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Q&A: Looking for Best 1.5+ Carat Round Brilliant Diamond

By Mike Fried,

Your site has been a tremendous help. Really like the affiliate idea. I am ready to buy and have been looking a James Allen for the past two weeks. I am looking to spend 13-15K and really think Ideal cut and carat size 1.5+ are most important. I have seen some I diamonds that I like but am unsure on clarity. Was wondering if you could recommend any?

Thanks for the quick reply. I liked the I – SI1 1.8 but it sold before I could get there this am.

Do you think if I come up in price by 1-2K I could get more eye clean? Or am I stressing because of the eye loop thing and seeing marks that she won’t even notice except under a jewelry scope.

I also like Brian Gavin diamonds but I am not good at reading the GIA/AGS reports so I can’t really see the diamond as well.

One more time, if you could help me on either of those two sites and find anything above 1.5 with ideal cut in the 13-16K (just at 16 J range. I really, really appreciate your help.

Either way, if I find one on my own as well I just need to add the “?a_aid=dmnd1357&chan=x” to give you credit, right? Your site helped me so much. I went into a local jewelry and pretended to be dumb and they wanted to sell me a “1.60 Hearts and Arrows, I , SI2” for 21K…thanks but no thanks.

You know, there is no visually noticeable difference between the 1.72 I SI1 and the 1.80 I SI1. So if you liked the 1.80, the 1.72 is a great alternative.

I definitely think you’re stressing! There’s no reason to spend any more than this if you’re happy with the size – unless you wanted to go for a super-premium cut like a BGD stone. They’re a great company, and their Signature stones are really special. There’s a couple that could work for you, but you’ll have to either spend more or sacrifice on size or both. Here are some nice examples:

https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/Diamonds/diamond-details/1.520-H-SI1-round-Diamond-AGS-104051364010

https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/Diamonds/diamond-details/1.713-J-VS1-round-Diamond-AGS-104047809009 (J color could still work for you, depending on what kind of setting you put it in)

https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/Diamonds/diamond-details/1.552-I-VS2-round-Diamond-AGS-104047809017

And I must say, you’re a very perceptive guy that you noticed the affiliate code 🙂 You shouldn’t have to worry about it – if you’ve already clicked on my links, the cookie is already placed. Thanks so much for your concern!

Anyway, let me know what you think of those BGD stones.

TTYL!

I am planning on a platinum solitaire setting.

I am down to these choices. Please help me narrow down. I really appreciate any time/wisdom you can help me with. I will take whatever advice you can give.

Plan on purchasing tomorrow!!! Already booked trip to propose in the islands so now the countdown begins.

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS2-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1485255.asp

If color/clarity isn’t a worry then this one seems to be the price that makes me happy and size/cut that will make her smile ear to ear.

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1444549.asp

Highest price over budget but looks perfect and has the medium blue fluorescence which might be why it is more expensive for an “I”. I can eat tuna fish for three months if this one is as sweet as I think it is. Although if I go this high in price, then I might be able to find bigger/better value (like one above). This one just keeps popping into my James Allen queries.

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS2-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1485255.asp

If color/clarity isn’t a worry then this one seems to be the price that makes me happy and size/cut that will make her smile ear to ear.

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1455634.asp

Fits bill on all criteria but worried that the marks will be visible to her eye. If I can see them on here then will they show on the diamond when she looks at it?

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1473963.asp

slightly smaller but H color. Not sure that .12 carat is that meaningful. Is it a noticeable drop from 1.7 Carat? Fits bill on all other criteria.

https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.720-h-si1-round-diamond-ags-1040399230017

ok, last one. Borrow money from emergency savings and make her fall over. This one looks to be the cream of the crop. Tell me I am not crazy in thinking this will make her heart melt.

I’ll help you make your decision a LITTLE easier, but the big question is still going to remain.

If you go with JA, then I think the 1.59 is the best value. It won’t look any smaller than the 1.70s (including the 1.78) when set in a ring.

So the question is between the 1.59 and the BGD stone. Now here it’s a really tough call, and it’s one I can’t make because it’s your money and only you know what it’s worth to you. THere will be a visual difference between the two. The BGD stone will be more visually brilliant. But how much and how much that’s worth is not something I can intelligently answer. It’s different for everyone!

Let me know what you decide!

I did it. Went with the BGD signature 1.71. I am so appreciative to have found your site. Thank you for helping me make this incredible decision.

Can’t wait to see this diamond!

You’re going to be blown away, I’m sure. Please let me know what you think when it arrives!

Ok, her reaction was nothing short of amazement. I am glad I spent the extra dollars and went with a diamond that shoots light everywhere. As for the SI 1, I can’t see a single flaw. It looks perfect to me. I appreciated all of your help in getting me to decide on the right stone. Unbelievable how happy we both are. I think I looked at it almost as much as she did.

What fantastic news! hey, do you think you could do us a huge favor and leave us a review on ivouch? I’d be extremely grateful! If you have the time, here’s a direct link:

xxxxxxx

Thanks! And congrats!!

Done! Thanks again.

[LINK TO IVOUCH REVIEW.]

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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