Q&A: Round Diamond for 10th Anniversary Gift on $7500 Budget

I really appreciate your very informative website. I am looking for an engagement ring upgrade for a 10th anniversary gift for later this month. The budget for the diamond alone is around $7500. I am looking for a round cut, eye-clean diamond, hopefully ideal cut or very close to ideal proportions. I want at least one carat but hope to go bigger if possible.

Here is the setting we chose (for reference).

https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/settings-with-matching-bands/ring/item_59-7690.asp

Here are 3 diamonds we were looking at on the James Allen site.

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1373838.asp

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Premium-Cut-Round-Diamond-1311979.asp

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1353902.asp

What do you think of these, or do you have any other suggested diamonds that would offer more bang for the buck?

Thanks in advance!

Thanks for writing and the kind words about the site! You’ve probably noticed that I have CCed to this email someone named Michael. Michael is a former colleague of mine when I was a traveling diamond salesman. We’re also good friends and actually used to travel quite often together. I’ve convinced Michael to join me here at The Diamond Pro to help out people like you. He’s just joined, so in the meantime, I want him to “watch” as I help people so he can get a feel for what I do. I can assure you that whatever is written here will be kept equally as private as if it were just me involved.

I really like that set you picked out. It’s very classy.

I also really like the three stones you picked out. I think you did a great job. Here’s a few other options that I like:

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1381905.asp

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1383263.asp

Let us know what you decide to go with in the end!

Thank you for all your help! After debating back and forth, we (she) changed her mind on the setting she wanted. After consulting with the nice folks over at James Allen, we ended up with the following diamond:

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1383263.asp

With these rings:

https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/settings-with-sidestones/Platinum-Common-Prong-Ring.html

https://www.jamesallen.com/wedding-and-anniversary/Ladies-Diamond-Rings/ring/item_493-2839.asp

We inquired about two of the other diamonds (the two larger ones), and were told the inclusions were more visible than we would have preferred.

Thanks again for all your help!

I think you made a great choice!! Please stay in touch and let me know what you think 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!

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

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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