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 Platinum Bezel Setting With a $5k Budget

By Mike Fried,

Hello, I’m looking at some diamonds on James Allen and my brothers told me to contact you guys for help. I’m looking to spend around $5k and was thinking of a 1 carat ring. But really I’m just looking for the best possible ring for around that price point. Can you guys help me?

Round diamond
Platinum band
Bezel set

My two brothers both used you guys and had a good experience. Trying to find a good ring.

Yeah, these look good. What’s the major difference in price on the 1st vs. the other 2? It looks like the first one is bigger and better color. It has a lower clarity grade. Based on your company website it seems like you would recommend going more carats and lower clarity as long as the clarity is “eye-clean”. What does that mean exactly? I cannot notice any issues with the naked eye? What clarity level = eye clean?

Also just confirming the first diamond would go well with platinum bezel setting?

All the diamonds I sent you are more or less the same size (see the actual measurements, there isn’t a significant difference). But yes, the clarity and color grades are different. I personally like the first stone too as it’s cheaper. Clarity-wise, once the stone is eye-clean, it’s eye-clean, no matter if it’s an SI1 or VS1. The actual clarity grade isn’t important (https://www.diamonds.pro/education/clarity/). Simply said, it’s better to avoid diamonds with red flags such as big knots, cavities and etch channels as they might disrupt the integrity of the diamond. We also don’t recommend stones with thick feathers, big clouds, chips or stones that have clarity based on clouds. Ideally, the inclusions shouldn’t be on the table. On the other hand, 95% of all twinning wisps are not visible to the naked eye, so those are alright. Even an SI2 diamond can be perfectly eye-clean if the inclusions are strategically located.

Eye-cleanliness means that you won’t perceive any imperfections with your naked eye (from a normal point of viewing). All the discussed diamonds are eye-clean – that means you won’t be able to perceive any blemishes when looking at the diamond with your eyes. Bear in mind that these videos are extremely magnified, we always recommend zooming out to 10x and checking the diamond. That diamond would look brilliant and colorless in the bezel setting you chose.

Awesome, thanks! I’m feeling good about the first stone. I’m going to do a little more research but probably look to purchase later tonight. Appreciate the help.

You’re very welcome. I’m glad I could help. If you find any other diamonds you want me to comment on, please send them over. Also, if you like the first stone, I suggest putting it on hold because it may happen somebody else will purchase it.

Ok, putting on hold now!

I ended up purchasing that diamond. Thanks for the help!

That’s great news!

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.