Q&A: Looking for Round Brilliant Cut Less than $5K

I stumbled across your site just at the right time. It has already offered great information so far. It said I can contact you to help me find the right diamond. I am looking for a round 1 carat (give or take 0.5 carat either way) diamond with a very good quality cut or better, G-H color or better, and SI1 clarity or better for less than $5,000. Any help would be much appreciated. Thank you

Sure thing. I’m putting the diamond in a white gold setting with side stones of G/SI quality.

Thank you for those suggestions. I have another question. I recently spoke with a local jewelry store to look through their loose diamond inventory. I’ve done a good bit of research and browsed through a handful of diamonds first hand. She actually had one I really liked. It’s a 0.96ct “hearts and arrows” round D/SI2. When I viewed the diamond it had brilliance and it really did shimmer more than any of the other diamonds that she had in my price range. However, my concern is it was a EGL USA certified diamond and I realize EGL certs. aren’t up to par with GIA. The inclusions could be seen more in the pavillion but could not be seen through the top/table of the diamond, which I’m ok with cause it was virtually eye clean from the top. Also, the price was $4,800, which is slightly higher than I was wanting to pay but it really did look nice compared to other diamonds I’ve seen in person. Also, I’ve seen online where I can find GIA cert. diamonds around this price too. Here are the specs from a copy of the certificate and website where I looked up the stone. If you had time, I’d really appreciate your take on it and the “hearts and arrows” description.

Stone 903500730D
Weight 0.96 CT
Shape ROUND BRILLIANT
Color D
Clarity SI2
Measurements 6.24 x 6.16 x 3.99 mm
Depth 64.4%
Table 54%
Crown 16%
Pavilion 43.4%
Crown Angle 34.8°
Pavilion Angle 41.2°
Girdle MEDIUM TO THICK FACETED
Polish EXCELLENT
Symmetry VERY GOOD
Fluorescence N/A
Culet N/A
Cut Grade VERY GOOD
Comments VG CUT H & A
UGS Appraisal Value N/A

Thank you so much. My gut was thinking it was not worth near what she was selling it for but wanted to get a second opinion. Your feedback has been a tremendous help so I don’t waste my money on junk.