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Q&A: Upgrading a Round Diamond on a $4k Budget

By Mike Fried, Updated April 30, 2021

Hello,

I would like to upgrade my 0.5 ct. round diamond that my husband got for me 15 years ago to 0.9-1 ct. My current stone is very nice with a perfect cut. I would like to have a nice one, ideal cut as well. Color H or better.
I would prefer to stay with $4k something range.

I’d recommend getting a diamond just under the 1ct mark. The real-life difference in size won’t be noticeable and you can save a lot. Look at this one from Blue Nile:

Blue Nile LD14551789
It has some inclusions but none of them are visible to the naked eye. The price is even below 4k which is perfect.

I like it, but I have a question about fluorescence, will it make stone a cloudy?

Medium fluorescence is a bonus on H and lower colors. It helps the diamonds look a tad whiter.

It is sold… do you have any other suggestions?

Here:
Blue Nile LD14574434
Blue Nile LD14780225

I love the first one, thanks!

Happy to help.

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
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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.
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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