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 Platinum Channel Setting With A $10,000 to $11,000 Budget

By Mike Fried,

Hi,

I’m shopping for an engagement ring with a budget of about $10,000 to $11,000. I want to get as close to a 2 carat ring as I can with my budget.

I like the following ring from James Allen:
PLATINUM BOW-TIE CHANNEL SET DIAMOND ENGAGEMENT RING SKU:1219P

and was considering the following diamond:
1.71 CARAT H-SI2 EXCELLENT CUT ROUND DIAMOND SKU: 970848

Any guidance you can provide is greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

The issue with the stone you found are the eye-visible inclusions. The black crystals are going to be noticeable.

Also, you should search for stones with either GIA or AGS certification (these are legit labs).
https://www.diamonds.pro/education/diamond-certification/#igi-certification

Here’s the biggest diamond I found within the budget you mentioned. The clarity is slightly stretching but twinning wisps are usually not eye-visible.

Have a look at this diamond:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.60-carat-i-color-si2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3013562?a_aid=dmnd1357

It’s very well cut and an I color stone is going to look colorless.
https://www.diamonds.pro/education/color/

What do you think?

I think I like it! Thank you.

I’ve followed the link from your site to the Brian Gavin site. I found a few settings there that I like. They are comparable in price <$2,000 to what I had selected at James Allen. Can you help me with a diamond selection from the Brian Gavin site that is no more than $9,000?

Thanks.

If an extraordinary brilliance is what you’re looking for then I I’d suggest Brian Gavin Signature Hearts and Arrows. That’s exactly what they focus on and you can be sure that you’ll receive the best of diamonds. Not only do these conform to the strictest of cut parameters, but Brian himself selects them for optimal brilliance. Brian Gavin is known as one of the worlds experts when it comes to perfectly cut diamonds. If you want to spend extra on their cut, it’s a great way to go. Here’s a great option from their site:
www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.103-g-vs2-round-diamond-ags-bl-104093583003?a_aid=y

Let me know what you decide.

I did purchase the diamond you recommended from James Allen. I used this email address with them.

Thanks!

That’s fantastic news!

Thank you for the confirmation of the email address.

Please, let me know how you like the stone once it arrives.

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.