Q&A: Buying a Diamond from Australia for a White Gold Solitaire Setting with a $3,500 Budget

Hi there, I have read a number of your articles which have been very helpful in educating myself about diamonds. I have been looking at various online sites with varying results and was wondering if you’d recommend a value-for-money Australian diamond site or supplier?

In any case, your recommendations would be very welcome. I am searching for a diamond for an engagement ring – solitaire white gold setting. Budget is $3,500 for the diamond. I am seeking a round/brilliant shape, color – H (based on your round cut advice), ideal/excellent cut, clean to the naked eye. And obviously the highest weight for the money with these characteristics.

Also, would you recommend having the setting made by the same supplier? Do you generally get a better deal this way? I’m after a fairly classic solitaire white gold setting, so nothing too outrageous. Any info would be great.

Thank-you for providing this service, it is invaluable! 

 Thankyou very much for your suggestion. I took a look at the diamond you have recommended, I like the cut but I’m unsure about it as I can see quite obvious inclusions NW of the centre of the table and also a smudge/inclusion NNE of the table centre (Sorry unsure how else to explain what I’m seeing).

I am a graphic designer and attention to detail is a large part of my job – knowing those inclusions were there would irritate me, I think I need to go higher than SI1 clarity. Would you be able to suggest any other options?

As my partner has not expressed a definite preference any recommendations on princess cut diamonds would also be welcome.

Thanks again for your help.

Thanks so much again, I will definitely be considering one of these.

I’d love your opinion on this diamond:

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/0.81-carat-g-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-213244?a_aid=dmnd1357

If you think its not as good an option as those suggested can you please explain why, so I can understand what I’m missing.

I’m considering this diamond, to go with this setting:

https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/18k-white-gold-2.5mm-knife-edge-solitaire-engagement-ring-item-7208?a_aid=dmnd1357

Do you think this setting will be OK for a princess cut diamond?

Thanks very much! 

Hi, I have decided to go with the options below, however after some deliberation I changed the setting to the 2mm option as my partner has quite small hands, and I figure the diamond would look larger on a slightly slimmer setting.

I also quizzed a few of the staff at James Allen on the diamond always asking which they’d choose between this one and others, they always chose this one, so I’m convinced I’ve made a good choice! I really hope so anyway!

So its paid for and is being shipped next week, I can’t wait for it to arrive!

Thank you so much for your feedback. It took me a little while to make a decision, but its very helpful to have an outside opinion. Its very kind of you to provide such a service.

Thanks Again!