Q&A: Looking for a 0.8-89ish Round Brilliant Diamond Within a $2,600-3,100 Budget

First of all major thanks to your site and the work you put into it. You saved me from making a major mistake in blindly purchasing a diamond from bluenile. You taught me how to shop for diamonds with the proper approach which I cannot thank you enough for.

My approximate budget for the diamond is $2,600-3,100.

Platinum setting.

I want to use either of these two settings.

https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/platinum-diamond-studded-bezel-solitaire-item-7869?a_aid=dmnd1357

https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/platinum-double-pave-leaf-engagement-ring-item-7871?a_aid=dmnd1357

I am in a predicament because I really like the first setting’s style better, but it is 2.2mm in width as opposed to the second one which is 1.7mm. The reason I am unsure if I will go with my favorite style is because I don’t know if the diamond of the size I budgeted for (approx .82 +/- .07) will look marginally better with the band of 1.7mm

I was hoping you could lend your opinion on the diamond to band width ratio. If I did end needing to spend a little more to get a bigger diamond to make the first band work I would be willing to do so.
I am feeling fatigued and like I have tunnel vision after searching for a couple weeks. I keep coming back to these ones.

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.81-carat-i-color-si2-clarity-very-good-cut-sku-154304?a_aid=dmnd1357

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.84-carat-j-color-si1-clarity-sku-229253?a_aid=dmnd1357

The .84 ct one looks pretty decent minus the small opaque inclusion on the side, but overall maybe an fair deal?

Any help you would be willing to lend would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

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I just wanted to update you that I have lost interest in the double leaf surprise setting in great favor of the studded bezel, which is my favorite setting and am almost fully set on it. I am wanting to select a diamond for that setting. ONLY if you approve that the .8-.89 diamond I choose will be well proportioned and accented in its 2.2 mm width band? If not, go smaller like 1.4mm or 1.7mm?

I also updated my budget to approx $3,000-$3,500 in hopes of finding the most brilliant diamond in the best size. I am continuing my search for the best-value diamond within that range and will keep you updated on my finds.

I like the value for the color, cut and carat of..

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.90-carat-j-color-si2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-219384?a_aid=dmnd1357

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.90-carat-j-color-si2-clarity-sku-217075?a_aid=dmnd1357

But am concerned that the setting will not mask enough of the flaws, the diamond won’t be as brilliant enough, and that they are overall “eye-clean”.

Would you advise a marginal down grade in size for a greater “eye-cleanliness” and sparkle?

Thanks so much again! 

 Thanks so much for your input! She has a size 6. I may go with that one but maybe double check around to make sure.

Thanks again. 

 I just wanted to contact you because I am in the final stage of selecting a diamond and really like these three. First off, I hope they are good values and choices. If they are and you approve, which one is the best out of the three?

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.90-carat-j-color-si1-clarity-very-good-cut-sku-231156?a_aid=dmnd1357

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.90-carat-j-color-si1-clarity-very-good-cut-sku-231155?a_aid=dmnd1357

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.90-carat-j-color-si1-clarity-very-good-cut-sku-231467?a_aid=dmnd1357

Thanks.

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I am also still open to the

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.84-carat-j-color-si1-clarity-sku-229253?a_aid=dmnd1357

I am considering it mainly because it is approx $500 cheaper than the other three .9ers I just sent you. Do you think those diamonds are a better value? I am not particularly concerned about the extra money the other ones cost, but mainly want the best value and brilliance out of the diamond I choose.

As of now I am leaning towards the third link of the three in my previous email. I just want the best diamond for the money and hope that I have a good set of four to choose from now. My main concerns of the three in the previous email are the specifications, the slightly thick girdles, the depths which are all above 62.5%, and the other things on the lab report.

I have these on hold and am trying to choose one soon so hopefully you are able to get back to me within a couple of days!

Thanks again.