I
Set the budget
Decide the number first, then choose inside it.
A fixed figure makes every other choice easier. An advisor can show you what it buys across metals and stones in a single appointment.
Decide the number first, then choose inside it.
II
Cut first
Spend on cut before anything else.
A well-cut stone of slightly lower colour or weight will look better on the hand than a larger one cut poorly.
Spend on cut before anything else.
III
Then metal and stone
Choose the metal to suit the stone.
In yellow gold, a lower colour grade is invisible, and the saving can go to size or setting. In white gold, colour matters more.
In yellow gold, a lower colour grade is invisible.