Q&A: Finding the Best Round Diamond for a Platinum or White Gold Setting with a $5k Budget

Thank you for the kind words. We appreciate it. Now, let’s see how I can help you.

I looked at the diamonds you selected and to be perfectly honest, I’m not a huge fan of them. The SIs are not eye-clean and the VS1 diamond is cut a little deeper than we recommend.

I’d be happy to find better alternatives for you if you like. Can you tell me what style setting you are using for the ring? It’ll help me make sure I choose the right color for you. 

Great, thanks for the additional info.

For metal, we always recommend white gold over platinum because of the huge disparity in upfront costs: https://www.diamonds.pro/education/platinum-vs-gold/. Both metals require upkeep every few years. WG needs to be dipped to retain its color and luster while PT needs to be cleaned and polished because it gets scratched and duller over time. So in the end, platinum costs you more in the beginning and doesn’t end up saving you any money in the long run. And I’d recommend 14k white gold. It’s cheaper and more durable than 18k.

The setting you picked is beautiful and I color is exactly what we recommend for it. Something like this would be perfect for it:

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.05-carat-i-color-si2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2183370?a_aid=dmnd1357
I suggest asking JA if they can get it inspected by their in-house gemologists regarding the feather on the edge. They’ll tell you if it’s possible to cover it with a prong and also, if it won’t affect the diamond’s structure. If they say it’s fine, you got yourself a great value, the diamond is well cut and apart from that inclusion perfectly eye-clean.

Let me know your thoughts. 

The one you sent me was cut a little too deep. The cut on the diamond I recommended was much better.

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.