Q&A: Choosing a 1.5 Ct. Round Diamond for a Yellow Gold Setting with Platinum Prongs Within a $8k-$9k Budget

Hello Diamond Pros, first, I want to start by saying that I really enjoy your site. I’ve been doing quite a bit of research lately and I can tell you that there’s no site that provides this kind of honest information and help finding the best bang for your buck.

So now that’s out of the way, I could really use your help! I am looking to purchase a diamond from Blue Nile in the next week or two I am looking to purchase a 1.5 carat (or larger obviously), the setting will be yellow gold (platinum prongs) in the $8-9k range. I’ve been looking ideal cut diamonds at I-J color and SI1-2 clarity to get the best bang for my buck, but have no idea when looking at the GIA reports which is better! Any advice? To be honest, size is important to my girlfriend, but I want something that although maybe smaller like 1.5 carat has a “wow” factor. Ideally a marriage of size and “wow” is great, but hey I realize you can’t have it both ways.

Would it be possible for me to share some I’ve been looking at to get your opinion? Or if you know of any good ones on Blue Nile you feel are good buys I’d be fine just going off your opinion alone! 

Thanks for the quick response! I am just looking at a solitaire engagement ring and that diamond sounds great to me. I’m really all about finding one that has a good sparkle/fire/brilliance. Just for the sake of budget and adding in a setting, is there one or two you might recommend in the $7,250-$7,500 price range? That one looks great and is the in the price range I mentioned, but just wondering if there are any others slightly lower where I might be able to throw in the $500-600 setting and get the whole package for $8k. I looked for some promo codes, but didn’t find any from Blue Nile that work to help get that diamond and setting a little lower. I might just buy the diamond from Blue Nile and find a setting elsewhere, but just trying to get enough information together to have some options.

Again, I appreciate your help! Thank you! 

That one looks great as well, but I was hoping I could get closer to 1.5 carats. Do you mind letting me know what you think about these three?
Blue Nile LD07685722
Blue Nile LD07297282
Blue Nile LD07186675

I really do appreciate your help! 

Sold! Thanks! When I purchase this from them is there anything additional you need to get the credit? I will be using this email address to purchase and I want to make sure you get the proper credit. If there’s anything more I need to do, please let me know.

Thanks so much again, I hope I wasn’t a pain!