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Q&A: Maximizing Budget of $2,000

By Mike Fried,

I am searching for a 1ct round center stone to mount in the 14K WHITE GOLD TAPERED PAVE ENGAGEMENT RING

Color H or I.

Budget: I’d prefer to stay $2,000 or below if possible.

Here are the biggest diamonds of a quality I’d recommend within your budget:

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.70-carat-g-color-i1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-6450815?a_aid=dmnd1357 (This stone is kind of a borderline of eye-cleanliness)
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.65-carat-g-color-si2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-5585448?a_aid=dmnd1357
They’re well-cut, eye-clean and brilliant. Unfortunately, I don’t think it’s possible to find a 1ct stone with a proper cert within that budget.

I already ordered the setting and it is made to fit exactly 1ct. I don’t think these options will work for me. What are the typical variances for a jeweler to adjust the setting size for a smaller center stone?

Since I’m not a jeweler, I can’t give you a proper answer. I suggest asking the vendor or a local jeweler directly what they advise. Please let me know what you find out.

I think the bottom line is that I don’t want to go smaller than 1ct, but I’m trying to remain under $2,000 while getting the best looking stone possible.

Maybe you can consider lab created diamonds.

Well I’m not going to do anything but real.

What are my pricing options for a certified Ex 1ct stone?

What are my options for an uncertified Excellent cut 1ct stone? In your professional opinion what are the risks of purchasing an uncertified stone?

These are the cheapest options I could find:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.00-carat-h-color-i1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-6428911?a_aid=dmnd1357 (This one is a bit of a stretch in terms of eye-cleanliness)

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.08-carat-i-color-si2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-6153887?a_aid=dmnd1357

We don’t recommend non-certified options because you don’t know what you’d be paying for (not only specs, color, clarity, but also you can’t know if it’s a real diamond).

I like the first option, but it looks like it already sold. As far as I know, James Allen do not charge tax for Texas purchases, which is good for me. Do you happen to know if they (or others you work with) offer military discounts on loose diamonds?

That diamond might be sold already or maybe somebody just put it on hold for a couple of hours. Unfortunately, I can’t answer your question, I don’t know whether they offer such discounts or not. I suggest asking them directly.

I finally heard back from James Allen and unfortunately they don’t offer military discounts on loose diamonds. Could you please re-fresh the search? I’m looking to place my order early this week.

Okay cool.

Thanks for all your help.

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!

Please enter your email address to receive your 25% off coupon code:

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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