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Q&A: Help Finding a 1 Ct. Round Diamond for a White Gold Side Stone Setting for Under $4,200 Budget

By Mike Fried,

Ho,

I’m interested in a diamond for an engagement ring.

Here are my parameters:

I’d like it to be an excellent cut minimum of one carat, however I need help with the proportions to ensure that it has brilliance and sparkle.

I also would like it to appear colorless and have as much clarity as possible.

My target price is between $3,500 and $4,000 for the diamond.

Here is a link to the ring that I’m considering:
Petite Twisted Halo Diamond Engagement Ring
Blue Nile LD08978371

I’m interested in your opinion, as to whether this setting would adequately showcase the diamond to its full potential.

Thanks in advance for your help and service!

The issue with the stone you picked is the “Good” cut grade. The table is too big and the stone too deep. It will lead to a lack of brilliance. That’s why I don’t recommend purchasing this diamond.

Here’s a diamond with the quality I’d recommend for this setting:
Blue Nile LD09583716

It’s very well cut, eye-clean and going to look colorless.

What do you think?

Thank you, I appreciate the help. You’re definitely picking up on the quality I’m after, and that is something important to me. I also would like to have a minimum of one carat. What would you recommend and still staying in or close to my price range?

Looking forward to hearing back from you.

The thing is that when you get to 1.00+ carat range, the price jumps quite significantly. Here’s a stone with the quality I’d recommend:

Blue Nile LD09644971

But as you can see the price is much higher. Are you willing to pay the extra buck?

Ahh, I see that. The price definitely jumps but that is a good looking diamond. I am not necessarily opposed to paying it, however, if I can find something a little less expensive that would be ideal. If I stepped down on clarity or color would that lessen the price without significantly affecting the diamond’s appearance?

I have found two other stones which I was wondering your opinion on:

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.00-carat-j-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3496743?a_aid=dmnd1357

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.09-carat-j-color-si2-clarity-true-hearts-cut-sku-3158877?a_aid=dmnd1357

Thank you for all the insight so far, hoping to pull the trigger today if possible!

The issue with the first stone is its IGI certification. You should search for stones with either a GIA or AGS cert (these two are legit labs).
https://www.diamonds.pro/education/diamond-certification/#igi-certification

And the issue with the other diamond is its crystal right on the table. The inclusion will be eye-noticeable.

Also, the J color is stretching. It will have a warm tint in a pave or halo style of setting. Can you send me the links with the settings you like? Then I’ll be happy to send you my suggestion.

Ahh okay I see. Thank you for the suggestions and insight. I definitely would like to avoid the warm tint if possible.

Wonderful, sounds great!
Here are the links:
14K WHITE GOLD PAVE ROPE ENGAGEMENT RING
14K WHITE GOLD PAVE CROSSOVER ENGAGEMENT RING
14K WHITE GOLD SOLO INFINITY ENGAGEMENT RING

I would stick with an I color diamond. I checked their inventory and found this stone for you:

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.93-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3661273?a_aid=dmnd1357

It’s quite close to a 1.00 carat diamond. And I think that the inclusions can be covered by a prong. What do you think?

I understand, sticking with an I color sounds like the best bet then. Any wiggle room for clarity grade?

That diamond is good looking and definitely another option as well as the original one you recommended. I still would like at least 1 carat. Any way to find something in between the two without the price dramatically rising? Maybe around $4,200?

I’m feeling like a magician now because I did find a 1.05 carat diamond within this price range:

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.05-carat-i-color-si2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3605308?a_aid=dmnd1357

If you like it, go for it. The price is fantastic and it might be gone very quickly.

I think that’s the one! It’s within my range and exactly what I’m looking for. Would it look best with a particular setting or good with any of them?

Any of the settings you sent are perfect for this stone. Whichever you like the most, go for it.

Awesome! Thank you, you’ve been a blessing these last few days. I appreciate all your time and help 🙂

It was my pleasure helping you!

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.
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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