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Q&A: Help Finding a 1.00 Ct. Round Diamond for a Solitaire Setting

By Mike Fried,

Hello,

So I am looking at a James Allen ring and I’m pretty set on the knife edge six prong platinum setting (unless an argument for white gold could be made?). I was looking for advice on how I could possibly cut cost on the diamond wherever possible such that a comparable lesser cost diamond would have attributes of a higher cost diamond that would be unnoticeable to a non-expert. I am just wondering whether I would realistically be able to slash $1,000-$1,500 of the price and come out with a nice ring by adjusting color, clarity, carat weight, etc.

So here is the info on what I decided upon:

Platinum Six Prong Knife Edged Solitaire Engagement Ring

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.03-carat-f-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-8767925?a_aid=dmnd1357

PS: Honestly I would be willing to pay this amount but it would be nice to have an insider tip regarding what I could out as unnecessary given my needs.

As for the metal, it’s up to you if you choose platinum or white gold. You’ll need to maintain both metals. As our article says (https://www.diamonds.pro/education/platinum-vs-gold/), the WG has to be dipped every few years and the platinum needs to be polished as well because it scratches. So ultimately, platinum costs you more in the beginning and doesn’t end up saving you any money in the long run. But there is one advantage of platinum – it’s hypoallergenic. Regarding 14k vs.18k gold, I can just say that 14k gold should be more durable and resistant to the tarnishing than 18k gold.

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.03-carat-f-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-8767925?a_aid=dmnd1357 – This diamond is nicely cut but the strong fluorescence might cause a hazy/milky look in daylight. That’s why I wouldn’t recommend it. Also, it’s not necessary to overpay for such high clarity and color.

Here are some nice options:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.01-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-9038992?a_aid=dmnd1357

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.01-carat-g-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-9364666?a_aid=dmnd1357

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.05-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-9286862?a_aid=dmnd1357

Thank you so much for all the information that you provided me. As far as your suggestions, would you say that it would ultimately be a great choice for

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.01-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-9038992?a_aid=dmnd1357

and the setting I chose? I’m assuming you think so, as you did suggest it for me, but I guess I just want to be positive before I pull the trigger so to speak.

Yes, H colored diamonds look colorless in any setting. It will look very bright and brilliant in a solitaire setting.

So I am almost certainly planning on purchasing this setting and diamond but I would just like to ask if you are aware of any promotional codes for online purchase at James Allen or if it would be worth reaching out to them personally?

Unfortunately, we don’t have any promo codes from James Allen. You can theoretically ask them if they have any promo codes. Have you already purchased your ring or do you want me to recommend some alternatives?

Would you be able to suggest for me again some other options in the same price range and carat weight as you did before?

I found this one. Maybe this is along the lines of what you suggested?

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.02-carat-g-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-9602074?a_aid=dmnd1357

I’d personally choose the H colored diamond (www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.01-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-9586069?a_aid=dmnd1357). It’s bigger in measurements and it has a better cut. Also, I think the small crystals wouldn’t be visible to the naked eye. The medium fluorescence will help the diamond look a tad whiter. And it’s slightly cheaper. If you plan to purchase soon, I’d suggest putting the diamond on hold so that it doesn’t get sold by the time you decide.

I just wanted to let you know that I purchased the diamond you recommended, that is, (www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.01-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-9586069?a_aid=dmnd1357).

Thank you very much for all of your help.

That’s great news! I’m glad you liked my recommendation so much, it was an excellent option.

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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