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Q&A: Choosing a Round Diamond for a Halo Setting Within a $16,000 Budget

By Mike Fried,

I need help picking out a diamond for an engagement ring. I’m learning towards finding one on James Allen and have narrowed down my parameters. I even have a few picked out, but I’m not sure if it’s best to take a step back and let the professionals help me analyze some options

Can you send me links to the diamonds you picked out? I’m happy to review them and give you my opinion. Also, what style setting do you want to use?

It’s a stunning diamond, it checks all the boxes. Beautiful cut + 100% eye-clean. Great find and perfect for a halo.

Could you also make some recommendations?

Thanks a bunch for the help! Happy to say I have made my purchase.

That’s great news! Which one was The One?

It was an excellent choice, your wife will definitely need to get used to turning heads everywhere she’ll go!

Thanks so much for the help!! I’m excited!

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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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!

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

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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