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Q&A: Choosing a 2 Ct. Radiant Cut Diamond With a $20-25k Budget

By Mike Fried,

Hi! First, let me thank you all for the tremendous service that you are offering. I think it’s incredibly generous that you are providing this services for free. I am currently on the hunt for a radiant cut diamond that will be set in a white gold solitaire setting.

I have a budget of about $20K-$25K, but if it’s under that amount, then great! I’m looking for as large a diamond as possible. I understand that carat is not everything, so I’m willing to sacrifice on size if it’s a quality diamond. I’d like the diamond to be above 2 carats. That is my only hard line requirement.

I’ve primarily been using James Allen to research, but I’ll admit that I’m a little out of my depth. I really would appreciate any suggestions. Thank in advance!

Thank you for the kind words. We appreciate it.

I looked around and I like these diamonds for you:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/radiant-cut/2.21-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-2620923?a_aid=dmnd1357

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/radiant-cut/2.00-carat-h-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-2525391?a_aid=dmnd1357

They are well cut, eye-clean and either of them will be very brilliant.

What do you think?

Thanks for getting back to me so quickly! I really appreciate your help. I took a look at both diamonds and they both look fantastic. Coincidentally, I had the 2.21 radiant cut saved to my account!

Here’s a question for you, with radiant cut diamonds, do you typically recommend staying in the H and above color range? Do this diamonds show color easily? I only ask because I saw a J color diamond, but that may be too warm to the eye.

You are right, radiants tend to show their color more and that’s why we recommend staying in the H+ range to make sure there won’t be any yellowish tones.

Okay, that’s very helpful. I really like the 2.21 carat diamond. That just may be the one!

……

Could you take a look at this stone and let me know how you think it compares to 2.21 carat radiant cut you sent me?
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/radiant-cut/2.05-carat-e-color-vs1-clarity-sku-2211532?a_aid=dmnd1357

Thanks!

It looks great cut-wise, but medium fluorescence on an E color is a big problem. It usually causes haziness. I wouldn’t recommend that diamond.

Sure. Here’s my opinion on them:

sku-3085149 – I love it.
sku-1071827 – I love it.
sku-325357 – I’m not a fan of the crystal on the table.
sku-1891677 – It looks great.

The price always depends on the particular supplier, all aspects of the stone, fluorescence, angles and proportions, types and location of inclusions, etc.

Thank you! Also, I realized that I send the same diamond in one of the links.

Here is the other one.
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/radiant-cut/2.23-carat-e-color-vs2-clarity-sku-1831541?a_aid=dmnd1357

Sku-1831541 – again, it looks great, no red flags in the cert.

Awesome! Thank you so much!

You’re welcome!

Let me know which one you decide to go with.

I will definitely keep you posted. Thanks!

……

So I think I’ve narrowed down the diamond that I’m looking for to this one:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/radiant-cut/2.05-carat-g-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-1071827?a_aid=dmnd1357

and I’ve had it put on hold while I decide if I want to move forward with the purchase. One of the questions I had was with regard to cut. The guidelines on the diamond.pro website lists rough guidelines for radiant cut diamonds. How can I judge the cut if the depth falls within the Good range, but the table falls within the Excellent range? How do you access a diamond at that point?

Also, there is another diamond I like, but it a little out of my price range:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/radiant-cut/2.52-carat-g-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-3142527?a_aid=dmnd1357

The reason this diamond caught my eye is because it appears so bright. Is this a function of lighting, or is this diamond really well cut?

We like to keep the depth % under 72 to maximize brilliance.

The diamond you decided to go with is beautiful, it’ll make a fantastic ring. The other one looks great as well, but both of them will have a lot of brilliance, there’s just slightly different lighting in the video with the 2.52ct one.

I just wanted to let you know that I got the 2.05ct radiant cut diamond! Thank you so much for your assistance with finding the perfect stone.

Thanks!

That’s great news! Thank you for letting me know. How do you like it?

I haven’t received yet, but I made the purchase last week. I’m sure it will be great thanks to you and all your help!

I see. If you could let me know how it looks when you receive it, I’d appreciate it.

Absolutely! I’ll keep you posted.

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.
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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.
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