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Q&A: Choosing a 0.5 Ct. Round Cut Diamond for a White Gold Pave Setting With Up to $3,000 Budget

By Mike Fried,

0.5 ct Round – 5.16 × 5.16 × 3.11 mm.

Hi there. I noticed that you checked what size of a diamond is the most suitable for you.

If you tell me what style of setting (solitaire, halo, pave or other) and metal (platinum/white or yellow gold) you’re going to use, I’ll be happy to help you with the search.

One last question, what’s your approximate budget?

I’ve been looking for a 14k white gold pave setting. I’m hoping to find a round .5ct near colorless center diamond that’s eye clean and be all-in for between $2,000 and $3,000.

I like settings on Blue Nile and James Alen and I love the prices and speed offered by BN and JA.

I have been pleased with some of the stones listed on BN, based on their GIA certs alone of course, being excellent in cut, polish, symmetry, etc. and listing just one flaw type.

The James Alen stones I’ve viewed, even in the VV clarity range have all seemed to have rather glaring flaws (to me anyway) right in the middle.

Thanks so much for your time!

Thank you for the information.

You can place an I-color diamond into both settings you mentioned. It’s going to appear colorless. You can read more here: https://www.diamonds.pro/education/color/

Also, with the budget you have, you can get a bigger diamond if you wish. Or you can stick with approximately 0.5 carat for less money.

Check this diamond:

Blue Nile LD07440325
It’s very well cut.

Regarding the clarity grade, it’s important to find a diamond that is eye-clean to the naked eye. Note, that the diamonds on JA are highly magnified and the inclusions on VVS clarity grades are not going to be eye-visible on a 0.5 carat stone.

Thank you! I like this very much as an option! I guess I’ve been thrown off by maybe misjudging the high-quality images on JA, or misunderstanding what “eye clean” means.

What about this stone I just saw: Blue Nile LD07116845

It’s VVS1 instead of VVS2, but it’s a J instead of an I. Would a J still really appear colorless or is it better to go with the VVS2 you recommended?

Just wondering which trade off is better, a little better clarity rating or the little better color rating?

The issue with the J color stone is that it would appear with a slightly warm tint in a pave setting. That’s why I wouldn’t recommend it.

I can see that the stone I offered is unavailable. Have you ordered it?

I DID order it!! So excited – thank you so much!

That’s great!

Let me know how you like the ring once it arrives.

It just arrived about 30 minutes ago and it’s stunning! Ahhh!!! She’s going to love it!

I’m so happy to hear that you like the ring so much.

Can you send us a pic of your new diamond? We’d love to inspire other readers with photos in our gallery.

She said yes!

Here’s a picture!
 

Congratulations!

The ring looks fantastic! Thank you for the picture.

James Allen James Allen is the leader in online diamond sales. Their imaging technology is the same as inspecting a diamond with a jeweler's loupe. They have the largest exclusive loose diamond inventory online and fantastic prices. They also have the nicest collection of lab-created diamonds online.
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
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Blue Nile Blue Nile is the largest and most well-known internet jewelry seller. They have a very large exclusive online inventory. Their high-quality images are catching up to James Allens' and their prices are amazing. Save 25% on settings at Blue Nile!

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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
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