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Q&A: Looking for an Extra Sparkly over 0.33 Ct. Round Diamond

By Mike Fried,

Hi,
First of all, fantastic site. I’m sure it will help me save money and get more bang for my buck! I’m from the UK, however it seems that James Allen is the best place to go as I like to see before I buy.

Now with the extra import tax to the UK and the fact it has to be an 18k setting, this has limited my budget somewhat, so I hope you are up for a challenge! Total budget is about $1200 for the ring, but it would have to be a 18k white gold setting as my girl has allergies to anything under 18k. Typical!
So we’re looking at $760 ish for the stone.

Tried to do as much research as I can, but would appreciate a little advice from the masters.

Looking for a Round Cut solitare to go in an 18k white gold 4 or 6 prong setting, and from your advice, I think I’m after:

Anything down to a I or possibly J colour
J Allen True Heart/Excellent cut (for extra sparkle!)
over .33 carat
and down to SI1 clarity, though I think looking at the x10 magnification is scaring me off SI1!
No/faint fluorescence

Anyway I’d love to know your thoughts. I’ve looked at quite a lot and found a few candidates.

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.37-carat-e-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-232862?a_aid=dmnd1357
I was wondering if this is eye clean, and whether it could be sympathetically set over an inclusion? However, with them being right on the edge, is this a good idea?

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.35-carat-f-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-222976?a_aid=dmnd1357
This seems like it would be eye clean?

but for an extra $30 this would seem a safer option:
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.35-carat-i-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-224015?a_aid=dmnd1357

but then I’d be tempted by this for the ideal cut..
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.34-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-73510?a_aid=dmnd1357

Also, thought I’d throw this one in the mix… it’s an SI2
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.41-carat-g-color-si2-clarity-sku-230639?a_aid=dmnd1357
It has a ‘cloud’ and it seems to be dead centre. Is this likely to be an issue, and what do you think of it in general? Eye-clean?

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.34-carat-g-color-si2-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-73639?a_aid=dmnd1357
And this SI2 has a long feather, though I can’t see it on the x10? Is a feather this long a concern?

Anyway, any advice you could throw on to the matter would be fantasic. Also, is there any movement on the prices they quote? 

 

 

 Thanks, much appreciated. Just need to decide on the ring now, then will get it ordered in the next couple of days. Do I need to drop you a mention at any point in the process? 

 Sounds great, that would be great if you mention us.

Please let me know how it looks when it arrives. 

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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