I love your informative site! It has helped already. I’m hoping my request is easier than most. I’m looking for a .5-.75 ct diamond solitaire pendant necklace. Preferably:
-best diamond for the budget
-round stone, though I’m flexible depending on your suggestion about what cut shines best on a necklace
-color I or J at the worst
-clarity SI2 at the worst
-under $900 if possible
I’ve seen some on Macy’s, other discount websites, and even eBay but it seems they are either too good to be true or leave out the vital info. Any help is appreciated!! Thanks!
I’m not sure if you’ll be able to get this in for your price – at least not legitimately. What i mean is, these other “discount” sources will be using other certs other than GIA that will grossly upgrade the color and clarity to make it seem on the paper that it’s a better diamond than it really is.
What I would suggest is this – contact James Allen and ask them if they could put a cheaper stone into this item:
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamond-jewelry/diamond-solitaire/pendant/item_83-7915.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357
And see how cheap it can go.
Let me know what they say!
Ira, you are quick! I decided to go down in weight to around .40-.46 and here are my options. What do you think?
My favorite but center has grayish arrow or shadow or inclusion? Photo seems to shine so much brighter than the others but I’m not sure if that means the diamond itself will
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1311552.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357
Cheaper but “only” Premium, but not sure if that makes a big difference-same shadow in middle
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Premium-Cut-Round-Diamond-1241030.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357
Biggest but inclusion between 8 and 9 o’clock too big? Perhaps can be pronged at that point?
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1322108.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357
Is a True Hearts one but has a dot in the middle
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1315101.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357
Thanks again!!
Out of those 4, the True hearts stone is definitely the best. The inclusion in the center will most certainly NOT be visible to the naked eye. keep in mind that the diameter of the stone is only about a half a centimeter!
Let me know which one you decide to go with!
Ira, you are a machine. I have no idea how you get to everyone’s request but I appreciate it! I’ve got the True Hearts one you recommended on hold until tomorrow so I’m inside their holiday return window, just in case. I’m considering this practice for when I need to buy the big one! Thanks again.
Sounds great! Let me know how it goes!
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
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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