusions to the naked eye. I would also like an excellent cut. Color is not that important, although I prefer as colorless as I can get, but this is the lowest priority.

I would like to stay around 5000-6000 for the diamond itself. There may be a little flexibility to go up in price if there is an appreciable difference in quality.

Thanks so much for your help!

I found this diamond that looks perfect for a solitaire setting:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.20-carat-j-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-595571?a_aid=dmnd1357

It’s eye-clean, beautifully cut and will look very bright and brilliant. We usually recommend a J color for a solitaire setting. https://www.diamonds.pro/education/color/

Let me know what you think of it.

Can you also recommend a diamond that is 1 carat so I have a point of comparison between the two sizes? Thanks so much.

……

Does this seem legitimate? The price seems too low for an IF diamond…
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.20-carat-j-color-if-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2332500?a_aid=dmnd1357

I don’t like how the IF diamond is cut. The larger the table, the less light refracts through it (sparkles). “Perfect” light refraction usually occurs with tables around 55-57%. The larger a table is, the larger the diamond looks (that is the biggest facet on the top, so it makes the face appear larger). I like the 58-59% as it’s a good balance between appearance of size and brilliance.

Here is a 1ct:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.01-carat-j-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2666601?a_aid=dmnd1357

Thanks so much for your feedback. I think I’ve decided to go with a 1.2-1.25 instead of 1 carat.

What do you think of these three diamonds? Do you have a preference between them?
1) www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.23-carat-j-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2471909?a_aid=dmnd1357

2) www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.26-carat-j-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2610469?a_aid=dmnd1357

3) www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.24-carat-j-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2672849?a_aid=dmnd1357

……

The 1.26 diamond in the second link has sold. Can you give me your opinion on the other two and the one in this email?
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.21-carat-j-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2634420?a_aid=dmnd1357

The 1.24ct isn’t eye-clean.

The other two looks great. I usually try avoiding strong fluorescence as much as possible, just to make sure it won’t have any negative effect, but it’s usually fine on J and lower colors.

You can’t go wrong with either one.

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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.
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