Q&A: “Best Diamond for My Money”: Round Diamond for $5-7K Budget

I’ve found the website most helpful & was hoping to get your opinion on a few diamonds I am considering purchasing for an engagement right.

I have a budget of between 5-7K for the stone, and really want to get the best diamond for my money. Leaning towards buying a round diamond in the J color range between 1.25 – 1.5 Ct size. I’ve looking through a few online vendors… blue nile / james allen and found 2 i think are winners.

Here’s the 2 I was looking at, but would appreciate any others you think would fit the mold.

This one I almost purchased yesterday, but had it put on hold while evaluating others.

Blue Nile LD01904608

This one I found today on James Allen.

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds-search/diamonds/J-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1341336.asp

thanks ahead of time for you feedback.

thanks for the response. I really like the one you picked out, just illustrates how important it is to be able to inspect the actual piece before purchasing.

I’m still in the process of looking, but leaning towards the stone you selected, might go slightly bigger if I can find something of the same quality around the 7K mark. Let me know if you have any suggestions.

I slept on that first recommendation and went to purchase it today, but it sold yesterday.

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1348477.asp

This was the next best I thought in the price range, but @ 11oclock in the internal looks like a big black spot. What do you think? Any other suggestions you can make on what’s avialable?

I like that one as well. between the 2, which do you think is the better value? Also what are those squiggly looking lines @10 o’clock?

thanks again. I truly appreciate the help. I think I’m going to bite the bullet and buy it. Your the man, I’ll be sure to leave a nice comment on your site. Now its time to figure out how I’m going to pop the question!