Q&A: Help Finding a 1.80 Ct. Round Diamond for a Yellow Gold Solitaire With a $10-11.5k Budget

Hi there!

I’m doing my do diligence in the diamond search and your site has be so incredibly helpful. While I’ve learned a ton, the time has come for me to ask for help.

My price range is between $10,000 and $11,500 all in. I know my girlfriend really wants a dainty, white gold band and a solitaire stone that really “pops”. Here’s what I know: I want ideal+ in cut quality, and I want to be above a VS1 in clarity (unless its inclusions would be one of those exceptions where they’re technically there, but they’re not really visible to the eye).

So at this point, I’m trying to weigh the benefits of diamond size vs color+fluorescence. I know she likes the idea of a big stone, but can’t quite decide if a larger J color stone with M fluorescence:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.80-carat-j-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3177938?a_aid=dmnd1357

Would be more spectacular than a slightly smaller, I color stone with lower clarity:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.70-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3290552?a_aid=dmnd1357

I know it probably boils down to the specific stone, so I think I need some guidance!

Thanks in advance and let me know what else I can provide!

I had not put it on hold. I think at this point, I’m just trying to get a sense of what stones will be a good value to me. If I were to go with a gold band instead of white gold, how much would that offset the color of the stone? If a J wouldn’t necessarily show any warmth on a white gold setting, would a K color stone (generally) do the same on a yellow gold band?

I think yellow gold is actually what I may end up going with, so at this point I think I just need help finding the right diamond!

Thank you.

That is really great looking. How much should I value the fluorescence rating on a diamond like this? I certainly don’t want it to appear hazy.

Thank you!

……

How would you compare the quality of that diamond to this one?
Blue Nile LD08577232

……

Or this one:
Blue Nile LD09029811

Thank you so much for the help!

I want you to know that I’m going to go with diamond you recommended for the yellow gold band. I am using this email to purchase.

Thanks again!