Q&A: Looking for an Eye-Clean 0.8 Ct. Diamond for a Pave Setting Engagement Ring

Hi there,

I’ve been reading your posts for the past 4 months trying to educate myself on diamonds. I want a quality diamond but don’t want my fiance trying to break the bank (even if he thinks he’s supposed to). Thank you so much for the articles on James Allen. I was sold on Blue Nile until I realized that all SIs are not created equal. The setting I’m interest in the following 14 karat white gold Pave setting (is 18 karat better):

Setting – https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/14k-white-gold-thin-french-cut-pave-set-diamond-engagement-ring-item-7092?a_aid=dmnd1357

Budget for the diamond is no more than $3,500 (don’t want the total cost for ring and setting to be more than $4k).
Looking for an eye-clean excellent cut, round diamond, color of H or higher (not sure if I”I” would compliment with the the setting since the side diamonds are G/H. I found the following:

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.81-carat-g-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-205689?a_aid=dmnd1357

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.80-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-227739?a_aid=dmnd1357

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.80-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-198630?a_aid=dmnd1357

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.80-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-201758?a_aid=dmnd1357

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.80-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-226397?a_aid=dmnd1357

Please let me know if these are of good quality and are eye clean. Suggestions welcomed! Thanks.

…

As a follow up to my last message, if you think an “I” color diamond would work with the setting I chose, please let me know your opinion of the diamond below. I see little black specs in the first one, but I wonder if this will be considered eye clean. The price is great. The 2nd is beautiful and appears really clean, but more expensive. I’m looking forward to your responses. Thanks.

Diamonds:
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.81-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-sku-229252?a_aid=dmnd1357

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.80-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-189330?a_aid=dmnd1357

I’ve asked about the flourescense on the one below and I was told that it has no hazziness or other unwanted visual effects. I’ve learned SOOOO much from your website. Before I read your site (starting back in February/March), I was sure I wanted an excellend cut, D-F (G at the lowest) diamond and planned to use Blue Nile to try and find a relatively less expensive SI2. After you all pointed out the obvious (needing to see pics of SI2s and even VS2s) and providing perspective on color and the effect of everything on overall cost, I was open to “I” color diamonds and could focus on what’s most important otherwise to me (save my love some money while getting a great quality, beautiful ring).
We’ve placed the order for the ring. I will share the results. Thanks again for sharing your opinion. I felt totally equipped to suggest this ring to my fiance and now feel pretty proud that we picked a winner. Yay!!! 

Just got it yesterday. I think it’s beautiful. I can’t believe this is an “I” colored diamond. Thanks again for your wonderful website and your help.

Will do. [LINK TO THE REVIEW ON IVOUCH]