We are reader-supported. Buying through any red colored link on our site may earn us commissions. Learn More.
Hi, I’m trying to find a diamond for an engagement ring. I have a budget of $20-30K. My girlfriend wants a round cut diamond and she has told me that she values carat size vs. the overall quality of the diamond. She wants something that looks amazing and is larger to the naked eye, but under a microscope doesn’t break the budget.
Can you help?
What style setting (solitaire, pave/side stones, halo) and metal (yellow gold, white gold, platinum) are you planning to use? It can have a slight effect on the diamond’s color.
https://www.diamonds.pro/education/color/
This is the ring that I think she would like although I’m open to similar rings. She wants a platinum ring for sure and definitely likes a petite band with pave diamonds.
Blue Nile Studio Petite French Pavé Crown Diamond Engagement Ring
Let me know if you need anything else.
Thanks for sending me the setting she likes. I’d go with this diamond:
Blue Nile LD08311877
It’s a 2.52ct diamond, but it’s a bit shallower which causes larger appearance (the actual measurements are comparable to ~2.60ct/2.65ct). It’s a great option. It’s very brilliant and you wouldn’t see any inclusions with the naked eye.
Let me know what you think of it.
That diamond looks amazing! I actually went to the jewelry store last night and was trying to figure out the carat size. She isn’t a real showy type person so although she mentioned she wanted a bigger ring she never actually said what that meant.
I think she would like something closer to 2.0 carats, so do you have a recommendation for that size? I’m ok if it’s slightly under or slightly above 2.0, I want the best deal for the $ as long as it looks amazing. If we’re able to shave a few $ of the budget too, I won’t complain 🙂
I’m going to bounce the 2.0 vs. 2.5 off a friend and then make the decision to pull the trigger on which one.
Thank you for your help!
I’m glad you liked it.
I found two smaller diamonds for you to take a look as well:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/2.02-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2078107?a_aid=dmnd1357
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
Still afraid of getting ripped off?
Before you buy a diamond, get personal buying advice from industry veterans. We'll help you get the best diamond for the money.
Ask your diamond purchase question here
DISCLAIMER: We don't use your email for marketing. Period.
