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Hey there! I’ve just become aware of your site, and am eternally grateful for the information I’ve come across here.
I am looking at the following two settings for an engagement ring:
The three-row pave set allows for either a round, or princess cut stone, and thus my question has a few layers to it.
1. Three-Row Pave Set
– If I go with the three-row pave set, what would be the best color and clarity for a princess stone, as well as a round stone? This is, of course, already assuming excellent-to-ideal cut.
– My budget for the stone is between $3000 and $4000. I couldn’t find a stone in that price range that wasn’t a J/SI1 or SI1, and I’m super worried about a J matching up with the high clarity and color of this setting. In the setting information section, the average color is listed as F-G. The average clarity is listed as VS. Will this range render the purchase of a stone in the J/SI1 category unfitting? Any advice on how to tackle this issue? Would you generally advise someone to reconsider purchasing the setting, if they cannot afford a stone of equal or greater color and clarity?
– Is there a carat weight that you think would fit this setting best? The largest that fits into the cut, color, clarity and budget we’ve chosen will be the way forward, but I’m also just curious as to whether there tends to be an ideal carat weight for specific dimensions and design of a particular setting.
– Any benefit to going with an 18k version of this setting, for an extra $200?
2. Four-Prong Pave Set
– If I go with the four-prong setting, I’ve got the same question as above, as far as color/clarity, assuming excellent-to-ideal cut and a budget $3000 and $4000 for the stone. The setting information for this one lists average color as F-G. Average clarity is listed as VS1-VS2. Again, will stones in my price range (quite unlikely to be of this color/clarity) render the purchase of this setting improper?
– Same as above, I’m wondering if any particular weight would fit this setting best.
I’m in love with the settings, and based on shopping experience with my girlfriend, am sure she will absolutely adore either of these. I’m just hoping to be able to select a stone that will pair well with either setting, in terms of suitable color, clarity, size and still fit into my quite low price range.
Thanks in advance for any insight and assistance you’re willing to offer. This is a very exciting time, and I’m hoping to get one of these settings asap, then save up for the stone and grab that at a later time. I’ve got some time before the proposal, but definitely want to choose the right setting really soon, since that has been the most difficult decision for me to make along the way. Hope to hear from you soon!
1) I’m fairly certain you can get the other setting for a princess cut as well. That is not an issue. I was actually very surprised to see it listed as only available for round. I emailed my contact at JA to confirm they can do that.
2) With princess cuts you should stick with H+ in that setting. With round diamonds, so long as they are well cut, you can drop to I color.
3) Please read our post on diamond size. While you can get a heavier princess cut for the same price, a 1ct princess cut will look far smaller than a 1ct round.
Which setting do you like and what shape do you like? Once you narrow that down, I’d be happy to make some recommendations (right now I’d have to make four recommendations for every one given the variables) that will also show you what clarities I’d recommend (that isn’t set in stone; every diamond is unique and all you need is eye-clean).
Hey Michael! I was very happy to see your reply, but got tied up with work and some other things this week, and am a bit slow in replying to your email. Thanks for taking the time to help me out! I really appreciate it.
Since emailing you, I have decided to get the Three-Row Pave Set, so we have that figured out. My GF is an absolute sucker for that particular style of pave setting, and is going to literally scream when she sees it! I’m excited just thinking about it! I am going a little above my budget, only because she means the world to me, and has done so much for me in the past 2.5 years, that there is simply no way for me to repay her, other than to show her how seriously committed I am to our relationship and family. So, in summary, the three-row it is!
I’ve also decided to go with a round stone. Based upon that info, and what you’ve mentioned thus far, I imagine an I/SI1 would be a great match at a more budget-friendly price, but am willing to spend up to $4000 for the stone and do realize better color and clarity may match the setting more. I’d love to get the largest stone possible, while still being eye-clean and pairing beautifully with that gorgeous (and super clean) setting. This may be somewhat of a task, I imagine, as the setting info indicates a very high quality color and clarity for that setting. I’ve seen some .80ct to .93ct stones in the under $4000 range, but nothing up to 1ct, and want to be sure I’m approaching this correctly.
Any and all help is appreciated, and I can’t wait to hear back from you! Thanks again for responding and being willing to help me out.
I like these two for you:
I love that 0.87ct. I think they are both amazing diamonds. What do you think?
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
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