We are reader-supported. Buying through any red colored link on our site may earn us commissions. Learn More.

Q&A: Help Finding a 2.50 Ct. Round Diamond Within a $50,000 Budget

By Mike Fried,

Want to make sure that the diamond I choose is actually legit and reasonable.

Blue Nile LD09315932

The cut of this stone is great but there is one issue, its medium fluorescence. It can cause a hazy look on high colors. That’s why I don’t recommend purchasing this one.
https://www.diamonds.pro/education/fluorescence/

If you’re willing to go slightly down with the color grade, I found this G color diamond with the quality I’d recommend:
Blue Nile LD06779454

It’s very well cut, going to look colorless and clouds on VS1 grade are not an issue at all.
https://www.diamonds.pro/education/color/

What do you think of this one?

I did some quick research on fluorescence and that is why I picked this one since it is only medium compared to others which have strong or very strong.
Is there an example picture of medium fluorescence on color F available? I want to know if it is acceptable… I personally did not have any experience with diamonds in real world so pictures will be very helpful.

In our experiences, medium fluorescence can cause a hazy look on F colors. This is a quality that you won’t see from the picture. You can check it only in person. That’s why we suggest purchasing G+ colors with either faint or none fl.

If you want to risk it, go for it. There’s a 30-day return policy. But if you are in rush, I’d rather go for the G color stone I sent.

Blue Nile LD09906109

Do you think this is a reasonable diamond?

The stone is beautiful. But you would pay a lot extra for the F color and FL clarity grade. That’s why I’d personally stick with the G color stone. What did you think of that one?

I want to stick with F color because it is the cheaper one in so-called “colorless” category. I know it may be hard for me to tell the color difference in person but I am trying to buy something that is sort of a luxury item which itself has very little utilities anyway.
Paying premium is fine for me but I want to make sure there is absolutely no chance of getting a bad stone such as a milky appearance, bad transparency, etc.

I have a few questions:
1. Does the diamond instantly become 100% pure and clear (not oily or milky) if it is graded as FL?
2. If it has triple excellent in GIA certificate, does that mean it is an A grade stone (maybe not A+)?
3. The picture on the Blue Nile website shows that the stone is not 100% clean (looks like), is that just dust or could it be flaws on or inside the stone? Can I trust GIA?

OK, if the F color grade is still important for you, let’s stick with it.

As for the clarity grade, FL/IF/VVS1 and VVS2 have either no inclusions visible even after magnification or only tiny ones hardly visible under magnification (even to the trained and expert’s eye). So there’s absolutely no need to worry about any flaws. The pictures on Blue Nile are great and very helpful but not perfect. As you mentioned, what you see can easily be dust or something similar.

Yes, you can trust GIA certifications. They are legitimate and consistent in grading. In our experiences, you won’t notice the difference between excellent and very good symmetry and polish with your naked eye. At the same time, we filter for excellent cut grade only and with depth up to 62.6% and table up to 59%. In our experience, these diamonds return light with a lot of brilliance and fire.
https://www.diamonds.pro/education/diamond-certification/#gia-certification

As for the milkiness, it can be caused by clouds on SI stones, poor cut or medium/strong fluorescence on high colors. So again, there’s no need to worry about that.

I also found this bigger diamond for you:
Blue Nile LD09955924

As I mentioned, even a VVS stone is safe in terms of eye-cleanliness. And you could get a bigger diamond for basically the same price. But whichever of these two you like the most, go for it. They are both stunning.

I will go with the FL one because I think it is harder to find. Thank you for answering my questions.

That’s fantastic news!

It was my pleasure.

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
Arrow down
Arrow up
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
Arrow down
Arrow up

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

  • Hidden
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

DISCLAIMER: We don't use your email for marketing. Period.

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

Here is your coupon code: GFDSF3GF

Diamond Pro

Diamond Pro

  • Unfortunately, the AI chat we worked so hard training is not helping our readers the way we would like. You deserve the best advice you can get.

    Would you like to contact a human diamond pro? Just fill out this email form and we will answer you ASAP (usually within one day).

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.