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Q&A: Choosing a Round Diamond for a Yellow Gold Solitaire Setting with $7k-$8k Budget

By Mike Fried,

I have been reading your page and let me begin by saying thank you for all of the excellent information! For a guy like with little to no experience in the field it can be EXTREMELY frustrating to self teach. I am not sure if this email is still monitored, but why not give it a shot!?

The setting is solitaire, 18k yellow gold. I have received a quote from James Allen on a custom matching band. Now all I need is a stone…

The stone budget is circa $7,000. I could stretch up to $8,000, for the perfect fit, but of course my main concern is getting the most for my money.

Thank you so much, even if this email is no longer supported, you have been a great help! 

 

Happy to help. What are your size expectations? That would help me determine whether its worth it to stretch your budget or not. 

Of course. I am looking at stones anywhere between 1-1.5 carat. I prefer to buy from James Allen because of their viewing option, and I am also purchasing a setting through their custom department. Here are some stones I have in my mental “cart”:

181354
266541
256368
249875
278244
275086

Thank you so much again, any input at all will be awesome! 

I would recommend this one:

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.27-carat-j-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-266541?a_aid=dmnd1357

It will look just as good as any of the ones you selected. I think its an awesome value. What do you think? 

I like it! Just out of curiosity, did you look at only my list, or did you look at other options outside if my list?

My biggest hurdle is not being familiar with what will be “eye clean.” Several of those stones I sent you look identical to me (self-trained novice that I am) even though the prices are very different. All I care about is her being happy and having the stone look attractive, but I want to make sure I am getting top value for my dollar!

I really, really appreciate the help. This is an awesome thing you do. 

I did look at your list and beyond. This one was cheaper and you won’t notice any difference between them. 

I just wanted you to know that I went with the stone we discussed and a custom setting. I just got the final product in and it is PERFECT. I am so glad that I went with the more cost effective stone, the setting is so beautiful. It is exactly what I was hoping it would be.

Thank you so much for the help! 

 

Thanks for writing and letting us know. I’m delighted that you were pleased with our help. We wish you and your partner a life of happiness and fulfillment. 

James Allen James Allen is the leader in online diamond sales. Their imaging technology is the same as inspecting a diamond with a jeweler's loupe. They have the largest exclusive loose diamond inventory online and fantastic prices. They also have the nicest collection of lab-created diamonds online.
What we love about them:
  • No questions asked returns within 30 days of shipment. James Allen will send you a paid shipping label to return the ring.
  • Lifetime Warranty
  • Free International Shipping
  • Free prong tightening, repolishing, rhodium plating and cleaning every 6 months
  • Provide insurance appraisals
  • One free resizing within 60 days of purchase
  • Free ring inscriptions
  • Best-in-class high quality imagery of all diamonds in stock
  • 24/7 Customer Service
  • Best-in-class packaging
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Blue Nile Blue Nile is the largest and most well-known internet jewelry seller. They have a very large exclusive online inventory. Their high-quality images are catching up to James Allens' and their prices are amazing. Save 25% on settings at Blue Nile!

Please enter your email address to receive your 25% off coupon code:

What we love about them:
  • No questions asked returns within 30 days of shipment. Blue Nile will send you a paid shipping label to return the ring.
  • Lifetime Warranty
  • Free Shipping
  • Free prong tightening, repolishing, rhodium plating and cleaning every 6 months
  • Provide insurance appraisal
  • One free resizing within the first year of purchase
  • High quality images of about half of their diamonds
  • 24/7 Customer Service
  • 100% credit towards future upgrades (must be at least double in value)
  • Best in class fulfillment
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