We are reader-supported. Buying through any red colored link on our site may earn us commissions. Learn More.

Q&A: Help Finding a Pear Shape Diamond For a Twisted Halo Setting With a $6,000 Total Budget

By Mike Fried,

I’ve found the woman that I want to go through life’s journey with! Obviously, I’m contacting you because I want to make sure I’m going to make the best purchase.

I’m looking at James Allen and I’m interested in an emerald shape in a halo setting. My budget is around $4000 total for the diamond and setting. I just want to make sure I’m getting the biggest bang for my buck and I’m seeking advice.

Also, how does it work purchasing a diamond online? Do you just purchase the diamond and take it to a jeweler for the setting or do these companies do the entire ring? Do they partner with local jewelers so you can experience the ring in person?

I just want to get the ball rolling and not sure where to start.

Thank you.

It’s always easier to buy both the setting and the loose diamond from the same vendor. They’ll set it for you and you’ll receive a complete ring.
James Allen has showrooms where you can see the diamond in person:https://www.jamesallen.com/showroom/

I’m happy to suggest some diamonds. Can you send me a link to the setting you want to use?

I like the octagon halo setting.
14K WHITE GOLD OCTAGON HALO DIAMOND ENGAGEMENT RING

She likes a little of the vintage flair… but not too much. Is a modern vintage even a style? That is why I mentioned the emerald shape with the halo setting. I am open to other shapes and settings, I just want to try to find that balance of old and new. Maybe this doesn’t exist I don’t know, lol.

I also know the sparkle factor will also be important in making a selection. I’m open to learning more!

If this style is something she likes then there’s no reason to go with anything else. I, personally, find this “modern vintage” style beautiful and unique and the wearer can be 100% sure that they will really stand out in a crowd of simple solitaires.

If you are after brilliance, I’d go with a round, oval or radiant cut. You can browse James Allen for more interesting settings and send me links to the ones you’ll like the most. Then I’m happy to recommend some diamonds for you.

I know this is a different style but she likes these too. I didn’t see any like it on James Allen.

https://www.gabrielny.com/engagement-ring/ER10204W44JJ

I’ve searched as well and didn’t find anything similar elsewhere.

If this is something she really likes, you could get the diamond and the setting separately and find a local jeweler who’d be willing to set the ring for you.

After your initial advice I realized I needed to do more research and make a clear decision on the setting and diamond shape.

I am going with this setting https://www.gabrielny.com/engagement-ring/ER14425P4W44JJ and a pear shape diamond.

Now I am ready to find the diamond for it. I would like to stay around $6000 total for the ring as close as possible (the setting is $2100). I’m looking for the best possible diamond in the 1 carat range.

Do you think you could point me in the right direction?

That setting is beautiful, I love it!

Here’s a diamond that will look great in it:
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/pear-shaped/0.96-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-3657645?a_aid=dmnd1357
It is well cut, eye-clean and will be very brilliant.

What do you think?

I think it looks great! What are the next steps?

Great!

Now you should probably contact their customer service directly and ask them about setting the ring. They’ll tell you how to proceed.

Let me know how it goes.

James Allen or Gabriel & Co?

Both. Let’s see which company offers better terms in terms of pricing and warranty and simply go with what suits you best.

I have contacted a local jeweler who carries Gabriel and Co. I guess I didn’t realize that either of the two companies might set the diamond too.

Could you help me with another diamond? Things have been crazy in life and I did not act fast enough on the one you linked previously. If you could help me find another one with the same specifications that would be great!

Thank you for your help and patience!

I went with the 0.91, H color IF clarity.

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/pear-shaped/0.91-carat-h-color-if-clarity-sku-4524454?a_aid=dmnd1357

Was not going to let this one slip by!

That’s great news!

If you can also write me back once you receive the ring, that would be great. I’d love to know how you like it in person.

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
Arrow down
Arrow up
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!

Please enter your email address to receive your 25% off coupon code:

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
Arrow down
Arrow up

Still afraid of getting ripped off?

Before you buy a diamond, get personal buying advice from industry veterans. We'll help you get the best diamond for the money.

Ask your diamond purchase question here

  • Hidden
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

DISCLAIMER: We don't use your email for marketing. Period.

Please enter your email address to receive your 25% off coupon code:

Here is your coupon code: GFDSF3GF