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Q&A: Choosing a Center Diamond for a White Gold Vintage Setting for Under $4k Budget

By Mike Fried,

So I’m looking for a diamond ring (obviously) that’s no more than $4,000 with setting, ring, diamond etc. All told. If there is something absolutely amazing, I’d be willing to listen above that price. She’s not a materialistic woman and definitely would be considered more modest and not showy. But I’d still like to get a ring, maybe vintage style… Thanks for your time and your help.

What shape diamond are you looking for?

What style setting (solitaire, pave/side stones/halo) and metal (yellow/white gold, platinum) do you want to use? This may affect the colors that I recommend for the center diamond (as we explain in our post on color).

I know I like the vintage look and and looking to spend between US $2000-3500. Maybe some suggestions can get me started in the right direction.

Alright. Let’s take a look at some settings first.
Vintage Engagement Rings
Vintage Rings

Does any of them look like something you’d want for her?

I seem to like the James Allan options better. This one caught my eye:
14K WHITE GOLD EMBOSSED DIAMOND ENGAGEMENT RING

Thank you.

Now, we’ll start searching for the best stone to go with that beautiful setting.

Here are some options that look great to me:
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.56-carat-f-color-si2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3446448?a_aid=dmnd1357
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.60-carat-i-color-si2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4336785?a_aid=dmnd1357
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.65-carat-i-color-if-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4105064?a_aid=dmnd1357
They are beautifully cut, eye-clean and all of them will be very brilliant. I searched in the I+/SI+ range and picked the best cut eye-clean diamonds I found there.

What do you think?

Thank you!!

You’re welcome. Let me know if there’s anything else I can help with.

Fantastic! Let me know how you like it when you receive it.

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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