Q&A: Looking for an Eye-Clean 1.5-1.7 Ct. Diamond for a Halo Setting With $12-15k Budget

 Budget: $12-15k for the entire ring
Metal: Platinum
Style: Blue Nile Classic Halo Diamond Engagement Ring

I am looking for a 1.5-1.7 carat center diamond that is eye-clean. I have learned quite a bit from your website and appreciate any help you can provide. Because of you, I’m now looking at colors and clarities lower than I was initially. Am I incorrect in saying that the cut, polish, symmetry is most important? In addition, if I buy the center stone and setting separately, can I take it to a local jeweler and have them put it together? What would be the best approach after getting the center stone? Thank you!

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Actually, my knowledge and priorities may have changed in the mean time. I think my budget is now $12k max (flexible within reason). I want to get a halo and pave band and wanted to get the best eye clean center diamond I can without paying too much.

I was thinking of a J color diamond initially but was told that may be too low for the melee diamonds in the halo. If that is correct, I think I’m shooting for a round brilliant in color H ballpark in 1.5 carats, SI1 or maybe SI2 as long as the inclusions are off center.

Does all of this sound reasonable? If so what diamonds would be best? Thank you! 

The setting will be a halo around the center diamond with pave diamonds on the band itself. What color can I go with for the center diamond with the halo? I was thinking about going with a I color 1.55ct SI1 (https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.55-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-sku-232790?a_aid=dmnd1357). What do you think? Medium fluorescence should be ok or even good on an I color diamond right? Finally, if it matters, my girlfriend’s ring size is 3.75.

Any other suggestions? I’m actually speaking with JA to make the setting I want. Is there a disadvantage with having the setting and diamond put together by an online company? Some of my friends told me getting the setting put together at a local jeweler is better because then the usual maintenance could be done locally. How would maintenance work with an online company?

Thank you so very much for your help. 

 Thank you for your reply. Unfortunately, they weren’t able to hold that diamond in time and have apparently sold it. I’m now choosing between these diamonds. I’m leaning towards the first one since the twinning wisps are pretty hard to see but is rated as an SI2 while the second one has a black crystal underneath the table but is rated an SI1 so I’m not sure which to choose. In addition, both of these have the 60/60 table and depth, which I have been reading may be ideal? Can you tell me what you think of these?
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.51-carat-i-color-si2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-223468?a_aid=dmnd1357
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.50-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-sku-228128?a_aid=dmnd1357
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.57-carat-i-color-si2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-203141?a_aid=dmnd1357
As always, thank you so much for your help.