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Q&A: Narrowing the Search for Round Diamond, $5K Budget

By Mike Fried,

I narrowed my search down to 4 diamonds, links are below. My budget for my engagement ring is $5k-5.5k. My original plan was Color I/H, Clearity VS2, Cut Very Good, Polish VG, Symmetry VG. After looking at diamonds in person I decided my money might be better spent a little differently: Color I, Clearity SI2, Cut Excellent, Polish Ex, Symmetry Ex. First question is do you think my line of thinking make sense. 2nd question is of the following 4 diamonds which do you think is best and why. Thank you so much for your time.
http://www.abazias.com/database/CertWin.asp?stock=80691280
http://www.abazias.com/database/CertWin.asp?stock=92051800
Blue Nile LD02016906
Blue Nile LD02004266

I think you made a smart move staying with SI2 and excellent cut. My only concern for you is that you can’t buy SI2s blindly. It’s very possible, even almost likely, that any of these could be visible to the naked eye. With James Allen, however, you can make sure since you can view a magnified pic of the actual stone:
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1355356.asp

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1353951.asp

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1338554.asp

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1353906.asp

Let me know what you think!

Thanks for getting back to me. Of the 4 you recommended, the first 2 have too many inclusions don’t you think? I’m leaning towards the last 2, with the last one being the front runner. Would that be your selection as well?

Yes, 100%. The last one is definitely the nicest.

Thanks again for your time. I went ahead and ordered the last one you recommended.

Great! Please stay in touch and let me know what you think when it arrives!

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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