Q&A: Choosing an Emerald Cut Diamond for a Petite Pavé Setting With Around $15k Budget

Hello! I’m in the market for an engagement ring and have been checking out diamonds on Brian Gavin and James Allen. Honestly, I’m lost :)… I’d love to find a stunning diamond to place in a platinum solitaire paved engagement ring. I was hoping you could help me find the balance between size, color, and clarity with an amazing cut… My budget for ring and diamond is $15kish…

Thanks!

Hello,

Thank you so much for your reply. Based on the info I gave you, it looks like you nailed it, but, further conversations with my GF has me shifting gears… It appears that I was waayyy off 🙂 Now, the hunt is on for a simple solitaire, emerald cut diamond engagement ring. I’m hoping you can help, now that I truly know what I’m shopping for…

Awesome! Thank you! We are on the right path!

What do you think of a double claw with the emerald cut?
www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/14k-white-gold-double-prong-solitaire-item-41059?a_aid=dmnd1357

As for the diamond, my fiancee is small, would a 1.8/1.9 carat stone be too big on her hands? My concern is crossing the line into costume jewelry looking… Does that make sense? Or does it matter?

Also, for color and clarity, I was under the impression I needed to stay in the D-G and VVS2 and above for Emerald Cuts, is that true? The diamonds you picked look fabulous, so I’m just curious…

Thank you again for all of your help, and I will be sure you get credit for your help upon purchasing!

I appreciate your feedback!

Which of the 3 do you prefer?
1) www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.90-carat-h-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-2675343?a_aid=dmnd1357
2) www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/2.02-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-2627314?a_aid=dmnd1357
3) www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.80-carat-f-color-vs1-clarity-sku-2668987?a_aid=dmnd1357

Hi, you nailed it. We went to a well liked local jeweler to try on some things to get an idea of stone size. I think you had it right from the beginning… The 1.8 and 1.9 really look good. I was surprised when the jeweler tried very hard to get us to like a 1.9 carat VS2 with L color for $7500, though…

Anyway – for the ring – James Allen seems limited in options – is there another online source that you would recommend for diamonds and setting? Whiteflash seems have quite a selection? What are your thoughts?

Thank you again for all of your help!

……

Oh – never mind… I outwitted the James Allen website and found a ton of options for settings 🙂 Sorry to be such a pest, but I do appreciate your help. I’ll be making the purchase in the next week and will send up a flare to ensure you receive credit…

Thank you again!

No worries, I hope you are feeling better!

I ordered the following on Friday using this email address:
Diamond:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.80-carat-f-color-vs1-clarity-sku-2668987?a_aid=dmnd1357

Setting:
www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/14k-white-gold-petite-pave-engagement-ring-item-56255?a_aid=dmnd1357

Please let me know your thoughts!