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I’m so glad I found your site. I was hoping you could give me some advice on buying a loose stone. I’m looking for a Round 1.0 to 1.2 carat stone, H-I color, preferrably no worse than SI2 clarity (and ”eye clean”). I was looking to spend between $3500 and $4000. Is that realistic? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Thanks for contacting us. I’m Mike. My friend, Ira asked me to join him here at truthaboutdiamonds. I am delighted to have the opportunity to lend a helping hand to people looking for advice on diamonds. I worked with Ira for several years at a large diamond manufacturer. I have spent 10 years in the business, mainly working for wholesalers and traditional brick and mortar retail shops. I have Cced Ira to keep him in the loop.
On to the task at hand. Based on your budget, 1.00ct would be out of reach. The only 1 carat diamonds you will find at that price will be lower colored stones with very visible inclusions. I would suggest looking for a well made 0.80ct diamond. Take a quick look at our post explaining the importance of diamond weight. In my experience selling diamonds to the major retail chains in the U.S. I’ve come across many 1ct diamonds with diameters of 5.9 or 6.0mm and they looked terrible. As you will see, a well made 0.80ct diamond will have a similar diameter and will look to be the same size (though it will be markedly more brilliant due to its far superior cut).
Here are a couple of diamonds that I like for you.
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1385418.asp
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS2-Premium-Cut-Round-Diamond-1390710.asp
Let us know what you think.
Thank you very much for your help! I had a feeling I was setting my budget too low. What if I was just trying to keep it under $5,000? Would that open me up to more options around 1.0 carat? Again, I can’t thank you enough for your time.
Here are a couple of stones I like for you given the new budget.
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1344749.asp
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-SI2-Premium-Cut-Round-Diamond-1376962.asp
I would go with the first one if I were you. I included the 1.01 J SI2, but I would stay away from it if I were you. The two others are much nicer stones. Even though it is over a carat, it is only 0.1mm larger in diameter. I think you are getting much more bang for your buck with the first choice. Keep in mind that the inclusions on the 1ct stone appear to be eye visible.
Let me know what you think.
I went ahead and ordered the stone that you recommended (#1344749), I should have it on Tuesday. I almost paid the same price for a stone from a local jeweler, but it was an I color, I2 clarity, ‘very good’ cut and was 1.05 carats. It had very obvious inclusions in the center of the stone. The one you pointed out is much cleaner, and much higher quality, and is only 0.5mm smaller across when viewed from the top! I can’t wait to see it in person. Thanks Again!
That is great news. I think you made an excellent choice. Please keep in touch and let me know what you think when the diamond arrives.
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
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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