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Q&A: Help Finding a 3.00 Ct. Round Diamond for a Rose Gold Side Stone Setting

By Mike Fried,

Hello,

My soon to be fiancee and I are looking for a 3 carat diamond budget is up to $35000 although we would love to stay around $30000 if possible. We will know if the budget can increase or not in the next two weeks.

I understand the 4 C’s. I do want brilliance but I also know with budget I may have to sacrifice a little not sure if you can help me find the best 3 carat diamond. Or a few options above budget is ok to see what a little betting quality or clarity would be.

Thank you!

What shape diamond are you looking for?

What style setting (solitaire, pave/side stones/halo) and metal (yellow/white gold, platinum) do you want to use? This may affect the colors that I recommend for the center diamond (as we explain in our post on color).

Hi, thank you for getting back to me so quickly. I am intrested in a round diamond solitaire with some side stones that are more of a setting or prong style not like a channel. I believe I want a rose gold band. Thank you!

Great, thank you for the info. For such a type of setting, I’d recommend an I-color diamond:

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/3.00-carat-i-color-si2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-6755044?a_aid=dmnd1357
How do you feel about this one? It’s eye-clean, nicely cut and meets your preferred budget.

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/2.70-carat-e-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-6201041?a_aid=dmnd1357
Strong fluorescence is a BIG problem on D-I diamonds. It can make them look hazy/milky.

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/2.60-carat-f-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-6222941?a_aid=dmnd1357
Not eye-clean + the same issue with fluorescence. For DEFG diamonds you should get only none or faint fluorescence.

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/2.70-carat-i-color-vvs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-6505781?a_aid=dmnd1357
IGI is weaker than GIA and we recommend avoiding them if possible.

So far, my previous recommendation (https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/3.00-carat-i-color-si2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-6755044?a_aid=dmnd1357) comes out as the best choice. It is inscribed so you can always check the GIA number on the girdle and make sure it matches the one in the cert

YOU ARE THE BEST! Thank you so much for your help on all those diamonds! Yes I do like your choice the best.

So how would payment work if I decide on the 3 carat you showed me?

We will be ready to pay full in a week or 2. Not sure if there is a deposit or just check back when ready to pay full amount?

Discuss the terms of payment with JA directly. They are more suited for that than us.

I’m glad I could help you find the perfect diamond. Let me know how you like it when you receive 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.
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.
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  • Provide insurance appraisals
  • One free resizing within 60 days of purchase
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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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