We are reader-supported. Buying through any red colored link on our site may earn us commissions. Learn More.

Q&A: Looking for Loose Round 0.6 Carat Diamond

By Mike Fried,

I am looking for a loose round diamond approximately .60 carats around the $1500.00 Maximum cost that will be set in a white gold setting. From what I have read on your website, cut is the most important and I understand why. I found 2 on James Allen website: item#: 1353295 and item#: 1353294 that look appealing. I would like your opinion and preference on them. Also, feel free to suggest any others.

Those two are fantastic choices! The truth is, in a million years, you would never be able to distinguish between the two of them. They’re almost a perfect match. So just go with the cheaper one:
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1353294.asp

Thank you for your thoughts. A couple more questions: both stones have SI1 clarity, but when I use the Loupe on the James Allen website, I do not see any dark spots in either of the diamonds like I see in your examples on your website of different degrees of clarity. Do you see why either has the SI1 rating for clarity; where are the imperfections? And does it affect how you see them with the naked eye?

Also, as far as color, I read the information on your website about “color” grading. In these 2 stones, will the “I” color be noticeable to the naked eye?

And I think my last question: for the money would you suggest looking for a smaller stone with better grading or quality, or would you still choose the one you suggest below? (item 1353294) Thank you so much for your help!

PS: just a little background on my search. I am having a goldsmith recreate a white gold ring my grandmother wore which is very similar to this:

http://www.gloriasjewelers.com/gjgallery/gjgallery.php?level=picture&id=86 (if the link does not work, copy and paste into the web address box)

My diamond search is for the center stone. I really appreciate your help!

I think I mentioned in that chart of clarity examples that the clarity samples in that chart are as bad as each grade can possibly be. The two stones you linked to have very faint SI1s that you can’t see in these pics.

I think that stone is a great choice. No need to change. 0.60 size offers great value, and I SI1 is really in a value sweet spot.

I bought the stone you suggested and it is beautiful! Thank you for giving me your opinion and answering my questions. I do have another question I am pretty sure you can answer. Aside from the fact that the diamond is beautiful, one of my deciding factors in buying a certified diamond was the laser inscribed number on the girth of the diamond. Maybe I have watched too much TV about diamonds being switched and I want to make sure I have the diamond I purchased.

As I mention below, this stone is the center diamond for a re-created family ring. A goldsmith is actually creating the ring for our local jewelry store. When I dropped off the diamond, I asked to see the certification number on my new diamond using their microscope which they showed me. But the girl at the jewelry store told me I would not be able to see the inscribed AGS number on the diamond once it is set in the new ring. Is that true? I find it hard to believe that the diamond can not be set so the number is between the prongs. I don’t want to seem untrusting, I just want to ensure I have the diamond I purchased. I go back in a week to approve the wax cast before the ring is made; if you agree they should be able to set the diamond with the number exposed, I will insist that is the way I want it. Thank you for your help

If the stone will be prong set, then there’s no reason, as you say, that they can’t have the inscription showing between the prongs. Tell them that’s what you want. It was probably just a misinformed newish employee who told you that bogus answer.

Enjoy your new ring!

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
Arrow down
Arrow up
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
Arrow down
Arrow up

Still afraid of getting ripped off?

Before you buy a diamond, get personal buying advice from industry veterans. We'll help you get the best diamond for the money.

Ask your diamond purchase question here

  • Hidden
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

DISCLAIMER: We don't use your email for marketing. Period.

Please enter your email address to receive your 25% off coupon code:

Here is your coupon code: GFDSF3GF