We are reader-supported. Buying through any red colored link on our site may earn us commissions. Learn More.
Greetings Diamonds Pro Team,
I came across your site while looking into an engagement ring purchase for my girlfriend and was hoping you could assist! I’ve decided that I’d like to use James Allen after so poor experiences at local jewelers…
She likes the side stone style setting, and I’m hoping you can help me find a pretty 1.0 ct round cut diamond to put in that setting. My budget for the stone is roughly $3,500. I’ve pasted a link below for the setting I noted in my request.
For the setting you selected, I’d recommend an I-color center stone. As for the clarity grade, I always search in the SI-IF range and pick the best/first eye-clean option I find. The actual grade is not that important, you can find an SI diamond that’s eye-clean and a VS1 that’s not. Cut grade should always be Excellent/Ideal as that’s what makes the diamond beautiful and brilliant.
I didn’t find a full 1 carat for ~3.5k, but I found this beautiful 0.83ct option
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.83-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-8404531?a_aid=dmnd1357
It’s fantastically cut and will be very brilliant in a side stone setting.
The price for a 1ct diamond would be around $4.5k:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.00-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-8276493?a_aid=dmnd1357
Thanks so much for this info, it’s extremely helpful! Would you recommend the 1 carat diamond you linked below for that setting if I was going to go with a 1 carat diamond?
Yes, absolutely. I color looks great in a side stone setting regardless of the carat weight.
Thanks again for your help! I’m going with the 1ct diamond you recommended.
That’s great news! I’m glad you liked my recommendation so much.
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
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
Still afraid of getting ripped off?
Before you buy a diamond, get personal buying advice from industry veterans. We'll help you get the best diamond for the money.
Ask your diamond purchase question here
DISCLAIMER: We don't use your email for marketing. Period.
