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

Q&A: Choosing a Round Diamond for a Pave Setting With a $4,000 Total Budget

By Mike Fried,

Greetings,

Thank you for your comprehensive website.

I’m looking at this .80ct G-I1 and can’t seem to spot the flaws. I’m trying to find a diamond .7ct and above for an engagement ring. My budget is $4000 total. My setting is also linked below (at about $1500).

Any help or suggestion is appreciated.

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.80-carat-g-color-i1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3219525?a_aid=dmnd1357

That diamond has only clouds which are impossible to spot on the screen. We never recommend an SI or lower clarity diamond that has a cloud as an inclusion as there is a great change for it to look cloudy (lack of brilliance due to the clouds).

Can you please send me the link to the setting? It’s not included in the email.

Thank you for the speedy response. Below is the link to the setting.

https://www.tqdiamonds.com/parade-lyria-bridal-r3735-14-karat-diamond-engagement-ring

Thanks.

I’d recommend this diamond:
Blue Nile LD09132315
It’s eye-clean, well cut and will look very bright and brilliant.

Unfortunately I was not ready to purchase and missed the suggested diamond. I spotted this one Blue Nile LD08589601

No problem.

The one you sent over doesn’t look like a good choice. Since there are no visible inclusions in that video and there is only a cloud mentioned in the setting, it’s a possibility that it will look cloudy.

I like this one better:
Blue Nile LD08712418

And yet again, I went to buy the stone this morning and someone beat me to it. One more time, if you don’t mind. Did I mention how much I appreciate this help? I have the band at home and this is the last step, it’s probably the only nerve-racking purchase I’ve ever encountered in my life.

Yay. I hope it will have a happy end.

What do you think of this one?
Blue Nile LD09196286

Ordered the last suggested diamond. Thank you again for all the help!

Great. Thanks for the info. It was my pleasure helping you.

Let me know how the diamond looks when you receive it.

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.