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Q&A: Oval Cut for $4K Budget

By Mike Fried,

Hi, I’m in the process of getting ready to propose, and looking to purchase an oval cut diamond for the thin french cut pave setting on JA

https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/18k-white-gold-thin-french-cut-pave-set-diamond-engagement-ring-item-289?a_aid=dmnd1357

I’m fortunate that my girlfriend is very petite, with a ring size of 3.5, and in her own words she does not want anything in the 1 ct range or higher as it would be too big for her hand.

In her own words, she is very sensitive to color of the stone, but doesn’t mind slight inclusions. She studied gemology years ago so I want to make a solid choice in picking a stone.

I’ve found three choices on JA that suit the budget and look decent to my untrained eye, and I’m hoping for your opinion.

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/0.80-carat-d-color-si1-clarity-sku-206505?a_aid=dmnd1357

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/0.77-carat-d-color-vs2-clarity-sku-157113?a_aid=dmnd1357

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/0.90-carat-f-color-si2-clarity-sku-209266?a_aid=dmnd1357

Thanks!

I apologize for the delay. I was out for a long weekend. Do you still want our help? Thanks for your patience.

Not a problem Mike, thanks for the reply.

I ended up purchasing the 0.8 ct that I mentioned. Do you think I made a solid choice?

Yes. It’s a very nice diamond.

I’m glad to hear that.

P.S. – I didn’t mention it before but your site is by far the most helpful I came across over the past few months as I was nearing my decision to buy. I read many of your posts and q&a’s, and would have probably made a poor decision, or overspent had I not stumbled upon the site.

I’ll forward any referals to you guys

Thanks for your reply.

Thanks for the kind words. Please let me know how it looks 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
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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!

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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)
  • Best in class fulfillment
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