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Hello,
I am shopping for a round diamond, with a budget around $6,000 US. The diamond will be set on a simple solitaire setting, with white gold. Is there a difference from a consumer’s perspective between 14 carat vs. 18 carat white gold?
She is petite and has small hands (ring size 4 1/2), but has always mentioned that’s she would rather get a larger main stone compared to a ring with a halo setting.
What is the best stone that I can find within my budget and characteristics? With it being a round cut, I think J-I color makes sense. From your site, I’ve come to realize that SI1+ is the target clarity as inclusions can’t be identified with a naked eye. Finally, looking at a cut of ‘ideal’ is recommended to bring out the sparkle of a round stone.
Am I off base at all? Is there any concern of getting a stone that is ‘too big’? Do you have any recommendations to guide me with my purchase?
I really appreciate the abundance of knowledge that your site provides. Thank you for your help.
I’d recommend 14k white gold. It’s cheaper and more durable than 18k.
You did a great job reading our website. J+ and SI+ in clarity is exactly what we recommend for a simple solitaire setting.
If you want maximum brilliance and fire possible, I would recommend Brian Gavin’s Signature Signature Hearts and Arrows. Brian Gavin is known as one of the world’s experts when it comes to perfectly cut diamonds. BGD’s Signature diamonds are incredibly brilliant and truly impressive. This would be my recommendation from their selection:
www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.980-j-vs2-round-diamond-ags-104082148012?a_aid=y
It’s superbly cut, eye-clean and will be extremely brilliant.
What do you think?
Thanks for your help and feedback. Having done a bit of research, I think a platinum solitaire setting may be a better option as it is stronger than 14 carat gold. What are your thoughts?
Secondly, Is there a reason you suggest a diamond from BGD? Looking through your site, I saw James Allen was another recommended merchant and there is a setting (17043P) that I really like. It also looks like for a similar price I can get a larger stone (around 1.2) for around the same price. Some that I see are 2502244, 2606689, 2672849.
You’re welcome.
Platinum is slightly stronger, true, but I don’t think the difference is worth the premium you pay for it. The difference is not that significant.
You mentioned you were looking for the best stone, something with a lot of brilliance and Brian Gavin diamonds are extremely brilliant. Hence my suggestion. If you prefer going with James Allen instead, let’s focus on them.
I’m not a huge fan of the cut on sku-2606689 and sku-2672849, but the sku-2502244 is nicely cut. I also found this diamond – it is beautifully cut and will be more brilliant:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.19-carat-j-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2572631?a_aid=dmnd1357
What do you think?
The last SKU you provided seems to have been sold already. Do you have any other alternatives? I think on your site there was a discount code that you gave to your readers. Would you be able to send me one?
……
I am looking to make my purchase in the next day. Do you have any alternatives to the SKU you provided? It has been sold. A few SKU’s that I see of interest are 2530674, 2819298, and 2169961.
……
I went ahead and made my purchase. I did mention that I was referred by diamonds.pro though – my discount was also higher as a result compared to any other promos they had, so thanks for that!
You’re welcome, I’m glad it worked out so well for you.
I hope you’ll love it when you receive it. If you could let me know how it looks when it arrives, I’d appreciate it.
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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