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Q&A: Looking for Round Cut for $12K Budget

By Mike Fried,

I’m currently in the Army serving overseas with about 3 months left to come back home where I plan to propose to my girlfriend. I’ve been searching over tons of reviews and online ” build your engagement ring” sites, but its like a sea of information and I’m just trying to pick out the important information to make my decision on what I would like to get her. We have gone to a few stores so as I can see what her type of ring would be and it has come to be a solitaire setting with a round cut diamond. Now I almost wanna say that James Allen is the website I would like to buy since they have the best reviews, the website is very informative, and the pictures on the diamonds themselves make buying over the internet a lot less stressful. I wanted to ask someone their opinion on my choice so far. Please any information will be helpful and will make a very special girl back home happy.

*Looking for ct. from 1.3 – 1.5
*Price range $12,000, Plus or minus a few hundred $ if I can get it closer to the 1.5
*Round Shape
*Color between G-I
*Clarity VVS2 – VS1

(Diamond)
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.40-carat-h-color-vvs2-clarity-very-good-cut-sku-171438?a_aid=dmnd1357

(Setting )

https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/18k-white-gold-2mm-comfort-fit-solitaire-engagement-ring-item-54?a_aid=dmnd1357

If you really want to stick with such a high clarity, that is a great combination.

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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