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Q&A: Choosing a 2 Ct. Round Diamond for a White Gold Solitaire Setting With a $11k–$13k Budget

By Mike Fried, Updated June 29, 2020

Hi, I am looking for a minimum 2 carat, H-I color, excellent cut grade, and something between SI-1 and VS2 clarity. I believe I’d be looking to spend between $11k and $13k… Am I in the right neighborhood for this?

I am looking to mount this on a solitaire white gold ring.

Any other advice and do you have recommendations?

Also, what should I expect from a pricing perspective to have it properly mounted on the right? Just a rough order of magnitude would be helpful.

Thanks in advance!

I’m afraid that I won’t find a 2.00 carat stone with the specs you mentioned, quality I’d recommend and within your budget. But I suggest searching for a J color stone. It’s going to look colorless in the style of setting you like and this way we can find what you’re looking for.
Blue Nile LD08080779

Let me know what you think.

Thanks for this, do you have some more options to choose from?

Also I had a question about mounting… Can you please let me know what market average is for a jeweler to mount the loose stone in a setting?

Thanks!

Here’s one more option from JA:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/2.02-carat-j-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-1115725?a_aid=dmnd1357

It’s also very well cut and going to look colorless. I still like the original diamond more. It’s less expensive and better value for your buck.

If you order the setting from the same company, they will mount the stone for you for free. I suggest asking one of your jewelers about the cost they would charge.

Let me know what you decide.

Quick question please.

On this Blue Nile diamond, stock number Blue Nile LD08080779… It’s very nice, and I think this will fit the bill.

But I did notice in the GIA certificate that the symmetry is “very good” not excellent…

How concerned should I be with this?

Also, I found a similar diamond… Stock number Blue Nile LD08156051.

What’s your view on comparing both of these? pluses and minuses?

Thanks again, I think I’m close and will ensure you get the proper credit for helping me!!

Regarding the symmetry, the difference between excellent and very good is not going to be eye-noticeable. As long as it’s not poor, you can go for the stone.

The issue with the stone you found is the black inclusion right on the table of the stone. It will be eye-visible. That’s why I don’t recommend purchasing it.

Thanks, that was very helpful advice, but as I let that stone slip away, it is no longer available.

Do you have another recommendation?

I’m sorry to hear that.

Have a look at this diamond:
Blue Nile LD07991554

What do you think?

Also, Blue Nile loves our education and wanted to offer a coupon for our readers. Here is a unique coupon code for $100 off: [contact us for your own unique coupon code]

Thanks for the quick reply Joy. I’m sure I am driving you crazy, but thanks for bearing with me and my questions.

You’ve sent me the link to this – Blue Nile LD07991554 (J VS1)

Why not this one? – Blue Nile LD08110631 (J VVS2)
Or this one? – Blue Nile LD07814703 (J VVS2)

Thanks!!

It’s alright. I understand that you want to make sure you get the best option. You’re making a big decision and purchase and I’m here to help.

The table of the stones you found is above the % we recommend. In our experience, stones with table up to 59% and depth up to 62.6% return light with the most brilliance.

But the cut of this stone is not bad. So if you prefer this over my suggestion, you can go for it:
Blue Nile LD08110631

(The cut of the other stone is not good).

Thanks,

Can you please let me know what specifically makes that other stone cut “not good”? Only trying to educate myself here, so thanks for helping me understand.

I think I am close to the purchase and am very much leaning towards the Blue Nile LD08110631 because of price and the clarity vs Blue Nile LD07991554.

Thanks again!!

If you like Blue Nile LD08110631 more, go for it.

The depth and table % together with crown and pavilion angle influence the way stones return light. The other diamond returns light with lack of brilliance. The one you want to buy is cut better.

Keep me posted.

Hi, I want to thank you for your help.

I just ordered Blue Nile LD08110631 and used this email as my email address so you can get credit for your assistance.

Many thanks for all your help and multiple emails!

Thank you for the confirmation of your email address. It was my pleasure helping you.

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. They currently run a 10% discount on selected lab-grown diamonds!
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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. Right now, Blue Nile offers up to 50% savings on selected jewelry during a limited-time season sale.
Click to Visit
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
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