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Q&A: Help Finding a 1.3 Ct. Diamond for a Thin Pave Setting With $5k Total Budget

By Mike Fried,

Hi, I’m am looking into an engagement ring. Any cut is fine as long as it’s nice. I would like it on a setting with diamonds on the side. My budget for both is 5000. Have been looking around and this is what I found.

Can you let me know what you think?
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.01-carat-e-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-2695447?a_aid=dmnd1357

www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/14k-white-gold-thin-french-cut-pave-set-diamond-engagement-ring-item-7092?a_aid=dmnd1357

If you can find something better for my bucks, it would be appreciated. I would look love a 1.3 carat if possible. Thank you!

As for the cut, well, that is all about fashion and style. I think it’s best to leave you to pick it out.

The diamond you found looks great, but you’d be paying an unnecessary premium for the high color grade. You can easily go with something like this:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.15-carat-h-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-2096654?a_aid=dmnd1357

What do you think?

Thank you for the reply.

Can you find me a cushion diamond also around 1.2 carats or more for about 4000? I love the emerald you found me but it’s over my price range.

……

What do you think about this diamond?
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.20-carat-h-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-2850823?a_aid=dmnd1357

I love it, can you find me something a little bigger?

……

Sorry didn’t see the other two. What do you mean the cut is a little too deep? What should I look out for?

We like to keep the depth % under 69 to maximize brilliance.

Would like to thank you for all your help. With a little googling, your website, and your input… I feel like I will never look at a diamond ring the same. Going into this I would have probably bought any diamond for the size without even thinking about anything else.

I have purchase a diamond with a setting. I ended up going with your first recommendation on a cushion cut.
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.10-carat-h-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-2774910?a_aid=dmnd1357

I am really excited to see the final result. Thank you so much!

That’s great news! You’re very welcome, it’s been a pleasure helping you.

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

We got the ring today. It is gorgeous. Thank you so much.

it looks stunning! Thank you so much for sharing the picture with me, I’m glad you love it.

I wish you and your partner a life of happiness and fulfillment.

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.
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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
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