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 Brilliant for Tiffany-Style Ring Within a $12k-$18k Budget

By Mike Fried, Updated November 4, 2017

Hello,

Thanks so much for providing all the great information. I feel like you have already saved me hundreds if not thousands!

I’m in the market for a round diamond for a Tiffany-style solitaire white gold setting. My target is 7.5-7.8 mm table size, so probably 1.6-1.8 ct. My budget is $12-$18k. Can you recommend an eye-clean diamond in that size range? How close can I stay to $12k before I start paying for features that won’t be appreciated to the naked eye?

Also, I looked at a few loose diamonds in a shop. When next to each other, I could see a difference in color between the lower quality and the near colorless. Will I overpay for a near colorless diamond given that I’m not seeing it in a setting?

Thanks.

Do the diamonds you’ve seen in a store have a legitimate GIA or AGS certificate? If not, there’s a high chance that they were even lower colors. If so, feel free to send me their numbers. I’ll be happy to comment on it, too.

Here’s a setting very similar to the solitaire Tiffany style:
www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/14k-white-gold-six-prong-knife-edged-solitaire-engagement-ring-item-22590?a_aid=dmnd1357

And here’s a diamond with the quality I’d recommend:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.60-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-1819403?a_aid=dmnd1357&chan=jo?a_aid=dmnd1357

It’s very well cut, eye-clean and going to look colorless. Also the size matches. https://www.diamonds.pro/education/color/

What do you think?

Thanks for the links. I’ve been looking at only GIA diamonds. I have 2 questions:

1) Is there a noticeable difference going from H to G, or I to G, once the diamond is set?
2) The diamond you suggested has a 59% table. In this diamonds pro post (https://www.diamonds.pro/qa-looking-1-5-1-8-round-diamond-platinum-halo-setting-within-16k-18k-budget/) it says you typically look for a table % between 55-57. Should I look for a lower table percent?

Thanks!

Since you’re planning to use a solitaire style setting, there’s no need to go for a higher color grade. The difference between a G and I color diamond won’t be noticeable in the setting (only if you compared them side by side). Both stones will look colorless, that’s why I’d go with I.
https://www.diamonds.pro/education/color/

The parameters mentioned on our site have usually diamonds with the best cut (which highly influences brilliance). But this diamond is beautifully cut. It’s going to return light with a lot of brilliance and fire. So I’d stick with this one.

Keep me posted.

Thanks. Do you have any recommendations for a slightly larger diamond, about 1.7 ct?

Here’s a 1.72 carat diamond with the quality I’d recommend:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.72-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2412571?a_aid=dmnd1357

Let me know which of the stones is your favorite.

It looks like the 1.72 carat you suggested is no longer available. Do you have another 1.7 that you can recommend?

Thanks.

Anything I find now will be gone in a couple of days. Are you ready to purchase? Then I’ll be happy to send you my other suggestion.

Yes – and my apologies, I was delayed because of a relocation and job change, but I plan to purchase asap.

Thanks.

Thank you for the information.

Here’s my new suggestion:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.70-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2671328?a_aid=dmnd1357

It’s very well cut, eye-clean and with great overall specifications.

What do you think?

That looks really great. Can you give me a suggestion in a G or H color? This is going in a platinum solitaire setting, so let me know if you think a better color grade would have negligible benefit.

Thanks.

As you mentioned, I don’t see a reason for you to pay the extra buck for a higher grade without getting any additional benefit. An I or J color stone will look colorless in a solitaire style setting. There’s no need to go higher with the color.

Great, thanks so much. Is there a code that I use at purchase so that you can get credit for assisting me?

Knowing the email address used for the purchase is the only thing we need in order to get credit. Thank you that you care so much.

Keep me posted.

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. They currently run a 10% discount on selected lab-grown diamonds!
Click to Visit
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. Right now, Blue Nile offers up to 50% savings on selected jewelry during a limited-time season sale.
Click to Visit
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

  • This field is hidden when viewing the form
  • 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

Diamond Pro

Diamond Pro

  • Unfortunately, the AI chat we worked so hard training is not helping our readers the way we would like. You deserve the best advice you can get.

    Would you like to contact a human diamond pro? Just fill out this email form and we will answer you ASAP (usually within one day).

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