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Q&A: Looking for a Round Diamond for a Pavé Setting With Sapphires Within a $3,000-$3,500 Budget

By Mike Fried,

Hey there – we have been looking for engagement rings and are overall overwhelmed; setting, shape, accents, gold color, etc. We began looking at lab grown diamonds, in particular MiaDonna lab grown diamonds. I think I will settle with a white gold band with pave set side stones. We would like to spend as little as possible on a diamond, but I would also like something .70ish carats. Lab grown diamonds tend to have excellent or ideal cuts and I was told that you can choose a lower clarity with a higher cut… Is this true? I definitely do not want any inclusions with the naked eye. I also am concerned about diamond color – I am guessing that the diamond will look more yellow against the white gold?

I would like to find a true mined diamond due to the value – but really don’t know what to look for and what I can actually compromise on. I also don’t really know how important carat. I’m guessing that, based on the type of band, something might fit/look better?

Please feel free to contact me with any questions you have! Sorry for the convoluted message…

Sincerely – confused and overwhelmed!

Lab created diamonds are terrible value. Our goal is to help people get the best bang for their buck. Lab diamonds certainly aren’t that: https://www.diamonds.pro/education/lab-diamonds/.

I’d be happy to find some natural diamonds for you, but I need a little more info.

What shape diamond are you looking for?

Can you give me your ballpark figure of what you’re looking to spend? It will help me understand what we’re working with and what options I can find for you.

I think we are thinking of a round diamond in one of the following settings:
Blue Nile Robert Leser Baguette-Cut Sapphire and Diamond Engagement Ring

Blue Nile Classic Pear Shaped Sapphire Engagement Ring

www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/three-stone/18k-white-gold-three-stone-pear-shaped-blue-sapphire-engagement-ring-item-16770?a_aid=dmnd1357

I think we would like to spend around 3k. Realistically, I am guessing it might be more around $3,500. If you have any suggestions or input regarding the setting, I would love to hear it! Also, if you have any suggestions regarding carat size or shape, I am open! 🙂

Thank you!

Thank you for the links. The setting style and the diamond shape is a question of fashion/style. I’ll leave that one to you.

I looked around and I like these diamonds for you:
Blue Nile LD08269429

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.71-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2627060?a_aid=dmnd1357

They are well cut and either of them will be very brilliant.

What do you think?

Hi there! Sorry for the delay; some things were taking a bit of time.

Does your team evaluate Brian Gavin diamonds? Would your team recommend a diamond by Brian Gavin? I am considering going through them – we are talking about the Ashleigh in an 18k gold with sapphires. Hoping to spend under 4K, would consider 4500. Shape would be round.

Thank you for all your help, and patience!

Sure, we love Brian Gavin. Their diamonds are extremely brilliant!

I love these two:
www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.844-i-vs1-round-diamond-ags-104094705053?a_aid=y

www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.948-j-vs1-round-diamond-ags-bl-104094705054?a_aid=y
This one is from their Blue Line. ‘Brian Gavin Blue’ is a selection of diamonds with blue fluorescence (and thus cheaper), however, each diamond was handpicked and inspected by them to make sure fluorescence has no negative effect whatsoever. That’s why we believe that diamonds from this line offer a great value. You get the added brilliance of the BGD perfectly cut diamonds for a lower price.

The cut on these diamonds is spectacular and either of them will be incredibly brilliant.

What do you think?

What do you think of this one:
www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.798-h-vs2-round-diamond-ags-bl-104094705034?a_aid=y

I like the idea of the blue fluorescence; do you see any other ones that would be closer to $3000- 3300ish? How do you think the blue line would look against a yellow gold band? We were also talking about getting the sapphire set stones in the band; would this change the overall appearance of the diamond?

I love it. It will look great in the setting you are thinking of.

I don’t think the blue will be recognizable much. In rare lighting scenarios (club lighting) you’ll see a faint blue hue. I think the added brilliance of the BGD diamond is worthwhile in this case.

Here is one more diamond I found:
www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.721-i-vs1-round-diamond-ags-104092974038?a_aid=y

Thoughts?

We are also considering a three stone white gold ring, with sapphires as the side stone; for a white gold ring is it important to have a colorless ring? Would a “J range” color diamond be apparent against a white gold ring?

Thank you!

With BGD, you can for sure choose a lower color as those diamonds will always be absolutely gorgeous. A J will work well with a white gold side stone setting.

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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
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  • Free prong tightening, repolishing, rhodium plating and cleaning every 6 months
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