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 Solitaire Ring With Around $3,500 Total Budget

By Mike Fried,

I’m looking for a round diamond approximately 0.90 + carats with a thin platinum band for an engagement ring. Thanks for your help.

What style of the setting (solitaire, pave/side stone, halo) would you like to get? This can have a slight effect on the diamond’s color.

Also, do you have any ballpark budget in mind?

I’m looking at a solitaire set with a thin platinum ring. I’m looking to spend around $3,000 to $3,500 or so.

Thanks for the details.

I’d recommend these diamonds:
Blue Nile LD11515109

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.90-carat-j-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-6241051?a_aid=dmnd1357
They both are eye-clean, well cut and will look very bright and brilliant in a solitaire setting.

Let me know what you think of them. Because there are no additional diamonds in the band, J color is a perfect choice here as it won’t look any yellowish there.

Thank you for the suggestions. How does this diamond look or compare? (it is about $300 + less expensive than the one’s your suggested):

Blue Nile LD10509595

It’s not well cut. Keep in mind that about 95% of all GIA diamonds get an excellent (~80%) or very good cut rating, so a VG cut can be very poor. And the diamond you found is a great example of that. Ideally, the depth should be below 626% for the diamond to have the best brilliance possible.
https://www.diamonds.pro/education/cuts/

That’s why it’s cheaper.

Ok, thanks for the suggestion and information.

My pleasure.

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.