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Q&A: Choosing a Center Diamond for Thin White Gold Setting Within a $5,000 Budget

By Mike Fried,

Hi there,

I will appreciate some advise and options for an engagement ring . I am following your website and have chosen a sample diamond from James Allen:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.90-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2765895?&a_aid=dmnd1357

I am sure this is not ideal and hope you may provide a couple of alternatives. I am looking for a round diamond in the 0.8 to 0.9 carat range with excellent light performance (something as close to an ideal cut as possible). Color and clarity are secondary. The diamond should look as amazing as possible. My budget is up to 6,000 CAD for the stone.

The setting will be white gold solitaire ring. Most likely this: 14K WHITE GOLD THIN CROSS PRONG DIAMOND ENGAGEMENT RING

Happy to answer any questions you may have and big thanks in advance.

The diamond you picked is a very nice option, but you can do better in terms of cut and maximum brilliance.

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.90-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-6337432?a_aid=dmnd1357
The cut on this one is absolutely gorgeous. It will make a beautiful ring.

What do you think?

Thanks for the quick reply. The diamond you suggested is excellent, but making full calculation makes the ring 500 CAD above my budget. I know I may sound cheap (I guess this makes me a true Canadian 🙂 ).

Could it be possible to suggest a second stone in the 5,000 CAD range (around 500 CAD cheaper)? Same requirement that basically boils down to best-looking stone for the bucks…

What do you think about this? Price is right in my budget and I like the proportions

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.82-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-5221789?a_aid=dmnd1357

The most recent diamond you sent me is beautiful. It’s a great find!

Thanks for the seal of approval. I placed tonight an order for a ring with this diamond!

That’s great news! I’m glad I could help you decide on a diamond.

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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