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Q&A: Help Finding an Oval Diamond for Around $5,000 Budget

By Mike Fried,

Hello,

I’m hoping to buy a diamond from James Allen that is GIA graded. I think I picked out a nice oval cut diamond (it’s my future fiancee’s favorite shape) that will fit my budget (with a setting) of 5,000.

I’ve read a little online about “black tie” in oval cut that can affect the brilliance of the diamond and in James Allen 360° view I couldn’t see any with my eye. However, again I am only a first time shopper.

The link is here:

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/0.90-carat-f-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-10439015?a_aid=dmnd1357

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/0.90-carat-f-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-10439015?a_aid=dmnd1357
The bow-tie here is very visible here. It’s the black figure running through the diamond. I would skip this stone.

I found these two lovely options that would look beautiful in real life:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/0.91-carat-g-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-10202822?a_aid=dmnd1357
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/0.90-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-sku-10635096?a_aid=dmnd1357
They have a great cut and minimal bow-tie. They would be absolutely colorless and very bright and brilliant.

So the G VVS2 diamond below that I was hoping to buy was actually bought before I had the chance to complete. I was wondering if you would be able to review the diamond below and tell me if it a good eye clean oval diamond…

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.01-carat-f-color-vs1-clarity-sku-10833086?a_aid=dmnd1357

Wow I really like the 1.02 VS1 F diamond (SKU 10107251).

What about this one compared to that? Just in case it’s gone by next week, I would like a good backup.

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.01-carat-g-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-7703589?a_aid=dmnd1357

I’m glad you liked it!

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.01-carat-g-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-7703589?a_aid=dmnd1357
Unfortunately, this one has the same “empty center” issue and it also has an extremely thick girdle that would look very ugly in person.

Okay thank you for the help!

Now I’m going to go with the VS1 F 1.02.

That’s great news!

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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