Q&A: Choosing the Best Round Diamond for a Side Stone Setting for Under $10k Budget

Hello.

I’ve met the woman that my heart desires and I’m ready to slide the rock onto her finger.
I’ve had discussions with her and I’ve selected the setting I’m sure she will love. I’m now struggling to understand what diamond to select. I am understanding that certain settings require certain qualities and cuts of diamonds but I’m not sure what qualities to give up and which I can’t budge on in order to get a great ring at a good price.

Any help provided is appreciated. I am searching for a round diamond, anywhere between 1-2 ct for the setting below…

Petite Diamond Engagement Ring

I believe my budget is up to 12k but I would prefer to stay below 10k. Is this feasible?

I really liked the 1.3, 1.42 and 1.5 ct. you sent. I can really tell the fluorescence makes a big difference.

I think my next step is to go to a jewelry store just to physically see the difference between say a 1.3 and a 1.42 ct…in the meantime, I’m willing to go above 10 k for a diamond above 1.5 ct. if you have any recommendations for that?

Hope this doesn’t throw a wrench in this process but I think I’m shifting my shopping towards James Allen. Love to hear your opinion on the matter. I’m under the impression that James Allen can offer an IdealScope on a few diamonds once you’ve narrowed it down?

Also, once shopping around and reviewing budget, I think I’m looking at diamonds under $7500 and a minimum of 1.2 ct. What are your thoughts/opinions? Sorry if I’m bothersome! Here’s the James Allen setting I have selected….

14K WHITE GOLD PETITE DIAMOND ACCENT ENGAGEMENT RING

I love the two you selected but I am considering opening up the price range a bit. After doing some shopping, it was looking like a 0.8 ct was considerably cheaper than a 1.0 ct, and a 1.2 ct wasn’t much more than a 1.0. This is leading me to believe that 0.8 ct may suffice if there is a drastic difference in price.

Can you select a 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, and 1.2 for me to compare price points? Sorry for the hassle! When do you give up on people like me?

I think I’ve officially narrowed my center diamond search down to 0.8-0.99 ct. However, I just now discovered that there may be an issue with the setting I desire from James Allen. In the model, they show off the center diamond from the side view, similar to a “Tiffany” style. However, when I click on the recently purchased rings on that page, none of them show that exposed profile view. This concerns me. As much as I wanted to go JA, maybe I have to go back to Blue Nile to achieve that Tiffany flair to the center diamond. What are your thoughts?

Great news…my engagement date is officially set. I am very close to purchase. Purchase needs to happen within the next of couple weeks. It appears the diamonds you recommended have quickly been snatched off the market. I’ve never asked you before, why do you recommend I colored diamonds? Is it not worth the extra $300-500 bucks for no yellowing? Or is I truly not noticeable?

I just wanted to check in and say thank you!

I chose the 0.8 diamond you sent and it came in the mail a couple of days ago. It’s beautiful and I cannot wait to give it to my special woman. Thank you for your help through the process, you were very patient with me and I can’t thank you enough. Have a wonderful weekend.