I just found this site today and I must say that I have already learned more about diamonds and engagement rings than I ever thought I''d ever know
. I have spent hours reading through the tutorial and soaking in as much of the information as I can from the forums. Pricescope has been an invaluable resource thus far and one that I hope I can rely on for just a little more help. I have already narrowed the setting down to two pretty similar styles, one in platinum ($875) and one in white gold ($600), both from James Allen:
Platinum 4 Prong and 18k Gold 4 Prong.
The only thing left that I need help on would be selecting the perfect stone to complement the setting. I would like to stay within a $3k budget including the setting and the ring, though preferably somewhere in the $2.8k range. My GF has stated that for a better diamond, she would be willing to go with the cheaper setting. With that in mind, would I be better off getting the diamond and the setting from James Allen given the Pricescope discount that JA has on diamonds, or would it be just as cheap to source the diamond from another source? More importantly, can you please help me maximize the rest of my budget by helping me select the best brilliant round or princess cut diamond to pair with the settings I have chosen above? I have a vague idea of what to look for, but would like the expertise of those of you here to help assure I am getting the most value for my money since when it comes down to analyzing a diamond I must admit I am rather clueless. I am looking for a diamond with the following characteristics: Ideal Cut BR or Princess, Color G-I (she has told me that she can barely tell see the difference with an I rated diamond), and eye clean S1 the lowest clarity. I want a diamond that has fire and sparkle to spare and one that is cut well, with the cut quality of the diamond being the most important factor for me. I am looking forward to your suggestions, and thanks in advance for the help!
- Nervous first time buyer

Platinum 4 Prong and 18k Gold 4 Prong.
The only thing left that I need help on would be selecting the perfect stone to complement the setting. I would like to stay within a $3k budget including the setting and the ring, though preferably somewhere in the $2.8k range. My GF has stated that for a better diamond, she would be willing to go with the cheaper setting. With that in mind, would I be better off getting the diamond and the setting from James Allen given the Pricescope discount that JA has on diamonds, or would it be just as cheap to source the diamond from another source? More importantly, can you please help me maximize the rest of my budget by helping me select the best brilliant round or princess cut diamond to pair with the settings I have chosen above? I have a vague idea of what to look for, but would like the expertise of those of you here to help assure I am getting the most value for my money since when it comes down to analyzing a diamond I must admit I am rather clueless. I am looking for a diamond with the following characteristics: Ideal Cut BR or Princess, Color G-I (she has told me that she can barely tell see the difference with an I rated diamond), and eye clean S1 the lowest clarity. I want a diamond that has fire and sparkle to spare and one that is cut well, with the cut quality of the diamond being the most important factor for me. I am looking forward to your suggestions, and thanks in advance for the help!
- Nervous first time buyer
