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Q&A: Picking a 0.7 Ct. Round Diamond for a White Gold Halo Setting with Around $2,500 Budget

By Mike Fried,

Hi! First off thank you so much for doing this, I have learned so much from your site!
I wanted to get your advice on an engagement ring. I am looking for a round diamond minimum size of .70 preferably a little bigger with max sparkle for a halo setting with a budget around 2,500 but could go a little higher if necessary. I’m still not very confident in picking one out on my own. I realize cut is very important for sparkle, so wondering if the True Hearts cut is worth the extra money. I wanted to get your opinion on this one here www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.72-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-1960371?a_aid=dmnd1357
I would appreciate any suggestions you had as well.
I also wanted to get your opinion on these two settings www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-split-shank-halo-diamond-engagement-ring-item-50140?a_aid=dmnd1357

www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/martin-flyer/14k-white-gold-split-shank-diamond-halo-engagement-ring-by-martin-flyer-item-54997?a_aid=dmnd1357

Second one is a Martin Flyer, less diamond weight but a little more expensive and says wedding band will fit flush, will it fit flush on the first one? I could afford a little more if you had something better in mind.
Once again thank you, I really appreciate your help! 

I’m glad you find our website informative. We appreciate it. Now, let’s see how I can help you.

I looked at the diamond you selected and loved it. It’s beautiful and eye-clean. However, I’ve got some concerns with its cut. The depth % of 63.10 is too high and can cause the diamond to look smaller and less brilliant. https://www.diamonds.pro/education/carat-weight/

This would be my recommendation instead:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.70-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-1929421?a_aid=dmnd1357
It’s well cut, eye-clean and bright. It’ll be very brilliant.
We’re not huge fans of the ”True hearts” collection. The diamonds are usually way too expensive with no additional bonus.

I suggest talking to JA directly about the settings. Their custom service is more suited for that than us.

Let me know your thoughts. 

Thank you for the help, that diamond looks very nice!

In your opinion would it be worth extra money for a bigger diamond say closer to 1 ct. with the same characteristics or will you not be able to tell that big of a difference to justify the extra money. I figure if I’m paying this much already I might as well spend a little more if it makes a big difference.

I’m glad you like it.

If it’s ok with your budgeting, I can try searching for a larger diamond. However, If the difference were ~0.1 ct, I’d say it’s not worth paying for it.
Also, it always depends on the actual measurements and the cut of the diamond. Sometimes a, let’s say, 0.9ct diamond can look the same as a 1ct one.

Let me know your thoughts. 

After looking at actual pictures of that setting and diamond size I think the size will not be an issue. I actually love the diamong you chose as well. My only concern is the setting I like has color F and G diamonds on it. Will an H colored diamond look out of place along side the F and G diamonds on the setting? This is the setting I like.

www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-split-shank-halo-diamond-engagement-ring-item-50140?a_aid=dmnd1357

Thank you! 


I’m glad you like it.

I understand your concerns, but H color is not an issue in a halo setting. Those additional diamonds are way too small and moreover, the difference in color is not noticeable from anything above an H grade. H color is our usual recommendation for that type of the setting and it looks great.

Is there anything else I can help you with? 

Nope, that’ll do it.

Thank you. 

You’re welcome.

I hope you’ll be happy with it when you receive it.

If you could let me know how it looks when it arrives, I’d appreciate it. 

 Hi! Just wanted to let you know we received the ring a few days ago and we love it, the diamond really sparkles!

Thanks again for helping us out! 

That’s great news! It’s been a pleasure helping you. I’m glad you like the ring 🙂

 

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

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!
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. Right now, Blue Nile offers up to 50% savings on selected jewelry during a limited-time season sale.
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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