We are reader-supported. Buying through any red colored link on our site may earn us commissions. Learn More.

Q&A: Looking for Round 1 Carat Diamond; What is a Realistic Budget?

By Mike Fried,

Shape: Round Brilliant

Q&A: Looking for Round 1 Carat Diamond; What is a Realistic Budget?

I’m so glad I found your site. I was hoping you could give me some advice on buying a loose stone. I’m looking for a Round 1.0 to 1.2 carat stone, H-I color, preferrably no worse than SI2 clarity (and ”eye clean”). I was looking to spend between $3500 and $4000. Is that realistic? Any help …


Q&A: Best Round Diamond for ~$20K Budget

Thank you for creating such an incredibly informative website! I am looking for an engagement diamond with the following details: Overall: for now would be looking for the cheapest price for given parameters Shape: Round Color Range: F or better Clarity: SI1 or better (nothing visible to naked eye) Budget: up to $15k (preference would …


Q&A: Building a 3 Stone Ring on James Allen for $10K Budget

Thanks for your wonderful website. Learnt a lot from it. I’m looking for a three stone diamond ring with platinum setting with a budget of $10K. JamesAllen seems to have the option of only 0.5 carat as sidestones and it is costing ~$5K. That allows me to spend $5K on the center diamond. Any recommendations? …


Q&A: “Best Budget Diamond” for $6K Budget

Hello, Ira. Thanks for your site, it’s very good. I’m a huge web surfer and I think you’ve got great info. I have settled on the setting: https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/channelset-rings/ring/item_57-171_design.asp?module=setting I am looking for the best budget diamond. In the past I’ve always (I was married before) been told to buy a D or an E, VVS2, …


Q&A: Help Finding Round Brilliant Diamond for $10K Budget

It probably goes without saying but I am looking to purchase the best diamond I can. I’m looking for a round cut that is at least 1.5 carats, color H maybe I (or better), and the best clarity I can get (maybe VS2 or SI1). I am very grateful for the site and would be …


Q&A: Searching for Round Diamond with Sparkle for $6500 Budget

Q&A: Searching for Round Diamond with Sparkle for $6500 Budget

I am currently educating myself and trying to find the best loose diamond that I can in my budget. Until I read your site, I was planning to purchase a diamond from www.uniondiamond.com….the price seemed fantastic but after reading about what you have to say about EGL I am now looking for possibly something different. …


Q&A: Recommendation for Round Diamond for $4-5K Budget

Q&A: Recommendation for Round Diamond for $4-5K Budget

Hi, great site! Quick question. I’m in the market for an engagement ring and am looking for a ~1 ct round diamond $4-5K USD. A local family-owned jeweler is recommending what they call an ”eighternity” 1.03 ct diamond with H color and SI2 clarity (GIA) for ~$6500. Obviously it’s over my budget but compared to …


Q&A: Help Buying Round Solitaire Pendant

I am looking for a round solitaire pendant Size – .65 to .75 – setting white gold Cut – Ideal Clarity VS2 or better Color – H or G Flourescence – None to Faint I usually wear diamond studs which are .50 each, and then in my left ear i wear two additional studs totaling …


About the author

Mike Fried Mike Fried Mike Fried has over 25 years experience in the diamond industry working with Leo Schachter Diamonds, Moshe Namdar Diamonds, and joining The Diamond Pro in 2007. He is recognized as an industry expert and has been quoted in publications such as Us, People, Page Six, The Next Web and more.

Please enter your email address to receive your 25% off coupon code:

Here is your coupon code: GFDSF3GF

Diamond Pro

Diamond Pro

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
  • Unfortunately, the AI chat we worked so hard training is not helping our readers the way we would like. You deserve the best advice you can get.

    Would you like to contact a human diamond pro? Just fill out this email form and we will answer you ASAP (usually within one day).