8 ways to save money and make an intelligent choice buying a 1/2 carat diamond

Including 

1.  What is a reasonable budget for a .50 carat diamond?

2.  What diamond color is the best value in a .50 carat diamond

3.  What clarity is the best value in a .50 carat diamond

4.  What diamond shapes are the best value

5.  Where can I buy a cheap .50 carat diamond?

6.  What is the best way to save money on a ½ carat diamond ring

7.  What ½ carat diamonds to avoid.

8.  What dimensions should my ½ carat diamond be?

Across our publication, the Diamocycle Dispatch, we discuss the many places you could buy a ½ carat diamond for the best price.  Our family legacy in diamonds and jewelry began in 1857, over 164 years ago.  We take pride in giving you the advice we would provide a valued customer. 

1.  What is a reasonable budget for a .50 carat diamond?

As of 06/08/2022, when this article was written, our recommended budget for a .50 carat center stone is $1200.00-$1800.00.  We believe this is an ample budget for a quality .50 carat diamond and would advise moving up in size if one had a larger budget to spend. 

2.  What diamond color is the best value in a .50 carat diamond

We recommend a diamond color of H. We feel this is the best choice for a white diamond still in the value range. 

3.  What clarity is the best value in a .50 carat diamond

For Round and most fancy shapes, we recommend a si1 clarity.  For Emerald and Ascher cut diamonds, we recommend a VS1.  As these types of flaws are more readily visible in these diamond shapes. 

4.  What diamond shapes are the best value

As of 06/2022, the Wholesale avg price.  Expect to pay 20% more for retail. 

Pear .50 ct H,s1=$772.00

Oval .50 ct H, s1=$799.00

Round .50 ct H,s1=$1125.00

Cushion .50 ct H,s1=$728.00

Marquais .50 H,s1=$808.00

Heart .50 H,s1=$714.00

Emerald .50 H,s1=$654.00 (not recommend in this clarity)

Radiant .50 H,s1=$765.00

Princess .50 H,s1=$748.00

Ascher .50 H,s1=$728.00 (not recommended in this clarity)

5.  Where can I buy a cheap .50 carat diamond?

We recommend shopping for pre-owned GIA diamond center stones on our marketplace and comparing the prices to Blue Nile (our preferred online vendor for new diamonds).  There should be a discount of at least 15% for a preowned diamond.  You can also make an offer and try and score a deal.  This transaction is secure and vetted by a 3rd party gem lab.  Start shopping here.  https://www.diamocycle.com/market-place

6.  What is the best way to save money on a ½ carat diamond ring

Buying a pre-owned ring is the way to save.  We never advise spending a significant amount on a diamond setting.  You should ideally buy it after the setting depreciates 50-80% after the first day.  Shop for preowned rings here.  https://www.diamocycle.com/market-place

7.  What ½ carat diamonds to avoid. 

You want to avoid treated diamonds and lab-created diamonds.  While they seem like a deal, they are not.  Look at this quick guide on not getting scammed by buying a pre-owned ring.  5 Things You Must Know To Not To Get Scammed Buying A Previously Owned Engagement Ring Online — Diamocycle

8.  What dimensions should my round ½ carat diamond be?

The ideal .50 carat round diamond is approximately 5.1 mm.  While this may vary slightly based on the diamond’s characteristics, anything less will appear smaller than a ½ carat diamond, and anything two much larger will be too shallow.  This is because a shallow-cut diamond does not reflect light well.  If a diamond is alternatively too small in diameter, it will be too deep and have poor brilliance.