Q&A: Looking for a 0.9 Ct. Round Diamond for a Pave Halo Setting with a $4,000 Budget

I’d be happy to make some recommendations, but I need a little more info.

What style setting (solitaire, pave/side stones/halo) is the one you like on JA? This may affect the colors that I recommend for the center diamond (as we explain in our post on color).

Once I know this, I’ll be able to help you more. 

Thanks for the additional info.

For that type of the setting, you should go with H+ color. Anything lower would look yellowish compared to the smaller diamonds around the center stone.

Here is an option you might like:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.90-carat-h-color-si2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-1939194?a_aid=dmnd1357
It’s well cut and will be very brilliant in that setting you selected. You can have a prong placed over the inclusion on the edge of it (make sure you as JA if it’s doable).

What do you think? 

I’m glad you like it.

I would have send you more options to look at, but unfortunately, that diamond was the largest one I was able to find in that price range.

Here’s one suggestion: I would recommend changing the PT setting to a WG one. The reason is the huge disparity in upfront costs. As our article says, the WG has to be dipped every few years and the platinum needs to be polished as well because it scratches. So ultimately, platinum costs you more in the beginning and doesn’t end up saving you any money in the long run. And I’d recommend 14k white gold. It’s cheaper and more durable than 18k. This way you can spend a little more on the diamond itself.

How about this diamond?
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.92-carat-g-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2019884?a_aid=dmnd1357
The cut is fantastic on it. 

That’s great news! 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.