Q&A: Help Choosing a Round Diamond for a Petite Pavé Engagement Ring With A $3,500 to $4,000 Budget

Hi Diamond Pro!

Thank you for the highly informative website that helped me greatly with my engagement purchase decision making! I came across a princess cut diamond on Blue Nile LD06903879, @$3500 – <$4000, it’s within my budget range for a diamond. I’m ready to buy within the week.

Ideally, my girlfriend wants a 1 carat but studying the 4 C’s and various articles of your website, I prefer the spec of this. Is there another diamond I should consider? Considering this is “signature ideal cut” with so many “excellent”, would this diamond have the brilliance/looks of a 1 carat of lesser grades (cut, color, clarity)? Or “signature ideal cut” simply aiming too high? Or not even a noticeable difference compared to “very good”? Your expertise will be appreciated greatly!

Thank you.

Your recommendation offers incredible savings! And I do not see significant differences between your suggestion and the one I found. Although I really love the savings, it truly allows me to budget more out for a better diamond. Do you have a better diamond option for something under $3500? Following your higher standards for cuts, of course.

If it helps, I picked “Petite Diamond Engagement Ring in 14k White Gold” (Stock # 42029) as a mount.

I understand that the one I found: 0.81, Sig ideal, H, FL. Might be over the top as “flawless” might be concealed within the mounting and going for less clarity might offer something better (cut, color, carat). So your help is greatly appreciated!

Thank you.

I’m not too comfortable with these 2 as there are no actual pictures or the usual ‘360 viewer’. Blue Nile should do something about that!

As for I color, I like to stay H and above. That is simply out of an amateur’s eye of seeing tiny diamonds on a white card tray at Robbins Bros. You’re probably right about it still looking beautiful and colorless, ideal inspection viewing conditions ruined me…

Out of these 2 selected, without pictures and judging from the GIA cert, Blue Nile LD07800137 (1.01 carat) seems nicer! The pinpoints seems to all be at the edges and should, in theory, hidden within the setting. Right?

Thank you.

……

Just surfing the web and I found this:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/0.90-carat-i-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-2212104?a_aid=dmnd1357

On either:

14k White Gold Cross Prong Pave Set Surprise Diamond Engagement Ring
www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/14k-white-gold-cross-prong-pave-set-surprise-diamond-engagement-ring-item-22641?a_aid=dmnd1357

or

14k White Gold Cross Prong Diamond Accent Solitaire Ring
www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/14k-white-gold-cross-prong-diamond-accent-solitaire-ring-item-1924?a_aid=dmnd1357

Sorry to bother you again… But what’s your thoughts?

I contacted Blue Nile for the picture of 1.01ct, and they provided it. Although not their usual website picture, it looks great! You’re right, it’s beautiful! I know it was illogical to need the comfort and security of a photo but I needed it.

I also like your James Allen suggestion a lot!

It now comes down to which is more better cut and more brilliant/eye-clean, in your professional opinion?

Blue Nile LD07800137

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/0.96-carat-i-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-2489494?a_aid=dmnd1357

Also, do you have any James Allen discount codes?

Thank you.

Thanks!

I bought the one from JA. Hope you’ll get your commission from them! The email I used is this one.

Thank you for all your help and patience!

You got it! I’ll keep you informed!

……

The ring looks great!! Can’t wait till I give it to her! I’ve attached a picture for you.

Thanks again!

Thanks for the best wishes! I’ll propose this week! 😉

I posted a review but I never had a ivouch account before so it’s my 1st review. Ever.

I hope my review helps your business! =)

Thanks again!