Q&A: Choosing a Radiant Cut Diamond for a Pave White Gold Setting Within a $9,000 Budget
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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!
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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. - No questions asked returns within 30 days of shipment. James Allen will send you a paid shipping label to return the ring.
- Lifetime Warranty
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