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Q&A: Looking for a Fantastically Cut Round Diamond Within a $6k-$7.2k Budget

By Mike Fried,

Hello!

I’m shopping for a 1-1.2ct solitaire round cut diamond for my (hopefully) soon-to-be fiancee’. I have been searching mainly on James Allen. I’ve come across a few diamonds that I like, but was looking for a little advice.

I would like to stay between $6,000-$7,200 for the diamond, GIA/AGS, H-D clarity, VS1 or above, ideal cut. I was looking at this one below, but am unsure if the pavilion angle/depth will hinder the diamond’s quality. If possible, I would love to hear your advice on this one, and any recommendations for others in my budget. Thank you!!

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.02-carat-h-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3459388?a_aid=dmnd1357

The diamond you found looks gorgeous! If you search for a diamond with a better cut, I suggest looking for stones with the pavilion angle under 41°.

You may consider these alternatives as well:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.08-carat-h-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4561615?a_aid=dmnd1357
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.07-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-5110142?a_aid=dmnd1357
Both diamonds are superbly cut, eye-clean and brilliant. I personally like the 1.08ct H VVS stone more.

Thanks so much for the help! The two you sent look great. Is there anything that’s going to stand out on either of them as being less quality? I’m just seeing that the 1.08ct has a larger table % and the 1.07ct has a larger crown %. Will the medium fluorescence be a negative factor for both of them? Sounds like they’re minor details, but just want to make sure I know what I’ll be paying for.

All three diamonds mentioned above are high-quality diamonds. All of them will look perfect, there is no doubt about that. The difference is in the proportions of the depth and table % as well as the crown and pavilion angles. I like the 1.08ct more because it’s slightly bigger than the other two options (see the actual measurements). The medium fluorescence will help the diamonds look a tad whiter (https://www.diamonds.pro/education/fluorescence/).

If you are looking for extreme brilliance and fire, I would recommend going with Brian Gavin (https://www.diamonds.pro/reviews/brian-gavin/). He is a real expert in this field and his diamonds are truly spectacular. You can consider this option as well: www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.081-h-si1-round-diamond-ags-bl-104092458046?a_aid=y. This diamond is superbly cut, eye-clean and very brilliant.

I am leaning towards the Brian Gavin diamond. Will the SI1 rating be a big downside for the Brian Gavin one?

SI1 clarity grade isn’t an issue at all. Keep in mind that these videos are extremely magnified, I don’t think you’ll see any imperfections in person. If I were you, I would go with the stone from Brian Gavin. It’s a superbly cut diamond and will have an extraordinary look when set in your favorite setting. Worst case scenario (in case you buy this one), if you end up not liking it, you can easily return it.

I’ll go with the Brian Gavin one!

Thank you for your help.

My pleasure.

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.
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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
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