Q&A: Help Finding a 1 Ct. Round Diamond for a Yellow Gold Pave Setting With a $7,000 – $7,500 Budget

Hi, I came across your site in a forum as I was doing a bit of research into diamonds and thought I might drop you a line and get a bit of expert help.

I was looking to buy an engagement ring (my girlfriend has a preference for a yellow gold ring) – the one that I would like to buy is this one:
https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/18k-white-gold-pave-encrusted-engagement-ring-item-50064?a_aid=dmnd1357
However, with this ring, I don’t know how they pick the side stones or whether this is a issue or not?

At this stage I have a budget for around $7k (max $7.5k) for the ring and diamond combined but will happily settle for less as long as the ring will look right! I was looking at a diamond around 1 ct. I prefer the round cut going off the website image but was wondering whether other cuts might also be suitable for this one.

I have read on your site that the cut quality is important and noticeable and that you advise the “excellent” cut so I think I would like to go with that one. Also, I have read from you that the colour and clarity seem to be harder to pick from the visible eye and might be more personable in preference?

I read on James Allen’s website that you can normally request for the close-up photos to be able to see and compare the diamonds you are looking at – is this the case? 

 Thanks for the reply. I think the one that you have selected is excellent – the light reflects off it very well at all different angles. There are no real noticeable marks on it which is great (only small blemishes if you look at the video close up and the very zoomed in photo) – is this what you refer to as eye clean?

Would you consider it worthwhile to consider something a bit more clear such as this one?
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.00-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-354039?a_aid=dmnd1357
What difference do you think that would make? Or do you think that it won’t really be noticeable? 

 I agree. Unfortunately the one that you recommended me isn’t available anymore – they go quick on this site!

I came across this one which I think looked beautiful and clean too.
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.02-carat-j-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-307656?a_aid=dmnd1357
I read something about when having side stones it’s important that the colour of the centre stone has a higher grade than the side stones so it stands out more. What is your opinion on that one? Or would the yellow gold just absorb most of the colour impact anyway?

Again, thanks a lot for your advice.