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Q&A: Looking for a Round or Oval Diamond for a White Gold Solitaire With a $3000 Total Budget

By Mike Fried,

I’m hoping for advice in picking an engagement ring for my partner. In terms of specs, I’m looking at the following:
– Oval/Round in shape
– Solitaire with thin band
– 6 claw setting
– 14k white gold
– budget at £2,000/$2,500

Let me know if there’s anymore information I can provide.
Size matters so I’m happy to compromise on the carat weighting of the band or colour.

Have a look at this diamond:
https://www.bluenile.com/uk/diamond-details/LD0801431477

It’s very well cut and going to look colorless in a solitaire style setting.
https://www.diamonds.pro/education/color/

I chose Blue Nile because they have offices in Dublin so everything will be easier for you in terms of shipping, returns and repairs.

What do you think?

Thanks for getting in touch. I’ll let you know which email I use but most likely will book via this account anyways.

The link isn’t working on both my phones to have a look at the ring. I’ve not got access to my laptop for a couple of days. Takes me to their page but pops onto a screen saying “can’t locate the page” but it lands on the blue nile page with an empty ring box. Is there any other link you can provide or a screen grab of the details and ring?

I’m sorry, the link doesn’t work for me either.

Here’s a new link. Let me know what you think.
Blue Nile LD07391877

With the J colour, will it still emit the shine and brightness of the stone? I like the cut and style along with the price per carat. Is there an oval shape diamond in a solitaire setting you can suggest?

Brilliance depends on the cut of a stone. You can have a look at the pictures in this link: https://www.diamonds.pro/education/carat-weight/
So there’s no need to worry about J color.

As for the oval shape, I wouldn’t go lower than for an H color.
https://www.diamonds.pro/education/color/

Have a look at this stone:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/0.70-carat-f-color-vs2-clarity-sku-2276202?a_aid=dmnd1357

It’s very well cut and eye-clean. I chose JA because I need to see a real picture or video of ovals to make sure that there’s no bow-tie. It also leaves some space for taxes.

What do you think?

I do like the oval shape indeed. Are there any options where I can consider larger carat stone sacrificing clarity to I1 if the inclusions aren’t very noticeable. I’m also happy to consider a higher colour grading such as H/G instead of F?

Furthermore, there seems to be no mention of the ‘cut’ of the oval stone?

……

What do you think of the below please?
www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.800-h-si1-oval-diamond-gia-7793225di&a_aid=y

Are you partnered with this vendor?

Inclusions on I1 and lower clarity grades are eye-visible. I wouldn’t go for such low clarity grades.

Yes, we’re also affiliated with BGD. The issue with this stone is that it’s not in their inventory (see the note “Virtual”). We don’t really see the specifications of the stone. So I’m not able to comment on it. Plus, I need to see a real picture or a video of an oval shape to confirm that there’s no or little bow-tie.

As for the cut, it’s graded only on round stones. There are no cut grades of other shapes.

Here’s one more option from Blue Nile:
https://www.bluenile.com/uk/diamond-details/LD11631787

I do include H+ color grades into my search, but these higher colors end up being the biggest stones with great overall specs.

Let me know what you decide.

I like the BN & JA rings. When comparing the two in terms of quality and appearance in size, which would you suggest as the first choice?

Furthermore, with oval shapes in a solitaire setting; what would you suggest between a 4 prong or 6 prong claw setting? Which would help enhance the stone?

I think that choosing a setting depends mainly on your personal taste. Both settings 4 or 6 prong will hold the diamond safely. And the difference in appearance between these two is not very significant.

Whichever setting and diamond you like the most, go for it.

I’m planning on going ahead with the James Allen ring most likely but the link is coming up as the item is sold out. When will they restock?

The diamond is gone. If you’re ready to purchase, here’s another option for you:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/0.70-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-2489603?a_aid=dmnd1357

There’s a high chance that this stone is also going to be gone in a couple of days. So if you like it, go for it.

Do you know much about the JA aftercare support service especially for customer outside the US?

They offer free returns and repairs and a 30 day return policy. If you want to know more detailed information, I suggest asking them directly. They’ll be able to answer all your questions regarding their warranty.

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!

Please enter your email address to receive your 25% off coupon code:

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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