Q&A: Choosing a 0.80 Ct. Round Diamond for a Platinum Engagement Ring with $5k Budget

Hello, I’ve been reading your website and it is full of great information but still being a novice at this I’m still confused!

My budget is approx $5000 and I”ve been looking at blue nile but after reading your website I’m not so sure paying for something that is IF is worth the extra money.

Here is what I’m currently contemplating
Blue Nile LD03595930
Blue Nile LD03306681

with this setting
Blue Nile Petite Diamond Engagement Ring

Now I love that setting and the closest I’ve found on JamesAllen is
https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/platinum-double-claw-prong-0.16ct-pave-set-diamond-engagement-ring-item-18?a_aid=dmnd1357

With my budget being $5k and looking for something that is the best value and eye clean I get totally lost…

My criteria before learning too much info was .80ct +, IDEAL, H, IF or VVS1 and now I’ve learned more than just the 4Cs I’m lost again.

I’d like a larger diamond up to a carat but can’t tell what is a good diamond to pick. Keeping in mind my $5K ish budget and one last constraint…. I’ll need it rather quickly. I’m leaving the country in 2 weeks and have to have something by then.

Please help! 

Thanks for the recommendation.

As a novice I’m starting to understand the different clarity ratings however identifying what is eyeclean leaves me really apprehensive. Looking at diamonds (esp on the JA website) I don’t know what the different clarity characteristics mean and you do mention that all inclusions are not the same.

One more question.

With my deadline coming up I’ve had to change my setting from the one I listed to this one since it is available sooner.

https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/platinum-thin-french-cut-pave-set-diamond-engagement-ring-item-2018?a_aid=dmnd1357

This leave about $800 in my budget. Are there any diamonds that are larger within my budget?

Thanks a bunch!

…
I’ve just been advised by the JamesAllen folks that that diamond isn’t available in time from their diamond partner.

They did recommend a alternative one:

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.80-carat-g-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-253232?a_aid=dmnd1357

What is your opinion of it?

Thanks again! 

That’s the one I’ve gone with. With the time constraints I had to act so I am happy to see it is good. Now I can’t wait to see it!

Thanks for the advice and help in choosing a nice diamond.

Its not often you have a expert able to give personal advice and help to a random off the steet stranger.

Kudos to you and your awesome website!

Thanks again!