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Q&A: Choosing a Round, Princess or Pear-Shaped Diamond for a Yellow Gold Solitaire With $4k-$5k Budget

By Mike Fried,

I am looking for a diamond ring, with gold band and my budget is between $4-5k.

Thank you.

I’d be happy to make some recommendations for you, but I need a little more info.

What shape diamond are you looking for?

What style setting (solitaire, pave/side stones/halo) do you want to use? This may affect the colors that I recommend for the center diamond (as we explain in our post on color).

Thank you for responding.

I’m looking for a solitaire that will look good on gold band. Now that is not my final decision but I’ve always liked gold over platinum. On the GIA Diamond color scale I’d consider something in between the G-K scale.

What other information can I provide that will assist you in helping me find the right diamond?

Let me know.

Thank you for the info about the setting. Can you just tell me what shape diamond you are looking for?

My first choice is round shaped.

I would consider pear and square shaped also.

Alright, thank you.

For a yellow gold solitaire (no additional diamonds on the band or around the center stone), K color is what I’d recommend for a round diamond. For pears and princess cuts, I wouldn’t go lower than an H and an I.

This would be my recommendation:
www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/14k-yellow-gold-2mm-knife-edge-solitaire-engagement-ring-item-41484?a_aid=dmnd1357

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.25-carat-k-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-50185?a_aid=dmnd1357

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/pear-shaped/1.06-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-2361477?a_aid=dmnd1357

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.20-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-sku-2352939?a_aid=dmnd1357

All of these diamonds are well cut, eye-clean and any of them will be very brilliant.

What do you think?

Wow, I love the first round diamond. It is truly beautiful! However I wonder how will a round brilliant cut look like? Do you have suggestion for a round brilliant cut.

Also, I noticed that in the below picture the yellow tint is clearly visible. Will it be visible to the naked eye?

I’m definitely interested in a gold band/setting. How common is it to get a gold setting? Do you have data on what skin tone is suited for gold vs white setting? Not important but thought I should ask.

The links that you’ve suggested are from James Allen. Do you have any other sellers?

Thank you for your help. I really appreciate it.

I’m glad you like that diamond. Round brilliant cut is just another name for a round cut diamond.

K color is our usual recommendation for a yellow gold solitaire and it still looks good. The metal color will add a slight hue to any diamond so there is no point in paying extra for the higher grades. The choice of metal is 100% a matter of personal taste and style. I think its best to leave you to pick it out.

Here’s a lovely option from Ritani as a comparison:
www.ritani.com/diamonds/round-diamond-1-20-Carat-K-color-GIA-certified/D-FS2RPN

It’s fantastically cut.

What do you think?

I’d like to go ahead with this diamond. To buy, should I go to the store first try to check it out or just order online?

I would like to physically see it. What do you recommend?

Ritani offers a pre-view in the store, so just message their customer service and ask them if it’s possible to physically see this particular diamond. They will tell you more.

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.
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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
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