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Q&A: Choosing a 2.50 Ct. Round Diamond for a Tension Solitaire Setting With a $20k Budget

By Mike Fried,

I have another stone from James Allen; can you give me your opinion on this one and possible suggest other that might work as well. I am looking for something in the 2 to 2.5 carat range.

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/2.11-carat-h-color-vvs2-clarity-true-hearts-cut-sku-10427548?a_aid=dmnd1357

Can you suggest a non-lab created stone?

I am planning to mount it on a tension mount as a solitary stone so I need something that really sparkles and is of decent size.

How about this stone:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/2.50-carat-i-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-9266960?a_aid=dmnd1357

If this looks good to you, and is “eye clean” I will probably go with this one:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/2.50-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-9524712?a_aid=dmnd1357

Yes, it’s an eye-clean and perfectly cut diamond. I don’t see any red flags.

Thanks for all your help!

I think this diamond is the one and I’ll be ordering tonight.

Sounds like a plan!

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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