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Q&A: Choosing a 2.00 Ct. Oval Diamond for a Rose Gold Halo Setting

By Mike Fried,

Hi, I love your site, it has been a huge help! I think I have found the engagement ring I would like to purchase for my girlfriend. It is from James Allen, details are:
14K ROSE GOLD PAVE HALO DIAMOND ENGAGEMENT RING (OVAL CENTER)

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/2.01-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-sku-4528654?&a_aid=dmnd1357&chan=ve?a_aid=dmnd1357

The other diamond I considered was www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/2.00-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-3373355?&&a_aid=dmnd1357.

I would love an external opinion on this if possible?? I am happy to pay extra if it is a obviously better diamond

Unfortunately, I wouldn’t suggest going with either of those two diamonds. The bowtie of the first diamond (www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/2.00-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-3373355?a_aid=dmnd1357) is too pronounced. The second diamond (www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/2.01-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-sku-4528654?a_aid=dmnd1357) is not eye-clean.

I would recommend these alternatives instead:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/2.01-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-sku-5503600?a_aid=dmnd1357
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/2.05-carat-h-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-4854818?a_aid=dmnd1357
They are well-cut, eye-clean with minimal bowties.

I like the look of those. Which one do you think is the better option? Does the I still appear white? If any risk of it appearing yellowish in any way I will go the H.

Both are perfect choices. The I colored diamond will look colorless when set because the color will be absorbed by the darker ring. I would give it a try as it’s significantly cheaper. Worst case scenario, if you end up not liking the stone you chose, you can easily return it.

Ok that’s great advice, thanks so much!

There is one more diamond I have come across, how do you think this compares?

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/2.05-carat-h-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-4854818?a_aid=dmnd1357

It’s the same one I sent you in my previous mail. An excellent option.

I’ll go with that one.

Thanks!

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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