Q&A: Choosing a Round Diamond for a Classic Solitaire Ring Within a $7k-$12.6k Budget

Hi. I’m planning on buying a diamond and ring quite soon (within the next couple of days if possible). I have done a lot of research, but the more I research, the more complicated the selection process becomes and the more demanding I become. Stumbling upon your articles and videos, I found there are some aspects where I can lower the standards in order to reach a better piece overall, within budget and reason.

My girlfriend is relatively well informed about the 4 C’s and other characteristics (at least, more than any other girls we have talked to about diamonds and more than some of my male friends), so I do not want her to get deceived if she feels the diamond is not “such good quality” – as per general standards. On the other hand, she generally likes subtle jewelry and I think this is not the exception; yet, I do not want to buy ‘a perfect sesame seed’ and want something that looks good. Therefore, my idea is “as large as possible but sacrificing as little quality as possible”.

As a reference, we once went into Tiffany and she loved both a 1.55ct and 1.8ct round, typical Tiffany setting.

These are the details I am pretty sure I want fixed:
DIAMOND:
– Round cut
– At least 1.25ct (no upper limit), preferably over 1.5ct, yet a diamond that looks on the larger scale
– GIA certification and ideally with engraved GIA number

SETTING:
– 6-prong setting
– Platinum setting
– She likes a setting where most of the diamond can be seen or it seems like it floats and the sides/bottom can also be seen. Elevated but maybe not much, so that it does not get stuck with most clothing or daily activities.

These are some aspects where I think professional advice will be better than my preferences. Yet, I have thought of these:
– Setting: solitaire (no pave), pave with 5 pieces on each side, full-round pave
– Color: I do see differences from F to H to J. I don’t want it to look yellow or yellowish at all.
– Fluorescence: Preferably lower to none, unless you suggest differently

Finally but probably the most important aspect for you – Budget:
No lower than 7k and -ideally- no higher than 12.6k, including setting.

I hope we can figure out something perfect together!

I have decided that I want a setting as close as possible to the Tiffany signature setting (solitaire, 6-prong, set as low as possible, with the maximum visibility of the diamond).

The closest I have found to that is this setting from Blue Nile:
Petite Nouveau Six-Prong Solitaire Engagement Ring

I think I found the right settings in both BN and JA, so that will not be a problem and we can purchase with either company. These settings will be the “Tiffany” style in platinum 6-prong, so you know!

I went through lots of diamonds, both physically (for comparison) and online over the weekend and think I narrowed it down to 1, which I already placed on hold. Even with that, I’d love to have your opinion before purchasing it (which I’d love to do later today if it’s the right one).

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.33-carat-h-color-vvs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-6856530?a_aid=dmnd1357

Just to let you know that I purchased from JamesAllen already.

Thank you for your support!