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Q&A: Need “Expert Opinion” on Round 1 Carat Diamond for $5.5K Budget

By Mike Fried,

As many have mentioned, your site is incredibly helpful and informative. I would like to request your assistance in purchasing an engagement ring. I have picked out a setting on jamesallen.com. The link for the setting is:

https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/channelset-rings/ring/item_58-3776.asp

For the diamond, my maximum budget is $5,400. I would like at least 1 carat, with an Ideal/Excellent cut. Beyond that, I would leave it up to your expert opinion as to what clarity and color would work with this setting and budget.

Thanks your assistance.


Thanks for writing and thanks for the kind words about the site! Here’s what I like for you:
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1335194.asp

Unfortunately, that setting kind of limits me in color because the side stones are F/G, so I don’t want to go lower than H.

Thanks for the fast response. I decided to go back and look at settings again, and I think that this “thin” channel setting is a bit more “her”. It happens to have G-H side stones also. Would there be more choices for this setting? And I can spend $5,600 considering the slightly lower setting price.

https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/channelset-rings/White-Gold-Engagement-Ring.html

Thanks for your help.
…….

By the way, would either of these diamonds work with the new setting?

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Premium-Cut-Round-Diamond-1328194.asp

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Premium-Cut-Round-Diamond-1363270.asp

I like them all, but the first one I like a lot! Plus getting a 1.11 carat is a nice little bonus. I think that’s the one, if you think it will look good. I know people ask you how to make sure you get your commission, is it automatic?

Yeah, it should be automatic if you order from the same computer form which you’ve been clicking on my links. Let me know how it goes and what you think when the ring arrives!

I received the ring today, and it looks fantastic. Thanks very much for your informative website, and your assistance in selecting the right diamond. Now I just need to ask her!

So kind of you to let me know! Congrats!!!

Do you think you could do me a small favor and leave me a short review on ivouch? If you could, I would be extremely grateful!

Thanks again!

Done. Thanks again!

[LINK TO REVIEW ON IVOUCH]

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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