Q&A: Choosing a Round Diamond for a Platinum Solitaire Setting for a $15k Budget

I understand your concerns. However, we think that the best bang for your buck is purchasing a diamond from an online retailer. The average markup for an online retailer is 14-19%. For good brick and mortar jewelers (that don’t scam you) it’s 35-100%. Luxury brands mark up 100-300% (you are paying for all of Tiffany’s overhead and marketing investments).

Also, we only recommend reputable companies we have had great experiences with (and we’ve received nothing but positive feedback about).

Now, on to the ring.
This is the setting that looks very much like the Tiffany’s one:
www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/14k-white-gold-six-prong-knife-edged-solitaire-engagement-ring-item-22590?a_aid=dmnd1357

And here’s a diamond that will look great in it:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/2.19-carat-j-color-vs1-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-2069613?a_aid=dmnd1357
It’s well cut, eye-clean and bright. It’ll make a beautiful ring.

What do you think? 

You’re welcome.

J color is our usual recommendation for a white gold solitaire setting and it looks fantastic. There are no additional diamonds in the band that might make the difference in colors noticeable.

But here’s one beautiful I color option as well:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.82-carat-i-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2139358?a_aid=dmnd1357

Regarding the three diamonds you selected, I’m not a huge fan of them. Strong fluorescence on an I color is a big problem, it usually causes haziness. https://www.diamonds.pro/education/fluorescence/

The remaining two are eye-clean, but their cut could be better. The one I picked above is much better cut and will be more brilliant.

Thoughts? 

Sure, it’ll look the same.

For metal, we always recommend white gold over platinum because of the huge disparity in upfront costs: https://www.diamonds.pro/education/platinum-vs-gold/. Both metals require upkeep every few years. WG needs to be dipped to retain its color and luster while PT needs to be cleaned and polished because it gets scratched and duller over time. So in the end, platinum costs you more in the beginning and doesn’t end up saving you any money in the long run. And14k white gold is cheaper and more durable than 18k.

I’m not saying you shouldn’t go with platinum, though. If you like it, go with it. It won’t change the appearance of the center stone

That’s great news! I’m glad I could help you decide on the diamond.

I hope you’ll love it when you receive it. If you could let me know how it looks when it arrives, I’d appreciate it.