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Q&A: Choosing a Round Diamond with Around $12,500 Budget

By Mike Fried,

Hi,

I have read many of your articles and gained a lot of knowledge.
Of course, you are best at what you do and I would love your feedback on this diamond:
Blue Nile LD14181047

It’s not a bad option, but its cut is quite mediocre, you can definitely do better.

I found this gorgeous diamond that has an absolutely perfect cut. It would have a lot of added brilliance and fire:
Blue Nile LD14240580

Size-wise, it’s virtually the same (check out the real measurements).

Thank for getting back to me. The one you sent does look great. I did end up placing an order yesterday, though I am open to changing it to the one you selected. How would you compare it to this one the following this is the one:
Blue Nile LD12636564

If you can still change the order, I’d recommend doing so. This diamond Blue Nile LD12636564 is also nothing special, it’s cut a bit too deep. Since you’re getting a pretty big diamond and paying a lot, I’d love for you to get something that checks all the boxes.

That sounds great, thank you, I have called Blue Nile and switched the diamond to the one you recommend: LD14240580.

I’m glad you liked my recommendation so much. It was an excellent option!

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. They currently run a 10% discount on selected lab-grown diamonds!
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. Right now, Blue Nile offers up to 50% savings on selected jewelry during a limited-time season sale.
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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