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Hi, thank you for the excellent website. I am looking to purchase an engagement ring from James Allen, with a budget around $5,000 including the setting, which will be a 14k white gold pave band, estimated cost around $600, which would leave me with about $4,400 for the diamond. I was thinking at least 1 carat, and based on your website would prioritize excellent cut over color and clarity.
Do you have any specific diamond recommendations currently in stock on James Allen? I have no experience assessing diamond quality and am hoping you could help me pick wisely. Thanks!
May I ask what diamond shape you’re after?
I am looking for a round diamond.
As far as a pave setting goes, I color would look fantastic in it. There is no rule for which clarity grade to go with, I always search in the SI-IF range and pick the best priced eye-clean diamonds I find. Sometimes I end up recommending an SI stone, sometimes a VS or VVS is a better option (when it’s either cheaper or has a better cut).
I found thes two options:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.94-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-9264090?a_aid=dmnd1357
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.01-carat-i-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-7292905?a_aid=dmnd1357
They have a beautiful cut and either of them would make an amazing ring. As you can see, they are basically the same size (check out the real measurements).
I purchased the 0.94 carat one you recommended. Thanks so much for your help!
That’s wonderful news!
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
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