Q&A: “Big Price on Setting, Not Much Left for a Diamond”

Hi there,

I’m helping my son look for an engagement ring. After reading your information I have only been looking at James Allen. He really likes this setting (https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/settings-with-sidestones/18k-white-gold-tapered-baguette-diamond-engagement-ring.html)

Because the setting is so expensive, he wants to stay around $4000 for the entire ring, and get a diamond close to 1 carat, it doesn’t look like it’s going to happen.

With the large setting, the bigger diamonds look better in it, but he just can’t afford them – at least the ones we think are quality.

Any ideas for us? He’s at a loss – the right ring but sacrifice diamond quality/size or try to settle on another setting so he has more money to go toward the diamond?

Also, I read there are no promo codes any longer, true? What about any military discounts for a Marine?

Thanks for your help, I appreciate your forum.

Sorry for the delay, but my son has changed his mind about the setting, so here’s the new one:

https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/18k-white-gold-twisted-pave-shank-contemporary-solitaire-11197w.html

He is ready to purchase next week, so I wanted to see what you can find that is great to the eye, .75 or higher, and within the price range of $2800. Hope you can suggest some good ones. I have a couple suggestions from James Allen, but I wanted to check with an ‘outsider’ also.But here are the two JA suggested that we like so far:

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI2-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1500692.asp

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1498636.asp

Let me know what you think, I’d appreciate it. Thanks again.

Thanks, Mike. So, I’m thinking the diamond you sent me (see below) compared to the .81 JA sent me is close in size but is wider, ultimately making it look bigger. Am I right? I’m going to see if he can stretch his budget. 🙂

Mike – https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1498638.asp

JA – https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI2-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1500692.asp

If he can’t pay the $200 more, I’ll go for the .75 JA sent me. Also, a quick question – the GIA report has dates on them, does that mean the diamond has been at JA since that date or it’s just the date the diamond was certified?

Thanks, very good to know. I think we’re going for the one you suggested. So exciting! Thanks again for all your help.

…….

Sorry Mike, I find myself obsessed with looking for the perfect diamond! Here is one more that is similar to the one you sent me. Can you compare the following two diamonds for me? I just want the best for what I get within the next week.

# 1 – https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1424018.asp

Your recommendation – https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1498638.asp

Thank you so much! (again)

Great! We’re doing it, finally! Thanks again for all your help in making this an much easier process!

We went with this diamond: https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1424018.asp and the setting we showed you secondly. It should arrive at our house on Thursday and the big question is scheduled for Monday, July 16. John was given a 10% military discount off the setting and we wired money, so got another 1.5% off the final price. I feel real good about the ring. I hope his girlfriend likes it, but I’m sure she’ll be surprised and happy! Thanks and take care. You have been a lot of help.