We are reader-supported. Buying through any red colored link on our site may earn us commissions. Learn More.
Hello,
I am looking for a diamond that will suit the ring below. My price range is to stay under $8,000 and have a 1 carat diamond on it. What should my color and clarity be?
For that setting, you can stick with I+ colored diamonds. Clarity-wise, we search for eye-clean SI2+ diamonds. Sometimes you can find a perfect SI diamond, sometimes the first eye-clean option is a VS stone (https://www.diamonds.pro/education/clarity/).
Here are my recommendations:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.00-carat-i-color-si2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-5922427?a_aid=dmnd1357
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.23-carat-i-color-si2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-6871498?a_aid=dmnd1357
They’re well-cut, eye-clean and brilliant.
Thanks for the help you have provided. I am looking at the prices and I think I can afford 1.25 carat round diamond. Would you be able to provide me some recommendations? Also, should I look for something with fluorescence?
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.25-carat-i-color-si2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-6649959?a_aid=dmnd1357 Something like this? For J-H color, you can get diamonds with none, faint and medium fluorescence. The medium fluorescence may help the diamond look a tad whiter. In case of G-D stones, it’s better to avoid medium or strong fluorescence as it may cause a hazy/milky look (https://www.diamonds.pro/education/fluorescence/).
I really love the diamond you picked out! Do you think that it’s a really good choice and the clarity is closer to VS2 or that it’s closer to I2?
We usually don’t recommend I2 and I1 as they are rarely eye-clean. SI2 is closer to I1 than VS2. It’s possible you would be able to perceive some inclusions. But maybe you wouldn’t. Worst case scenario, if you end up not liking it in case of the purchase, you can easily return it. JA has a great return policy.
I looked into my finances some more and I don’t think I can afford a $8000 ring. I think I would feel more comfortable with a $6000-7000 ring. Can you help me find the perfect diamond for this?
I tried the H and I colors, but it didn’t pair well with the new setting that I chose: 18K YELLOW GOLD CUSHION OUTLINE PAVE ENGAGEMENT RING
For the halo setting you chose, it’s better to choose an H colored diamond to avoid any yellowish hue.
Here is what I found:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.05-carat-g-color-si2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-6731277?a_aid=dmnd1357
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.01-carat-h-color-si2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-6623578?a_aid=dmnd1357
I’m sorry, but i’m not a fan of any of those diamonds. The 1.05 carat diamond was the best one, but it didn’t have enough sparkle from what I can see. What price range do i have to look into to get a better shine?
Bear in mind that you can’t see brilliance from a video (there might be different lighting scenarios).
If you’re looking for a truly spectacular diamond, Brian Gavin Diamonds is the way to go. Brian Gavin is known as one of the world’s experts when it comes to perfectly cut diamonds (https://www.diamonds.pro/reviews/brian-gavin/). They focus on each aspect of the stone, therefore, all their diamonds are extremely brilliant.
Here are some options:
www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.026-i-vs2-round-diamond-ags-cbl-104104774088?a_aid=y
www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.144-h-vs2-round-diamond-ags-bl-104099153022?a_aid=y
Wow! The last one is AMAZING!
Thanks 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.
