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Q&A: Looking for Best 0.5 Ct. Round Diamond for $1500 Budget

By Mike Fried,

My fiancé and I are planning to purchase my engagement ring from James Allen in the next few days and we would like your help in choosing the best diamond for our budget. We are looking to get at least 0.5 carats. Here is the setting we have chosen:

https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/-18k-White-Gold-Pave-Set-Diamond-Engagement-Ring.html

We are hoping to spend about 1500$ on the diamond so that the whole thing comes in around 2350$ USD. The JA website recommends the following diamond (that is within our price range):

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1392947.asp

However, I also came across the following diamond, which is a “True Hearts” cut:

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1479312.asp

What do you think of these? We are also open to any other suggestions you have, as we really have very little idea what gives us the biggest bang for our buck.

We are looking for the most sparkle possible, in addition to a diamond that is eye clean.

Thank you in advance for your help!

With that type of setting, you should stick with H+ on the diamond. I actually like this one more than the one you chose:

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI2-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1483111.asp

Thank you for your advice – I received my ring, with the diamond you suggested, last week and it is beautiful! I really appreciate your help, and liked your page on Facebook.

Thanks for writing and letting us know. I’m delighted that you were pleased with our help. Do you think you can do us a quick favor and write us a small review on www.ivouch.com? If you could, we would be extremely grateful. Here is the link:

xxxxxxx

We wish you and your partner a life of happiness and fulfillment.

Thank you again for your help. I have written a very positive review on ivouch.

[LINK TO REVIEW ON IVOUCH]

Thanks. Best of luck.

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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