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Q&A: Help Finding a 2.11 Ct. Round Diamond With a Fantastic Cut for Around $25k Budget

By Mike Fried,

Hello. I am lucky enough to purchase an engagement ring. While I know the arguments against, I do want to make her dream come true with a round solitaire diamond. Carat size of 2.3-2.5 and needs to sparkle like fire.

Despite all my reading and research, I still feel like I am an amateur facing experts. Quotes are between 19k-25k. Is this what I need to accept? Moreover, it seems difficult to tell brilliance and impact from site listings. Many thank in advance for your help.

I found this 2.32 carat diamond with the quality I’d recommend:

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/2.32-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-519321?a_aid=dmnd1357

The cut is beautiful, an I color stone is going to look colorless and the overall specs are great.
https://www.diamonds.pro/education/color/

What do you think of this one?

Thank you for the quick reply. In addition to size/color, the key factor is the brilliance of the diamond. It really needs to have that fire sparkle to it from all angles. Will this diamond have that?

The cut of this stone is fantastic. So I really think it is a great way to go.

If an extraordinary brilliance is what you’re looking for, then I suggest Brian Gavin Signature Hearts and Arrows. That’s exactly what they focus on and you can be sure that you’ll receive the best of diamonds. Not only do these conform to the strictest of cut parameters, but Brian himself selects them for optimal brilliance. Brian Gavin is known as one of the world’s experts when it comes to perfectly cut diamonds. If you want to spend extra on their cut, let me know. I’ll be happy to send you my suggestion from their site, too.

What is the traditional mark up on a Brian Gavin?

Well, I would like to explain that it’s not mainly about the mark up. There are not as many stones with such a stunning cut. And if you put one stone from JA and one from BGD side by side, you’d notice the difference in the level of brilliance. So even if you pay extra, you get the additional benefit. I hope it makes more sense now.

Here’s my suggestion of a stone from Brian Gavin:

www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/2.116-h-vs2-round-diamond-ags-104097641002?a_aid=y

Wanted to let you know that I did buy the Brian Gavin diamond that you recommended along with a setting. Thank you again for your help.

That’s fantastic news!

It was my 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.
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  • Provide insurance appraisals
  • One free resizing within 60 days of purchase
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  • 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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