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Hello! I am looking for a round diamond, around 1.0 ct with an excellent/ideal cut (max light reflection) for an engagement ring. I have been already investigating Blue Nile and James Allen. My max budget would be 4,500 USD. I would really appreciate your advice on the best diamond for the money. Thank you.
Can you also tell me what style of setting (solitaire, halo, pave or other) and metal (platinum/white or yellow gold) you’re going to use? Different settings suit certain colors better. https://www.diamonds.pro/education/color/
Then I’ll be happy to help you with the search.
The diamond would be in a white gold solitaire setting.
I am willing to go up to 5,300 USD to buy the diamond and think I would prefer a higher carat. Saw that by compromising on color and clarity, I could get up to 1.3 ct with an ideal cut for this amount of money. But of course looking for your professional advice! 🙂
Thank you.
Thank you for the information.
Here’s my recommendation:
Blue Nile LD07948076
This diamond is very well cut and going to look colorless in the style of setting you like. Yes, you can get a higher carat weight for the money you’re willing to spend. Let me know what you think.
Thank you for the recommendation. Which one would you advise if my budget goes up to 5300 USD?
This one (similar properties on 4C’s): Blue Nile LD08059643
If you wish for a bigger stone, this diamond is beautiful. It has great overall specifications. There’s just one concern, the crystal right on the table. Can you ask for a real picture? I wnat to make sure that the stone is eye-clean.
I have been doing a little investigation and the general consensus seems to be that a J color diamond above 1 carat can show some color in a white gold setting.
Do you agree with that assessment? To stick to my budget, it would mean I would need to go for a lower carat weight and an “I” color?
For the vast majority of our readers will a J color stone look colorless in a solitaire style setting. Unless you’re extremely color sensitive, I wouldn’t worry about staying with this grade. It’s just the clarity I want to confirm.
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
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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