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Q&A: Choosing a Center Diamond for a Platinum Pave Setting Within a $2,000 Budget

By Mike Fried,

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.71-carat-j-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-6681984?a_aid=dmnd1357
Unfortunately, J color is too low of a color grade for a pave setting. I’d go with at least an I to ensure the colorless impression.

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.02-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-sku-6434122?a_aid=dmnd1357
This diamond is not a good choice either. It has some inclusions in the corners, which is a problem is it might increase the risk of chipping. And it’s very flat, it’s better to choose something with a higher crown to maximize brilliance.

Here’s what I’d recommend:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.76-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-7714630?a_aid=dmnd1357
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/0.89-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-sku-7825779?a_aid=dmnd1357
These two diamonds are very well cut, eye-clean and either of them will look amazing in a pave setting.

Thank you a lot for your advice, they look beautiful!

I forgot to tell tou, she is a dermatologist. Do you think this matter for shape’s sake? I mean, she wear latex gloves for procedures in her day to day practice…

I’m glad you like them.

If she’s wearing latex gloves all day, I’d probably discard the princess cut as it’s a very sharp shape. Round cut is so much safer in this regard.

Thank you. I will go with the round one them.

Sounds great, it’s an excellent option! Let me know if there’s anything else I can help you with.

Unfortunately, I will need your help again! I had problems with the international transaction and had to cancel my order and ended up losing the selected diamond (it became unavailable!). Could you help me find another one?

Thank you!

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.
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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
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