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Q&A: Help Choosing a Princess Cut Diamond for a White Gold Solitaire With a $10,500 Diamond Budget

By Mike Fried,

Hello! I’ve been looking for a ring and decided on James Allen as my choice. My future FI is letting my fully pick what ring and diamond I want. I’m having troubles finding the perfect bang for my buck.

I have a $10,500 limit for diamonds and I already know what setting I want. I’ve been iffy about buying an SI1 quality, and have been sticking towards VS2. I want preferably 1.2-1.7 carats. What should I be looking for? Can I pretty please get your help!

Thank you in advance!

Can you also tell me what style of setting (solitaire, halo, pave or other), metal (platinum/white or yellow gold) and shape of diamond you’re looking for? Then I’ll be happy to send you my suggestion.

Hello! I have been looking at both princess solitaires, and princess pavès in white gold.

Thank you so much in advance.

Thank you for the information.

I found this stone that’s slightly bigger than what you originally mentioned:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.80-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-sku-2760000?a_aid=dmnd1357

It’s very well cut, eye-clean and going to look colorless. Is it too big or do you want to go for this bigger diamond?
https://www.diamonds.pro/education/color/

What do you think?

I love that diamond! Would you be able to explain the I colouring compared to the other colouring? Will there be a huge difference while looking at it?

Since the stones in a pave style setting are small, the difference in color won’t be noticeable. I wouldn’t go lower but this way we can maximize your budget. I hope it makes more sense now.

After looking over the settings I have decided to go with a plain 14K white gold – will the colour look more yellow with this kind of setting?
www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/14k-white-gold-2mm-comfort-fit-solitaire-engagement-ring-item-7086?a_aid=dmnd1357

I color is also great for a solitaire style setting. Since you plan to use almost a 2.00 carat stone, going lower to a J would be stretching.

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!

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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
  • 24/7 Customer Service
  • 100% credit towards future upgrades (must be at least double in value)
  • Best in class fulfillment
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