Q&A: Searching for 1 Ct. Round Diamond on $6K Budget, JA or BN?

I’m searching for a round diamond of about 1ct at a budget of $6000. Based on the information in your site, I’ve mostly been looking at excellent or better cut, I color, and SI1/VS2 clarity stones, which are eye-clean. I’ve browsed James Allen & Blue Nile and came up with some possibilities:

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1468671.asp

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1471701.asp

Blue Nile LD02632366

Blue Nile LD02568702

I was hoping you could give me the benefit of your views about these selections (or maybe even alternatives that you think might be a better value in this range).

Thanks very much for your help! I’ve learned a lot from reading your site.

Thanks very much for your response. I will request James Allen to provide an Ideal Scope image of the diamond that you suggested. Do you have any other recommendations around that general range? I’m thinking about a pave or halo setting, if that makes any difference. (The customer service person said that they would look at a maximum of three.)

The JA rep said that she thought the inclusions at 10 o’clock on the 1493618 diamond would be visible. What do you think of her three other suggestions?

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI2-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1500230.asp

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI2-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1489595.asp

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI2-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1493380.asp

Thanks again for your help. These were the gemologist’s comments / Idealscope images. Given these options, is the #1467793 (1.07 ct) that you initially recommended still your first choice?

Gemologist Recommendation: 

Thank you for your patience while waiting for the gemologist inspection results and idealscope images of diamonds 1493380, 1483095, and 1467793.

I’m happy to say that the inclusions in diamond 1493380 (1.16crt I SI2) blend extremely well and most people will likely view the diamond as eye clean. The crystal light in color and the feather can be partially covered by a prong. During close examination, only a very sensitive eye might pick up on one of these inclusions. It has great fire, brilliance, and scintillation and has a true “I” color. The attached idealscope images appears to show a little light leakage under the table, but the gemologist has confirmed that the image is misleading. When you see the diamond in person, it will be bright and lively. 

Diamond 1483095 (1.09crt I SI2) has nice light performance and its inclusions are rather difficult to pick up on. The feathers are located close to the girdle and at least one of them can be partially covered by a prong. It will take a keen eye to be able to pick up on its crystal under the table.

Diamond 1467793 (1.07crt I SI1) has nice light performance and a true “I” color. Its dark crystal in the crown is located in a place where it will not be able to covered with a prong. It’s not offensive and will take a keen eye to pick up on it.

In short, you’ve located three very clean SI2 graded diamonds which have inclusions that will take close examination and very good eye sight to be seen. Of the three, diamond 1493380 is your best option because of its superior light performance. It’s priced well and will look fantastic in any setting.

Please take a moment to review this information and let me know if you have any additional questions. I have extended your hold on these diamonds for an additional 24 hours while you consider your options. I’ve copied my colleague, Garrett Jenkins on this email and he will be reaching out to your within 24 hours to see if you need any assistance in finalizing a purchase. After that time we will release them back to our inventory.

Thanks very much for your help. I went with the first one (1493380), and made sure to let the order-person know that you (and The Diamond Pro) had bounced me in their direction.