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Q&A: Choosing a Round Diamond for a Platinum Halo Setting Within a $2,500 Budget

By Mike Fried,

Hi

I am looking for a diamond ring for my gf. information as follows:

. Budget of £3,800 for diamond and setting. Diamond itself up to £2,500.
. My girlfriend has a very small finger which is difficult to size so my plan is to just get the diamond from an online retailer then get the setting done at a local jeweller. Based on this, is my separation of budget right?
. Preference of diamond: round. approx. 0.7-0.9 carat. Colour range F- I. Clarity VS1 – VVS1. Cut Very good-ideal.

I have seen diamonds on Brian Gavin and James Allen however I have only just started so advise would be much appreciated.

The cost of the setting can vary a lot (depending on the style and metal), there is no rule for that. Is it going to be a plain ring or something with diamond accents on the band/around the center stone? Knowing this, I’ll be able to recommend the best color grade for it (different settings suit different color grades better).

For the setting I am looking for a platinum ring with diamond accents on the band (covering only 180 degrees) and around the stone.

Thank you for the info.

I’d recommend an H+ color diamond to make sure it doesn’t look yellowish compared to the diamond accents. Cut grade – Excellent/Ideal.

Here’s my recommendation:
Blue Nile LD12289326

I listed this diamond from Blue Nile as #1 because Blue Nile has European operations, so you wouldn’t have to worry about any additional taxes and there are no problems returns). It has a great cut and will look amazing in any halo setting you choose.

James Allen and Brian Gavin are US based companies so you’d need to take additional fees and taxes into consideration.

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.70-carat-h-color-vvs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-6582268?a_aid=dmnd1357
You need to request the GIA for this diamond as James Allen took all the certificates off their website.

www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.705-i-vvs1-round-diamond-ags-c-104104773107?a_aid=y
Brian Gavin focuses on brilliance and he makes sure that all his diamonds are nothing less than perfectly cut. In every little detail. Even though this diamond is an I color, it wouldn’t be an issue and would look amazing. https://www.diamonds.pro/reviews/brian-gavin/. Because of their absolutely perfect cut, the color isn’t noticeable. They even put their J color diamonds into halo setting with no problem at all.

From Blue Nile are there any other options you would recommend?

I found this one that’s slightly bigger and still within the tolerable price range:
Blue Nile LD12431517

I think I’ll go ahead with the last one. Thank you so much for the help.

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
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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!

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
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