I am looking to buy an engagement ring for my second try at marriage. I am 60 years old and my girlfriend is over 50 and it will be her second marriage as well.
I am looking for the largest diamond that a max of $5,000 can buy in a platinum, silver or white gold setting. In terms of style, I would like the main diamond to be the center of attention surrounded with possibly smaller diamonds and/or her birthstone.
In terms of the cut, I like princess cut.
Here’s what I’d recommend for a halo setting:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.07-carat-h-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-10589347?a_aid=dmnd1357
The diamond is well cut, eye-clean and would be very bright and brilliant in real life.
How important is the setting?
If I wanted to get into the $4,000 to $5,000 range where should I cut corners – the diamond (size and/or quality) or the setting type?
You can always go down in carats and get a cheaper diamond. Setting is as important as you want it to be – some people buy the cheapest most basic ring so that they can spend most of their budget on the diamond itself, some people spend extra on the setting because it’s more important to them than the center stone. There is no rule.
Is there a major difference between 1ct and 1.05ct?
It always depends on how each diamond is cut, but no, a 0.05ct difference is not at all noticeable. Also, keep in mind that carat is not an indicator of the diamond’s size, it’s its weight. Always look at the real measurements when you’re comparing two (or more) diamonds.
I think I am going to go with this ring:
Riviera Micropavé Sapphire and Diamond Engagement Ring in 14k White Gold
Can you suggest a diamond?
It’s gorgeous. The sapphires give it a romantic and unique look. She’s a lucky lady!
Here’s an absolutely perfect center stone:
Blue Nile LD15637730
Thank you for all your help.
I greatly appreciate it.
Thank you for the nice words. I’m glad you found my assistance useful and that I could make the whole diamond buying process comfortable for you.
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
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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