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Q&A: Help Finding a Round Diamond for Around $3,200 Budget

By Mike Fried,

Hello,

I have a budget of $4k give or take.

I’m currently looking at a platinum solitaire ring setting that costs around $800 so that leaves me with $3,200 for the diamond +/- tax.

I need the ring to be purchased from James Allen since I can pick it up myself without notice.

For the diamond, I’m looking at .75 -. 08 carat round shape with H color and VS1 clarity.

Any recommendations on the diamond would be greatly appreciated.

Here are my recommendations:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.77-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-5962253?a_aid=dmnd1357

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.76-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-5793950?a_aid=dmnd1357
Both these diamonds are perfectly cut, eye-clean and brilliant.

As for the 4C’s, the best idea is to sacrifice on color and clarity. For platinum solitaire settings, we usually recommend going with J+ colored diamonds (https://www.diamonds.pro/education/color/). Clarity-wise, once the stone is eye-clean, it’s eye-clean, no matter if it’s an SI2 or VS1. The actual clarity grade isn’t important (https://www.diamonds.pro/education/clarity/). We always search for eye-clean SI2+ round cut diamonds to maximize the reader’s budget. You may consider these options as well:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.83-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-5835922?a_aid=dmnd1357

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.84-carat-j-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-5903051?a_aid=dmnd1357

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.90-carat-j-color-si2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-5705033?a_aid=dmnd1357

Thank you for the detailed response.

I did tons of research this weekend and decided on a diamond already.

What are your opinions on this one:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.70-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-5142193?a_aid=dmnd1357

It was $2,590. Even though it was lower in carat, I wanted it to have a better color since I didn’t really like the faint tint with higher color levels (J/H).

If you prefer a higher color grade, then you made a good decision. That stone you found is perfect (without any red flags). Nice find!

Thanks!

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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