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Q&A: Looking for a 1.5 Ct. Round Brilliant for a Pave Setting With Up to $8k Budget

By Mike Fried,

Buying an engagement ring is not my specialty. I’m clueless to this process.

A couple questions I have:
Which of these 2 rings do you suggest ? And white gold or platinum?
Blue Nile Studio Petite French Pavé Crown Diamond Engagement Ring

www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/18k-white-gold-petite-pave-crown-diamond-engagement-ring-item-53159?a_aid=dmnd1357

Is it possible to get a 1.5 carat clean round brilliant on a $7500 budget? Any choices of yours would be greatly appreciated!! Thank you for you time.

Both of the rings look beautiful. The choice of the setting is uniquely personal and not an area we can really help with. I think it’s best to leave you to pick it out.

For metal, we always recommend white gold over platinum because of the huge disparity in upfront costs: https://www.diamonds.pro/education/platinum-vs-gold/. Both metals require upkeep every few years. WG needs to be dipped to retain its color and luster while PT needs to be cleaned and polished because it gets scratched and duller over time. So in the end, 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.

I looked around and I like these diamonds for you:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.32-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2296518?a_aid=dmnd1357

Blue Nile LD07948532

These are the largest diamonds I could find within the $7500 price range. They are well cut and either of them will look great in any pave setting you choose.

Also, you can use this Blue Nile coupon code that gives you $100 off of your order: [contact us for your own unique coupon code].

What do you think?

Thanks for your assistance. Both diamonds looked great! I would definitely make sure they new you guys assisted me.

By switching to 14k white gold I would be willing to go up to $8000 budget.

Also taking advantage of $100 of at Blue Nile, any chance of a something larger at this range that would meet you specs?

You’re welcome.

Here’s what something larger would look like:
Blue Nile LD07995476

When you look at the real measurements you can see that the difference in size is quite significant. Also, this diamond is superbly cut and will be incredibly brilliant.

Thoughts?

That is beautiful looking.

The last issue I’m having is the pace crown setting at Blue Nile appears to only come in platinum. I would prefer to do white gold. Savings allow diamond upgrade you chose. That would have to come from James Allen. Unless you find otherwise.

Well, you can get the diamond from BN and the setting from JA. Just ask both companies what their terms would be for setting the ring for you and whichever turn out better, go with them.

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.
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
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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
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