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Q&A: Choosing a Fantastically Cut Round Diamond for a Pave Setting Within a $10k-$20k Budget

By Mike Fried,

Hello

I am new to all of this but my idea is a colorless diamond that’s 1.5-1.75 carats. I just want it to look expensive without it actually breaking the bank. I do love the round cut I was hoping to get assistance on which diamond is best to use for my ring from Blue Nile.

Thank you!

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).

Can you give me your ballpark figure of what you’re planning to spend? Then I’ll be able to help you more.

I believe I prefer a round cut for the diamond because I heard it’s better clarity?

For the band itself, I like simple so the pave/side stones is probably preferred. I prefer a thin band with little diamonds.

I am tan so I believe white gold is best, I am not sure between the difference of platinum or white gold they look pretty similar to me lol but white gold sounds nicer!

Ballpark of around 10K-20k max, is that doable for what I’m looking for?

I really want a clear diamond so it can be pretty and the light reflected can be mesmerizing. I know D is supposed to be best but I heard E can be very similar and it’s hard to tell the difference!

Thak you for the info.

By “better clarity” you probably mean more brilliance, right? Round diamonds are the most brilliant of all diamond shapes.

I agree on the metal approach. I recommend white gold over platinum too.

Color-wise, D/E is a lot more than what’s necessary to have a great looking diamond. You can go with an H or even an I and it is going to look exactly the same in a pave setting. This way you can get the best value for your money.

I looked around and I like these options for you:

Blue Nile LD10031041
Blue Nile LD09034813
Blue Nile LD09606610
They are beautifully cut, eye-clean and all of them will be very brilliant.

Or, if you want maximum brilliance and fire possible, I would recommend Brian Gavin’s Signature Hearts and Arrows. Brian Gavin is known as one of the world’s experts when it comes to perfectly cut diamonds. BGD’s Signature diamonds are incredibly brilliant and truly impressive.

https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.555-i-vvs1-round-diamond-ags-104097954048?a_aid=y
https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.505-g-vs2-round-diamond-ags-104090535096?a_aid=y
These two are superbly cut and will be extremely brilliant.

What do you think?

Those are beautiful!!!

Is there a reason the Brian Gavin diamonds seem shinier or prettier? Is it because they’re against a black background which gives them a more wow effect? And the first Brian Gavin link seems clearer but the second one is more yellow but more expensive, is there a reason?

Brian Gavin diamonds have a lot of added brilliance thanks to their premium cut. Not only do these conform to the strictest of cut parameters, but Brian himself selects them for optimal brilliance. We love to recommend them.

Why do you think the second diamond is more yellow? We don’t base the color on the pictures on the website as the videos are not really made for that (especially the lightning in the room where the video was recorded). All you need is the certificate and the color grade in it. Both G and I are going to look colorless in a pave setting.

Awesome thank you!

It just looked to me like a little off but it’s probably what you said just a lighting issue during recording! I think I like the Brian diamonds best!

Me too 🙂 Brian Gavin diamond would be what I’d want to get myself one day. It’s the creme de la creme in the world of diamonds.

LOL that’s awesome thank you! I definitely hope you get the diamond of your dreams! Is there any bands to go with the diamond you would recommend?

It depends on your personal style. Both the I and the G diamond will look great in any setting you use.

Thanks!!! I’ll go with the Brian diamond then!!

That’s great news! I’m glad I could help.

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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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!

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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
  • 24/7 Customer Service
  • 100% credit towards future upgrades (must be at least double in value)
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