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Q&A: Help Finding a Round Diamond for a Solitaire With Around $1,000 Budget

By Mike Fried,

Hi there ,

I’ve seen a 0.47 round diamond colour G good cut clarity VS1 for 1350 on Blue Nile. I’ve also seen a 0.5 round diamond, same colour but S1 clarity. I’m not sure whether I should take clarity into consideration over the size of the diamond.

Any help would be appreciated.

It’s important to make sure that the inclusions on lower clarity grade diamonds are not eye-visible. Do the stones have a real picture? If so, can you send me the links? Then I’ll be happy to comment on them.

Thanks very much for getting in touch with me. I have attached a few pics of my wedding band and my old engagement ring (the diamond fell out).

Below are a few links to diamonds I saw on Blue Nile for various prices. I would like to keep the cost of the diamond to 1350 AUD if I can and set it in a ring that costs 380AUD.
Blue Nile LD08322570
Blue Nile LD08118283
Blue Nile LD08704502
Blue Nile LD08798849

This is the ring setting I was going for:
https://www.bluenile.com/au/build-your-own-ring/review

I have chosen a few diamonds within my price range that are an ideal cut (I am assuming this is the most important), the colour varies between G/H. The lady at Blue Nile suggested that I filter through VG/Excellent symmetry and polishing and faint – none fluorescence.

Please let me know your thoughts.

I am almost ready to purchase the diamond, I have confirmed that my band size is J (AU sizing) and Blue Nile does not do 43/4 sizes so I am going to try out a ring that is size I and see how snug it fits. Once I do that I will be ready to purchase the diamond. Please let me know how I am meant to let Blue Nile that I have chosen a diamond based on your suggestions.

Thanks so much.



Thank you for the information.

The issue with the stones is that there’s no real image. I’d need to see a real picture of an SI stone to make sure that it’s eye-clean.

Since you plan to use a solitaire style setting, I’d personally go down with the color grade. An I color stone is going to look colorless and it saves you money. As for the fluorescence, medium can help H and lower colors to look slightly brighter.

Here’s my suggestion:
Blue Nile LD07122939

It’s very well cut, eye-clean and going to look colorless.

What do you think?

I am happy to go with your suggestion. I am assuming there is not much difference between a 0.45 and 0.47. I would go with your advice about fluorescence, the only reason I picked ones with “none” is because the lady at Blue Nile said if the diamond is fluorescent then it does not reflect well in day light. I’m happy to drop the colour as per your suggestion.

I have sized my band and it is a size J, but Blue Nile does not give you the option to choose a size J. I’m trying to head to a jeweler to try out a ring size I, so that I can tell the difference.

I thought all the diamonds I picked had photos, I’ll double check.
Thanks for your help.

……

I can’t see a photo of the real diamond either on the link you’ve sent me.

Strong fluorescence on J and lower colors can help the color look slightly brighter.

As for the pictures, it’s important to see a real image of stones with lower clarity grades (VS and lower). Since the diamond I sent is VVS, there’s no need to worry about eye-cleanliness.

This VVS stone had the best overall specs. That’s why I picked this one.

And yes, the difference in size won’t be almost noticeable.

Keep me posted.

I have found a few with pictures and was hoping you could give me your opinion on them. I will make a decision this weekend and buy it. I have confirmed with the jeweler that my ring size if a J and I need to ring Blue Nile to ask them how to put down a size, since J is not an option on their website.
Blue Nile LD06937484
Blue Nile LD08428628
Blue Nile LD08330300
Blue Nile LD08666785

These diamonds are all similar priced. If you still think I should consider your earlier pick, I will.
This is your suggestion: Blue Nile LD07122939

Thanks a lot. I will have to call them and ordered it over the phone because I am unable to choose a ring size J online. I will tell them over the phone that I have used your recommendation.

Thanks again for all your help.

The issue with the first and third diamond you sent are their eye-noticeable inclusions right on the table.

The last option has a cloud listed as the only inclusion, which is an issue on SI grades.

The second stone you sent has great overall specifications. It’s slightly bigger in measurements but more expensive. I’d go for either this one or the stone I sent you. It’s up to you if the 0.08 and 0.09 mm are worth the extra buck.

If you can mention that we helped you, we would be grateful. This is the only way for us to get credit if you order via phone.

Thank you and please keep me posted.

I got the diamond which was slightly larger 1300. I have ordered over the phone and I have let them know that you helped me out. I gave them your name and the company name.

Thanks so much for all your help.

That’s fantastic news! Thank you for the information.

Please, let me know how you like the diamond 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. Get 30% off lab-grown diamonds during a limited time sale.
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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
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