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Q&A: Choosing a Round Diamond for a White Gold Rope Pavé Setting With a $6,500 Budget

By Mike Fried,

Hi,

I was hoping to get a diamond recommendation. My budget is up to $6500. I’m particularly looking at pave bands. Something similar to this:
www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/14k-white-gold-pave-rope-engagement-ring-item-52625?a_aid=dmnd1357

So far I like how round look in that style band.

I’ve looked through a lot of diamonds and I always am picking only ideal cut. My real question ends up being with color. I’ve found a few options at different cart weights.

1.5 Carat with K color
1.35 Carat with J color
1.2 Carat with I color

I went on James Allen’s inspiration boards and from what I could tell K color seemed like it looked good in most cases. But I read your article about color and for pave bands you recommended avoiding going that low.`

K would look quite yellowish compared to the side stones in person. I+ is what I recommend searching for. Do you want to send me the 1.20ct I color diamond you found?

Thanks for sending me the diamonds.
#1, #2 and #3 aren’t eye-clean. #2 and #4 have strong fluorescence which isn’t a good thing on I+ colors. It makes them look hazy/milky. https://www.diamonds.pro/education/fluorescence/

I’d recommend this diamond:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.20-carat-i-color-si2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2402526?a_aid=dmnd1357

There are a few inclusions on the edge, but they could be covered or distracted by prongs.

What do you think?

Thanks for the advice. I’m going to go ahead and pick the one you recommended.

My pleasure. Let me know which one you picked and how it looked in person.

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What we love about them:
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