Q&A: Help Choosing an Oval-Cut Diamond for a Yellow Gold Ring With $5,300 Total Budget And Shipping to the UK

Hi there, my fiance and I are looking to purchase an oval solitaire engagement ring online, and have narrowed our choice down quite a lot. Our budget is around GBP 4000 including the setting, VAT, and diamond.

At the moment, we are looking at these two rings, one from James Allen and one from Blue Nile. James Allen offers a setting we prefer, but Blue Nile has the advantage of having a UK base. We were curious as to your opinion on the difference of the two. Any advice would be greatly appreciated, thank you.

Diamond 1: www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/0.98-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-3167475?a_aid=dmnd1357

Diamond 2: Blue Nile LD08664667

Thanks for your advice, shortly after I emailed you the James Allen was snapped up, so back to the drawing board.

What do you think about something like this?
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/0.97-carat-f-color-si1-clarity-sku-2794153?a_aid=dmnd1357

Or, can you see any similar ones on James Allen you’d recommend over this? I really would prefer James Allen as I don’t like any of the yellow gold settings from Blue Nile.

Thanks!

Wow what a quick response! Thank you. That’s very interesting to know, I felt the same way about that one, but spoke to the online chat at James Allen who said I wasn’t likely to see anything with the naked eye. I didn’t feel certain, and therefore emailed you back, which I’m glad I did now!

Of the three you sent, I think I love the third one. I am not a big fan of the second, the shape seems a bit pointy, and the first is fine, but already had that third one in my wish list so will mull that one over. I’ve read conflicting advice about an H with yellow gold – i.e., it will either be quite yellow with the reflections, or, because of the reflections of the yellow gold it’s not worth going higher. If you think we’re on the right track for a 1-ish carat oval with a 3,300 GBP budget I’d be interested to know.

Thanks!

Thanks for your help, we purchased the third option below in the end:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/0.98-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-3167475?a_aid=dmnd1357

Have a lovely evening!

My ring arrived last week and is stunning, I couldn’t be happier!!!

Thank you again for your help, it really gave me peace of mind buying something so expensive and important online. I’ve attached a photo, have a lovely week!