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Q&A: Help Finding a 1.30 Ct. Round Diamond for a White Gold Pave Setting

By Mike Fried,

I have a setting in mind on Blue Nile. I’m trying to find the right diamond. Obviously I want the biggest one I can afford but want something quality too.

She doesn’t want round like everyone else so I have that going for me. I’m thinking cushion but the quality seems a lot different between very good and ideal cut (along with the price to match). It’s be awesome if you could help me maximize by 6k budget.

Can you please send me a link to the setting you like on Blue Nile?

Also, is the budget of 6k for the diamond only? And do you like a square or more rectangular cushion?

I think I am going to do round afterall. What do you think of this one:
Blue Nile LD10314056

It looks pretty dang nice to be an SI1.

Unfortunately, that’s not a good diamond. Never buy an SI diamond that has a “clarity grade based on clouds not shown” in the certificate. This means there is a very large cloud that covers a large percentage of the diamond and saps the brilliance from it.

What style setting (solitaire, pave/side stone, halo) and metal (yellow/white gold, platinum) are you planning on putting it in? This will help me to pick the right diamond’s color. https://www.diamonds.pro/education/color/

It’s a white gold pave band. 7k is the budget for the main stone. After more considerati,on I’d like a round stone.

Also, I’m not seeing any clouds. I guess that explains why they are “not shown” but if that’s the case at 10x do you think it’d be visible with your eye?

The problem is that the cloudy effect can be seen in daylight. It’s impossible to notice it on the screen.

For a pave setting, you can easily go with an I+ color. It won’t look any yellowish, even with the additional diamonds in the band. I’d choose this one:
Blue Nile LD09940723

Even though it has some inclusions there, they won’t be visible to the naked eye.

It’s beautifully cit and will be very brilliant.

What do you think?

I like it. Is there anything that makes it any better than other comparable ones though?

I always choose the best bang for your buck. It was the best-priced, well-cut, eye-clean diamond within your budget.

It looks like I wasn’t quick enough on that one. Can you please find me one more?

Here is a new one:
Blue Nile LD10844471

Alrighty. I’m taking your word for it and ordering now.

Great! Let me know once you receive it. I’d be happy to know how you like 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. Get 30% off lab-grown diamonds during a limited time sale.
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. Save 25% on settings at Blue Nile!

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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
  • 24/7 Customer Service
  • 100% credit towards future upgrades (must be at least double in value)
  • Best in class fulfillment
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