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Q&A: Searching for a 1.4-1.7 Ct. Oval Diamond for Around $7,000-$8,500 Budget

By Mike Fried,

Hi, my boyfriend and I are trying to find the perfect diamond (yes — I am helping in the quest for the center stone and he is deciding the rest). Completely clueless, we looked in a few stores for styles I like, my ring size, etc. But we came away still lost as far as diamonds and the four c’s. Your website has helped so, so much, but I am still having a hard time deciding what is the best bet for the best price. We are looking for a 1.4-1.7 carat between $7,000-$8,500. I hope this is doable! What color and clarity range should we stay in to ensure it looks amazing? I do know that the ring will be white gold/platinum and likely a halo style for the setting. Any advice would be great! 

I’d be happy to help. What shape diamond do you want? 

Thanks for the response. We are looking for oval diamonds. 

Is your budget for the diamond only or does it include the setting? If it includes the setting, 1.40ct will be a stretch. 

The total budget is around 10k. A bit more for a great ring. Thanks! 

So Oval cuts are very tricky. You need to avoid the bad bow-ties in the diamonds. Here would be my recommendations in your size range (The BN diamond is a comparable alternative to the diamond we previously recommended because the company we used in the past doesn’t exist anymore.):

https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD11522280
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.59-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-394955?a_aid=dmnd1357

I don’t think this is eye-clean, but it might be, you can ask JA’s gemologist to inspect it:

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.50-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-sku-425675?a_aid=dmnd1357

If it is, its a winner. 

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!

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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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