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Q&A: Diamond for a Student’s Budget

By Mike Fried, Updated October 24, 2017

Thanks for the awesome website. I have already learned a lot from going through the articles. This is my first time purchasing an expensive piece of jewelry, so I am hoping I can get my money’s worth.

I am looking for a round diamond that will work well in a solitaire white gold setting. My first concerns are that the diamond is eye clean and has lots of sparkle. I am fine with something in the I-J range for color. My budget is around $2000 but I could go a little higher if it was justified.

I would go with diamond for you:

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.60-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-185538?a_aid=dmnd1357

It’s bright, eye-clean and a great value. It leaves you room for a nice setting and still coming in on budget. What do you think?

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!
Click to Visit
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.
Click to Visit
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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