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Q&A: Choosing a Center Diamond for a Rose Gold Pave Setting Within a £3,700 Budget

By Mike Fried,

Hi there,
I’m currently shopping for an engagement ring for my girlfriend. I have a budget of up to £3750.

She loves rose gold, so that is a must for the setting; either solitaire or pave. I would like to get an Excellent or Ideal cut, whilst at the same time maximizing the carat for the price. I’m looking at colours of I and up and SI1 if possible all for the budget.

I would very much appreciate any advice on this with your expert knowledge in this.
Many thanks and regards.

One last question before I start the search, what shape of diamond are you looking for? Then I’ll be happy to send you my suggestion.

The shape of diamond I’m looking for is round or oval.

Thank you for the additional information.

Have a look at these stones:
Blue Nile LD09804427
Blue Nile LD09960830

They are very well cut, eye-clean and going to look colorless.
https://www.diamonds.pro/education/color/

What do you think?

They look fantastic. In my opinion, I think the round stone looks nicer. How much visual difference would going up around the 1 carat mark make? I see those stones look incredible even with magnification so I’m just trying to figure out where to draw the line with the budget I have.

Well, you need to look at the measurements in order to compare stones. Your eye doesn’t catch the carat weight but the size.

I’d say yes, the difference between a 0.80 carat and a 1.00+ carat stone will be noticeable. But the price jumps quite significantly.

Blue Nile LD09004997 

I have one final question before I take the plunge…! The size between the 1 carat and 0.8 carat diamonds is almost nothing. The main thing I want to make sure is that it is undeniably beautiful and will take her breath away when she sees it. Is there a stone closer to the 1 carat mark that you would recommend, or do you think the 0.8 carat diamond you showed me is the one?

Also, do you see any issues with having an I colour diamond in a rose gold pave setting?

The side stones are so small that the difference in color won’t be noticeable. So I’d stick with I.

The 0.80 carat diamond we discussed is not available at the moment. Did you put it on hold?

I went in to a local jewelry store today to get a hands-on idea of diamond sizes and the style I was looking at. It confirmed what I thought and I came home and bought the 0.80 carat diamond you suggested.

Thank you so much for your advice and help. It led me down a path that was definitely the right one and not only saved me money but I hope got my soon to be fiancé a more beautiful diamond than would have otherwise been possible.

That’s fantastic news! It was my pleasure helping 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.
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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