Q&A: Choosing a Round Diamond for a Platinum Tiffany Style Setting With Up to $8,000 Budget

Hi, I am looking for a Tiffany style engagement ring for my girlfriend, and I need some help.

First, I want to buy from James Allen because I am very wary of buying online, but have heard nothing but good things about them.

Next, I am hoping to find a high quality 1.25 or so diamond, I-G color, SI2-VS2 clarity, that is excellent cut, eye clean, and under $6500. I have located their Tiffany style ring (PLATINUM SIX PRONG KNIFE EDGED SOLITAIRE ENGAGEMENT RING)

Also, can you help me find a diamond that is high quality and in my budget? My girlfriend is very quiet and reserved, but I still want something that she can show off to her friends and that I can be proud of! Thank you so much for your help!

I would like a round diamond. I know cut is crucial, so I won’t compromise there. I am possibly willing to compromise some on color, as I have read those with darker skin can go a little lower on the color spectrum and the diamond still show white – any truth to this? Finally, as for clarity, I just want something that is eye clean. My budget is around $6500 for the diamond.

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After some more thought, I think I may move my budget more to 8K. To get a 1.25-1.3 or so diamond, while also keeping the color at H or G, and clarity SI1 or VS2 like I want, I feel like I need to move my budget up. I feel like I will be compromising if I get an I color or SI2 diamond.

I really like this one! Thank you for your work! After doing some of my own research, if you don’t mind I would also like your thoughts on these other 3 I found. Specifically, how do you think they stack up to the one you found? I am sure you picked the diamond you did for reasons besides just the 4 C’s as I am looking at.

1. https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.26-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4700977?a_aid=dmnd1357
– This looks just like the one you recommended but has an H in color instead, which is really what I wanted, though I know that may be more of a mental thing for me as I don’t know if I can really see the difference between this one and yours at “I.”

2. https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.32-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4329785?a_aid=dmnd1357
– This one is slightly bigger, but down a grade in clarity. However, it looks just as good as a VS2 to me.

3. https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.21-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3074752?a_aid=dmnd1357
– This one is a little smaller, but looks like the highest quality to me

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I ended up ordering: https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.26-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4700977?a_aid=dmnd1357
It looked just like yours, but just a bit nicer color. Do you feel this is a good diamond? Or should I try to switch it out for yours? I just like the nicer color!

I followed your advice and changed my diamond.

Thank you so much for all of your help!