Truth About Diamonds » $3000 Budget

This is great deal for a princess cut. I was looking at 0.90 ct ‘I’ color diamonds. Base on the dimensions, they were virtually identical in size. Here you get a brighter diamond and it is 20% cheaper then the 0.90s I saw.

Click on diamond for enlarged view

Here are the Stats (Or Click Here for a Copy of the GIA Certificate):

Shape: Princess

Carats: 0.86

Diamond Color: H

Diamond Clarity: VS1

Measurements: 5.15*5.08*3.77

Depth: 74.2%

Table: 72%

Diamond Polish: Very Good

Diamond Symmetry: Very Good

Diamond Fluorescence: None

Diamond Price:$2,640

Click here to be Brought to the Diamond on James Allen

Q&A: Need Advice on Best Round Diamond, at Least 0.8 Carats

DU — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 01:46:17 +0000

Q: I’m in the process of purchasing an engagment ring but I wouldlike some assistance.
I know she wants atleast .80 carrat wieght in a round diamond that will be going in a white gold cathedral mount 4 or 6 prong.
Im a working with a $2500 budget for the whole thing so I need to get the best diamond I can for around $2100. Looking for a diamond with decent color but I would like inclusions to be very minimal to the naked eye.

A: Here’s two great options:
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1352997.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1352993.asp

Let me know what you think!

Q: Thank you for your input. I originally wanted to pay cash but I i have decided to put some the cost on credit so that will up my total to spend up to $3500 on the diamond. I was originally looking at the Jewelry Exchange but looking at there website they seem to have higher prices for the same quality of diamond from say james Allen or Blue Nile. All the other stuff is staying the same. It has to be at least .80 ct. weight and it is going on a white gold cathedral mount four prong ring. definatly would like to get the best diamond for the money.

A: Here’s a couple more options with the new budget:
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1304068.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1331948.asp

Q: I like the .91 ct. but do you think I should go smaller with better color say F or G in color. Not sure how J colored diamond would look compared to a F or G. Is there noticeable yellow in a J colored diamond. Definitely want a diamond with a lot of fire. Not sure exactly what I need to look for to get that. I would assume cut and color would achieve that But I have seen some E vs1 that look cloudy. In the ones you sent I can see yellow tint in the center a little. Is that just due to the photo? Basically what is the highest color I can purchase and achieve a fiery diamond.

A: A J color round ideal cut diamond set in a solitaire setting will definitely look white to your eye. The yellow you see in the pics is an artifact of the photography.

These stones will be exceptionally fiery and brilliant – and large!

Q: Thanks for the info.
Greatly appreciated.

A: My pleasure! Let me know what you decide to go with!

Q: I think this is what I’m going to go with! What do you think about? Is it a good choice?
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-VVS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1313821.asp

A: It’s beautiful. You’re going to love it! Please let me know what you think when it arrives!

Q&A: Seeking Best Princess Cut Diamond for $3K Budget

DU — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 08:29:16 +0000

Q: I greatly appreciate the info that you have provided on your website. Had I not found your site, I probably would have purchase an engagement ring site unseen. James Allen’s virtual loupe adds a ton of value, but I still need you help ensuring that I am getting the most bang for my buck. My ”buck” is around $3500 including the ring which I estimate for a 2mm white gold ring is around $500(although if I could save some money on the diamond, I wouldn’t mind upgrading to that French Cut Pave Diamond ring on James Allen’s site. Do you like this ring?). This puts me roughly in the 1ct, color I, VS2-SL1 range for a princess cut stone. She has a size 6 ring finger. How do you recommend I proceed from here? You help would be greatly appreciated.

A: Here’s what I like in your budget for the diamond:
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1350492.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS2-Premium-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1343915.asp – no pick yet, but those stone has a very large spread for its size.

And yes, I do like the French cut ring very much!

Q: Thanks Ira,
Using the loupe on the first of the two diamonds, there appears to be some inclusions in the middle of the stone. Would they be visible to the naked eye?

A: They’re so small, they wouldn’t be visible to your naked eye. The diamond in reality is only a 5.3mm square – that’s about half a centimeter on each side! Imagine how small that black dot is in real life.

Q&A: Round Diamond for Custom Two-Toned Engagement Ring

DU — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 06:47:41 +0000

Q: Would you be able to help me source a stone 0.90 -1.00ct, colour H-K, ideal cut.
I’m helping my sister’s fiance find a stone within a reasonable budget. Maybe 2.5-3.5k. The ring will be custom made with two tones of gold, white and yellow.

I was having a browse in jamesallen and these are the stones I came up with.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/K-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1317175.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/K-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1282203.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/K-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1331287.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/K-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1334675.asp

I’ve only really looked at K colour. Do you think it’ll be fine? Will it show it much?

A: Can you describe the ring a bit more? Will the yellow gold be in the basket holding the stone?

As for the stones you linked to, I like this one the best:
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/K-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1317175.asp

Simply because it’s the cheapest. They’re all so similar, you probably wouldn’t be able to distinguish one from the other.

Get back to me about the ring. I might be able to find some better options for you once I understand the ring better.

Q: My sister likes this ring setting
http://www.markschneiderdesign.com/company-info/bridaldetail/1/bedazzle.html

it’s the design with the two tone that she likes

I found stones that are only premium cut.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/K-SI1-Premium-Cut-Round-Diamond-1331266.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/K-VS2-Premium-Cut-Round-Diamond-1192956.asp

If she like the diamond to be as sparkly, are these any different?

A: Yeah definitely a difference. It’s worth it to stick with Ideal.

Q: Browsing through 0.90-1.00ct stones:
Which one would you recommend out of the following?

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/K-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1342368.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/K-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1331725.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/K-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1317157.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/K-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1330993.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/K-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1282203.asp

also will they suit this setting even though they are K coloured stones
http://www.markschneiderdesign.com/company-info/bridaldetail/1/bedazzle.html

A: A K color will be fine as long as you’re comfortable with the fact that the stone will show some warmth – that it won’t be a bright icy white.

Q: I asked a local jeweller to show me a K coloured stone. I don’t think my sister will like that tint of yellow
Will a ‘J’ colour be better or is it safer to go for an I colour?

What is your opinion on this stone?
according to james allen its 0.95, F colour, clarity I, very good cut (even though they said it’s ideal)
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-I1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1240092.asp
will that black inclusion be obvious? Will it still be eye clean?

this one is 0.91, J colour, SI2, again very good cut
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-SI2-Premium-Cut-Round-Diamond-1208031.asp

thank you for the expertise

A: The black inclusion on the F I1 will definitely be noticeable unfortunately.

The J SI2 looks nice, though. Should be eye clean. I also think it will look white enough for you.

Was the K color stone you saw GIA certified?

Q: I forgot to ask what certification they used for the K coloured stone. It was so obviously yellow even when mounted on white gold setting.

Found three more stones.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-SI2-Premium-Cut-Round-Diamond-1213175.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-I1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1350993.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-I1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1297369.asp
this third one. if my sister sets in in 6 prong, will it hide the side inclusions?

If I had to rank what my sister will notice when she gets her ring, she’ll notice the size (carat) first, then the sparkle (cut) then colour, lastly the clarity.
Is that any help?

thank you

A: I like this one the best:
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-SI2-Premium-Cut-Round-Diamond-1213175.asp

Q: The stone your suggested was sold.
Anyway.
What do you think of this one:
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI2-Premium-Cut-Round-Diamond-1355256.asp

A: I think it’s very nice! Go for it. Looks like it’ll certainly be eye clean!

Q: Thank you for all the help. Went ahead to the purchase of the 0.85ct stone.
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI2-Premium-Cut-Round-Diamond-1355256.asp

A: Great! Congrats! Please let me know what you think when it arrives!

Best Round Brilliant Cut Diamond for $2,500; 0.75 Carats, J Color, VS2 Clarity, GIA Certified Excellent Cut.

Mike — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 10:02:54 +0000

This is a great diamond on a budget. The cut on this diamond is beautiful, and the inclusions are a faint grey, so they will be eye-clean. The faint fluorescence is an olive in the martini (just a little bonus).

Here are the Stats (Or Click Here for a Copy of the GIA Certificate):

Click on image for magnified view.

Shape: Round

Cut: Excellent

Carats: 0.75

Diamond Color: J

Diamond Clarity: VS2

Measurements: 5.80*5.82*3.63

Depth: 62.4%

Table: 57%

Diamond Polish: Ecellent

Diamond Symmetry: Excellent

Diamond Fluorescence: Faint

Diamond Price: $2,550

Click here to be Brought to the Diamond on James Allen

Q&A: Best Oval Diamond for Under $3K

DU — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 08:43:08 +0000

Q: Hello, I have been looking extensively for an oval diamond around .7-.8 ct and then I came across your site. I am looking for the best bang for under $3k. I value the quality of the diamond much more so than the size.

F or better

VS2 or better (unless an SI1 has no visible things)

Most sites I have been looking at premium/very good to ideal cuts

From what I have read, symmetry of good or better is fine as this isn’t even noticeable to the human eye?

I have been looking for a polish of very good to excellent (is there a noticeable difference to the human eye between good through excellent?)

And now after reading your site, sounds like I want to stick with a fluorescence of faint to none.

Thanks!

A: Thanks for writing. Good is fine for polish and symmetry in my opinion. Here’s a really nice stone I like for you:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1303083.asp

Q: Thanks for the input, I am looking exclusively for an oval though

A: Sorry! I found a stone, I just had that other link on my clipboard and didn’t successfully copy your link. Here it is:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/E-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Oval-Diamond-1095648.asp

Q: Hey Ira, I have been looking a little more, what do you think of this one:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Oval-Diamond-1337708.asp

This was my pick from all of James Allen oval – ideal cut .65 – .90 ct

Thanks!

…….

also, do you have a new updated coupon code? tadj10 isnt working

A: The coupon only works when you have a setting and a diamond in the shopping cart together. Was that the case? It’s possible they put an expiration on the code through the end of January.

Q: I bought a loose diamond from them and they gave me a discount for linking from your site. Thanks for all of the knowledge on your site !

A: Wow! That’s great!

Q&A: Inclusion Right in the Center of the Diamond; What to do?

DU — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 08:07:57 +0000

Q: I am hoping to purchase an engagement ring in the $3,500-$4,000 range. I read all your handy articles about how to really pick out something good and this one seems to fit all my criteria. The only thing is that inclusion is right in the center! What do you think?

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1346302.asp

A: I dont like that inclusion in the center. I like this stone better:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1344207.asp

Let me know what you think!

Q: Thank you so much for your help. I went with your suggestion and I can’t wait to see it in person. I know my girlfriend will love it!

Thank you for your informative and user-friendly website and your willingness to share your knowledge so freely.

Take Care

A: Excellent! Please stay in touch and let me know what you think when it arrives!

Best Round Brilliant Cut for less then $3,000: 0.81ct, J color, VS2 Clarity, GIA Certified Excellent Cut Diamond

Mike — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 11:33:55 +0000

This selection is an amazing value. It is a beautiful cut and a great find for under $3,000.

Click on the photo to see an enlarged version

Here’s the Stats (Or Click Here for a Copy of the GIA Certificate):

Shape: Round Brilliant

Carats: 0.81

Diamond Cut: Excellent

Diamond Color: J

Diamond Clarity: VS2

Measurements: 5.95*5.98*3.72

Depth: 62.3%

Table: 55%

Diamond Polish: Excellent

Diamond Symmetry: Excellent

Diamond Fluorescence: None

Diamond Price: $2,980

Click here to be Brought to the Diamond on James Allen

Q&A: Cushion Cut Diamond for $3K Budget

DU — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 07:00:54 +0000

Q: Your site has been extremely helpful and educational. My boyfriend and I have been shopping for engagement rings for about a month. We have decided to purchase from James Allen. We have a budget of $3,000 for the diamond. I like a more square cut diamond and have been looking at cushion cut diamonds. I like the antique look of a cushion cut. I am hoping to get a 1 carat diamond, eye clean. We are trying to get the best diamond for our money. The diamond will be set in white gold. Below are some of the diamonds we are looking at.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds-search/diamonds/G-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-953065.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds-search/diamonds/E-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1276042.asp

Are we on the right track?

Thank You

A: Thanks for writing and thanks for the kind words about the site. I took a look at the two stones you linked to, but I think I like this one better:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1345283.asp

It has a significantly nicer cut with a significantly larger spread. It’s about a 6mm square, which is a lot bigger than the other two.

Let me know what you think!

Q: Thank you, I thought the diamond would work well. I e-mailed James Allen on Monday for the GIA, because it wasn’t posted. James Allen was looking into it, and found the diamond isn’t available. I started looking again and found 3 that may work. What do you think of these? These are a little smaller, but I thought the cut on these were better than what is currently available in a 1 carat. I started looking at radiant cut also.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds-search/diamonds/F-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-869628.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds-search/diamonds/H-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1298981.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds-search/diamonds/H-VVS1-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1345217.asp

Thanks

A: Those three look really really nice. If I had to pick, I think I’d go for this one:

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds-search/diamonds/F-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-869628.asp

Simply because it’s the largest in terms of LxW and it’s the best color. Higher clarity would never be noticeable since they’re all eye clean, but the higher color would be noticeable.

Q: Thank you for all of your help! We ordered last night. Your website was extremely educational, and helped us to feel more empowered when purchasing the diamond. This has been quite the learning process, but well worth the time for the savings.

A: Great! Thanks so much for letting me know! Please stay in touch – I definitely want to hear your thoughts when the stone arrives!