We are reader-supported. Buying through any red colored link on our site may earn us commissions. Learn More.

Q&A: Choosing a Princess Cut Diamond for a Pave Setting With Up to $9,000 Budget

By Mike Fried,

I am trying to purchase an engagement ring for my girlfriend on Blue Nile and my budget is $9,000.

I would like to get the best quality diamond with the setting I selected Riviera Pavé Diamond Engagement Ring Platinum (5/8 ct. tw.) which is $2,490.
Blue Nile LD13368544

What is the best quality princess cut diamond I can get and still remain within budget? And the carat size I want is 1.7-2 if possible. Please let me know if you can help me find the best diamond with these restrictions on Blue Nile. Thanks so much!

As for the diamond you found (Blue Nile LD13368544), I’m not a huge fan of the inclusion right on the table. Also, it has a feather near the corner. And the depth is a bit higher than we usually recommend. I always suggest checking the actual measurements, not the carat weight only. See these examples:

Blue Nile LD13367675

Blue Nile LD13432732

Blue Nile LD13491574

Thanks so much for getting back to me. This was very helpful. So I had one last question. I like the diamond you suggested which is Blue Nile LD13491574 and it is 1.53ct. Would this diamond look as big as the 1.7ct? And would you recommend using that setting or would it be too thick?

Well, choosing a setting is a matter of personal taste and preference. That’s completely up to you. That setting is 3mm thick, that’s more than usual as the melee diamonds are bigger.

The 1.53ct stone has these measurements: 6.49×6.31×4.50 whereas the other one measures 6.40×6.33×4.73. As you can see, the 1.53ct stone would look the same as the 1.70ct diamond in terms of size.

The diamond that I wanted that you found which was 1.53 ct (Blue Nile LD13491574) has been bought. Can you help me find another that is most similar in price and value please? I would really appreciate it and once you help me find one I plan on placing an order immediately since they seem to be taken rather quickly.

I’m sorry to hear that it’s sold. But good diamonds get sold very quickly. I found only this diamond that is similar to the one you liked: Blue Nile LD13509485. It’s even slightly cheaper and the measurements are almost the same.

What do you think of it?

This diamond has marks on the head. Is there one with no marks on the head?

I couldn’t find any other diamond with the same measurements for that price. But those are twinning wisps, 95% of twinning wisps are not visible to the naked eye.

Thank you. I’ll go ahead and order it.

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. Get 30% off lab-grown diamonds during a limited time sale.
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
Arrow down
Arrow up
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
Arrow down
Arrow up

Still afraid of getting ripped off?

Before you buy a diamond, get personal buying advice from industry veterans. We'll help you get the best diamond for the money.

Ask your diamond purchase question here

  • Hidden
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

DISCLAIMER: We don't use your email for marketing. Period.

Please enter your email address to receive your 25% off coupon code:

Here is your coupon code: GFDSF3GF