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Q&A: Looking for a 1 Ct. Round Diamond for a Setting with Side Stones Within a $5,000-5,500 Budget

By Mike Fried,

Hi, I’m in search of an engagement ring, with a budget of approximately $5,000-5,500. I’m leaning towards a round cut diamond, with a side stone setting on 14k or 18k white gold. Would greatly appreciate any recommendations or suggestions you may have. Thank you for this site, it really has been a tremendous resource! 

Is your budget for the diamond only or including the setting? If so, do you have a ballpark idea how much the setting you like costs? 

My budget is for both diamond and setting. I think I like the 6 prong setting on 14k white gold with three side stones. Appreciate your time. 

The thing is, with those style settings you need to go with an I+ center diamond. Can you stretch your budget a bit? Here is a beautiful center diamond, but it doesn’t leave you that much room for the setting you mentioned:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.01-carat-i-color-si2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-174856?a_aid=dmnd1357

What do you think?

Thanks. I will check the link you sent. Perhaps I can increase my budget to get the design I was looking for.

I decided to purchase the diamond you recommended with an 18k 3stone band. Thanks for your help. 

Sounds great. Please let me know how it looks when it arrives. 

 

 The ring is gorgeous! She loved it! We are having it resized, and it should arrive tomorrow. Thanks again for your assistance.

 

Thanks for writing and letting us know. I’m delighted that you were pleased with our help. We wish you and your partner a life of happiness and fulfillment. 

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. They currently run a 10% discount on selected lab-grown diamonds!
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. Right now, Blue Nile offers up to 50% savings on selected jewelry during a limited-time season sale.
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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