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Q&A: Choosing a Center Diamond for a Pave or Halo White Gold Setting Within a $3,000 Budget

By Mike Fried,

Hello,

I am looking for a beautiful but not too expensive engagement ring. My spending cap is $3000 but I would definitely prefer just spending $2,500 if possible.
I am looking for something similar to a French pave setting. My girlfriend does not want the diamond by itself since she has big fingers according to her, so I am looking for either sidestones or something alike.
I would really appreciate your help on this matter.

I’m happy to recommend some diamonds to you. Can you tell me what shape you are looking for?

Round.

Thank you for the info.

I looked around and I like these options for you:
Floating Halo Diamond Engagement Ring
Classic Halo Diamond Engagement Ring
French Pavé Diamond Engagement Ring
Blue Nile LD09371303

Blue Nile uses I-color side stones for their settings in which case you can go with an I-color center stone as well. This one has very nice specs.
14K WHITE GOLD 0.32CT FRENCH CUT PAVE DIAMOND ENGAGEMENT RING
14K WHITE GOLD PAVE HALO AND SHANK DIAMOND ENGAGEMENT RING
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.50-carat-f-color-si2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4439318?a_aid=dmnd1357

This diamond is fantastically cut and will be very brilliant. The feather on the edge can be hidden within the prong area. Just to be sure, ask JA customer service if they can run this diamond by their gemologists (the feather can be hidden, but we need to know whether its presence affects the integrity of the diamond in a negative way).

What do you think?

Thank you very much for the feedback.

I will go with the last one. Looks great on the reviews pictures.

Should I ask what you advised before buying the ring or at the time I make the order.

Great, I’m glad you like the last combo. Call (or message) their customer service and tell them that you’re considering that diamond and want to have it checked by a gemologist. They’ll put the diamond on hold (it won’t be available for other customers) and come back with the report as fast as they can. Let me know how it goes.

Thanks.

This is the feedback I got from the gemo. Let me know what you think.

I received your request in regards to diamond 4439318. It seems you are concerned with the feather inclusion on the perimeter of the diamond. I can assure you that the inclusion you see would not be visible at all to the naked eye. Due to the clear nature of the inclusion, your eyes would not be able to easily see it. This inclusion as well would not hold any potential durability concerns. This would only be a concern if the feather was closer to the girdle.

This is definitely a beautiful diamond option, and very eye clean. Especially for an SI2 diamond, which are not typically. You have found an amazing diamond with lots of brilliance and fire throughout.

Well, that is amazing news, isn’t it?

I will buy that ring today.

Thanks for all your help!

It is an excellent choice. I’m glad I could help you find it.

Let me know how it goes!

I bought it a few hours ago.
Thank you very much for all your help.

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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