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Q&A: Looking for Round Cut for Simple Solitaire Setting

By Mike Fried,

Looking for a great diamond to wow her when I propose in a month an a half. I was thinking a simple solitaire setting, leaving the money to be spend in the diamond. Would like to be all in for $6500 – $7500 or so. I would like a round, ideal cut and polish, G – I, VS1 – VS2 stone. Any suggestions on the best route for me to go for this, it seems James Allen is very well reviewed. Should I spend a little more for a Hearts diamond?

I noticed that many of the best value for a certain price point diamonds that you are recommending are J’s and S1s or even S2s. Would you recommend that I consider a well cut J and S1 or S2 cut stone in my search?

Appreciate any assistance you can provide.

Depends on what setting you are putting it in. Is it a solitaire or pave?

Solitaire. Thinking something like the traditional Tiffany style six prong setting.

You may be able to drop to J, but I is probably better. I would recommend this one for you:

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.04-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-198492?a_aid=dmnd1357
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.10-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-118706?a_aid=dmnd1357

They are both beautiful diamonds. Bright, eye-clean and great values for their sizes. Personally I don’t think you should spend that much more for an incremental increase in size, but that’s up to you.

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
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  • Best-in-class high quality imagery of all diamonds in stock
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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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