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Q&A: Choosing a 1.8 to 2.5 Ct. Oval Diamond for a White Gold Solitaire Setting with Around $15k Budget

By Mike Fried,

I am looking to get my girlfriend an engagement ring. She wants an oval diamond, somewhere in the 1.8-2.5 carat range (fairly large range, I know). She also wants a solitaire setting, probably 14 ct white gold. Any recommendations? Budget is definitely below $17,000. Was really hoping to keep it around 12,000-15,000 for both the diamond and the setting. Any help would be appreciated!

I found this diamond for you:

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.80-carat-g-color-si1-clarity-sku-544425?a_aid=dmnd1357

It’s very well cut, eye-clean and going to look colorless.

What do you think? 

Thanks so much for your help, and sorry for the delayed reply.

The one you picked out is very nice. I am curious as to why you picked
that one though? For instance, the following two diamonds on the same
site have better “stats” and are in a similar price range:

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.86-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-264100?a_aid=dmnd1357

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.91-carat-e-color-si1-clarity-sku-2213396?a_aid=dmnd1357

Is there any reason you recommended the one you did? I’m a total
novice at this but appreciate all your help! 

The issue with the E color stone is its strong fluorescence. It can cause a hazy appearance on a high color grade. https://www.diamonds.pro/education/fluorescence/

And the inclusions on the G color diamond you sent are not clean to the naked eye.

That’s why I selected the one I sent you. It’s eye-clean and with great overall specifications. 

Thanks for all your help!

After chatting with one of the experts on the James Allen website, he
also suggested this one:

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.75-carat-g-color-si1-clarity-sku-1083071?a_aid=dmnd1357

I wanted to run this one by you as well. He said although it’s
slightly less carats, it’s face is about the same size. Let me know if
you have any thoughts on it! 

Yes, the stone is also eye-clean and has great overall specifications.

It’s slightly smaller in measurements but it’s a great option. If you like it, go for it.

Let me know what you decide. 

I ended up going with the one I sent you, the 1.75 carat G SI1. Thanks for all your help, and let me know if there is anything I need to do
to ensure that you receive credit for assisting me! 

That’s wonderful news. The only thing we need to get the credit is the email address you used for the purchase.

Let me know how you like the ring once it arrives. 

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.
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. Save 25% on settings at Blue Nile!

Please enter your email address to receive your 25% off coupon code:

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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