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Q&A: Looking for a 1.80 Ct. Cushion Shaped Diamond for a White Gold Pave or Channel Setting With a $12k Total Budget

By Mike Fried,

Two questions – Can you tell the advantages/disadvantages between a four vs six prong setting?
Also, channel setting of side stones versus pave? It seems the channel is a more sturdy setting but is it less in the looks category?

1) The less metal, the more light passes through the diamond. But more than that, it depends on what you like better.

2) The style is also a matter of personal taste. You are right that a channel is a more sturdy design. However, not everybody likes it.

We like this setting from James Allen. Should we be concerned at all about any weakness in the band where it narrows?
www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/channel-set/14k-white-gold-bow-tie-channel-set-diamond-engagement-ring-item-7095?a_aid=dmnd1357

……

It seems like it’s quite wide at 3.9 mm.

It is wide, is that a problem? I don’t know about any weakness there.

Your budget of 12k is for the entire ring or for the diamond itself?

Entire ring.

Thanks.

I found this diamond:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.51-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3076691?a_aid=dmnd1357

It’s eye-clean, well cut and would fit that setting you chose beautifully. It will look very bright and brilliant.

Let me know what you think.

I am out of town right now. I’d like to try and see something with a little more carat weight. I will be paying by wire so my total budget is actually $12,280.

Anything in a larger stone?

The 1.90ct diamond is absolutely stunning. It’s a beautiful stone. There is nothing wrong with it.

The 1.80ct is a bit too deep (we like keeping the depth below 68% – ideally as close to 65% as possible for the best brilliance and overall appearance) and considering the setting price, it’s over 12k.

The 1.71ct isn’t eye-clean. The crystals on the table will be visible to the naked eye.

I also found this diamond that seems amazing as well:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.80-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-sku-3046361?a_aid=dmnd1357

The 1.81ct looks nice, but isn’t better than the 1.90ct one.

Thank you!

My pleasure. Let me know how it goes.

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. Get 30% off lab-grown diamonds during a limited time sale.
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!

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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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