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

Q&A: Looking for 1.25-1.35 Cts. for $10K Budget

By Mike Fried,

This is for a center stone on a thin channel 4 or 5 small diamond each side band in white gold. Her ring finger is 4.25. At the jeweler we ended up liking the most a 1.30 H SI2 GIA stone which was offered at 9,000. Seems James Allen has got better options for my money. Real hard finding the SI2 options with non-center and non-black inclusions. Found an E though that looked good (below). Any quick direction will be appreciated as I am looking to pull trigger very shortly. Thanks!

Here’s what I have found and saved in my “wish list” after probably 10 hours on James Allen.

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.26-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-196317?a_aid=dmnd1357

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.30-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-170996?a_aid=dmnd1357

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.27-carat-h-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-188200?a_aid=dmnd1357

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.32-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-179934?a_aid=dmnd1357

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.37-carat-e-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-188793?a_aid=dmnd1357

It seems like you have this diamond buying process down pat. I love the 1.32ct H VS2 diamond you selected.

Let me know how it looks when it arrives.

Mike – thanks. U said u liked the H vs2, okay. But can you help me take the E with the twinnings off the table? The color just is so nice, and I thought these inclusions were hard to notice to naked eye. Also with channel setting on white gold, is it just dumb money to go any higher than an H?

I wouldn’t say its dumb, but I think that diamond is a mistake. Those twinning wisps are not nearly as nice as the inclusion on the one I recommended. It’s possible that its eye-clean, but you are taking a big risk trying to go for that E (I wouldn’t recommend it). If all else were equal, and you said you had a thing for E color, I’d say go for it. But I would pick that H VS2 over the E.

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.