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Q&A: Looking for a Round Diamond for a Halo Setting Within a $6,700 Budget

By Mike Fried,

I have been looking for diamonds on James Allen and came across one in the link below.
I think it’s a good deal all things considered. It’s graded by the IGI lab, which I understand isn’t the best. Was seeing if you could take a look and let me know your thoughts. Thanks!
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.03-carat-g-color-si2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3388264?a_aid=dmnd1357

Yes, the IGI report is an issue. You should search for stones with either GIA or AGS certification. These two are legitimate.

Also, there’s a big cloud right on the table of the stone. There’s a high chance that this diamond will be hazy.

Here’s a diamond with the quality I’d recommend:

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.90-carat-h-color-si2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3374271?a_aid=dmnd1357

An H color grade is going to look colorless.
https://www.diamonds.pro/education/color/

What do you think?

Thanks for the help. I noticed the cloud on the report but couldn’t tell anything when looking at it on the site. The diamond you linked me looks nice as well.

To help you better assist me I am going to tell you a few things. My budget for the diamond is around $4k +- $200-$300. I plan on spending around $3k for the setting (I was thinking about getting a rose gold halo setting).

I found this diamond:

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.99-carat-h-color-si2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3895610?a_aid=dmnd1357

The clarity is slightly stretching but I think that it will be eye-clean.

I have upped my budget due to a raise and bonus at work so I have some more to spend. My top dollar budget is about $6,700.00 now and I’m going to go with a halo setting in white gold.

Thanks for the help. I am leaning more towards the SI1 H colored one. My only concern would be the marks on the front but I guess I won’t know until I get it and look at it. I’m indecisive when it comes to big purchases like this and almost over research and second guess everything so I appreciate the help.

It’s been my pleasure helping you.

I think that the inclusions on this stone are so small that you won’t notice them with your naked eye. So if you like it, go for it.

Just purchased it. Thanks!

That’s fantastic news!

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
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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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