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Q&A: Looking for an Oval-Shaped Diamond for a Platinum Micro-Pave Setting Within a $7k-$9k Budget

By Mike Fried,

I’m looking to spend between $7500-9000 on an engagement ring for my girlfriend. She wants an oval-shaped diamond in a platinum micro-pave ring. What diamond specs would give me the most bang for my buck with regards to size? Reading your site, I have realized I can probably get a diamond in the medium color range without losing much, anywhere else I can compromise?

I have specifically found the below diamond on the James Allen site priced at $6150. Is this a good deal? Would I be able to get slightly bigger or better for under $7,000?

Thank you so much for your help! This is a bit overwhelming and such a major decision!

SHAPE: Oval
CARAT WEIGHT: 1.22
COLOR: H
CLARITY: VVS2
POLISH: Very Good
SYMMETRY: Good
FLUORESCENCE: None
L/W/D (MM): 7.97*5.80*3.69
L/W RATIO: 1.37

DEPTH %: 63.70
GIRDLE: Very Thick – Extremely Thick
TABLE %: 57.00
CULET: None
CERTIFICATE: GIA 

I think I found the diamond you’re referring to:

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.22-carat-h-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-2072870?a_aid=dmnd1357

The overall specifications are fine. The extremely thick girdle is a little concern but I don’t like the bow-tie that it has.

Have a look at this diamond:

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.21-carat-h-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-1885682?a_aid=dmnd1357

It’s very well cut and eye-clean. Even though it’s smaller in carat weight, it’s bigger in measurements.

Let me know what you think. 

Hi, I apologize for the lack of response before. I’m ready to buy now and the diamond that you recommended is now unavailable. I was wondering if you could help me find a similar diamond to purchase. Thanks for your help. 

That one has a slightly thick girdle like the one you didn’t like. I see it’s the only one on the site that matches the specs I mentioned though. Do you think I should wait a little while for more inventory or try another site? 

Girdle is an issue that has little to no impact on the visual  appearance of the diamond. As long as you avoid the extremely thick/thin ones, you are fine.  

Ok. Great. Thanks so much. 

It was my pleasure. Let me know what you decide to do in the end. 

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!

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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
  • 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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