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Q&A: Looking for a Round Diamond for a Micro-Pave Setting Within a $6k Budget

By Mike Fried,

Looking to buy a round cut diamond engagement ring for my girlfriend. Right now I know I’m looking to spend $6k max for everything, but can stretch slightly for a good ring.

I think cut and size are important, ideally, want to try and get 1ct center diamond, solitaire micropave/pave setting.

I’m confused about the clarity, some say SI1 is good, some say only do VS1 and above. James Allen shows a lot of inclusions in SI1 so idk how to choose? Help?

As for the clarity, most of the SI stones are not eye-clean. But if you find one that is, it saves you money. Here’s my suggestion of a 1.04 carat stone with the quality I’d recommend:

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.04-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-3709544?a_aid=dmnd1357

It’s very well cut, eye-clean and going to look colorless.
https://www.diamonds.pro/education/color/

What do you think?

Firstly, thank you for your help! That diamond looks good, but I was searching a little ago and found this one which I think is great, but I don’t know if it’s a good value, my limited research says yes, but I’d love your input.

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.00-carat-g-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4702067?a_aid=dmnd1357

Yes, this stone you found is also beautiful with fantastic overall specs. How much is it?

It’s $5,710, sorry didn’t realize they put it as “Not Available” once I put it on hold.

Thank you for the information.

Both stones are very nice options. The I color I sent has a slightly better cut and it’s less expensive, that’s why I like it a little more. But the G color you found is a great option as well. So whichever you like more, go for it.

Is there something else I should be looking at for the cut, both cut grades show as excellent.

The cut of both stones is fantastic. I checked and both of them are going to return light with a lot of brilliance. I wouldn’t worry about that.

OK, thanks.

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!

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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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