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Hi! I’m in the market for a 2ct loose diamond I’d like to purchase online. I’ve done diligent homework on details beyond the 4Cs, and I’d like my diamond to be GIA certified and conflict-free. My budget is around 15K, I’m trying to find out where I can get the best diamond for my money along the following basic specs:
– Asscher or Cushion cut
– ok to be a bit below 2ct since it’s going to be set in a halo (also ok to be above 2ct!)
– color F or better
– clarity VS1 or better (inclusions preferably not in center)
– cut very good or better
– no fluorescence
– table, depth, girdle, culet, as close to excellent as possible, very good acceptable
Where can I find the diamond with the most fire and sparkle? Would you recommend an asscher or a cushion? Who has the best selection in settings?
Thank you so much!
If you’re looking for brilliance, then go with a cushion. Asschers don’t “shine” as much due to the completely different cut.
Is there a reason for the high color? I’d recommend focusing on H+ (https://www.diamonds.pro/education/color/).
Take a look at settings at www.jamesallen.com or www.bluenile.com and let me know if you like any of them.
This is my favorite setting:
www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/platinum-pave-halo-diamond-engagement-ring-cushion-item-17426?a_aid=dmnd1357
Will it look good with a cushion?
Which of these loose stones do you think is the best in terms of brilliance and “bang for my buck”?
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/1.90-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-2292258?a_aid=dmnd1357
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.01-carat-d-color-vs1-clarity-sku-3050228?a_aid=dmnd1357 (This is my second favorite… Do you think the medium fluorescence will be a problem, or where the inclusions are located?
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.01-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-sku-2637600?a_aid=dmnd1357 (This is my favorite… Do you see any issues with it?)
Please give me your top 3 choices from the list, and of course also send my way if you find one that is amazing! Also, the difference between 1.9ct and 2ct isn’t really noticeable, right?
Thank you, I look forward to hearing from you.
I like the last diamond the most as well. It’s gorgeous.
I ruled out the D color one immediately because of the fluorescence. It usually causes a hazy/milky look, even though it’s not visible online.
We usually recommend starting with the ratio of 1.08 as maximum, because people like the squarish look. However, if you don’t mind the rectangular shape, it’s all good.
Here are my top three diamonds:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.01-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-sku-2637600?a_aid=dmnd1357
I also like this one:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.00-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-3106679?a_aid=dmnd1357
Thank you! I like all the choices. If the diamond is a bit on the rectangular side (which I don’t mind at all!), is it a problem to set it into a halo setting?
If all goes well, I will purchase the stone in 2 weeks. I will of course let you know so you get credit. I might be in touch in the meantime with questions or if I find another stone.
It’s not a problem to set it in a halo, but people usually don’t want it. That’s why we search for the max. ratio of 1.08 as people want to keep it as rectangular as possible.
Let me know if you need any further help.
Sorry I’ve been out of touch for a while, but we will be purchasing the ring in the next few days.
I am sending you the front runner for your approval:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.01-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-sku-2637600?a_aid=dmnd1357
Could you please tell me if you have any concerns with this stone? Also, if you don’t mind doing a last sweep on James Allen just in case there is something better out there that fulfills the specifications, that would be great.
Thank you!
That’s an outstanding diamond. Great pick!
I found two alternatives:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/cushion-cut/2.01-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-sku-2526426?a_aid=dmnd1357
Let me know which one of the three you like the most.
Thanks much. Although I appreciate the lower price points, I am nervous about the inclusions being in the center of the stone. Do you think those would be visible? Also, you don’t think the H color would impact the fire of the diamond? I am hesitant to go below G since I don’t like I color, and I feel like H is so close to I. Rookie reasoning, I know!
Thoughts on my concerns?
There is no visible difference between a G and H. That’s why we recommend getting H+. Both of the diamonds I sent you were eye-clean. You wouldn’t see any of those inclusions.
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
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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