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Q&A: Help Finding an Oval Diamond For a White Gold Halo Setting With a $6,000 Budget

By Mike Fried,

Hello,

I am looking to buy an engagement ring for my girlfriend.

I am looking for an oval diamond that will go in a white gold halo setting. I’ve done a fair amount of research (how I found your site) and have looked at some diamonds at a jeweler.

My budget for a diamond is around $6,000. I have found a few on James Allen and one on Blue Nile that I am curious if you have any thoughts or recommendations on.

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.21-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-8356128?a_aid=dmnd1357

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.09-carat-f-color-si1-clarity-sku-6830167?a_aid=dmnd1357

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.20-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-sku-8474606?a_aid=dmnd1357

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.20-carat-g-color-si1-clarity-sku-8448787?a_aid=dmnd1357

Blue Nile LD13414665

I appreciate any help you can provide. Open to suggestions on other diamonds as well.

Here are my comments about the diamonds you found:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.21-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-8356128?a_aid=dmnd1357 – The strong fluorescence might cause a hazy/milky look in daylight.

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.09-carat-f-color-si1-clarity-sku-6830167?a_aid=dmnd1357 – This diamond has a little bit of a bowtie. But it’s possible it wouldn’t be visible at all. In general, it’s a beautiful diamond.

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.20-carat-g-color-si1-clarity-sku-8448787?a_aid=dmnd1357 – Nice stone!

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.20-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-sku-8474606?a_aid=dmnd1357 – This diamond is a big no-no. It has medium yellow fluorescence, it might look yellowish. Also, it has some big knots.

Blue Nile LD13414665 – Perfect stone.

Thanks! This was very helpful. I haven’t made a final decision but right now I’m leaning towards Blue Nile LD13414665.

I did find one more I was curious what your thoughts are on (Blue Nile LD13406641).

I saw it too but I didn’t recommend it as it seemed to me that it has a bit of a bowtie. But if you like it, you can ask BN to confirm that the bowtie wouldn’t be visible.

I notice it now that you mention it. I’ll probably stick with the original one in that case.

No problem at all. It depends on your proposal plans. If you still have some time (like a month or two), we can check the inventories again and you can decide what you like the most. But by that time, this diamond might be sold. If you plan to purchase soon, I suggest putting it on hold and right before you want to purchase, I’ll check the offer again and you can decide. Companies update their inventories on a daily basis. Something new may pop up. But there is no guarantee there will be a better diamond.

Thanks! I went ahead and put it on hold.

Great!

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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