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Q&A: Help Finding a 2 Ct. Round Diamond for Around $12k Budget

By Mike Fried,

Looking for a 1.85 carat or larger round diamond. Setting will be solitaire platinum 6 prong. 12k budget.

My limited research and experience seems to lead me to James Allen since I can see the diamonds. I have found diamonds that are ideal cut, 1.85 carat, J color, vvs2 clarity for around 12k. I am hesitant about the J color but when I move to I it is out of my budget. Hoping to get your expertise.

Also, I know vvs2 is unnecessary but I’m a bit of a perfectionist and it would be hard for me to buy a 12k diamond when I can see imperfections when magnified.

You are leaning towards the right direction with the J color. That is our usual recommendation for solitaires and it looks great.

Have a look at these options:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.76-carat-j-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2346827?a_aid=dmnd1357

Blue Nile LD07935606

These are the largest diamonds I could find within the 12k budget. They are beautifully cut, eye-clean and either of them will be very brilliant.

What do you think?

I was hoping for something a little larger and am willing to go above the 12k price to get it I think. Why do you think about the below diamond? I’m concerned about the medium blue fluorescence. Do you think that is comprising the clarity of the diamond at all? Thanks!
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/2.01-carat-j-color-vvs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2380070?a_aid=dmnd1357

Alright, thanks for the update. That diamond looks great and medium fluorescence on a J color isn’t an issue at all, but I’m not a huge fan of its cut. The angles are off.

I’d go with something like this instead:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/2.01-carat-j-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2384065?a_aid=dmnd1357

It’s beautifully cut. The imperfection on the edge can be usually covered with a prong.

What do you think?

I would choose this one:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/2.03-carat-j-color-if-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2183975?a_aid=dmnd1357

Its cut is fantastic and it’s perfectly eye-clean.

Thank you so much! I will go with that one. I appreciate all of your help.

Fantastic!

It’s been a pleasure helping you.

I’d love to see the finished product. If you can send me the link to the completed ring (James Allen will email you a link when with a photo), I’d appreciate it.

As I move forward with the diamond you helped me select. I asked to see the Idealscope image for it. It can be found below. I am not very trained on looking at these so was hoping to have your help. Is this a fairly good image for the price I am paying? Thanks!

It looks great, no red flags whatsoever.

Thanks! I will send you a picture of the ring when it arrives. I appreciate all of your help!

Thank you, I’d appreciate it.

It’s been a pleasure helping you.

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!

Please enter your email address to receive your 25% off coupon code:

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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