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Q&A: Looking for “nudge in the right direction” to find round 1-1.2 carat diamond

By Mike Fried,

First, great site and I’m glad that I stumbled onto it!

I’m contacting you for your expert advice, or at lest nudge in the right direction. I am looking at engagement rings with diamonds in the ~10k range.

The Bride-to-be is interested in size over quality, she thinks 1.5ct would be about right. Setting is a Platinum channel setting.

I noticed in one of your daily diamonds you selected a 1.51 and a 1.60 diamonds, both of which seem to still be available. Have you come across any other stock that would be better then these?

Thanks for writing and the kind words about the site. What shape are you looking for?

I think we will stick with the round shape.

I just took another look, and i still think that 1.60 is your best bet!
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1310703.asp

I know you will find this hard to believe, but she has changed her mind regarding size. I took her to show what some 1.60 looked like and it is just too big for her hands. So, can you recommend something in the 1 – 1.2 range?

Round shape, with price around $5,000.

This looks like the closest I could get for about $5000.
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1334591.asp
Let me know what you think!

I think it looks fine, but what the heck do I know. I’m a little worried (uneducated about the whole thing) about the SI2, is it worth expanding the value range up to $7,500, or is there no significant increase in “sparkle”.

Sorry for the delay! I wasn’t able to respond due to the Jewish Sabbath followed by the holiday of Purim (which is the celebration recounted in the biblical Book of Esther).

I’m pretty confident that stone is clean to the naked eye. As long as that’s the case, then there’s no visual difference. An SI2 and a flawless stone will look exactly alike as long as all else is equal.

I’m sorry to keep bothering you on this, but when I went to place the order today the last diamond you picked out, has now been sold.

Looks like a great choice! Please stay in touch and let me know what you think 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.
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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
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