We are reader-supported. Buying through any red colored link on our site may earn us commissions. Learn More.

Q&A: Help Choosing a Round Diamond for a Petite Pavé With an $8,000 Budget

By Mike Fried,

Hi, I’ve been on your site for a little while now and I was hoping you could provide some feedback on a diamond that I am interested in purchasing from Blue Nile.

Blue Nile LD08080128

Is it a good value? In terms of specs, do you think it’s worth the price?

Thank you!

I’m not a huge fan of the cut on that diamond. The angles are off. I’d focus on something better cut to maximize brilliance.

Can you tell me what style setting you are using? This may affect the colors that I recommend for the center diamond (as we explain in our post on color).

Thanks for the prompt response. I’m intending on purchasing a petite pave setting with 4 prongs. Also, I’m looking for at least 1.35 ct with maximum brilliance while staying under $8000. I know this might be asking for a lot but I’m hoping you can help.

Let me know if there’s any other information you need. Thanks!

Great, thank you for the additional info. Let’s stick with an I color.

This would be my recommendation:
Blue Nile LD08523353

It’s superbly cut and will have a lot of added brilliance.

If you want, you can use this coupon code that gives you $50 off of your order: [contact us for your own unique coupon code]

What do you think?

Love the diamond. If I want to keep the cost of everything (diamond and setting) to below $8200, what do you think I should do? I’m finding that the settings alone are about $1k.

You can go with something like this:
Blue Nile LD08371790
Blue Nile LD08448916

The difference in size is negligible.

Thoughts?

Of those two, which do you think is whiter?

Either of them will look colorless. The VVS one is slightly better cut, but both of them will have a lot of fire. It’s entirely up to you now.

Thanks! This was very helpful.

I’m glad I could help.

Is there anything else you need to know?

For the first diamond I picked, what indicated that the brilliance wouldn’t be that good?

The depth was close to the upper edge of what we recommend. Ideally, the closer to 61.5% the better. Also, different angles work better with different depth/table combinations.

I like its cut, but the crystal inclusion on the table is a concern. It might be visible to the naked eye.

I’m considering purchasing this one. I think I can live with the inclusion as long as it’s brilliant. Does Diamonds Pro have a relationship with this Yadav?

Thanks.

We don’t, but it’s fine. That diamond looks very good and is cheaper than what I’ve found for you. Go with it, it will be, indeed, very brilliant.

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
Arrow down
Arrow up
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
Arrow down
Arrow up

Still afraid of getting ripped off?

Before you buy a diamond, get personal buying advice from industry veterans. We'll help you get the best diamond for the money.

Ask your diamond purchase question here

  • Hidden
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

DISCLAIMER: We don't use your email for marketing. Period.

Please enter your email address to receive your 25% off coupon code:

Here is your coupon code: GFDSF3GF

Diamond Pro

Diamond Pro

  • Unfortunately, the AI chat we worked so hard training is not helping our readers the way we would like. You deserve the best advice you can get.

    Would you like to contact a human diamond pro? Just fill out this email form and we will answer you ASAP (usually within one day).

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.