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Q&A: Help Finding a Round Diamond for a Solitaire With Around $8k Budget

By Mike Fried,

Hello, I’m in the market for a diamond and have a budget of around $8,000. Taking your advice, I think I’d agree that having a stone that is eye clear is more important than having it actually be completely flawless. A diamond around a J color with a SI2 clarity probably makes sense. I’m also targeting a circular shape, and I’ve heard that a Hearts and Arrows cut generally looks the best. I’m trying to maximize size, given that it probably matters the most at the end of the day. Any advice you could offer about different available stones would be much appreciated, or if there are any coupons available. Thanks for your help!

Can you also tell me what style of setting (solitaire, halo, pave or other) and metal (platinum/white or yellow gold) you’re going to use? Different settings suit certain colors better. Then I’ll be happy to send you my suggestion.

As for the coupon codes, we have one for Blue Nile. If you decide to purchase from them, I’ll be happy to send you one.

I’m currently targeting a solitaire with white gold, but could be open to other suggestions.

Thank you for the information.

I suggest going for a J color stone. Here’s my suggestion:

www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.208-j-vs2-round-diamond-ags-104091843029?a_aid=y

Diamonds from BGD return light extraordinary brilliance. The BGD diamonds are definitely more brilliant than a selection we make from JA (True Hearts) or BN (Signature Cuts).

Let me know what you think.

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. Get 30% off lab-grown diamonds during a limited time sale.
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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