Q&A: Looking for Round Diamond for $6500 Total Budget

Thank you for all the excellent information on diamonds.pro. I’m just beginning my search and finalizing my budget, about $6,500 but less is obviously better, and I had a few questions.

My girlfriend likes a fairly expensive setting, the Tacori 2620 RD Pave (http://www.tacori.com/newjewelrycollection/prettyinpink/2620rdsmppk.html), which varies in price based on the carat weight of the center diamond you want to put in it. After the setting it leaves around $3,500 for the center stone.

The color rating of the stones in the setting is G-H according to Tacori. So my concern is that the center diamond needs to be of a higher color than that? Would I need to go smaller in carat weight? I would like to be around 0.75ct to 1.00ct, but I’m flexible, the setting seems like it would make a smaller stone look larger.

Here’s a sample of what I was looking at based on the setting’s carat ranges. The H-J color ratings could pose a problem.

MN Setting – .50ct – .69ct = $2,840

With: 0.63ct H SI1 – https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1536591.asp

PT Setting – .70ct – .89ct = $2,920

With: 0.81 J SI1 –

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-SI1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1539685.asp

SM Setting – .90ct – 1.18ct = $3,130

With: 0.91 I SI2 –

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI2-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1541560.asp

Thanks for the advice. I figured I would need to go with an H or better. Someone already picked up the great diamond you suggested, but I’ll limit my search to similar stones. Hopefully you don’t mind if I send you other options to review. I really appreciate your help, my buddy’s are in the same boat so I’ll definitely be sending them your way.

I am leaning towards the diamond you sent me, which is now available:

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1543614.asp

But I also found this stone .70ct F SI2 which is $320 less. The GIA Report is almost a year old but I’m not sure if that matters. What do you think?

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1542766.asp

Thanks, yeah I wasn’t sure about the cloudy area on the right side. Seemed like it might have been ok, I’m glad I ran it by you.

I’ve put the G SI1 you suggested on hold with James Allen. Going to check out the setting tonight to make sure I still think she will like it and so I can get a good idea of total cost. Thanks for your help!

Got a price for the setting and I am ordering the diamond you suggested tonight. You have no idea how much I appreciate your help. I will let you know how it is when it comes in.

I know this might not be your area of expertise, but in regards to the buying the setting. I went to Michael C Fina in New York last night and the price they quoted me for the Tacori 2620 Pave was the same as I’ve seen online. Since the setting is made custom based on the specs of your diamond, is it easier deal with a brick and mortar store setting the stone? Or do you think it’s better to buy it online and take the sales tax savings? I know this is a fairly subjective question, but I’m not familiar with how involved it is to set the diamond.

Will do. Ordered the diamond last night. I want to make sure you get credit for the referral to James Allen. Is there anything I need to do?

I hope you have a great holiday and Happy New Year. Please let me know if I can write up a review for you and the site. I will definitely be sending my friends your way.

Received the stone today. I couldn’t find the “feather” inclusion in the photo, let alone on the actual diamond. Not that I’m an expert but looks perfect to me, definitely has a ton of sparkle. I was a bit worried about the size but it is larger than I expected. Going to get the setting made at Michael C. Fina after the Holidays.

Thank you again for your help and please let me know if there is anything I can do for you.

Thank you. Just posted a review.

http://www.ivouch.com/truthaboutdiamonds-com/best-diamond-information-site-on-the-web

Just picked up my finished ring the other day. It looks fantastic, I’ll have to submit a photo to your site once I propose. Thank you so much for your help. I’m not sure if you can help in this department but Michael C Fina would only appraise the setting since I didnt buy the diamond from them. Do you have any recommendations on places I can go for independent appraisals in New York City?

Awesome, I would have never thought of that. Thanks again.