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Q&A: Help Finding a Round Diamond for a Solitaire With Around $3,000 Budget

By Mike Fried,

Hi, I am looking for a round brilliant diamond for a solitaire setting. The budget is around £2000 for the diamond.

What do you think of this combination?
Blue Nile LD08743473
Blue Nile Classic Four Claw Solitaire Engagement Ring

The diamond looks eye-clean, it’s well cut and will compliment the setting.

Thank you, very thoughtful.

I would prefer a higher colour diamond, at least H colour maybe at a stretch I. I don’t like how it looks from the side otherwise.

Apologies.

We usually recommend a J color for solitaires as there are no additional diamonds in the setting that would make the color difference. https://www.diamonds.pro/education/color/

However, here is one with higher color:
Blue Nile LD08689579

Sorry to keep being a bother!

I know that what it important is whether a diamond is eye clean or not but I would prefer one with a better clarity level than that one. Could probably compromise a bit on size for that.. Aside from the inclusions the one you’ve just sent was perfect.

……

I keep bombarding you but some thoughts here as well. I’d love your opinion and expertise.

I’ve been looking at these diamonds:
Blue Nile LD07100373
Blue Nile LD08109424
Blue Nile LD08583253

But I’ve also been wondering if an oval diamond might be the way to go.

The shape depends on your taste only. If you like the ovals, we can take a look at them as well.

From the diamonds you sent over, I like the first and the third one.The first option is beautiful if you don’t mind spending the extra money. And the third one looks absolutely perfect.

I ruled out #2 as it has a cloud listed as the first inclusion and that usually means that the diamond is cloudy (on SI diamonds).

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.
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  • Free prong tightening, repolishing, rhodium plating and cleaning every 6 months
  • Provide insurance appraisals
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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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