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Q&A: Choosing a 0.80 Ct. Round Diamond for a White Gold Solitaire Setting Within a $2k-$2.4k Budget

By Mike Fried,

Hi Diamond Pro team. I would like your help on buying this ring for my future wife.

I’ve been doing my research, all related to diamonds in your website and also other resources. I understood all of the specifications a diamond could have, but what I really don’t have is your expertise on telling what diamond is clean to the naked eye in the different variations. Also, I don’t want to over spend on features that do not make sense.

If you want me to make some specific recommendations, can you please tell me what setting style (solitaire/pave/side stones/halo) and metal (white gold/rose gold/yellow gold/platinum) you’re planning to go with? Different colors suit different setting styles better (https://www.diamonds.pro/education/color/). What shape of diamond (round, princess cut, cushion, emerald, oval, radiant, asscher, marquise, heart or pear) do you like the most? Do you have a ballpark budget for the center stone in mind? This info will help me set the right search parameters. Then I’ll gladly send you some suggestions and tell you some info on what to look for.

Setting style: Solitaire
Metal: White Gold
Diamond Shape: Round
Ballpark budget for the center stone: around 2,000 and 2,400. I would like to spend no more than 3,000 for this ring (center stone and setting).

Thank you for the additional info. Here are some beautiful rings I found for you:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.80-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-10140518?a_aid=dmnd1357
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.80-carat-g-color-si2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-9947785?a_aid=dmnd1357
14K White Gold Petite Flower Solitaire Engagement Ring

Blue Nile LD14620585
Blue Nile LD14713208
Petite Cathedral Solitaire Engagement Ring in 14k White Gold

Thank you so much, I just bought the first james Allen option you shared with me with a different setting.

I just have a concern regarding the color of the diamond. Not sure if “I color” would look too yellow. What do you think?

I choose this setting 18K White Gold 2mm Comfort Fit Solitaire Engagement Ring (Six Prong)


I color is perfectly fine for solitaire settings, we usually recommend even J colored diamonds with no problems at all. Worst case scenario if you end up not liking it, you can easily return it. But I think you won’t be able to notice any yellowish tint.

Great, thanks!

You’re very welcome.

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!

Please enter your email address to receive your 25% off coupon code:

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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