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Q&A: Round Diamond for Platinum Pave Setting for $3K Budget

By Mike Fried,

I have been viewing James Allen’s website and have found a few diamonds but figured I would see which diamonds you would recommend with the following limitations:

Platinum Bypass Pave Set Diamond Engagement Ring

budget for diamond is 3000 (for a great find willing to go up 300)

As I am sure you are used to hearing, this is a very annoying/difficult decision from someone with exceptionally limited knowledge combined with how expensive the purchase is.

I like the second diamond better as I can see scuff marks without the loupe (not sure if that will come up under the naked eye). I am curious on your opinion with the following two diamonds I found. If you could order them in preference – your favorite first with the least favorable last with the two you suggested and the two I found. I think that will help me see a small framework of desirable traits.

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS2-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1513969.asp

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1495910.asp

Thank you for your help

Here’s my order from best to worst:

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI2-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1512047.asp

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1513951.asp

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1495910.asp

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS2-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1513969.asp

Here’s why: They’re all more or less the same price. So there’s no savings in going down to the I or J color. If it was significantly cheaper, I would say to go for the I color. J is too low for a pave set ring. Between the G and the H, again, if they’re the same price, then I see no reason to go for the H instead of the G since they’ll both be eye clean. See my clarity article here:

https://www.diamonds.pro/education/clarity/

Thank you again for taking the time out of your busy schedule to share your expertise. I went with 1512047 and I am excited to see the ring in person.

Fantastic! congrats! Please do stay in touch and let me know what you think when it arrives!

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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