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Q&A: Help Choosing a Round Diamond for a Milgrain Bezel Solitaire With a $3,000 to $4,000 Budget

By Mike Fried,

Hello,

My boyfriend and I are in the process of looking for an engagement ring. We have been reading articles on your website to learn what we should be looking for. I am leaning toward this setting from James Allen: www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/vintage/14k-white-gold-milgrain-bezel-solitaire-engagement-ring-item-53317?a_aid=dmnd1357

How much do you charge to assist with selecting a diamond? We are finding the number of diamonds to choose from overwhelming. We are looking for either a round cut or an oval. However, I am hesitant to go with oval because of the bow tie effect. We could use some help with the selection process, but wanted to first inquire about your fees.

Our service doesn’t cost you a thing (you can read more about how we work on our site).

I’d be happy to help you find both options and you can then choose which one you like more. Just ask James Allen if it’s possible to put an oval into that setting. They don’t list it as an option there.

Can you give me your ballpark figure of what you’re looking to spend?

Thank you for your reply. That is great to hear about the zero cost for your services.

We are shopping around at local jewelry stores to see how costs compare. My 2 concerns with an online vendor are:
(1) not being able to see the diamond in person before purchase and
(2) having to mail to the vendor for regular cleaning and maintenance

I contacted James Allen. They can put an oval diamond in that setting, but the ring would be non-refundable. I would therefore prefer a round diamond.

Our budget is ideally between $3000-4000, but could go to a max of $4500 if required. I would like 0.7 to 1 carat. Willing to compromise on colour and clarity, but would like an ideal cut for maximum brilliance.

I understand your concerns about purchasing online. It’s completely up to you which way you choose.

This would be the diamond I’d recommend for the setting:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.80-carat-i-color-si2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3080700?a_aid=dmnd1357

Thank you. Would you be able to send a link to a similar diamond with E to F colour? I would like to get an idea of difference in costs. Thank you.

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!

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
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