Diamond Query: Getting the Best Bang for the Buck with Cut, Color, and Setting in a 1.3-Carat Round Diamond

Last Updated on 24th March 2025

| Anonymous Reader


Hi Sebastian,

My budget is about $6000-$7000. I am looking to get the biggest solitaire stone without noticeably compromising the clarity and color. I found these that look to be eye clean. My girlfriend said she wants a white gold band w/no stones. What are your thoughts on these two? Thanks!

1.30 CARAT I-VS1 EXCELLENT CUT ROUND DIAMOND SKU-5107283

SKU-5107283 – 1.30 CARAT I-VS1 EXCELLENT CUT ROUND DIAMOND

1.40 CARAT I-VS1 VERY GOOD CUT ROUND DIAMOND SKU-5110988

SKU-5110988 – 1.40 CARAT I-VS1 VERY GOOD CUT ROUND DIAMOND

Your Diamond Teacher |

Thank you for your inquiry. I am happy to help. See my comments below regarding the two diamonds you selected.

Diamond sku 5107283, is a very nice diamond. I just want to bring to your attention, that the diamond is graded by IGI, not GIA or AGS. IGI is a well-known diamond grading institution, however, their grading standards are not as strict as GIA or AGS.

1.30 CARAT I-VS1 EXCELLENT CUT ROUND DIAMOND SKU-5107283

SKU-5107283 – 1.30 CARAT I-VS1 EXCELLENT CUT ROUND DIAMOND

Diamond sku 5110988, is a Very Good cut diamond, not an Excellent cut diamond. The cut is the most important factor in order to get a very sparkly diamond.

1.40 CARAT I-VS1 VERY GOOD CUT ROUND DIAMOND SKU-5110988

SKU-5110988 – 1.40 CARAT I-VS1 VERY GOOD CUT ROUND DIAMOND

I have done some searching for you. And I found these three diamonds for your consideration:

1.31 CARAT J-VS2 EXCELLENT CUT ROUND DIAMOND SKU-3354519

SKU-3354519 – 1.31 CARAT J-VS2 EXCELLENT CUT ROUND DIAMOND

1.30 CARAT J-VS2 EXCELLENT CUT ROUND DIAMOND SKU-4894039

SKU-4894039 – 1.30 CARAT J-VS2 EXCELLENT CUT ROUND DIAMOND

1.31 CARAT I-SI1 EXCELLENT CUT ROUND DIAMOND SKU-2871189

SKU-2871189 – 1.31 CARAT I-SI1 EXCELLENT CUT ROUND DIAMOND

Regarding the J color, I think you will agree if you compare the I color diamond with the J color diamond, you will not be able to see the difference in color. Let me know your questions and thoughts!

| Anonymous Reader


Wow, thank you for letting me know about the grading institutions. This is something I may have overlooked. And you’re right, there’s little to no difference in color between J and I.

I have another question, my gf doesn’t want any stones on her band. It sounds like she doesn’t want anything to take away from the diamond itself. With that said, is there a big difference between these two bands besides price? What plain bands do you suggest?

14K WHITE GOLD CLASSICO SINGLE SHANK ENGAGEMENT RING STYLE#- CL117 BY DANHOV SKU-62010W14

14K WHITE GOLD CLASSICO SINGLE SHANK ENGAGEMENT RING STYLE#- CL117 BY DANHOV – SKU-62010W14

14K WHITE GOLD 2MM COMFORT FIT SOLITAIRE ENGAGEMENT RING (SIX PRONG) SKU-17928W14

14K WHITE GOLD 2MM COMFORT FIT SOLITAIRE ENGAGEMENT RING (SIX PRONG) SKU-17928W14

Your time and efforts are greatly appreciated. Thank you again!

Your Diamond Teacher |

You are very welcome!

Now, as for the two ring settings you selected. They are similar, however, if you take a closer look there is more design detail on the Danhov ring in the part of the ring that holds the diamond. This adds to the price. Also, this ring is a designer ring, Danhov, which adds to the price, as well.

I would say, you can confidently purchase the 2mm comfort fit solitaire. It is a classic and timeless ring setting. I hope this helps!

| Anonymous Reader


Sebastian,

You are a gem my friend, helping us folks out that don’t know jack sh*t about diamonds. Thank you so much for your patience and time. Kind regards!

Your Diamond Teacher |

Lol. Thank you. Glad I can help!

| Anonymous Reader


I hope you don’t mind, but I may be shooting you another link down the road lol.

Thanks again for your help!