My intention is to get a round cut diamond between 0.9 and 1 carat and set it in a yellow gold solitaire setting.
My questions are
1) is there any reason not to go with good old fashioned prongs,
2) for a diamond of the size I’m going with, would you recommend 4 prongs or 6,
3) on the James Allen site, for example, there’s a 2 or 3 fold difference in price between settings with no apparent difference to me between them except subtle design differences – what would I be paying for in choosing a more expensive setting if everything I’m looking at is 14k yellow gold with prongs?
Thank you for your help, will likely be back for guidance on diamonds!
As you say, the differences between yellow gold settings on James Allen are subtle. You might pay a bit more for the design, or for 18k gold instead of 14k. If you like the traditional solitaire look, then there’s no reason to go with anything else. After all, the setting style is 100% a matter of personal taste and style.
Regarding the prongs, the 6-prong setting would add additional security if you wish to do so.
I’m happy to suggest some diamonds to you if you like.
Thanks for the advice.
Some more questions for you:
I’m thinking of going with a yellow gold 1.5mm band and making a custom request for platinum prongs (going with 4 prongs). My concern is that I’ve heard that bands this small are more susceptible to bending out of shape or even breaking. Do you think this is a legitimate concern?
Second, on to diamonds. I’m shooting for a budget around $3000 (including stone AND setting), with a setting that doesn’t cost much more than $400. The diamond I’m looking for is round, ~0.9 carat, ~K, ~VS2, excellent. Round shape and excellent cut are the only two non-negotiables there. I’m considering this:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.91-carat-k-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4046330?a_aid=dmnd1357
What are your thoughts and do you have other recommendations?
1) We’ve never heard of this issue. Is JA making this custom setting for you? If so, I wouldn’t worry about it, we have great experiences with the quality of their settings.
2) As for the diamond you sent me, I’d go with something else. IGI is not the best cert. Their lab is less consistent and they inflate the color/clarity grades by at least one (on average). https://www.diamonds.pro/education/igi/
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.80-carat-k-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4187944?a_aid=dmnd1357
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.90-carat-k-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3295297?a_aid=dmnd1357
These two are certified by the most accurate lab and have great specs. Either of them will be very bright and brilliant.
What do you think?
Good to know about the IGI cert.
I really like the first option that you sent along (0.8 K VS1). I think that should be a good proportion against a size 5.5 ring that is 1.5mm wide.
I’m going to go with that one!
I’m glad you like it!
If you can also write me back once you receive the ring, that would be great. I’d love to know how you like it in person.
Sounds good, will do!
…
It arrived! Looks great. Pic attached. Thanks again!
It looks beautiful! Thank you very much for sharing the photo with me. I’m glad you are happy with it.
If it’s not too much to ask, do you think you can do us a quick favor and write a small review on www.ivouch.com? If you could, I would be extremely grateful.
[LINK TO REVIEW ON IVOUCH]
I wish you and your partner a life of happiness and fulfillment.
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
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
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
DISCLAIMER: We don't use your email for marketing. Period.
