Q&A: Seeking an Eye-Clean 1.3-1.5 Ct. Round Diamond for a Solitaire White Gold Band with $9-10k Budget

Hi, I’m looking for a round cut diamond for a solitaire engagement ring. My budget is up to $10,000 for the stone. We plan to have a jeweler set the stone in a cross prong solitaire white gold band (approximately: https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/18k-white-gold-3.3mm-cross-prong-solitaire-engagement-ring-item-9012?a_aid=dmnd1357).

Here are my dream specs for the stone:

Cut: round

Color: H or I

Clarity: an “eye clean” VS2

Cut Quality: very good or excellent; we’re less sure about this aspect

Carat: 1.3-1.49 (ideally 1.5 ct but heard that the 1.5 mark comes with a price hike)

Budget: $9,000-10,000

Any recommendations? Ideally, I would be able to find an eye clean 1.5 ct. round cut diamond for $10,000 with the specifications listed above, but I’m not sure if this is overly optimistic.

Thank you so much in advance – I’ve learned a tremendous amount about diamonds from your website and can’t believe you so generously offer this service! 

Thank you so much for the help – we think the 1.4 ct. and 1.47 ct. are both beautiful. Do you think either is more brilliant? Is a sparklier 1.4 ct. diamond more eye-catching than a less sparkly 1.47 ct?

The larger 1.47 ct. has some white inclusions – two white lines and a white cloud on the side – that we can see easily but we’re not sure how evident these would be when mounted. Do you think they will be noticeable when in a ring? It seems like the black inclusions in the 1.4 ct. ring are pretty small, so we’re less concerned. 

Thank you!!!