We are reader-supported. Buying through any red colored link on our site may earn us commissions. Learn More.

Q&A: Help Finding a Round Diamond to Replace a Lost Stone with Up to $7k Budget

By Mike Fried,

I am looking at buying a replacement diamond for my wife’s ring, the original fell out of the setting and was lost. I would like to get a princess cut diamond between 1-1.5 carats but really don’t want to sacrifice on the quality for the money that I will be spending (my wife doesn’t want me to spend more than $5k but I think I can not get in too much trouble if I keep it under $7k).

I have been looking at the websites and end up getting lost in all the filters; however, I have noticed that it appears that I can get more diamond for the money at brilliance.com, am I over looking something? I would appreciate any help you can offer in securing a diamond.

We secret shopped Brilliance a few years ago and weren’t happy with their service. It’s possible that they have improved since then, but we don’t know.

Can you send me a photo of the ring? I would like to get a better idea what to look for.

So sorry for the late response. I am still looking for a diamond and would really like to get one on order soon. I guess it’s a good thing that I didn’t get one on order sooner as my wife would now prefer a round to a princess cut. I have attached the only picture of the ring we have to give you an idea of the setting.

I look forward to your response.

PIC 171021.jpg

No problem at all. I found these two amazing diamonds on Blue Nile:
Blue Nile LD08412453
Blue Nile LD08004914

Both are fantastically cut and will look very bright and brilliant. Let me know what you think of them.

I looked at them and I can’t understand why the diamond with the stock number ending in 4914 is less money but has a considerable higher clarity and no fluorescence as compared to the other diamond does a .06 larger carat size make that much of a difference? What am I missing or not understanding?

The price difference is minimal and the carat weight matters a lot. If the carat weight was the same, the IF diamond would be much more expensive. You’re not missing anything, both are amazing.

Another delayed response; however, by the time I got your response the diamonds you referenced were already gone could you make another recommendation please?

No worries. Here are two more diamonds:
Blue Nile LD04933893
Blue Nile LD08485608

I really want a diamond that is at the smallest 1.25 carats – do you have another suggestion?

I am sure this isn’t the first you have heard this but the more I look the more I question my choices – I want to get the absolute best I can for my wife – after 26 years she deserves it. Then I start looking at the various options you have presented and look some more and learn some more… I.e. different inclusion types and fluorescence etc. – the more I discover the more I know I don’t know. You have made 3 recommendations below and in the end I am concerned whether I am making the right selection. I am open to spending more if need be but again I don’t know whether I will be able to detect a difference or not, other than what a piece of paper tells…

I found these diamonds as well – where would your choice be and why what makes your choice better than the other, whether it’s one of the three you selected or one of the ones I have included.

Blue Nile LD08258678
Blue Nile LD08539404
Blue Nile LD08543738

I completely understand. This is not an easy purchase and you want to make sure that you don’t spend a ridiculous amount of money for something you won’t even appreciate.

The only diamond I like from what you sent me is the second one. However, it’s comparable to the three I sent you earlier, but it’s priced much higher.

The main reason I didn’t like the other two was their cut. Ideally, the depth should be close to 61% and never exceed 62.6% (62.8%). Not only will the diamond be less brilliant, it will look smaller: http://www.diamonds.pro/truth-about/diamond-carat-weight/

As for the table, the larger it is, the less light refracts through it (sparkles). “Perfect” light refraction usually occurs with tables around 55-57%. The larger a table is, the larger the diamond looks (that is the biggest facet on the top, so it makes the face appear larger). I like the 58-59% as its a good balance between appearance of size and brilliance.

That’s why I’d choose one of the three the I recommended.

Thank you for you assistance, I order this diamond today.
Blue Nile LD08314155

Excellent! It was my pleasure helping you.

Please let me know ho wit looks when you receive it.

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
Arrow down
Arrow up
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
Arrow down
Arrow up

Still afraid of getting ripped off?

Before you buy a diamond, get personal buying advice from industry veterans. We'll help you get the best diamond for the money.

Ask your diamond purchase question here

  • Hidden
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

DISCLAIMER: We don't use your email for marketing. Period.

Please enter your email address to receive your 25% off coupon code:

Here is your coupon code: GFDSF3GF

Diamond Pro

Diamond Pro

  • Unfortunately, the AI chat we worked so hard training is not helping our readers the way we would like. You deserve the best advice you can get.

    Would you like to contact a human diamond pro? Just fill out this email form and we will answer you ASAP (usually within one day).

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.