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Q&A: Choosing a Round Diamond for a White Gold Solitaire or Pavé

By Mike Fried,

Hi, I’m looking to purchase an engagement ring and would like your opinions on the following diamonds that have been recommended to me by James Allen.
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.00-carat-i-color-si2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2386480?a_aid=dmnd1357

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.23-carat-j-color-si2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2402748?a_aid=dmnd1357

Thanks.

I love the I-color one. It’s beautifully cut and some of the harshest inclusions can be possibly covered with prongs.

What style setting are you using for the ring?

What is your opinion of the 1.23ct J diamond? This seems to look alot whiter than the other however I’m no expert.

For settings I had 2 in mind:
www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/danhov/18k-white-gold-classico-single-shank-engagement-ring-style-cl141-by-danhov-item-58142?a_aid=dmnd1357

www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/martin-flyer/14k-white-gold-pave-infinity-halo-engagement-ring-by-martin-flyer-item-54991?a_aid=dmnd1357

Both 2402748 or 2386480 can go with the solitaire.

If I was to choose the halo I’d match it with 2386480.

What are your thoughts?

If there are any other diamonds or styles you can recommend, happy to hear them. My partner’s hands are quite small and so is her ring finger. She’s a size 4.5 (Australian size i 1/2).

The J one seems ok, but the black inclusions in the middle is a concern.

The color is never judged by a photo.

For a simple solitaire setting, I/J color is perfectly fine, but for a halo, H color is what I’d recommend at the lowest (lower grades would look yellowish compared to the smaller stones in the halo. They are way too close to the center and will make the color difference.)

Something like this would be my recommendation:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.97-carat-e-color-si2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-1902507?a_aid=dmnd1357

I searched in the H+ range and this diamond happened to be a better value than some of the Hs I found there. Ask JA if you can have the inclusion covered with a prong. Other than that, the diamond is fine.

Thanks for the advice and the diamond suggestion.Thinking about the setting options further, I’m probably more leaning towards the solitaire. As this allows for her to perhaps wear a diamond wedding band/s flush against the ring as well.

So it’s just a question as to which diamond should I choose to go with it.

With the Danhov Solitaire:
2386480 works out to be approx 7.7k (keeping me way within my budget 6-9k)
2402748 works out to be pretty much 9k
1902507 (that one you suggested) works out to be about 8.6k

Is there much difference noticeable in size between the 1.23ct (2402748) and the other two (including the one you’ve suggested)?

Also, happy to consider any other diamond suggestions you may have. Doesn’t have to be from JA either.

I love that I-SI2. It’s fantastically cut and will look great in a solitaire setting. There’s no reason to go with a more expensive diamond, this one is an excellent choice.

The difference in size might be noticeable if you put the diamonds side by side, but what you could really see would be the difference in brilliance. The I one is much better cut than the J one.

Thanks for the advice in assisting me in making the right choice of diamond to go for.

Based on that I will most likely go for the I-S12 with the 18K White Gold Classico Single Shank Engagement Ring setting.
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.00-carat-i-color-si2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2386480?a_aid=dmnd1357

www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/danhov/18k-white-gold-classico-single-shank-engagement-ring-style-cl141-by-danhov-item-58142?a_aid=dmnd1357

Kind regards.

……

Before I buy, just wanted to get your one last thoughts on these two settings… Or do you prefer my original solitaire choice.
www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/unique/14k-white-gold-double-claw-prong-solitaire-basket-engagement-ring-item-59578?a_aid=dmnd1357

www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/danhov/18k-white-gold-classico-single-shank-engagement-ring-style-cl138-by-danhov-item-58140?a_aid=dmnd1357

Just want to make sure that I’m choosing the right setting too ?

Thanks for help again.

The setting style is all about fashion and style; this is uniquely personal and not an area we can really help with. I think its best to leave you to pick out the style. A simple and elegant setting like a solitaire will make the stone stand out; a pave can add some more brilliance to the ring thanks to the smaller diamonds in the band. It’s entirely up to your taste.

I’ve already purchased the ring!

Thanks for your help.

That’s great news!

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.

Sorry for the late response.

The ring arrived a while ago but I finally popped the question and gave it to her yesterday. The ring looks great and she loved it of course.

Just wanted to thank you for your assistance through this process.

‘m so happy for you! And I’m glad you love the ring. It’s been a pleasure helping you. Also, can you send us a pic of your new diamond? We’d love to inspire other readers with photos in our gallery.

I wish you and your partner a life of happiness and fulfillment.

Please find attached pic of the ring.

Beautiful picture, thank you for sending it over!

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What we love about them:
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