Q&A: Help Finding a 0.5 Ct Round Diamond for a Halo Setting

I’m not sure how this works but I just thought I’d send an email. I’m living in the UK looking to buy an engagement ring. I came across James Allen and it sounds like that’s the place to get a diamond on the internet. I’m looking at something quite small, between 0.4-0.6 carat. The main question I’ve got actually is about the setting. I’m thinking of a halo setting with small diamonds on the band as well. Are all those tiny diamonds certified as well usually? Is VVS worth it or should I just go for VS? Is H colour good enough? The cut seems really important, is a Good Cut ever good enough for an engagement ring? I realize that’s quite a few questions, but I’m just letting you know my thinking, in case this is the sort of thing you offer guidance around.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Thank you very much for your email. Especially the answers to my specific questions. In terms of a ballpark figure, ideally I’d like to spend between £1-2k for the whole thing, the diamond and the mount. I could stretch towards £3k altogether, but would rather not.

I’ve been to a shop here in Hatton Garden in London. Have you ever been? It’s the diamond central here in the UK. They’ve got a very nice thin halo setting that apparently they make themselves. My girlfriend would like a thin band and halo, as she’s got thin fingers and like delicate things, which aren’t that common it seems.

Ideally I’d like to have a round cut rather than a cushion, as my girlfriend wants maximum sparkle – hence the halo too. I know that the exchange rate isn’t very favourable at the moment for us Brits, so I’m not sure what is going to be best, especially as it’s the sales here in the UK at the moment and I may be able to get a good deal here, but I’ll be more than happy to make sure you get credit if I decide to go for a diamond you’ve recommended.

Many thanks.

Thank you for your email. The Hatton Garden link was interesting and reflected some of my experiences there. Yesterday, after some negotiation, I was offered a nice, thin cushion 18k white gold setting with a GIA 0.46 F SI2 excellent cut diamond for £1875; which isn’t bad but the diamond is lower clarity than I’d like and I’m paying a premium.

I’m therefore leaning towards online as you’re suggesting. I really liked the combo you sent me, it’s definitely in the right ballpark – I love those thin delicate rings. Ideally I’d like a pavé cushion halo with a round stone I think – I forgot to say that’s what I had in mind, and I’m still learning the terminology!

Would you always recommend white gold over platinum, or is that to keep the price down for me?

Also, I’m thinking I’d like to go a tiny bit bigger in terms of diamond, nearer to or at 0.50 carats, even if that means going a bit over 2K.

Lastly, I’d prefer not to limit myself to Blue Nile, even if it does make things a bit easier being in the UK. Would you have other recommendations, including with JA?

Thank you very much for your help.

Thank you for your last email. I’ve spoke to Blue Nile and think I will probably go with them now, I’m just finalizing on the diamond pretty much. I read on your website that Blue Nile have offered an exclusive discount code for people who come through you. Would you be able to share this with me please?

That’s great, thank you very much. Can I just check, would I be able to use more than one code for a setting + a diamond if both parts were over 1K each?

Just to let you know that I’ve made an order with Blue Nile. Thanks for your help and the discount code.