We are reader-supported. Buying through any red colored link on our site may earn us commissions. Learn More.

Q&A: Looking for a 3.3-3.6 Ct. Round Diamond for a Platinum Pavé Setting

By Mike Fried,

Hi! I am looking for a 3.3- 3.6 carat round diamond with clarity under SI1. The cut, polish and symmetry need to be Excellent. We are trying to stay around the $35,000 – $45,000 range. I really wouldn’t like to go above an I in color and definitely want it to look white and not yellow. Any help is appreciated! We are trying to decide if color or clarity is more important here.

Thank you

I found a few diamonds that would be perfect:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/3.30-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-1117376?a_aid=dmnd1357

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/3.31-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-1104505?a_aid=dmnd1357

Blue Nile LD01763845

Blue Nile LD07125934

All of them are beautifully cut and will look amazing. For the last two from Blue Nile, ask them for actual photos. What do you think?

Also, what style setting (solitaire, pave/side stones/halo) and metal (yellow/white gold, platinum) are you planning on using? I just want to make sure the I color won’t be an issue.

Thanks so much! These are beautiful. I will be getting a solitaire setting (with small diamonds down the sides) in platinum high 4 prong mount. Will the I color will be an issue here?

Also, do you mind sending some options around the $35,000- $39,000 range so we can see differences.

Thank you!

I checked the diamonds you sent me and the second option from Blue Nile is the only one I like:
Blue Nile LD07065097

Let’s get you some details about each diamond:
1) Lumera – nicely cut but the inclusions in the report seem harsh. I would need to see the picture but I doubt it would be eye-clean.

2+3) BGD – both diamonds are from their Virtual inventory so I can’t see the specs and the actual photo.

4+5) Ritani – neither of them is eye-clean. Their inclusions are too big and on the tables and will be visible with the naked eye.

6) BN – Same story like with the Lumera diamond, the inclusions in the cert look bad.

7) This is the diamond I linked above and liked. But ask them for the real picture to see how the inclusions look like. Let me know when you receive it.

I’ve attached the Blue Nile diamond photo. Let me know your thoughts.

Also, take a look at this Brian Gavin diamond that they sent me. I am a little concerned with the J in color.

www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/3.105-j-vs2-round-diamond-ags-104082142002&a_aid=y

From what I can see, the BN diamond looks eye-clean.

The BGD one is also very nice. Only the crystal on its table worries me a little. Ask them about it and if they confirm that it’s eye-clean, it’s a great choice.

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
Arrow down
Arrow up
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
Arrow down
Arrow up

Still afraid of getting ripped off?

Before you buy a diamond, get personal buying advice from industry veterans. We'll help you get the best diamond for the money.

Ask your diamond purchase question here

  • Hidden
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

DISCLAIMER: We don't use your email for marketing. Period.

Please enter your email address to receive your 25% off coupon code:

Here is your coupon code: GFDSF3GF

Diamond Pro

Diamond Pro

  • Unfortunately, the AI chat we worked so hard training is not helping our readers the way we would like. You deserve the best advice you can get.

    Would you like to contact a human diamond pro? Just fill out this email form and we will answer you ASAP (usually within one day).

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.