Last Updated on 24th March 2025
| Anonymous Reader
Hello Sebastian,
I’d like to request assistance in searching for an engagement ring. My boyfriend and I have a budget of approximately $3,000 for both the diamond and setting.
I’m interested in either a round or princess shape (leaning more towards round), preferably Color grade I or higher, clarity grade VS1 or higher (I feel SI1 – VS2 would be ok, but I’m having difficulty distinguishing eye-clean diamonds.
I recall your post stating that GIA diamonds with a clarity grade of VS1 or better are always eye-clean), ideal/excellent cut and zero to faint fluorescence. I’d love to have a diamond that’s 0.70+ in carat size, but I’m willing to compromise on this as I would like a pave setting with a platinum band.
However, I’d like to get the biggest bang for my buck and would love your feedback and/or suggestions.
PLATINUM PETITE PAVE ENGAGEMENT RING ($915)
PLATINUM PETITE PAVE ENGAGEMENT RING (FLUSH FIT) ($930)
Here are some of the diamonds I’ve been considering –
ROUND – 0.70 CARAT I-VS1 IDEAL CUT
ROUND – 0.76 CARAT I-VS2 EXCELLENT CUT
PRINCESS – 0.75 CARAT H-VS1 IDEAL CUT
Thank you in advance for your assistance!
Your Diamond Teacher |
| Thank you for your inquiry. I am happy to help! I did a search for you, as well. And you did an excellent job selecting the below round diamonds within your budget.
I would definitely suggest a round diamond over a princess shaped diamond. A round diamond will appear larger than a comparable princess shaped diamond of similar carat weight. If you compare the millimeter measurements of the 0.76ct round and the 0.75ct princess, you will see what I am saying. The eye starts to see a difference in size, when there is at least .20mm difference. Regarding the two round diamonds, you can confidently select either one. They will perform equally. Are you leaning more towards one? |
| Anonymous Reader
Hello Sebastian,
Thank you so much for your quick reply and your suggestions! I checked the millimeter measurements and understand what you mean. I will definitely choose a round diamond and leaning towards the 0.76 carat due to its size.
0.76 CARAT I-VS2 EXCELLENT CUT ROUND DIAMOND
Your Diamond Teacher |
| You are very welcome. Please let me know if I can be of further assistance. 🙂 |
| Anonymous Reader
Hello Sebastian,
After doing additional research, I’m leaning more towards hearts and arrows diamonds. I’m intrigued by what I have read and seen on Brian Gavin Diamonds. I have been looking at this diamond in particular
Petite Pave
but read that the diamonds in the melee are F/G in color.
What color would you recommend for the center stone? As there is a limited selection available on the Brian Gavin website, H is the lowest color that I’m comfortable with. There is a J available for a much better price, but I’m concerned that it will face up warm in a platinum setting with F/G diamond melee.
I also understand that diamond loss in a pave setting is to be expected, and I am also considering a platinum solitaire setting (with a thin band) as a backup.
I would love your feedback and/or suggestions. Thank you in advance for your assistance!
Your Diamond Teacher |
| The diamond you selected from Brian Gavin is excellent. And I agree that an H color is the best for the center stone. This diamond will be beautifully showcased in the ring setting you selected.
0.585 H SI1 HEARTS AND ARROWS ROUND |