Q&A: Help Finding a Round Diamond for a Platinum Pave Setting for Under $15k In Total

Hello! Thank you so much for the information you have provided on your website. I have found it extremely helpful in understanding how someone goes about buying an engagement ring and down to earth, something a common reader can easily understand.

I’ve just started looking around for an engagement ring for my girlfriend for a couple weeks now. Many of my friends (and my soon to be brother in law) used Blue Nile, but I’ve found your reviews on various online vendors very eye opening.

I’ve already decided on the ring setting (petite pave french crown size 6) but I’m having trouble choosing a diamond given all the parameters you can choose from. I’d like to stick to a budget of $10,000 to $15,000 with the following Cs:

1.50 carat size
Round Ideal Cut
H Color
Clarity: Sl1 or higher
Minimal or no blue fluorescence

I was originally going to buy a Blue Nile diamond but I’m paranoid without being able to see the diamond, I’d have to get a VS1 at least (though that doesn’t even guarantee an eye clean diamond. I’ve looked through a number of James Allen diamonds but I can’t tell which ones would be truly eye clean since I can always detect some sort of blemish (even so zoomed in and all!).

I’d prefer to purchase from James Allen but would really appreciate it if you could provide some recommendations.

Thanks!

I wasn’t actually planning on getting white gold, but instead a platinum ring setting like this:
Blue Nile Studio Petite French Pavé Crown Engagement Ring

or
www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/platinum-petite-pave-crown-diamond-engagement-ring-item-53023?a_aid=dmnd1357

Would an “I” colour grade still appear generally colourless? The diamond you suggested is very nice, but it is at the top of my budget. I was hoping to spend about $15K for the ring altogether actually (so I’ll need about $2-3K for the ring setting). So my budget for the diamond alone is actually $12K.

What do you think of these two diamonds?
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.52-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-1040892?a_aid=dmnd1357

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.52-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-1040971?a_aid=dmnd1357

They look clean but they’re only certified by IGI.

Thanks so much!

No I didn’t purchase either of the two IGI diamonds I mentioned in my last email but that was quick though! I do like the second diamond you’ve listed but it is really at the top end of my budget.

Would you mind if I asked you if you think there would be a notable difference in cut brilliance if I were to purchase a Brian Gavin H&A round diamond at all? Would it be worth it from just looking at the diamond (i.e. don’t need magnification to appreciate the difference) and does the diamond sparkle that much more in your experience?

Thanks!

That is a beautiful diamond and a really good value – I think that’s the one!

I’ve already been in contact with representatives from Brian Gavin to see if they can replicate the ring setting I showed you before from Blue Nile.

……

In the 4th photo (red) on the BG diamond, there appears to be some sort of purple shape near the perimeter of the diamond.

Would you happen to know if there was anything to worry about there? Also, would the J colour look relatively colourless still?

Thanks again! 🙂

I’ve been working with BG in the design of a custom engagement ring and I’d like to thank you for all your help!

I’ve been thinking of changing the diamond to a slightly upsized diamond. Would you mind having a look?
www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.398-i-vs1-round-diamond-ags-104086279038?a_aid=y

Thanks!

And there it is! It just arrived today!

Difficult to focus with my phone camera (probably cause of the diamonds).