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Q&A: Looking for Round Cut for $13K Budget

By Mike Fried,

Firstly, great job on the website and congratulation on helping so many men choose the right diamond for their partner.

I have to also agree with you on an article I read about ‘7 reasons not to buy a diamond ring‘… However society and family has got the better of me and now I’m in a position to buy a ring for my girl friend. Hence the reason why I’m writing to you.

I have approximately $13,000 AUD to spend on a ring. Therefore I’m looking for a diamond in around $10,000 mark could push it to $12,000 at most. I know what she likes and it will be the traditional round cut. I would like an eye clean diamond as big and as sparking and shinny as possible (just like everyone else in this world) I think the lowest colour I would go is an ‘I’

I’m hoping to get something above 1.55 cart.

What would you recommend?

I’d be happy to make some recommendations and guide you through the process. What type of setting are you considering? Yellow gold or white gold/platinum? Will it be a solitaire or does it have sidestones/pave? This may affect the colors that I recommend for the center diamond (as we explain in our post on color).

Let me know and I’d be happy to send you some suggestions.

Thank you for your email.

As for the ring setting, I would be going for white gold or platinum. The setting will be a 3 stone or side stones ‘tapered baguette.

To get a 1.50ct+ will cause a bit of a stretch in your budget. You’ll need to get closer to 11k. I absolutely love this diamond for you:

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.51-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-189760?a_aid=dmnd1357

It’s very well cut, bright, and the inclusion is fantastic. It’s dispersed and on the edge, so you can just put the prong there and it will be 100% eye-clean. This diamond is a real winner. According to JA’s shipping calc, it will cost you $10,912 Aus including GST. What do you think?

Thank you for getting back to me Mike, I really appreciated it!

I can spend a little more, I’m now thinking $13K for the diamond. What do you think of the following?

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.57-carat-i-color-vvs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-94349?a_aid=dmnd1357

This true hearts also impressed me (value for money) but it doesn’t seem eye clean..

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.75-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-183933?a_aid=dmnd1357

I really like this one…
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.74-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-very-good-cut-sku-173748?a_aid=dmnd1357

I look forward to your reply.

The VVS is a waste of money and the SI1 is not eye-clean. The 1.74 is ok, but I don’t think its worth spending the extra money.

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
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