Q&A: Help Choosing a Round Diamond for a Platinum Ring With $6,000 Budget

Hi,

I am going to buy an engagement ring for my wonderful girlfriend and was hoping you guys could give me some advice and recommendations.

My budget is around $5-6000 for the diamond (but closer to 5 would be ideal).

I am based in the UK but will be visiting Miami at the beginning of next month for a long weekend so would have the option of getting the ring shipped to my address in Miami if I time it right or collecting from a FedEx location. I think it would be more cost effective for me to collect the diamond in the US rather than shipping it to the UK. I also have no preference as to which retailer I use, just whatever one gives me the best bang for my buck.

I want a round brilliant diamond, in a solitaire platinum setting, weighing 1.2-1.4 carats. Minimum of J colour, minimum cut ideal and eye clean. My minimums requirements are based on what I’ve read on the website, I’m happy for you to overrule any of these.

Thanks.

Thanks for the advice, I have requested a photo of the recommended diamond from Blue Nile and we will see what it looks like and then hopefully you can let me know which you would choose of the two.

As for the ring itself, my girlfriend has the idea that she ‘needs’ a platinum ring, so I think I’ll just have to swallow the cost of that as I want her to be as happy with it as possible, even though I understand WG is more cost effective for little/no downgrade in the long-term.

Thanks.

I have received the requested picture from Blue Nile:

Of the two recommended diamonds, would you recommend one over the other? (And why)?

Thanks!

Looks like both of these diamonds are now unfortunately unavailable! Are you able to suggest any alternatives?

Thanks!

Thanks again,

The James Allen one does indeed look available again!

Finally (I think I have nearly made my choice of setting and am ready to buy) are you able to recommend an alternative or 2 closer to the $6k mark, just so I can see what I would get if I were to spend a little more?

Thanks (and sorry for the repeated requests).

Thank you.

I seem to be drawn to the 1.24 carat diamond, but that’s purely because it is the largest weight.

Would there be any reason to choose any of the other suggestions over it? If not, I think I’ll go with that one.

Thanks!

Thanks for your help.

I have ordered this one:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.24-carat-j-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3362898?a_aid=dmnd1357

with this setting:
www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/platinum-modern-tulip-diamond-engagement-ring-item-51014?a_aid=dmnd1357

Using this email address.

Thanks again for all of your help 😊