Q&A: Seeking Round Cut Diamond for $3000 Budget

Hi, I’ve learned quite a bit from your site and I thank you for that! I hope that you can help with my search. I have already purchased the ring. The band itself is white gold but the setting for the diamond is rose gold. I imagine that gives me a bit more play with the color grades. I’m also looking for something .72 – .74 at most in a round cut. My budget goes up to $3,000, but I’m obviously open to staying below the ceiling. I’m not too sure about table / depth / clarity / fluorescence. I think that’s about it. Thanks for any help – I’d like to see what an expert would pick compared to what I’m looking at.

Thanks! Actually, the second two that you’ve listed look really nice. With a rose-gold frame, how much play do I have with the color? I thought that I ought to stay around a G or above, but when looking at the pictures, I guess I can’t tell much of a difference.

Two questions though – could you take a look at the following diamond?

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1343746.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

I can see some obvious yellow ‘spotting’. Is that type of thing apparent when it’s in its setting?

Also, I see that you’ve only picked stones from jamesallen. Do you prefer their site because of the virtual loupe? Have you ever had a bad experience with Bluenile? Could a stone ‘unseen’ with similar qualities be that drastically different?

Thanks for your advice! It’s much appreciated!

What makes you reject the stones like you mentioned? Now that I’ve had a couple of days to think about it, I’m leaning toward the first one you mentioned (.74) or the following:

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1334738.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

Do you have an opinion?

I really appreciate the help! 🙂

It was. I figured that you knew what you were talking about, so why not? Thanks for all your help 🙂 I’ll let you know how it looks in the ring.

Thanks!