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Q&A: Choosing a 2.00 Ct. Best Cut Round Diamond With a $18-25k Budget

By Mike Fried,

Hi,

Thank you for all of your advice and support. I’m seeking an engagement ring for my girl and hoping you could please assist. I am thinking the below characteristics. I was hoping to hear your opinion on the following stones and see if there were others you could suggest? Thanks again in advance!

– Budget: $18-$25k
– Platinum, channel set
– Carat: 1.75 – 2.00
– Cut: True Hearts
– Color: F
– Clarity: VVS1

www.briangavindiamonds.com/wishlists/view/public/RvKKDTsy38YexAK31cC5iSS6D4_plkWksZzZnbWVq1QFo=#.WXPbmyLz8BY.gmail?a_aid=y

You sent me your wish list which is accessible only from your account. If you can send me individual links for the diamonds, I’ll have a look.

Thanks for your response. The current diamonds I am reviewing are below. I’m probably leaning more towards the 1.91 carat but am intrigued by the 1.95. The 1.95 looks to have better color but I notice it also has medium blue fluorescence and am unsure if I should be concerned? Thanks again for your support!

www.jamesallen.com/wishlist/?a_aid=dmnd1357

You sent me your wishlist again.

Please send me the links for each stone separately or the SKU numbers and I’ll look them up.

I’m a bit confused as you sent me a link for Brian Gavin first and then James Allen.

Anyhow, those diamonds are gorgeous. All of them. Is there a reason why you’re focusing so much on color and clarity?

You can easily go lower and still get a stunning diamond. And if perfect brilliance and fire is what you’re looking for, I’d recommend sticking with Brian Gavin. He is known as one of the world’s experts when it comes to perfectly cut diamonds. BGD’s Signature diamonds are truly fantastic.

Look at these two:
www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.718-h-vs1-round-diamond-ags-104072471009?a_aid=y
(AGS report here: www.agslab.com/pdf_sync_reports/104072471009-PGR.PDF)

www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.928-h-vs1-round-diamond-ags-104093735049?a_aid=y

Both are amazing options and within the price range you’re looking for.

Thanks for the feedback and options you provided. I was looking at both sites to keep my options open. In terms of color and clarity, initially I’m leaning more towards the quality. In the end I’m not sure how much a difference it truly makes? For the 1.718 carat H diamond you recommended, wouldn’t H mean near colorless with a touch of yellow?

In comparing the one 1.95 carat from James Allen vs the 1.928 carat from Brian Gavin it looks like the James Allen one is slightly bigger (carat) and better color (E vs H) and I think a bit cheaper. But as you mention Brian Gavin is known for cut. Do you think the Brian Gavin cut is worth the slight premium? More importantly putting price aside, overall which do you think overall is the better diamond? Thanks again for all of your support.

H is a near colorless stone. However, the better the cut, the less noticeable the color becomes. You wouldn’t notice any yellow in the H color diamond.

Price aside, they both are extraordinary. Brian Gavin gives you A) the reassurance of a perfect cut and B ) a top notch experience in the buying process. Plus, their settings contain diamonds of the exact same cut as their diamonds, so the brilliance of those will even add to the diamond.

Thanks for the info. The 1.95 James Allen diamond was sold. The one I’m currently considering the 1.91. I’m a little concerned about the G color but am guessing it would be ok if you’re saying the Brian Galvin H is ok?

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.91-carat-g-color-vvs1-clarity-true-hearts-cut-sku-3160821?a_aid=dmnd1357

Yes. The G color is no issue. That diamond is also unavailable. Have you put it on hold? It looks great again.

Yes thx.

It’s a fantastic choice.

How much is it?

25k.

Great!

Let me know how it looks when you receive it.

Will do thx again.

Anytime.

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!

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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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