We are reader-supported. Buying through any red colored link on our site may earn us commissions. Learn More.

Q&A: Choosing the Best Cut Round Diamond for a Platinum Solitaire Setting With Up to £3,000 Budget

By Mike Fried,

Hi,

I have a budget for the diamond of around 3000£ and I am trying to decide in between these 3 diamonds. I was wondering if you can give me a suggestion:

Blue Nile LD10178710

https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.735-f-vs2-round-diamond-bkags-104094817007?a_aid=y

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.75-carat-f-color-vs2-clarity-true-hearts-cut-sku-4632133?a_aid=dmnd1357&chan=je

All have flaws that can be seen from the picture on the websites. But at their actual size should be alright.
Blue Nile and Brian Gavin have the nicest settings but if you think the James Allen is much better I would find something for it.

If you already know better solutions for my budget or more sites I should look into I am happy to follow your advice.

LD10178710 – this diamond is not eye-clean and also, strong fluorescence should be avoided on I and higher colors. It might make the diamond look hazy. For G+ diamonds you should get only none or faint fluorescence

104094817007 – this one is stunning! The inclusions look subtle and should get unnoticed

4632133 – this one is gorgeous, I like it a lot

Can you just tell me what style setting you’re using? We don’t think it makes sense to waste money on G+ diamonds as the difference in colors isn’t usually recognizable from anything above an H grade: https://www.diamonds.pro/education/color/

I’d be happy to look around and find a better value for you.

I am just a bit reluctant because if compared to a higher color grade diamond I can clearly tell which one is which. While G+ is much more difficult to tell.

For the setting I am looking for something simple, no halo, no other gems ecc. made of platinum. I think my girlfriend will quite like something like these twist rings.

https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/three-prong-martini-solitaire-platinum-5355p?a_aid=y
https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/twist-solitaire-platinum-6650p?a_aid=y
Also considering the stone not being really big, those solutions leave quite a lot of free space to see the diamond.

Color-wise, have you seen any GIA certified diamonds in person? I have seen many of them and unless you are extremely color sensitive, the difference between an H and, let’s say, an F is really not noticeable (once the diamond is set). Especially in a solitaire setting where you are not comparing the center stone to any other diamonds. Normally, we recommend J color for solitaires and it still looks colorless. So an H as a perfectly safe choice and a much better value than G+. But it’s up to you.

This is what I’d go with:

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.77-carat-h-color-if-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4670567?a_aid=dmnd1357

Blue Nile LD10283185

https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.735-h-vs1-round-diamond-ags-104093583033?a_aid=y
They are gorgeous and all of them will be very brilliant.

Thank you for your help and precious suggestions.
As I am really stubborn I chose the Brian Gavin diamond I initially showed you (not the best value but hopefully still a good choice).

I would like to thank you and the staff of your website for the very helpful guide and reviews that helped me through the process. I wouldn’t have end up in Brian Gavin website otherwise.

That’s great news! That diamond, like all BGDS stones, is an excellent choice.

If you can also write me back once you receive the ring, that would be great. I’d love to know how you like it in person.

The ring has arrived today, although I am not an expert I really really like it, it looks stunning.

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
Arrow down
Arrow up
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
Arrow down
Arrow up

Still afraid of getting ripped off?

Before you buy a diamond, get personal buying advice from industry veterans. We'll help you get the best diamond for the money.

Ask your diamond purchase question here

  • Hidden
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

DISCLAIMER: We don't use your email for marketing. Period.

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

Here is your coupon code: GFDSF3GF

Diamond Pro

Diamond Pro

  • Unfortunately, the AI chat we worked so hard training is not helping our readers the way we would like. You deserve the best advice you can get.

    Would you like to contact a human diamond pro? Just fill out this email form and we will answer you ASAP (usually within one day).

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.