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Q&A: Help Finding a Round Diamond for Around $5,000 Budget

By Mike Fried,

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.21-carat-h-color-si2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-7199300?a_aid=dmnd1357
Unfortunately, this diamond is a big no no. Its cert says “clarity grade based on clouds not shown.” This means there is a very large cloud that covers a large percentage of the diamond and saps the brilliance from it. You should never buy a diamond with this note.

Would you like me to suggest a better option?

Yes, I would appreciate if you could suggest other options. My wish is to find an eye-clean diamond around 1c for less than $5k. 14/18k white gold 6-prong, solitaire ring.

For a simple solitaire setting, H color is a lot more than what’s necessary to have a beautiful ring. You can easily go with a lower grade (I/J) and get the same look to the naked eye.

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.00-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-7652166?a_aid=dmnd1357
This stone would be a fantastic option, it’s gorgeously cut and will have a lot of brilliance.

Is it possible that you can recommend a few more diamonds in a similar price range for a solitaire ring?

Unfortunately, it would. IGI lab is weaker than GIA and we recommend avoiding them as much as possible.

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.01-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-7902283?a_aid=dmnd1357
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.00-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-6123679?a_aid=dmnd1357
The issue with these two is the strong fluorescence – it might give the diamonds a dull hazy look. Plus, they’re not eye-clean.

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.02-carat-g-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-6026795?a_aid=dmnd1357
Unfortunately, this one is not eye-clean. The black crystal on the table would be very visible.

I found this one that has a beautiful cut and would be very brilliant in person:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.04-carat-g-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-8482441?a_aid=dmnd1357

Thanks so much. So, is 8482441 a good choice? Just to reconfirm with I have learned lately from you, eye clean, sparkly, etc?

Yes, it’s an excellent choice. It has a wonderful cut and is absolutely eye-clean. It’ll have a lot of brilliance and will look absolutely colorless in person.

I placed the order with James Allen yesterday and received a confirmation today. Thanks for your help.

That’s wonderful news!

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. Get 25% off sitewide at James Allen
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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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)
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