Q: Wow Ira, there is so much to take in when researching this stuff!! Thanks for such a great site (it has certainly helped a LOT), hoping you could give some more of your time to answer a few more questions?

I’ve got a budget of about $8K for the entire ring. I’m aiming for a round brilliant centre stone of around 1.2ct, set in a white gold band with smaller diamonds either side of the main diamond. Similar to a 4-claw version of:

www.diamondexchange.com.au/tray/index.php?main_page=ring_builder&cat=23&s=rb&sku=3977

I assume that the ring and side stones will cost about $1700 to buy and put together, leaving about $6.5K for the centre stone.

So, regarding the centre stone, what should I be looking for (GIA of course)? Your guidelines recommend the lowest eye-clean clarity possible, ie SI1/VS2, Ideal/Excellent cut, Good or better symmetry & polish which I am happy with.

Initially I was hoping for F or better colour with No fluorescence but that might push the price up a bit too far. You suggest H-J colour with Medium Blue fluorescence as a better ”bang for your buck” buy (particularly in a silver coloured ring), is this still a good idea given that there will be other diamonds beside it in the setting? Can you suggest any particular diamonds that would be suitable?

Also, can you offer any guidance for the smaller stones, or is it better to purchase locally from the jeweller who ”assembles” the ring?

Something else that I need to bear in mind is that anything that I import from overseas will incur about 15% in customs duty and taxes, plus insurance. Am I way off the mark with my budget?

I appreciate your help and thanks again for such an informative website.

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