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Q&A: Round 1.25 Carat for $6-7K Budget

By Mike Fried,

I am looking for a round diamond in the $5500 to $7000 range for this setting:

https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire-rings/ring/item_57-1933_design.asp?module=setting?a_aid=dmnd1357

Based on the recommendations on your site I am looking in the 1.25 carat range with H-I color, excellent cut, and ’eye-clean’ clarity (SI1-VS2). I would also be happy to get faint to medium florescence, but it is not all that important to me. I would really like to know what is the best (biggest) diamond I can get at the top and bottom of my price range.

My main concern is making sure that the diamond is truly eye-clean. Sometimes I can see the flaws in the picture, and other times I cannot. If I can see a flaw, I do not know for sure that it will not be visible without magnification. Here are some that I have found:

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1321794.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1294959.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1278161.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1305286.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

The only other thing I am curious about is whether it is worth it to pay extra for the ’True Hearts’ cut quality. It seems to be significantly more expensive for the same IGA cut grade.

Thanks for writing. Here’s what I found for you:

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1295750.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1331888.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

Those are the best at the top of your range. Here’s the best at the bottom of the range:

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1187267.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357 (you can cover/obscure the inclusion with a prong of the ring)

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1302316.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

Also, don’t forget to apply the TAD0611 coupon code.

As far as I can tell, all of those stones are eye clean and have excellent cuts, so I wouldn’t think you should limit yourself to SI1+ only.

The first two you suggested had already been snatched up. I got this one:

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1294959.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

Look good? I don’t trust my inexpert eyes enough to confidently buy and SI2 stone when an SI1 is only a little more.

That’s a fantastic stone! Did the site accept the coupon code, btw?

Yes the coupon code worked. Thanks for all the help.

That’s great! Congrats!

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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