Q&A: Help Choosing a 2 Ct. Round Diamond With a $23,000 Budget

Hi The Diamond Pro,

Would like to first thank the team putting up so much effort and knowledge into this site. I can feel the honest advice you provide in your posts and really take your words into account when I am searching for my dream engagement ring. I would like to purchase my ring from Blue Nile. I was wondering if you can assist me to answer my questions.

At first, I was having my mind set on 2ct, colorless (D-F), VS2 or above, and Ideal/Excellent cut for round cut diamonds. My budget is around 23,000 USD but wouldn’t want to max the budget if I don’t have to.

After reading some of your posts, I tried to lower the color to G and clarity to SI1. I found one diamond that doesn’t really show the inclusions in Blue Nile’s 360 view:
Blue Nile LD08786378

whereas most of other diamonds in this range would show a lot more visible inclusions:
Blue Nile LD00100840

My question are
1. They are both SI1, why does the first one looks so much “cleaner” and it is much cheaper also even though it seems like a better option/diamond to me?

2. Would you think this filter (color to G or above, clarity S1 or better, Ideal/Excellent cut for round cut is a good choice? Take:
Blue Nile LD08786378

Do you think this looks like a good diamond that is brilliant enough with a nice cut?

Thank you in advance!

I am so thrilled to get your reply. Really appreciate your professional inputs.

I know you normally would search around on different companies, but I would like to buy it from Blue Nile. Can you suggest based on my wish/criteria only on Blue Nile and only with the diamonds that have 360 views video? The reason to have a 360 views is that we live in Sweden and will be more complicated to return the ring. So would really want to see as many images/video before purchase 🙂

Below is what I am looking for:
Blue Nile Tapered Baguette Diamond Engagement Ring (in platinum)

Round diamond, around 2 ct:
Budget is around 23,000 USD, but wouldn’t want to max the budget if I don’t have to.

Cut Ideal or Excellent – would want to prioritize cut as you suggested on your site. Sparkly and brilliant.

Color G, F, E, or D

Clarity SI1 or above (eye-clean)

None to Faint fluorescence

Thank you so much for your help 😀

It is a beautiful diamond indeed! Thanks for finding the diamond with the best value (H color). I will put this diamond into consideration. Is it possible to help me to find few other options based on the criteria from previous email, but with the below focus?

At least 2ct (priority 1). Within D-F (if it is still within the budget, is there any options with great sparkle, 2ct, and still within colorless range?

Sorry for asking for more information all the time. I know it’s not easy to find a diamond based on all the criteria and within the budget. I really like these two diamonds you found for me. I am a little bit scared of SI1 as this is a 2ct diamond, do you think it will be eye-clean?

Can you give me one more option of G or H, and at least 2ct, eye-clean, and with brilliance and fire?

Would like to compare.

Thank you so much.

Thanks for the quick response. On your site, I read that medium fluorescence can help the H color diamond looks whiter. But wouldn’t medium fluorescence have a risk of the diamond being a bit hazy?

If I would like to get the most beautiful diamond instead of only best value ( eye-clean, brilliant and has fire, and looks colorless) from these three diamonds you found for me, what would be your priority list? 1st, 2nd and 3rd choice and why? This would be very helpful. 🙂

Blue Nile LD00652165
Blue Nile LD08876041
Blue Nile LD09066619

Thanks.

Hope you are having a great weekend. My mind is also more towards the #1 (F, SI1) & #2 (H, VVS2) you picked. Maybe it’s because I have always dreamed of a colorless diamond, so it’s stuck in my head that I might find H has a bit of warm color in it. No matter which diamond I choose among these two, you will still be able to receive compensation right? Still trying to choose between the two..

I have few questions about the first one again: Blue Nile LD00652165

Would you say that it will “probably” eye-clean, OR “certainly” eye-clean? The big crystal you pointed out, will it be visible if the prong doesn’t manage to cover it? Will I be able to request Blue Nile to make sure to have the prong set on that crystal area so it won’t be visible? SI1 and with all its inclusions, will it affect the brilliance and fire?

My fiancee will be traveling to the US next month, Blue Nile told me that they can only hold the diamond for 1 week. Since the diamond is recommended by your company, is there any exception?

Thanks for all your help.

Thanks a lot! I will write to you when I place the order and I will make sure to use this email. Let’s hope that these two diamonds will be available when I purchase them in 2 weeks.

I have a question regarding eye-clean. When I googled the definition online, “An eye clean diamond to us is essentially a clean looking diamond when you look straight at it from the top position (NOT upside down) with 20/20 vision about 6-12 inches from your face.”

So for the SI1 diamond, very likely that if I have the diamond close to my face or that I see the diamond from the side, I will be able to see the inclusions then??

Thanks.

I just placed the order today with my email.

Thank you for all your help and can’t wait to receive the ring! 🙂

Round 2.08-Carat Diamond
Blue Nile LD00652165

I finally got my ring. SO IN LOVE! For sure eye-clean, and it is very white. It sparkles like crazy. Thank you so much for choosing such a great ring for me 😀

You guys are amazing!

Done! Thank you 🙂