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Q&A: Looking for a Round Diamond to Set in a Solitaire Ring for $900 Budget

By Mike Fried,

Budget is up to US$900, I am looking for the best value round diamond.

The setting I plan to use is James Allen Platinum Knife Edge Solitaire. I am still debating between 2mm and 2.5mm and 4 prong vs 6 prong. Here is the link for the 2.5 mm 4 prong setting:

https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/platinum-2.5mm-knife-edge-solitaire-engagement-ring-item-7207?a_aid=dmnd1357

What do you think about this diamond?
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.41-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-146140?a_aid=dmnd1357

Thanks! 

 That diamond is a terrible choice. Its a horrific cut (about the worst I’ve ever seen on James Allen) and its IGI certified, so the diamond is probably more like an I VS2 than an H VS1. These are far superior diamonds:

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.36-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-174102?a_aid=dmnd1357
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.40-carat-i-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-149640?a_aid=dmnd1357

Because the diamond you selected is so poorly cut, it looks like a 0.35ct (only less brilliant). https://www.diamonds.pro/education/carat-weight/

 I finally chose the diamond you recommended:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.40-carat-i-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-149640?a_aid=dmnd1357

It looks so much better compared to the one I was looking, and the price difference was negligible (US$820 vs US$890). I went with the 2.0 mm 6 prong Platinum Knife Edge Solitaire setting.

You saved me, I almost bought the horrific cut diamond. It looked “clean” for me on the photos, but I was not considering the importance of the cut nor the certificate (IGI vs GIA).

I clicked on your link, added it to the cart, then the setting and went to the checkout, so I hope my purchase is properly tracked with Diamonds Pro = )

Thank you so much! 

Sounds great Igor. Please let me know how it looks when it arrives. 

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.
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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