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Q&A: Looking for a 0.4 to 0.5 Ct. Round Diamond with Around $2000 Budget

By Mike Fried,

Hello there, First of, your site has been very informative and valuable in this exciting process. Our budget is about 2000 for a diamond and setting. I’ve been spending time on the James Allen site, Blue Nile and Brilliant Earth sites looking for a round diamond that is between .40 and .50 carat, with good colour and clarity. I’ve noticed that the James Allen, which you’ve mentioned is the only site that one can view the diamond, has little inventory for my range and the diamonds shown have very noticable inclusions. Perhaps you can help guide me in the search. Your expertise would be most welcomed! Thanks. 

I’m a little confused by your message.

1) How many diamonds are you trying to find? Who cares if they list 100 diamonds or 300? So long as you find the right diamond for you.

2) So because the diamonds you see on JA have noticeable inclusions, you are put off by their site? Wouldn’t that affirm the need for photos?

There are plenty of other sites that we recommend other than JA (all have photos).
www.since1910.com
www.ritani.com

But if I don’t understand what the issue is, its hard to figure out which site would be a good alternative.

What setting do you want to put it in? 

Thanks for your response.

I am looking to find one diamond that would be placed in a 1.85-2mm four pronged 14k white gold setting. I agree that it’s about the right diamond. JA’s inventory seems to change continuously and shortly after I sent the below message it appeared to have more options.

With many more JA options there are a few diamonds that are definately of interest. I will check out the sites you’ve outlined below.

Specifically, what I was thinking is a VVS2-IF, ideal cut (or higher), and colour H-J. I’ve read about medium flouresence and matching it to a J or I coloured diamond, which is interesting, because it seems to bring down the cost without comprimising the colour.

With more research it appears that I may be able to move into the .45 to .54 range.

Any recommended diamonds would be appreciated, or insights you may have. Thanks. 


I would recommend adjusting your parameters:
1) http://www.truthaboutdiamonds.com/truth-about/diamond-clarity/ There is no point in buying a VVS+ diamonds. Once a diamond is eye-clean, its eye-clean.

2) Fluorescence is not really worth looking for. Medium fluorescence may be an added bonus, but it doesn’t have such a major effect. Internet buyers seem to have overstated the value and increased the demand on them. The price increase mitigates the added bonus.

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.50-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-257645?a_aid=dmnd1357

Here is a diamond I’d recommend.
What do you think? 

Beautiful diamond. I’d like to pair it up with the 1.85 mm four pronged white gold band. Or would a six pronged band work, in your opinion?

https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/14k-white-gold-2mm-knife-edge-solitaire-engagement-ring-six-prong-item-7990?a_aid=dmnd1357
Or, if you have any recommendations of another setting that would best showcase the diamond. I’m all ears.  Thanks!

That one looks really great. You have yourself a winning combination. 

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. They currently run a 10% discount on selected lab-grown diamonds!
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. Right now, Blue Nile offers up to 50% savings on selected jewelry during a limited-time season sale.
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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