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Q&A: Choosing a Center Diamond for a White Gold Setting Within a $5k Total Budget

By Mike Fried,

Hi! I’m looking for a diamond ring under $5,000. I’d like a white gold setting (preferably Halo), with the best cut, clarity and color possible ‭(in that order of importance, I understand that that’s how I should prioritize the search – please correct me if I’m wrong). Can you please help me out?

You are leaning towards the right direction. I’d be happy to make some recommendations for you, but I need a little more info.

What shape diamond are you looking for?

I am looking for a 0.80 – 0.90 ct. round diamond, with a very good/excellent cut, VS1 clarity and H/G color. Preferably not a solitaire. I like ones with smaller diamonds on both sides of a white gold setting. Does that help?

Great, that helps a lot, thank you.

I looked around and I love these options for you:
Blue Nile Riviera Pavé Diamond Engagement Ring
Blue Nile LD07248496

Blue Nile Floating Halo Diamond Engagement Ring
Blu Nile LD07565021

Both of the diamonds are fantastically cut and either of them will be very brilliant. I color is our usual recommendation for a pave setting, H if it’s a halo.

We also have some coupon codes for Blue Nile. It gives you $100 off of your order [contact us for your own unique coupon code].

What do you think?

I like both settings and suggestions. Another setting I really like is the Coin Cowie Primrose one from Blue Nile.

161213-03

Thank you. For that one, I color will be the way to go.

Really? How so? I was thinking of an ideal cut and VS1 clarity. What do you think?

Well, there are tiny diamonds in the band, but they are not that close to the center stone. In a halo, they are right next to the main diamond, therefore we recommend increasing the color grade to H.

This diamond I sent you in my previous email will be perfect for it.

Thoughts?

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
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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
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