Q&A: Help Choosing the Perfect Diamond Engagement Ring for Around $5k Budget

Hi, I’m looking to compare 2 options for an engagement ring. 1st would be a .8-1 carat diamond in a halo and pave setting. My fingers are short and bony (thin with big knuckles unfortunately), so I’m looking for a thin shank with large head/central stone so the proportions look right.

The second option I was thinking of was a solitaire on rose gold. Could go for a larger stone with this but not compromise on cost by using a colour such as J. The next issue is a little more tricky – if possible I would like a sapphire accent at the base of the head.

My budget is $4000-$5000 and I’m living in Ireland so would need to buy from a company either in Ireland or who would ship here. Thanks for your help. This website has been hugely helpful for educating myself before making a very big, important purchase. Thank you.

Thanks for getting back to me.

Overall I don’t like the ring in the photo I’ve attached but you can see the sapphire accent.

I found 3 examples on James Allen of rings I really like. Have included the photos below.
14K WHITE GOLD FALLING EDGE PAVE DIAMOND ENGAGEMENT RING
14K ROSE GOLD COMPASS POINT ENGAGEMENT RING
14K WHITE GOLD PAVE KNIFE EDGE LOTUS BASKET RING

Found 3 beautiful rings on Blue Nile as well but didn’t find a halo setting that I liked. They did have halo settings with colour accents but no sapphire and most had overly elaborate split shank.
Blue Nile Petite Micropavé Diamond Engagement Ring
Blue Nile Petite Solitaire Engagement Ring
Blue Nile Petite Milgrain Diamond Engagement Ring

Apologies there are three different styles of rings there. I still have to determine exactly which one I prefer

Below is an example of a solitaire rose gold ring on my finger. That is with a .77 carat stone.

Thanks for your help again!

Sorry for delay… Took a bit of time finalising what setting I wanted. I’ve chosen a petite pave cathedral setting from Blue Nile, stock number 23175 for €861.
Blue Nile Petite Cathedral Pavé Diamond Engagement Ring

What I’ve found searching myself for diamonds is a 1.03 ct diamond, colour J GIA certified with an excellent cut and strong blue fluorescence for €4296. Do you think this is good value and are there any other diamonds you would recommend? I’ve decided against the sapphire accent.

Thanks again!

……

Sorry, from the email just below meant to mention the clarity – SI1, personally at high magnification I can’t see more than occasional fleck at the edge of the diamond.

Thanks again.

Hi,

I’ll send them a message this evening to request a photo.

Thanks!

Hi,

They sent on the photo from Blue Nile. Included below. Largest inclusion at the edge of the diamonds.

Kind regards.