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Q&A: Need Help Buying Round Diamond for $3K Budget

By Mike Fried,

I see where you have given suggestions about finding a diamond… I am looking to purchase a stone in the following ranges: close to 1 carat as possible, color I-G, cut good-very good, clarity S1 at a minimum. I have looked through the James Allen site but I am overwhelmed. I am a school counselor and don’t have much of a bank to break; 3000 dollar range is what I am looking for. Hopefully you can help.

I found this diamond using your tips:

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Premium-Cut-Round-Diamond-1363262.asp

Is this a good one??? Like I said I am overwhelmed. lol

…….

Sorry for being so annoying… What about this one?
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Good-Cut-Round-Diamond-1342656.asp

Thanks for writing. I saw your other suggestions, and I didn’t really love them. You’d be best off sticking with an Excellent cut stone. Here’s what I like:
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1372236.asp
https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1346303.asp

I really liked the second one… but it has already been sold. The first one I had looked at will the inclusions, and cloudiness show up on to the naked eye?
…….
I found a great one… I am positive; I think?? The folks I have chatted with have all agreed that it is a nice diamond.

Here is the link: https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1331948.asp

I currently have it on hold for 24 hours. The tips and information you gave me were so helpful. I am going to purchase the diamond, but if you think it isn’t good I will take advantage of their return policy! Your web site is tremendous and I am so fortunate to have found you.

To you and your family from mine here South Louisiana “Shalom Ya’ll”

let me know what you think!

It looks great!!

I ordered my diamond set in a beautiful halo pave setting from James Allen. It is set to be delivered on Friday. I have shown a picture of similar diamond in the same setting to several people and they couldn’t believe the price I was purchasing it for. Knowing that you had vouched for it made the process so much easier and I am indebted. Thanks again and I thank you for your time to help me out.

Very exciting!!

Thanks!

I spoke to JA rep today and let them know you helped me (they speak highly of you).

Thanks!! Please let me know what you think when it arrives!

It is amazing! I have shown it to a few friends and they absolutely love it!

Such great news! Do you think you could do me a small favor and write me a short review on ivouch? If you could, I would be extremely grateful. Here’s a direct link if you have the time:
xxxxxxxx

Thanks!

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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