Q&A: Choosing a Cushion or a Princess Diamond for a Pavé Setting with Around $6k Budget

Hi, first thank you for your help. As I was reading through the info admittedly it became somewhat overwhelming. You mentioned somewhere on the page that you could recommend some diamonds based on a few things. My budget I’m looking at $5-6000, possibly more. My girlfriend has mentioned liking cushion cut and princess diamond cut stones. I have been looking at stones around 1 carat and as low as .75 carat. Her hands are rather small and she has mentioned not wanting the ring to look oversized. I am at the start of looking, hoping to possibly purchase in the near future.

Also, what are you recommendations for financing the ring/stone? If you’re able to suggest some stones that you would approve of and how they fit into a setting and what type of setting they would look best in. Also, she has mentioned liking white gold and bands with pave stones. Thank you again for your help!

Sorry for the late reply. Both diamonds look really great! I guess I have a few more questions, like I said I’m right at the beginning of this whole thing. I guess I’m curious what differences there are between these stones and ones that are more expensive (say in the 6 grand range) or ones less expensive, more towards 2 – 3 grand. I’m trying to get the best stone I can without breaking my bank if that makes sense.

Also, I can buy the diamond from Blue Nile and then take it to a local jeweler for a setting? And last two questions, your thoughts on James Allen, and also your website mentioned the GIA certification, are these diamonds within that certification and conflict free?

Thanks again for your feedback! I really appreciate it! I looked at the diamonds you selected and they are all great from what I can tell. I am still doing research, and trying to see what my girlfriend’s exact preferences are. As I said she doesn’t have the biggest hands, so I’m also looking to see what you would recommend within the .7-.85 range if carat size. Would I get a better, more quality stone in that size range? Since the size may not be a huge factor would be that be one way to get a better diamond than say a larger one that may not have the same quality? I think once I have a good idea of the range I’m looking for with size and what I can afford I can probably figure out what to get, and start figuring out the setting. I just want to get as much of a great stone as I can while not breaking my bank essentially. Thanks so much for your help and suggestions!!