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Q&A: Help Choosing a .90-1.00 Ct. Round Diamond for a White Gold Solitaire With a $4,000 Budget

By Mike Fried,

Hi, I’m looking for a 0.9-1 Ct, round diamond to put into a solitaire 4 prong setting. My budget is under $4k for the diamond if possible?

Thanks for your time in advance!

What metal are you thinking? While gold/platinum or yellow/rose gold?

White gold or platinum. Do you recommend one over another?

White gold over platinum. The reason is the huge disparity in upfront costs. As our article says, the WG has to be dipped every few years and the platinum needs to be polished as well because it scratches. So ultimately, platinum costs you more in the beginning and doesn’t end up saving you any money in the long run.

The largest diamond I found within 4k was around 0.93ct:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.93-carat-j-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3248979?a_aid=dmnd1357

It’s gorgeously cut, eye-clean and will look very bright and brilliant.

Let me know what you think.

That diamond looks good to me. Should I order 14 or 18K white gold for the ring portion?

Thanks!

The type of white gold doesn’t really matter. 14K gold is more durable and a bit cheaper, but the price difference isn’t huge.

I placed the order and used this email.

Thanks for your help.

Great to hear.

Let me know how it looks when you receive it.

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.
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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
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