We are reader-supported. Buying through any red colored link on our site may earn us commissions. Learn More.
Hi, I stumbled upon your site by accident and I’m glad I did. It was a great read for a newbie diamond buyer like myself. I’m in the market for an engagement ring. I have 7.5k to 8.5k budget with setting. I would like to get a great 1ct round diamond to go with the setting below.
I’m looking at this specific setting in 18k white gold unless I can find another one of a very similar style.
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/b6/75/a6/b675a6a60e183c46cbba207c2ef8c84c.jpg
https://www.etsy.com/listing/252497250/dbk-classic-solitaire-setting-round?ref=shop_home_active_4
After reading your articles, I was looking at diamonds from James Allen and Brian Gavin Diamonds. I would definitely love any insight or suggestions on a diamond and a similar style setting if you know of one.
I’m glad you like our website. We appreciate it. Now, let’s see how I can help you.
The setting you have in mind has a small halo around the center diamond, so H/I color would be what I’d go with to be on the safe side (the smaller diamonds are usually G/H color and might make the difference in colors noticeable).
I looked around and I love these options for you:
www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.065-i-vs2-round-diamond-ags-104083068003&a_aid=y
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.00-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-1983115?a_aid=dmnd1357
These diamonds are well cut, eye-clean and either of them will be very brilliant.
As for the setting you have in mind, I suggest contacting custom service of both of those companies. They have fantastic design teams and they are always very helpful.
What do you think?
Thank you very much for the recommendations. I was also looking at the same diamond from Brian Gavin. The one from James Allen looked very nice, but by the time I got to it, the diamond was sold. With the cost of the setting the Brian Gavin diamond would probably go over my budget, so it is still under consideration. Would there be any other diamonds you would be able to recommend from James Allen that is eye clean and similar to the one from the link you provided.
My other concern, is the the diamonds used in the setting would be in the F/G color range. Would I want a round diamond to be equal or better in color grade or it wouldn’t be noticeable by eye. Let’s say setting diamonds are F and my round was H, on a 18k white gold ring. My concern is if the setting had any halo the color difference would be noticeable.
I understand your concerns, but an H-color diamond is perfectly fine for a halo setting. The difference in color is not recognizable from anything above an H grade.
Would something like this work for you?
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.03-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2009936?a_aid=dmnd1357
All the specs are great on it.
Thoughts?
Thank you for the recommendation. I probably looked at 50+ diamonds at higher brackets and most didn’t look as good as the one you recommended. I was a little torn between the James Allen one and the Brian Gavin signature diamond. I ended up purchasing the one you recommended from James Allen last night. I’m so happy that I found your site and didn’t just buy a diamond blindly. I was so surprised at so many diamonds that on paper looked amazing, but had very noticeable blemishes. Thank you again for all your help.
That’s great news! I’m glad that I could help you decide on the diamond.
I hope you’ll love it when you receive it. If you can also write me back once the ring arrives, that would be great. I’d love to know how you like it in person.
What we love about them:
- No questions asked returns within 30 days of shipment. James Allen will send you a paid shipping label to return the ring.
- Lifetime Warranty
- Free International Shipping
- Free prong tightening, repolishing, rhodium plating and cleaning every 6 months
- Provide insurance appraisals
- One free resizing within 60 days of purchase
- Free ring inscriptions
- Best-in-class high quality imagery of all diamonds in stock
- 24/7 Customer Service
- Best-in-class packaging
What we love about them:
- No questions asked returns within 30 days of shipment. Blue Nile will send you a paid shipping label to return the ring.
- Lifetime Warranty
- Free Shipping
- Free prong tightening, repolishing, rhodium plating and cleaning every 6 months
- Provide insurance appraisal
- One free resizing within the first year of purchase
- High quality images of about half of their diamonds
- 24/7 Customer Service
- 100% credit towards future upgrades (must be at least double in value)
- Best in class fulfillment
Still afraid of getting ripped off?
Before you buy a diamond, get personal buying advice from industry veterans. We'll help you get the best diamond for the money.
Ask your diamond purchase question here
DISCLAIMER: We don't use your email for marketing. Period.
