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Q&A: Help Finding an Emerald Cut Diamond Within a $5,000 – 10,000 Budget

By Mike Fried,

I am looking to purchase a 1.4-1.5 carat emerald cut diamond between G-I, minimum of VS2, and wanted to know if there is a significant visual size difference in from 1.4-1.5 carats? The setting will be a cathedral with either pave or solitaire.

Thank you for your help. Your website has been extremely informative with the ring buying process.

Emerald cut diamonds don’t refract light just as well as round diamonds and thus tend to show their true color more. I’d go with at least an H color if you want to ensure the colorless impression.

I’m happy to recommend some diamonds to you. Do you have a budget for the center stone?

Currently I am looking at Blue Nile and Ritani because of the diamond and setting selection. I would prefer to stay under $10,000 for the completed ring. The closer to $5000 the better.

Thank you for the info.

This is my recommendation from both sites:

Blue Nile LD10438692
https://www.ritani.com/diamonds/emerald-diamond-1-50-Carat-H-color-GIA-certified/D-RW1397
They are well cut, eye-clean and either of them will make a beautiful ring.

What do you think?

Both are gorgeous diamonds!

I ended up purchasing an engagement ring from Blue Nile. Thank you so much for your help.

That’s great news! I’m glad I could help you decide on the diamond.

If you can also write me back once you receive the ring, that would be great. I’d love to know how you like it in person.

The diamond was absolutely stunning!

I’m glad that you are happy with it! Thanks for the feedback.

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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