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Q&A: Choosing a Round Diamond for a White and Rose Gold Engagement Ring with $3500-4500 Budget

By Mike Fried,

Dear Experts, First of all I would like to thank you and say that I am ecstatic to be one of the lucky individuals who have “stumble” across your website while exploring my options for engagement rings. The articles I have read and the post I have found in the “Diamond Q&A” have been extremely helpful.

I have a total budget set around $3500 but am will to go up slightly for the perfect diamond for the setting I have chosen. I am looking at purchasing a white and rose gold mixed metal setting, with a round brilliant cut loose diamond. Here is the setting: https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/mixed-metal/18k-white-gold-pave-set-four-prong-diamond-engagement-ring-item-9161

The only thing I am concern about is the cut of the diamond. I would like the diamond to be an ideal cut and I will leave the rest up to experts recommendation. Also if possible I would like the diamond to be as close to a carat as I can get.

Thank you again and your help is greatly appreciated! 

I’d be happy to help out. Is your budget for the diamond only or including the setting? 

My budget is for both the setting and the diamond. The budget is not set in “stone” (ha pun intended) but I would like to stay below 4500. 

I would go with this diamond for that setting:

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.82-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-251482?a_aid=dmnd1357

Its bright, eye-clean and a good value. What do you think? 

 

 It looks very good. Is there any significant difference between excellent and ideal cuts?

 

Seems like I have been waiting too long to buy and the diamond you picked out is no longer available. I was wondering if you could locate another one? Thanks.

1) Excellent and Ideal mean the same thing. There are two ‘gold standard’ certificates; GIA and AGS. GIA uses the word excellent and AGS uses Ideal.

2)www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.80-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-251532?a_aid=dmnd1357

How do you like this one? 

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