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Q&A: Help Deciding for a 1 Ct.+ Round Diamond for a White Gold Wedding Set Within a $6k-$7k Budget

By Mike Fried,

Hello, I’m looking for a solitaire with a round diamond. My budget is around $6k-$7k +/- 10%. If possible a diamond of at least 1 carat would be great. I prefer quality over size, but if I can get a bigger diamond of really good quality it would be great. Also, I prefer a platinum ring but open for white gold if it can get me a more beautiful diamond 🙂 (preference for a GIA certified diamond) 

For metal, we always recommend white gold over platinum because of the huge disparity in upfront costs: https://www.diamonds.pro/education/platinum-vs-gold/. Both metals require upkeep every few years. WG needs to be dipped to retain its color and luster while PT needs to be cleaned and polished because it gets scratched and duller over time. So in the end, platinum costs you more in the beginning and doesn’t end up saving you any money in the long run. And I’d recommend 14k white gold. It’s cheaper and more durable than 18k.

I looked around and I love this combination for you:
Blue Nile Six-Prong Low Dome Comfort Fit Solitaire
Blue Nile LD07716260

This diamond is beautifully cut and will be very brilliant in that setting.

What do you think? 

Wow, this diamond looks very nice!

I have a couple of questions:

1. Since Blue Nile doesn’t have zooming and hq imaging, how to ensure the diamond is eye clean or doesn’t have other issues?

2. I am looking for the setting to group with the wedding band (without a “gap” between them). Would this setting work like this?

3. How to ensure you guys get credit for my purchase?

Thanks. 

I’m glad you like it.

1) Having a picture of the diamond is rarely enough to determine its value. All the information is listed in the GIA report. Looking at the clarity plot, there are no red flags.

2) I suggest asking the BN custom service. They are more suited for that than us.

3) It is enough if you use this particular email address. It will help us double check with BN.

I figured I’d pass it along. Blue Nile just messaged us. They love the education we provide for consumers and offered a coupon for our readers. If you use this unique coupon code, you’ll get $100 off any purchase over $1,000. Just pump this code in your shopping cart:  [contact us for your own unique coupon code]

Thanks!

Question: I know you guys recommend to go with J color, but I feel a little concerned that it may be somehow on the “slightly yellowish” side because of the size of the diamond. Also we haven’t decided on the wedding band if it should be paved or not, but should the diamond color be a factor for the band? However, let me know if my concerns are really unfounded.

I looked at a couple of “i” color diamonds within a similar budget and I wanted to ask your advice on them:
Blue Nile LD07877776
Blue Nile LD07796184

I also found this 1.2 H that is slightly more expensive, but it looks beautiful in the 360 degree view:
Blue Nile LD07650815

What do you think? If my concerns are really unfounded, let me know! This 1.4 carat diamond looks like a really good deal for a diamond this size and cut. Thanks a lot. 

Ok, that’s a good thing that you told me about the possibility of having a pave band. In that case, you should definitely go higher in color for the center diamond (I+). That way you’ll be on the safe side.

I absolutely love this diamond you selected!!! It’s superbly cut and will be incredibly brilliant. Well done!

Thanks! It was a difficult decision but in the end I went for the 1.2. Hopefully it will be available.

Have a great day. 

Thanks for letting me know. You got yourself a beautiful diamond.

I hope you’ll love it when you receive it. If you could let me know how it looks when it arrives, I’d appreciate it. 

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. They currently run a 10% discount on selected lab-grown diamonds!
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
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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. Right now, Blue Nile offers up to 50% savings on selected jewelry during a limited-time season sale.
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
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