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Q&A: Help Finding Round Brilliant Diamond for $10K Budget

By Mike Fried,

It probably goes without saying but I am looking to purchase the best diamond I can. I’m looking for a round cut that is at least 1.5 carats, color H maybe I (or better), and the best clarity I can get (maybe VS2 or SI1). I am very grateful for the site and would be open and appreciative of any suggestions you may have. My budget is approximately 9-10.5k

Thanks for the suggestions! I really want to get to 1.5 so I think the 1,54 that you sent me is good. When I look at the picture online there are obvious marks on the diamond. How much consideration should I give to them? I’m worried that it will be visible to the naked eye. I know on your website you said that most are not so how can I distinguish what is and isn’t?

Also, I found these on james allen. Can you give me your opinion of them?

Would this blemish be eye-visible? https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI2-Premium-Cut-Round-Diamond-1371611.asp

I assume this would be eye-visible https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI2-Premium-Cut-Round-Diamond-1376969.asp

If you have other suggestions I would love to see them.

Thank you for your time.

The H SI2 you linked to would not be eye clean. It has a big inclusion dead center. Plus, it’s IGI certified.

The I SI2 also has a strong black inclusion in the center which would be visible to the naked eye. Also, the cut isn’t so great.

The 1.54 I sent is a much better choice than either of these. And yes, I believe it would be completely clean to the naked eye. It has a few things scattered around the center, but they’re very thin and faint.

Great thanks for the feedback!

I’ve requested an image of one of the dimaonds that’s not available.

It looks slightly cleaner.

Diamond Page Link:

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Premium-Cut-Round-Diamond-1383876.asp

Enlarged Magnified Image Link:

https://www.jamesallen.com/DiamPics/457-0632pic.JPG

Can I get your thoughts on this?

That’s a great stone. It’s listed as “premium” on JA, but the truth is, it has an “excellent” cut grade from GIA.

Unfortunately that stone got sold! That was quick.

This is one of the ones you sent me originally:

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1381064.asp

How do you think it compares with these?

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1358295.asp

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1380451.asp

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Premium-Cut-Round-Diamond-1364294.asp

What do you think would be best? I’m also open to suggestions.

Thank you so much.

That’s too bad!

1358295 has a big inclusion at 3 o’clock halfway between the center and the girdle.

1380451 looks nice, but I would only recommend it if you’re setting it in a ring with larger very white side stones

The last one is a bit flat and a VG cut, so I’d stay away.

So basically, it’s between the original recommendation or the 2nd H SI2 and it depends on what the setting is like.

Have a great weekend!

Unfortunately, the one you recommend is now sold as well, and the prices seem to have all been increased. I must not take so long to make a decision and buy one soon! But I’m now back to square one. I’ve looked at the ones available and am not sure what to do. I was wondering if you would mind providing me with some recommendations again?

My criteria are at least 1.5 carats, Color H or I, SI1 or SI2 and under 11k.

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1362094.asp

If not this one, then you’ll have to get the 1.45 I linked to way back.

It looks good but there seem to be many marks when you look through the loupe. Will these be visible?

It’s very borderline. If it were me, I would go for the 1.45.

Can you give me your thoughts on these?

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1352966.asp Would these inclusions be eye visible?

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Premium-Cut-Round-Diamond-1384398.asp I see the inclusion at 12 o’clock – but is it bad?

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Premium-Cut-Round-Diamond-1388893.asp Would these be visible as well?

Yes, Yes, No!

Does that mean that the first 2 are Ok and the 3rd one should be avoided?

No, I was answering your questions. First would YES would have eye visible inclusions. 2nd stone YES is bad. NO, the 3rd stone would NOT have visible inclusions.

The middle one looks like a great option. The other two are not so nice. Too deep.

Thank you. I bought the middle one and it looks absolutely gorgeous. I took it to the jeweler the other day and they had a hard time finding a flaw with it as well. Thank you for all your help and good luck on your endeavors.

Grateful…

Great news! Thanks so much for letting me know!

Let me know what you think!

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!
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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
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