Q&A: Choosing a Round Diamond for a White Gold or Platinum Setting with a $7k-8k Budget

 I am looking at a white gold 18k white gold cathedral setting from james allen for a round diamond.
www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/?a_aid=dmnd1357&chan=x

I wondered if you had any thoughts on diamonds I should look at for 7-8k for this setting. I have read what I believe to be every iota on your website, and I feel informed but your guidance seems to lead to happy wives and lads across the board.

Thanks for your help. 

Wow, the cut is amazing seems like it almost has the hearts and arrows effect. I can see some “dusting” or inclusions when i rotate it around. I realize nothing is perfect, but if you think it is eye clean I will trust you.

Any thoughts on platinum versus 18k white gold? Is replating that big of hassle in the long run?

Thanks for your wisdom. 

 So almost one year later two moves across the country, and one graduation I am back in the saddle to purchase an engagement ring. I was reading through all of your suggestions for similar situations to mine and I found that you suggested this diamond:

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.32-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-179934?a_aid=dmnd1357&chan=x

I really like this diamond, but have selected a more expensive setting than I originally thought in 14k white gold:

www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/14k-white-gold-six-prong-knife-edged-solitaire-engagement-ring-item-22590?a_aid=dmnd1357&chan=x

Any suggestions on anything close in size and quality in the 7-8k range or is this diamond worth the extra rainy day fund donation?

Thanks for all your help and your time.

…
Also just because I know you don’t get enough email I went through nearly all the 7-8k diamonds with your filters and these are the ones I came up with that I thought might make you feel like your FAQ paid off. Hopefully I am right. The 1.4 is obviously the odd ball out, and I kept looking for a reason to kick it out.

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.40-carat-j-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-431876?a_aid=dmnd1357&chan=x

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.21-carat-j-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-90723?a_aid=dmnd1357&chan=x

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.21-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-468732?a_aid=dmnd1357&chan=x

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.20-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-468994?a_aid=dmnd1357&chan=x

Thanks again.