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Q&A: Help Finding a Square Diamond Within a $3k-$4.5k Budget

By Mike Fried,

Hi,

I am starting to shop for an engagement ring and I am trying to stay within a $4,500 budget for the diamond.

I’m certain I will go with 1 of the 4 settings below. Could you show me some 0.9 – 1.3 carat diamonds?

I included desired diamond type underneath each setting link. Do you recommend buying diamond from same website as the ring setting I decide on?

Monique Lhuillier Halo Diamond Engagement Ring in Platinum
Round diamonds 0.9 – 1.2 carat.

Cushion Duet Halo Diamond Engagement Ring in 18k White Gold
Cushion and asscher diamonds 1 – 1.3 carat.

Platinum Diamond Split Shank Double Halo Pavé Engagement Ring
Platinum Round Split Band Diamond Halo Engagement Ring
Cushion, asscher, radiant diamonds 1-1.3 carat.

Square.

I’m not sure if I’m missing something on this diamond, but it seems extremely discounted and I’m unsure why. Is something wrong with it? Does it not have the brilliance you would like in a diamond or is the table or depth off? Very odd to me, so your input would be much appreciated.

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.00-carat-g-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-9267716?a_aid=dmnd1357

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.00-carat-g-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-9267716?a_aid=dmnd1357 – This stone is a bit deeply cut. Also, the medium fluorescence might cause a hazy/milky look in daylight.

Thanks for your reply!

Could you pull a few cushion diamonds from James Allen? At a minimum, I’d like it to be 1ct and max 1.2ct. Probably unlikely to find a 1.2ct, but just curious.

– under $3,000
– $3,000 – $4,000

Thanks for pulling those diamonds. I was slow to pull the trigger and missed out on the 1.21 carat one. Great find! Someone I’m sure is very happy!

Would you please provide a few recommendations for $3,500 and under?

Thanks for the selections! Not sure if you’ll be able to see it, but I lucked up and found this diamond. I hope you approve! I placed an order this morning.

Please let me know if there should be any concerns. I didn’t want to lose the diamond, and it appeared to be a deal going for $3,310.

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.00-carat-g-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-9145344?a_aid=dmnd1357

That diamond was an excellent option as well. It checks all the boxes and looks amazing in the video. You did a great job finding it and I hope you’ll love it even more when you receive it. For $3,310, it was a fantastic value.

Thanks for all your help!

You’re very welcome.

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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