Q&A: Looking for a Round Diamond for a Platinum Solitaire With a $5k Budget

Hi. I need help picking a diamond.

My budget is $5000 (for the diamond). I will pay additional for the solitaire setting in white gold or platinum. I have been looking on Blue Nile and James Allen using the following search criteria: H-J Color, SI-1 clarity, Excellent Cut, approx 1 carat. I would like to be at or above 1 carat, but would consider something slightly smaller.

My search results narrow down the choices significantly, but I’m having trouble picking just one. Some of them look “eye clean” to me, but I’m no expert. I would appreciate any suggestions you could make.

Thank you!

Thank you so much for getting back to me so quickly. Just so you know. I am ready to buy now, so I would expect to have something purchased this week. This diamond looks perfectly within my criteria.

Some questions:
– Can you show me something around 1.25 carats for comparison? I just want to see what I can get at that weight.
– Can you recommend diamonds from James Allen? That appears to be the top-rated company. I also believe they have a better return policy than Blue Nile – but I could be reading old internet info. I don’t expect to have to return the diamond, but you never know.

I’m not opposed to using Blue Nile, just wondering about James Allen.

I can make a decision fairly quickly-I’d just like to see 2 diamonds at each end of my range of 1-1.25 carats. My apologies – I did not specify my upper range in my original email.

Thanks again for your help. I will definitely make sure you get credit for your recommendation!

I’ve narrowed it down to 2. Any thoughts on these?
Blue Nile LD08772315

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.25-carat-j-color-si2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3268440?a_aid=dmnd1357

With the James Allen diamond there appears to be a crack or something near the bottom. Is this visible to the naked eye?

I’m leaning toward the Blue Nile 1.05ct. diamond – your first recommendation! But, can you give me some final thoughts on these two?

Also, how do I give you credit for the sale? Just based on my email?

Thanks!

Just wanted to let you know I ordered the 1.05 carat diamond from Blue Nile.

Thanks again for your help!