Q&A: Finding a 0.6 to 1 Ct. Diamond for an Engagement Ring with $1800-$2300 Total Budget

 Hello,

I am currently looking at getting an engagement ring and diamond and was wondering what your take on getting them separate vs. together is? If I get both separately what are my options for getting them put together?

My budget is about $1800-$2300 total. I am looking for a round cut somewhere around .6-1 carats. It will be a white gold ring (probably 14k gold) hopefully with a halo. (if it is a solitare I would like it to have a halo/be a bigger diamond) I would like it to look good and sparkle as long as it’s 100% eye clean I want to get the biggest one possible.

I have checked out some of the diamonds on James Allen and found a few but wanted to get your take.

Thanks so much for your help! 

Thanks for the quick reply! I have checked out your site and am thoroughly impressed with your team’s work and appreciate everything you guys do. And I would love to make sure you guys get credit for the help you’re giving me. (just so you know).

My total budget is around $2000-$2200. I realize this is relatively small, but I am a college student and don’t have very much money for this.

I haven’t decided if I want to go with a halo and get a smaller stone or go with a solitare pave style and get a bigger stone.

These are a few of the styles I’m looking at:
http://wedding-pictures-05.onewed.com/42814/halo-engagement-ring-with-moissanite-stone__full.jpg

https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/14k-white-gold-thin-french-cut-pave-set-diamond-engagement-ring-item-7092?a_aid=dmnd1357

https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-pave-halo-and-shank-diamond-engagement-ring-round-center-item-17445?a_aid=dmnd1357

Something simple but elegant. The features are negotiable (pave, halo, I would like one of those preferably at least.), I just want it looking good (obviously).

Anyway I have checked out most settings and found them to be roughly $400-$1200 for the nicer ones. This leaves my stone anywhere from $1000-$1800. After reading your site, I have a much much greater understanding of what to look for. I was wondering if you had any suggestions on what to look for, and if you think buying a diamond and setting separately would be my best bet.

Thanks a bunch! 

That looks like a good diamond.

I like everything about it I was just thinking about finding something a little bigger. Around a .6 or maybe even a .7 (while still being eye clean). Any suggestions? It will be in a white gold setting (that I may get locally) if that helps narrow down the color or anything.