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Q&A: Looking for Round Diamond for Platinum Pave Setting on $11K Budget

By Mike Fried,

I know that’s a pretty detailed description, but I know you’re the guy for the job. I was wondering if you could help me pinpoint an 11k diamond that fits those specs on James Allen? I have a couple of weeks to make this purchase, so I’m willing to wait for the perfect stone.

Also, my GF likes pave settings and is a 6.5 finger (she’s pretty small and would prefer subtle to flashy). What do you think of this setting?

https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/platinum-54-french-cut-pave-eternity-engagement-ring.html

I love this diamond for you:

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS2-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1524958.asp

I think this will look beautiful in that setting. Given your partner’s finger size, this will work perfectly. What do you think?

The diamond is beautiful. However, I was looking to go a little larger—also I should specify that my 11,000 budget is for the stone alone. Do you think a larger stone would be a problem for the setting?

Again, thanks for all of your help! I will of course be happy to ivouch for y’all once we’ve found the perfect stone!

Then I would go with this one.

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1523332.asp

I thought your budget included the setting and adjusted for that. This one is a real winner.

I pulled the trigger on this diamond and it is on the way pending the wire transfer, will keep you posted. Thanks for your help!

Sounds great. Let me know how it looks when it arrives.

Just got the ring today. There are no words to describe how incredible the stone is— as brilliant, fiery, and eyeclean as I could have ever asked for. And it works perfectly with the setting!

Thanks a million for your help and expertise. Just tell me where and I’ll be happy to leave an Ivouch for you!

…….

Mike- one last note. While the diamond is absolutely stunning from the top, I did notice a tiny crystal that is visible when viewed from the side. I would say it is not large at all, and most folks would never notice it. I know diamonds are defined as “eye clean” from the top view only—what are your thoughts about the slightly visible inclusion from the side? My research suggests these side inclusions are pretty common in SI1 and even VS2s?

Thanks again for your help, and have a great weekend!

Who will ever look at the diamond from the side. It will be in a ring and on the finger. Side inclusions are the best type of inclusions as they are unnoticeable when looking at the diamond normally. Unless you want to spend money for a VVS2 (which I think is a waste), this diamond seems great.

Hi Mike—thanks for the insight. I generally agree with you, and I’m 100% sure my girlfriend will be delighted with this diamond.

Best of luck.

It went great! She said yes! I proposed to her while rock climbing- picture attached.

Thanks again for all your help! She loves the ring!!!!

pave platinum ring

Thanks for writing and letting us know. I’m delighted that you were pleased with our help. Do you think you can do us a quick favor and write us a small review on www.ivouch.com? If you could, we would be extremely grateful.

We wish you and your partner a life of happiness and fulfillment.

Just vouched for y’all! Thanks again!

Thanks mate. Best of luck!

James Allen James Allen is the leader in online diamond sales. Their imaging technology is the same as inspecting a diamond with a jeweler's loupe. They have the largest exclusive loose diamond inventory online and fantastic prices. They also have the nicest collection of lab-created diamonds online. They currently run a 10% discount on selected lab-grown diamonds!
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
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Blue Nile Blue Nile is the largest and most well-known internet jewelry seller. They have a very large exclusive online inventory. Their high-quality images are catching up to James Allens' and their prices are amazing. Right now, Blue Nile offers up to 50% savings on selected jewelry during a limited-time season sale.
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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