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Q&A: Choosing a Pear Shape >2.5 Ct. Diamond for an Engagement Ring with a Budget of $30k

By Mike Fried,

 Hello. I am planning on purchasing a pear shaped engagement ring for my girlfriend. I would like to purchase it from Bluenile. I am focused on a diamond that is >2.5 carats (ideally >3.0) with a max budget of $30k. 

 

 Out of curiosity, why have you settled on Blue Nile? We are not fans of them at all. 

 No problem at all. I am open to more websites than bluenile (I read your website and now better understand why there may be superior alternatives available).

Appreciate your counsel. 

 

 If you are willing to drop in size a bit, I LOVE this diamond:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/pear-cut/2.30-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-236259?a_aid=dmnd1357

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/pear-cut/2.59-carat-g-color-si1-clarity-sku-132450?a_aid=dmnd1357

I really prefer the 2.30 over the 2.59. Its actually longer than the 2.59 (though its narrower). To be honest, if the price on the H VS2 was 22k, I’d chose that one over the 2.59 for 26k. 

 Thanks for your note. I am a bit confused by all the notes I have read on the bow tie effect. How do I tell if this is an issue? I really appreciate your help here. 

 You can see in the photo that the bowtie is very minor. That is why I’d only recommend pear shapes from JA. When I am looking at other shapes, I would pick from any site that has photos. But with Oval/Pear/Marquise, I stick with the JA ‘video’ they have. 

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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