Quick and Easy Buying Guide
Carat weight: 1 carat = 200 milligrams = 6.5 mm diameter. Doubling weight doesn't double diameter.
Diamond clarity: FL/IF/VVS/VS = super expensive, near perfect. SI = best value if you can check a photo for obvious inclusions (defects).
Color: D-G = colorless, expensive, only if you have money to burn. H-J = best value. Can go lower in gold metal settings than white metal.
Cut: Better cut ratings let more light into a diamond, making it sparkle more. Very important property, don't skimp here.
Set a budget and minimum cut (Premium). Go J color for gold and I/H for white metals. Go searching for SI1/SI2 clarity diamonds at James Allen. Pick a diamond with small/no inclusions. Choose a ring setting and buy it risk-free (60-day returns).
Budget Round Shape SI 0.50 Carat Diamonds
Half a carat is a very popular size point when buying a diamond engagement ring, representing a good compromise between budget and getting a sizeable stone over 5 mm in diameter. The first stone on the list is a real beauty, with no visible inclusions, while also being the cheapest by a significant margin.
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The second stone on the list has a visible long and thin defect at the top left of the photo, which may or may not be eye-visible at normal magnification. I'd choose the first one over this one, especially since it is cheaper. Note that it is also the largest of the three stones.
The last stone on the list appears to have some defects at the top right of the photo, although it is the most expensive of the three. I'd still be picking the first stone over the other two.
0.50 Carat J Color SI1 Clarity Ideal Cut Round Cut Diamond - $820
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Shape: Round Carat weight: 0.5 Cut: Ideal Color: J Clarity: SI1 Certificate: GIA Depth: 61.9% Table: 59.0% Polish: Very Good Symmetry: Very Good Culet: None Fluorescence: None Measurements: 5.06*5.10*3.15 Item number: 1311943 |
Click here or on the photo to see the diamond at James Allen.
0.55 Carat J Color SI1 Clarity Premium Cut Round Cut Diamond - $880
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Shape: Round Carat weight: 0.55 Cut: Premium Color: J Clarity: SI1 Certificate: GIA Depth: 62.6% Table: 60.0% Polish: Excellent Symmetry: Very Good Culet: None Fluorescence: None Measurements: 5.17*5.24*3.26 Item number: 1294127 |
Click here or on the photo to see the diamond at James Allen.
0.53 Carat J Color SI1 Clarity Premium Cut Round Cut Diamond - $930
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Shape: Round Carat weight: 0.53 Cut: Premium Color: J Clarity: SI1 Certificate: GIA Depth: 62.6% Table: 57.0% Polish: Very Good Symmetry: Very Good Culet: None Fluorescence: None Measurements: 5.11*5.18*3.22 Item number: 1221105 |
Click here or on the photo to see the diamond at James Allen.
Don't forget you can use Engagement Ring Guru's exclusive James Allen discount code "ringgu10" to get 10% off any engagement ring setting. Here are 3 ring setting suggestions that will help get you started in creating your own complete ring using this diamond. You can also click here to search for other ring designs.
Option number 1: Platinum Bow-Tie Channel Set Brilliant Diamond Engagement Ring setting.
Option number 2: 18k Yellow Gold 3-Stone Round Brilliant Emerald Engagement Ring setting.
Option number 3: 18k White Gold Flat Tab Round Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring setting.
