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Q&A: Choosing a Round Cut Diamond for a Yellow Gold Solitaire Setting With Up to C$2,000 Budget

By Mike Fried,

Dear Friends,

I am first time diamond ring buyer from Canada, and I hope you will help me make an optimal choice. The ring should be an anniversary present for my wife, and my budget is CAD $2,000. We checked some local stores, but I was not happy with selection and prices. That is why, most probably, I will do the purchase online. I think that my first choice for online shopping is Blue Nile, because I do not have to pay extra duties and fees (for most of the products) for shipping to Canada.

My wife prefers a solitaire ring in yellow gold. So far she had few rings that are more thick, so when I see

Classic Six-Prong Solitaire Engagement Ring in 18k Yellow Gold

Six -Prong Low Dome Comfort Fit Solitaire Engagement Ring in 18k Yellow Gold (2mm)

they look thin to me. However, I think it is the right dimension because my plan is to purchase half a carat diamond. Also, which one to choose: 18k or 14k, 6 or 4 prong?

I read something about 4Cs, so here are my choices: round shape, more than 0.50 carat (more is better), ideal cut, down to J colour, and more than VS2 eye clear diamond.

Some of my choices are:

Blue Nile LD12842919

Blue Nile LD12375565

Blue Nile LD11979901

I would appreciate if you comment and advise me to make a smart diamond ring purchase.

Blue Nile’s settings are on the thinner side so if that’s what you’re aiming for, they are the way to go. There’s basically no difference between the 14k and 18k gold so decide what you prefer. The number of prongs is also an aesthetic choice, although I don’t think that for a ~0.5ct diamond 6 prongs are necessary and it’d also block the incoming light.

Out of the diamonds you sent me, I really love these two:
Blue Nile LD12375565
Blue Nile LD11979901
They have a perfect cut and will be very brilliant. You can’t go wrong with either of them!

I just want to let you know that I purchased the ring: it is 18k gold setting and the first .54 ct diamond that you recommended.

That’s great news, you got yourself a gorgeous diamond.

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
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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)
  • Best in class fulfillment
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