We are reader-supported. Buying through any red colored link on our site may earn us commissions. Learn More.

Q&A: Looking for a Round Diamond for a Yellow Gold Solitaire Setting With a $5,000 Budget

By Mike Fried,

Hello,

Firstly, your website has been extremely helpful in helping me determine what diamond to buy, so thank you for that.

I am wanting a stone above the 1 carat mark, and will be set within a petite gold ring (Petite Solitaire Engagement Ring in 18k Yellow Gold). I am struggling to decide what colour of diamond to go for – I have read that for a yellow gold setting that you can easily get away with a “J” coloured diamond, and I would love to get your opinion on this?

Blue Nile LD14446696

I would really value your feedback.

J color is perfectly fine for that setting. The diamond you found is nicely cut, I don’t see any red flags (Blue Nile LD14446696). The medium fluorescence will help the diamond look a tad whiter.

I found these alternatives if you want to have a look:
Blue Nile LD14429906
Blue Nile LD14284616 (This diamond is a bit borderline of eye-cleanliness but usually, 95% of twinning wisps are not visible to the naked eye. If BN can confirm eye-cleanliness, it would be a nice choice).

Thanks for your suggestions. I have to admit when I have been comparing them I keep coming back to the one I shared earlier, I cannot see any inclusions in it and it does feel to look whiter than others, to my eye atleast. If you had to critique the diamond I shared earlier, what would you say could be improved? I would be open to making the diamond smaller if there was a good reason for doing so.

Well, that diamond is nice, but you could get a diamond that rates much better in terms of cut quality. The first diamond I shared with you has a better cut and the price difference isn’t huge. But they both are nice.

My issue as a layman with the diamond you suggested (Blue Nile LD14429906) is that I can see quite a lot of inclusions. I am taking from your recommendation and email however that none of these put the integrity of the diamond at risk and they won’t be visible by the naked eye?

What would your thoughts be on a K coloured diamond?

As for the color, it’s up to you what you prefer. K colored diamonds have usually some warm tint but can still look perfect in yellow gold/rose gold settings. If a setting has white gold prongs, I usually suggest J+ colored diamonds. If the prongs are made of yellow gold/rose gold, then K color might be okay. Each person perceives colors differently, it depends on how color sensitive you are.

As for the diamond I sent, it’s perfectly eye-clean. It’s quite rare to find a VS1 diamond that has visible inclusions. Also, bear in mind those videos are extremely magnified.

Thanks for your help thus far. I think I’ve settled on a diamond as follows: Blue Nile LD13560217

This is superbly cut, looks very white to my eyes and has no inclusions. I know I am probably paying slightly more for the VS1, but I do struggle with diamonds where I can see inclusions at 10x. Could you just run your eyes over the diamond and confirm that it looks good?

Blue Nile LD13560217 – Definitely a perfect diamond, it will be very bright and brilliant.

I have purchased the diamond, thanks for your help.

That’s wonderful news!

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
Arrow down
Arrow up
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
Arrow down
Arrow up

Still afraid of getting ripped off?

Before you buy a diamond, get personal buying advice from industry veterans. We'll help you get the best diamond for the money.

Ask your diamond purchase question here

  • Hidden
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

DISCLAIMER: We don't use your email for marketing. Period.

Please enter your email address to receive your 25% off coupon code:

Here is your coupon code: GFDSF3GF