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Q&A: Need Advice on Best Round Diamond, at Least 0.8 Carats

By Mike Fried,

I’m in the process of purchasing an engagment ring but I wouldlike some assistance.
I know she wants atleast .80 carrat wieght in a round diamond that will be going in a white gold cathedral mount 4 or 6 prong.
Im a working with a $2500 budget for the whole thing so I need to get the best diamond I can for around $2100. Looking for a diamond with decent color but I would like inclusions to be very minimal to the naked eye.

Thank you for your input. I originally wanted to pay cash but I i have decided to put some the cost on credit so that will up my total to spend up to $3500 on the diamond. I was originally looking at the Jewelry Exchange but looking at there website they seem to have higher prices for the same quality of diamond from say james Allen or Blue Nile. All the other stuff is staying the same. It has to be at least .80 ct. weight and it is going on a white gold cathedral mount four prong ring. definatly would like to get the best diamond for the money.

I like the .91 ct. but do you think I should go smaller with better color say F or G in color. Not sure how J colored diamond would look compared to a F or G. Is there noticeable yellow in a J colored diamond. Definitely want a diamond with a lot of fire. Not sure exactly what I need to look for to get that. I would assume cut and color would achieve that But I have seen some E vs1 that look cloudy. In the ones you sent I can see yellow tint in the center a little. Is that just due to the photo? Basically what is the highest color I can purchase and achieve a fiery diamond.

A J color round ideal cut diamond set in a solitaire setting will definitely look white to your eye. The yellow you see in the pics is an artifact of the photography.

These stones will be exceptionally fiery and brilliant – and large!

Thanks for the info.
Greatly appreciated.

My pleasure! Let me know what you decide to go with!

I think this is what I’m going to go with! What do you think about? Is it a good choice?
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-VVS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1313821.asp

It’s beautiful. You’re going to love it! Please 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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