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Q&A: Looking for a Round Diamond for a White Gold Halo Setting Within a $3,500k Budget

By Mike Fried,

Hello. First of all thanks so much for this website!!! I heard about it on one episode of The Art of Charm.

I am still a little confused with all the different ratings of the diamonds and would like a little help.

I am looking for a diamond that can be used in a solitaire ring setting, my girl really has no expectations on what size of diamond she will be getting. So basically I am looking for the biggest I could afford with approximately $3000 AUD. As long as it’s clean to the naked eye and the looks stunning. If you could give me some example or any advice I would be forever grateful…

What shape diamond do you like? A round cut? Also, in what metal should the setting be? White/yellow gold or platinum?

I would prefer round cut and would be using white gold. Probably 14k 🙂

Thanks for the info.

Here is the biggest diamond that I found within 3k:

Blue Nile LD09388778
It’s eye-clean, well cut and will look very bright and brilliant.

What do you think?

My girlfriend has changed her mind about the style of ring she would want now (after trying a few at the jewellery store) and she would much rather a halo. I’ve found the perfect halo setting on James Allen

14K WHITE GOLD DIAMOND SPLIT SHANK DOUBLE HALO PAVE ENGAGEMENT RING

Would you be able to recommend me any diamonds that would suit this setting? I have $1400 to spend on the center stone. I am chasing a diamond that is the perfect center piece to the halo. I’m willing to sacrifice size to ensure the diamond is exceptionally clear with extra sparkle.

Thanks again in advance for any help.

No problem at all.

I’d go with this one:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.61-carat-h-color-si2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4540127?a_aid=dmnd1357
It has some inclusions, but they won’t be visible to the naked eye and the one on five o’clock could be covered with a prong.

Wow thanks so much!!!! This is much bigger than I expected. If you are 100% sure that the inclusions won’t be noticeable and the fluorescence is ok 😊😊

It’s definitely eye-clean and the fluorescence is actually a bonus. It helps the H diamond look a bit whiter.

Thank you so much!!!

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!

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
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