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

Q&A: Choosing a Radiant Cut Diamond for a Pave Setting Within a $3,800 Budget

By Mike Fried,

I was looking at these 2 diamonds. I was leaning towards the 2nd one because the color is a little better but am really concerned I may be able to see the black dots in the center. Do you think this would be visible to the naked eye?
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/radiant-cut/1.22-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-sku-4349753?a_aid=dmnd1357

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/radiant-cut/1.20-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-3765550?a_aid=dmnd1357

Can you also tell me what style of setting (solitaire, halo, pave or other) and metal (platinum/white or yellow gold) you’re going to use? Different settings suit certain colors better. Then I’ll be happy to comment on the stones.
https://www.diamonds.pro/education/color/

I have been leaning towards wanting the petite pave setting in white gold. I’d really like to get it off the James Allen while they have the 25% off settings going on.

I like the radiant and cushion cuts most and I’d prefer it to be more square-shaped than rectangular. And hoping for 1.11-1.25 in the $3500-3800 range. Of course, the cheaper the better but I also prefer bigger.

I also came across this one with the better clarity so I’m not sure if it’d be better to just go with something like that to make sure I can’t see the black dots in it.
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.20-carat-i-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-4046221?a_aid=dmnd1357

Thank you for the additional information.

The first 1.20 carat radiant stone is not eye-lean.

The 1.22 carat radiant is a beautiful stone with great overall specifications. And it will look colorless in a pave style setting. I just noticed that this diamond is not available at the moment. Did you put it on hold?

As for the cushion cut, we recommend searching for H+ color grades of this shape to make sure it won’t have a warm tint.

Here’s one with the quality I’d recommend. But it’s significantly more expensive:

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.24-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-3588935?a_aid=dmnd1357

Let me know what you think.

I believe my boyfriend went ahead and got the 1.22 radiant one. He is trying to be somewhat secretive but I know he purchased one yesterday and I saw that one was sold when I went back to look yesterday afternoon. Now I am really hoping that is the one he got me since it sounds like it would be perfect for what I am looking for!

I really appreciate your time and help, and I feel very reassured that I made the best decision for our budget. Thank you!

That sounds fantastic!

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
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

Diamond Pro

Diamond Pro

  • Unfortunately, the AI chat we worked so hard training is not helping our readers the way we would like. You deserve the best advice you can get.

    Would you like to contact a human diamond pro? Just fill out this email form and we will answer you ASAP (usually within one day).

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