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Q&A: Looking for a Round Diamond for a White Gold Halo With a $5.5k – $6.5k Budget

By Mike Fried,

Hello, I am looking for at least a 1 ct. Round diamond to fit the setting below:
www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-falling-edge-pave-diamond-engagement-ring-item-49492?a_aid=dmnd1357

My budget is 5,500-6,500.

I would really like the diamond to be at least 1 ct. If possible. I’m really aiming for the diamond to be really clear and very sparkly. I have read that one of the main factors for this is the cut. I do not want the diamond to have a yellowish tinge, and I’m really looking for it to be eye clean. My main concerns are that the diamond really sparkles and to try to get the biggest carat I can afford. I am willing to extend the budget a bit.

I found this diamond to be the largest option:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.20-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2164418?a_aid=dmnd1357

It’s beautifully cut so the fire and brilliance will be amazing, and it’s eye-clean. Let me know what you think.

I forgot to mention that the setting price would be included! I’m sorry for not clarifying. I know the carat size can really increase the price, so that’s why I was wondering if it would be possible to at least get a 1 ct. If not, I will settle for a .91 ct. I just want to make sure it has an excellent cut, is eye clean, and sparkles.

Thank you in advance.

……

In the attached picture, I love the color of the diamond D, but as you can see it is .70 ct. I was hoping to go a bit bigger, but to have the similar color. I know that D,E, and F are more clear in color. I would be willing to sacrifice size a bit to find a clearer, better cut diamond.

I understand. We didn’t recommend focusing on the color as much because there is not a huge difference between a G/H and F+ (www.diamonds.pro/diamond-color/).

Unfortunately, I didn’t find a 1ct diamond in any color. The following diamond is the one I would recommend:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.90-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2117742?a_aid=dmnd1357

And here is one according to your requirements:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.90-carat-e-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2146871?a_aid=dmnd1357

I love the diamonds you chose! So you’re saying the color difference is not going to be noticeable between the diamonds on the ring? If that’s the case, I will trust your recommendation for the first diamond. I just want to make sure there is not a yellowish tinge to the diamond. Also, are the dimensions, girdle, depth, and table in line with a good diamond? I know that these factors can also affect the diamond’s sparkle.

The H color is perfect for a halo setting. We always recommend it and it looks great. The diamonds in the band are too small to make any color difference.

I always search for diamonds with perfect specs. My depth/table/.. filters are strict and then I choose the best option.

Thank you so much. I trust your expertise. The diamond is eye clean, right?

It’s my first time ordering a diamond and I just wanted to be really sure about my purchase. I have read the Q&A on your site as well as reviews, and that’s why I chose to work with you.

I have purchased the diamond that you have recommended for me.

Thanks again.

The diamond is eye-clean.

I’m glad that I could help you. And I hope you are happy with the ring. Let me know how it looks when it arrives.

I just wanted to thank you so much for your help. The ring is gorgeous!!! I emphasized on sparkle and you delivered! Again, thanks so much for all your help.

That ring looks amazing. I’m happy for you. Thank you for the picture.

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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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)
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