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Q&A: Looking for an Emerald-Shaped Diamond for a Side Stone Setting Within a $8k Total Budget

By Mike Fried,

Hi there. This is what I want:

I want the engagement ring to have 1 emerald center stone, at roughly 1.5 carats. I’d like 1 little baguette stone on each side of the center stone. The rest of the ring can just be a high polished. I don’t need diamonds going all the way around my finger. I’d like to pair it with a wedding band, that has little diamonds just on the top half.

Should I be afraid to buy online? What if they say it is the stone they claim, and it turns out it’s not? Help me please, and thanks in advance.

I think that you mean this setting, correct?:

14K WHITE GOLD TAPERED BAGUETTE DIAMOND ENGAGEMENT RING

Generally speaking, you get better value online. I understand your concerns but that’s exactly why we are here, to help you find the best bang for your buck. Also, we search for stones with GIA or AGS certification (these two labs are legitimate). This way you can be sure that you get what you pay for. Plus, most stones have laser inscription of the cert number on the girdle.

Can you also tell me what your approximate budget is? Then I’ll be happy to send you my suggestion of a stone.

Thanks for getting back to me. We are trying to get the engagement ring, center stone and wedding band at no more than $8k.

Thank you for the additional information.

I’m afraid that I won’t find a quality 1.50+ carat stone plus the setting and band within the budget you mentioned. Here’s my suggestion of a 1.50 carat stone with the quality I’d recommend:

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.50-carat-i-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-4396500?a_aid=dmnd1357

What do you think? Is this price range still fine for you? Or do you want to see my suggestion of a smaller stone?

Wow what a beauty! What about one a little smaller? Like between 1.25 to 1.4? Somewhere in that range?

Sure, I’m happy to send you a slightly smaller stone:

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.28-carat-i-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-3591421?a_aid=dmnd1357

What do you think of this one?

Oh wow, it’s very nice. 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.
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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
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