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Q&A: 1.00 Ct. vs 0.95 Ct.: Getting the Best Value on a $6k Budget

By Mike Fried, Updated July 3, 2021

Hi there,

I am diamond shopping and I have created an idea of what I am looking for on the James Allen website. I am budget conscious but also want to get something that pops and sparkles nicely. I am thinking 1.0 carat and something eye clean for sure (I read the article on your site). The setting will be pave.

I found this diamond:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.00-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-10189808?a_aid=dmnd1357

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.00-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-10189808?a_aid=dmnd1357
I wouldn’t recommend this diamond. The IGI lab is less reliable than the GIA and AGS and they tend to inflate the grades.

Here’s what I’d go instead:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.95-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-10016993?a_aid=dmnd1357
H color is going to look absolutely colorless in a pave setting. This diamond is beautifully cut and would be very bright and brilliant. It’s basically the same size as a 1ct.

Thanks so much. Yes I do like that one and would definitely not have known about the IGI comment you made. Seems like a great choice to me.

…

I went ahead and purchased it last night!

I’m glad I could help you, the diamond was an excellent choice.

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
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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!

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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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