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Q&A: Looking for Round Cut for “Classic” Solitaire Setting

By Mike Fried,

I have a budget of $7,000 to $9,000 for a diamond (range is due to the fact I’m still undecided about setting type/metal).

I am very impressed by how helpful you are, and was wondering whether you could suggest a few good candidates.

Following you advice, would not want to compromise on a great cut for size, but ok to compromise color or non-eye clarity for size.

Many thanks

I’d be happy to make some recommendations and guide you through the process. What shape diamond and what type of setting are you considering? Yellow gold or white gold/platinum? Will it be a solitaire or does it have sidestones/pave? This may affect the colors that I recommend for the center diamond (as we explain in our post on color).

Let me know and I’d be happy to send you some suggestions.

Thanks mike for such a quick answer

I’m thinking of a round diamond, platinum setting, most likely a solitaire (she’s european and “classic” so i presume this is the safest bet…)

Thanks!

I love that ‘European and ‘classic’ line. I live in Europe right now, and it put a smile on my face.

Check these two out:

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1524582.asp

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1531331.asp

I really like that first one. Its bright, eye-clean and a great value. It will look great in a traditional solitaire and leaves plenty of room to come in on budget.

What do you think?

Thanks very much Michael,

I have talked to James Allen this afternoon, and put the first one you mentioned on hold. Also the one below:

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS2-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1540589.asp

Do you see any merits in upgrading to this other one since it’s still within budget? Not I don’t think the below is eye-clean but just wondering….

thx!

I think the other diamond is eye-clean. If it is, there is zero reason to spend 15% more for it. I’m not infallible; its possible I’m wrong. But I have a lot of experience and think the first diamond offers the best value.

Perfect, thanks!!!

My pleasure.

I just received the diamond and really looks great.

Thanks again Mike!

Thanks for writing and letting us know. I’m delighted that you were pleased with our help. Do you think you can do us a quick favor and write us a small review on www.ivouch.com? If you could, we would be extremely grateful.

We wish you and your partner a life of happiness and fulfillment.

Thanks mate. Best of luck.

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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