Q&A: Second Opinion on 0.8 Ct. Round Cut

I plan on proposing to my lovely girlfriend later this year and have been using your website religiously to help pick the best diamond for the ring.

For quite some time I was getting quite hung up on the fact that the clarity of the diamond had to be VVS+ in order to be the ideal diamond. Upon stumbling across your site though, I’ve now realised that an eye clean SI1 for example is more than adequate. Using this wonderful advice, I’ve been trying to find a diamond with the following specs:

Carat = 0.80ct min. (aiming to achieve a ring of approx. 6mm x 6mm in size)
Cut = Ideal
Colour = H+
Clarity = Eye clean
Polish = Excellent
Symmetry = Excellent
Flourescence = None

I have a maximum budget of $4500 for the diamond, but like most people, would be quite happy to spend less without compromising on the sparkle and wow factor of the diamond.

I quite fancy the below setting from James Allen. I did have my heart set on a setting from Blue Nile, but without spending too much on the diamond (there are some IF 0.80 cts for approx. $4300), I’m not too comfortable purchasing the diamond without physically seeing the inclusions. From reading through your website, I also understand that a H+ in colour is essential when purchasing a pave or halo type ring.

https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/platinum-pave-halo-and-shank-diamond-engagement-ring-round-center-item-17442?a_aid=dmnd1357

I’ve come across the following diamond which I believe to be eye clean and comes in at $1000 below my budget (always a bonus!).

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.80-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-184974?a_aid=dmnd1357

What are your thoughts on this diamond and do you have any others that you might like to suggest?

I look very forward to hearing back from you.