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Q&A: Looking for a Round Diamond for a Solitaire Setting Within a $3,500 Budget

By Mike Fried,

I have a budget of $3,200 for the diamond itself. I want a round shape diamond in solitare setting. Initially I wanted a 1 carat diamond but my budget is not allowing me to get 1 carat diamond. So during my search I came with 2 options which are in my budget with different C’s.

Can you please check below options and let me know which one is better? And any suggestions to improve my search to get the best diamond?

Blue Nile LD12631749
Blue Nile LD12881795

Blue Nile LD12631749 – This stone is deeply cut. I wouldn’t recommend it as it might negatively affect the brilliance

Blue Nile LD12881795 – The cut is deep too.

I would suggest these alternatives:
Blue Nile LD12944200
Blue Nile LD12871561

They’re well-cut, eye-clean and brilliant.

I am thinking to increase my budget to $3,500 and I am looking for diamonds with 0.90 and above carat weight.

Based on the search on Blue Nile site, I found some diamonds. Can you please let me know your thoughts on this? And if you have some more alternatives also, please let me know.

Of all the links I like this one better
Blue Nile LD12912217

This one is above my budget, but not sure if it is eye clean or not
Blue Nile LD12167805

This is another option
Blue Nile LD12065758

Also, what are your thoughts on this setting:
Petite Solitaire Engagement Ring

That setting is classy and elegant, I like it. Choosing a setting is a matter of personal taste and preference.

Blue Nile LD12912217 – This is a nice stone. I don’t see any red flags.
Blue Nile LD12167805 – Nice diamond. I think it’s eye-clean.
Blue Nile LD12065758 – Perfect stone.

Thanks for checking. I am thinking to buy one of the below 2 diamonds tomorrow and the difference in money is very little. Which one do you recommend?

Blue Nile LD12912217
Blue Nile LD12065758

Blue Nile LD12912217 This one has a bit better cut than the second stone. Also, it has bigger measurements.

Thank you so much!

If you have any coupons for Blue Nile, please send me.

Sure thing! We offer a coupon for $50 off of a purchase over 1k: [contact us for your own unique coupon code]. I hope it helps

Awesome, thank you so much!

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!

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
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