Q&A: Choosing a Radiant Cut Diamond for a Pave White Gold Setting Within a $9,000 Budget
The following is a real email conversation between The Diamond Pro and a reader just like you who contacted us.
Personal information is always removed. Learn from these posts, or contact us yourself to get free personalized help.
Hi there! Hoping to seek some advice in picking out a radiant cut diamond. Here are some loose parameters:
Diamond:
– Cut: Radiant (preference for more elongated/rectangular vs. square)
– Carat: Somewhere around 1… No larger than 1.2
– Colour: I think colour is typically a bit easier to notice in radiants vs. others? Probably G or better…
– Clarity: I’ve learned (from your site!) that this is not as critical for radiants, so I defer to your guidance here. Open to going as high as necessary to ensure there are no noticeable inclusions.
Setting/band: 14K White Gold Petite Pave Crown Diamond Engagement Ring
Budget-wise, I’d say my top end is around $9k, though obviously looking to keep the cost as reasonable as possible… Would be nice to have a house… You know, to protect the ring 😉
Thanks in advance for your help!
As for the center stone, I’d recommend an H+ color. Clarity grade can be basically anything, what matters is having an eye-clean diamond. I always search in the SI-IF range and pick the best/first eye-clean option I find. Sometimes it’s an SI, sometimes a VS or VVS is a better value. There is no rule.
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/radiant-cut/1.01-carat-g-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-8078762?a_aid=dmnd1357
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/radiant-cut/1.01-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-8337050?a_aid=dmnd1357
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/radiant-cut/1.03-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-8127474?a_aid=dmnd1357
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/radiant-cut/1.21-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-8282743?a_aid=dmnd1357
These diamonds are beautifully cut, eye-clean and all of them will be very bright and brilliant.
I think the first and third are my personal favourites… I also came across this one: www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/radiant-cut/1.00-carat-g-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-8390412?a_aid=dmnd1357 – Curious about your thoughts!
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/radiant-cut/1.00-carat-g-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-8390412?a_aid=dmnd1357
The diamond you found is a very nice option, let’s add it to the list.
I came across a few today that I’d love your opinion on…
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/radiant-cut/1.00-carat-f-color-vs1-clarity-sku-8196536?a_aid=dmnd1357
You should avoid strong fluorescence at all times. It usually causes haziness and this diamond would be much less brilliant than it should.
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/radiant-cut/1.03-carat-g-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-8562960?a_aid=dmnd1357
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/radiant-cut/1.01-carat-g-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-8225674?a_aid=dmnd1357
These two are beautiful.
Good to know! – the 1.03 below seems like really good value, I’m thinking I may just pull the trigger on that one.
…
Officially ordered! Thank you for your help 🙂
I’d love to know how you like the diamond when it arrives. I really liked it so I hope you’ll also like it when you receive it.
Following up here as I received the ring earlier this week! I think it looks great, though I’m definitely more concerned about how *she* will like it 😛 – The cut itself looks awesome in terms of design. I think it’s a keeper 🙂
Thanks for letting me know how the diamond turned out, I’m glad you are happy with it!
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. James Allen is currently running a 25% sale on all engagement rings! This a great chance to save on Valentine’s Day purchases. - 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
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. Blue Nile have generously offered our readers an exclusive one-time use coupon. (Click Here to save $100 off orders of $1000 or more) - 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
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
DISCLAIMER: We don't use your email for marketing. Period.