We are reader-supported. Buying through any red colored link on our site may earn us commissions. Learn More.
Hi, I was wondering if you would be able to give me advice on buying a round diamond that would go well with a halo setting with diamonds down the side (pavé?).
I am looking at having an engagement ring with wedding band made up through James Allen. I’m only at the very beginning of this process and feeling nervous as I have never done this before. Would hope to get an engagement ring and wedding band for less than AUD$5,000.
Any help, greatly appreciated.
14K WHITE GOLD PAVE HALO AND SHANK DIAMOND ENGAGEMENT RING (ROUND CENTER)
Here’s my suggestion of a diamond with the quality I’d recommend:
It’s very well cut, eye-clean and it also leaves some space in your budget for the band and VAT.
What do you think?
Is it possible to get a 0.7 carat diamond for around AUD$2,000 that is still sparkly, eye clean, well cut, good colour etc, or am I asking the unrealistic? Happy to be pulled into line 🙂
Still torn between halo setting and solitaire setting. Does a halo setting help to make a diamond look bigger? If you see a better deal for engagement ring, wedding band and diamond etc other than at James Allen let me know.
Yes, a halo setting gives an impression that the center stone is slightly bigger. At the same time, I wouldn’t go lower than an H+ grade. And the 0.70+ eye-clean stones with the quality I’d recommend are quite significantly over 2k AUD.
But I checked and the setting you found can be set with smaller stones. Have a look at this one:
If you decide on a solitaire style, you could go down with the color grade to J. So let me know what you think and if you want to see my suggestions of a J color diamond, too.
After all my researching today, I’ve finally been able to get better details on how to break down my budget. For the diamond, I will be able to spend around $2,600ish, which is in line with the first diamond you introduced me to.
However, I’m now moving away from the halo setting and going with a pave setting. I’m just wondering how this change may affect my diamond choice now?
What do you think of this one?
I guess it’s down to choosing one of the following:
What do you think would work best?
I’d personally go for the I color SI stone. It’s going to look colorless and it has great overall specs. Plus, it’s slightly bigger in size.
Let me know what you decide, please.
I went with the first 0.65 carat diamond you chose for me. I put it with a halo setting in the end as I love sparkle.
I really appreciate all that you did for me. I feel at peace knowing that an expert helped me and it wasn’t just me guessing.
That’s fantastic news! I’m pleased to hear that you found our services helpful.
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
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
Still afraid of getting ripped off?
Before you buy a diamond, get personal buying advice from industry veterans. We'll help you get the best diamond for the money.
Ask your diamond purchase question here
DISCLAIMER: We don't use your email for marketing. Period.
