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Q&A: Looking for an Oval-Shaped Diamond Within a $3,000-$4,600 Budget

By Mike Fried,

I am wondering if you can help me pick the best option(s) based on the characteristics that I am looking for?

I am looking to spend $3,000-$4,600 for an oval diamond, approx. 1 carat (I am generally looking at .95-1.2 carats); H color (I would consider G or I, but I do not want it to be yellow, and I would like the best value for being fairly colorless, which is why I am focusing on H); VS2-SI1 clarity (I would consider SI2, but I would like the diamond to be 100% eye clean, including no visible black inclusions); faint to none for fluorescence; very good to excellent for both polish and symmetry; a depth of approx. 60-65% and a table of approx. 53-62% (a jeweler we met with suggested these values); a length to width of approx. 1.25-1.40 (my girlfriend liked a diamond that was 1.34 because it was more round than narrow); I would like to limit the bow-tie effect; and I would like a GIA certification. I know GIA does not provide a cut for oval diamonds, but if it did, I would want the cut to be excellent. I am not dead set on these requirements, and I am happy to hear your suggestions if you think I should tweak these requirements. Basically, I want to get a great overall diamond that is also a great value.

I am planning to get a 14k gold pave setting from a local jeweler.

I have used rarecarat.com and Yadav Diamonds seems to be the best value site on there. How do you feel about rarecarat and Yadav?

Thank you for your help!

We haven’t had any experience with rarecarat.com or Yadav. Are you in contact with them? Search only for stones with a GIA or AGS cert (these are legitimate labs).

But if you find any stone you like in particular from their site, I’ll be happy to comment on it. Feel free to send me a link.

Thanks for your email. Is there a different company that you suggest I use, and can you recommend a few diamonds based on the characteristics I provided?

Thanks!

Here’s the best option I found for you at the moment. The depth of this diamond is slightly lower than what we usually recommend. But it looks fantastic and it doesn’t have a fish eye.
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.02-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-2135326?a_aid=dmnd1357

The overall specifications are great and the ratio is exactly the 1.34 you mentioned in your first email.

Let me know what you think.

Thank you for your email. I will definitely keep that in mind. I am wondering if you can help me decide between the following three diamonds:
1) https://www.yadavjewelry.com/products/oval-diamond-h-vs2-yd576694
2) https://www.yadavjewelry.com/products/oval-diamond-h-vs2-yd552426
3) https://www.yadavjewelry.com/products/oval-diamond-h-si1-yd576099

I am looking for the best overall and the best value.

Thanks.

……

Hi, I added one diamond to the list below. Would you let me know which you suggest out of the four diamonds below? Thanks!

I’m sorry I didn’t find the fourth diamond. Can you send it again, please?

As for the first diamond, I don’t really like its bow-tie. And the inclusions on the second stone.

The third diamond, the SI1, is beautiful. It has a light bow-tie effect but it seems to be fine. If you like it, go for it.

Hi, thank you for your advice!

Here is the fourth: https://www.yadavjewelry.com/products/Oval-diamond-H-SI1-YD582903

I don’t really like the bow-tie of this stone. And also the feather is eye-visible. That’s why I’d stick with the diamond I commented on yesterday.

Thanks so much!

My pleasure.

Let me know how you like the ring once it arrives.

Will do – thanks!

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. They currently run a 10% discount on selected lab-grown diamonds!
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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
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