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Q&A: Looking for a 1.3 Ct. Round Diamond With a $7k – $8k Budget

By Mike Fried, Updated June 22, 2021

I’m looking for a 1.3 carat round diamond.

Excellent cut and I+ color. Budget $7-$8k.

Here are some beautiful options:
Blue Nile LD12122399
Blue Nile LD13086579
Blue Nile LD12884393
Blue Nile LD12059729

These are nice. I am leaning towards the first three on the list.

In comparing Blue Nile LD13086579 and Blue Nile LD12884393, there is about $1,000 price difference in going from SI1 to VS1; in your opinion is it worth it?

I would personally go with the 1.29ct stone. That H VS1 stone is a nice option too, it depends on you if you want to pay more for higher color and clarity. Some people prefer higher colors, some people want VVS clarity grades only. It’s a matter of personal taste and preference.

Why do you prefer the 1.29ct stone?

I notice an inclusion on the table – will that be visible?

I like it (LD13086579) because the cut is superb, the specs are great. The inclusion wouldn’t be visible to the naked eye, bear in mind those videos are extremely magnified.

I went ahead a placed the order for the 1.29 carat stone (LD13086579) with Blue Nile.

Thanks again for your help!

That’s wonderful 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!
Click to Visit
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.
Click to Visit
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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