We are reader-supported. Buying through any red colored link on our site may earn us commissions. Learn More.

Q&A: Choosing a Center Diamond for a Three-Stone Setting With a $10k Total Budget

By Mike Fried,

Looking for a diamond ring with either emerald cut, radiant cut, or princess. I have a 10k budget and saw some nice settings with side stones and smaller channel stones. I have heard that emerald loses its glitter under 3 carats and was told princess would be nicer. We actually like that stone too.

I am nervous buying on line and also concerned about buying at a store. I can show pics of some I designed and what we saw at NYC diamond district. It seems like pricing can be all over the place.

We don’t really recommend buying diamonds locally, unless you find a really good value and a reputable jeweler. We think that the best bang for your buck is purchasing a diamond from an online retailer.

I looked around and I like these options for you:

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.76-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-sku-2003534?a_aid=dmnd1357

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/radiant-cut/1.50-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-2209726?a_aid=dmnd1357

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.71-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-sku-1083069?a_aid=dmnd1357

They are well cut, eye-clean and any of them will make a beautiful ring.

Emeralds usually have less brilliance no matter what carat weight they are: https://www.diamonds.pro/education/asscher-cut/

What do you think?

Shouldn’t the clarity be higher even with a slightly smaller stone? I want to pay around 10k for whole ring. Here are a few pics of designs we like:


Thank you!

Those are the best choices I could find within your budget. Clarity grade is not that important – when the diamond is eye-clean, it simply is eye-clean.

Thank you for the picture of the setting. Any of the diamonds I picked will look great in it.

Do you also look for settings?

That’s nice what size started new are on sides?

However, it looks like it can be set only with a princess cut. I suggest talking to the JA custom service and asking them if they could adjust it for you (in case you end up going with a radiant or emerald).

I think the princess is fine but does it have a matching wedding band? I want to be sure that it would look right so we don’t have to create a bump out to fit right.

Thanks.

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. Get 30% off lab-grown diamonds during a limited time sale.
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
Arrow down
Arrow up
Blue Nile Blue Nile is the largest and most well-known internet jewelry seller. They have a very large exclusive online inventory. Their high-quality images are catching up to James Allens' and their prices are amazing. Save 25% on settings at Blue Nile!

Please enter your email address to receive your 25% off coupon code:

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
Arrow down
Arrow up

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

  • Hidden
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

DISCLAIMER: We don't use your email for marketing. Period.

Please enter your email address to receive your 25% off coupon code:

Here is your coupon code: GFDSF3GF