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Q&A: Help Finding an Emerald Cut Diamond with Around $12k-15k Budget

By Mike Fried,

I am looking at purchasing an emerald cut diamond from Blue Nile between a 1.70-2 carat stone.

Can you provide recommendations? I have researched and found the following
Table 60-65%
Depth 60-67^
Length/Width 1.30 – 1.75 would like to be around 1.41 – 1.45 for a more elongated look
Girdle very thin to very thick

Can you give me your ballpark figure of what you’re looking to spend? It will help me understand what we’re working with and what options I can find for you.

My budget is 12 – 15k

Thank you for the info.

I like this diamond for you:
Blue Nile LD03073805

It has great overall specs and will look fantastic in any setting you put it into.

What do you think?

Do you think the H color and the VS1 ratings on a diamond of this size is okay?

I just want to make sure that it’s is eye clean and the color is very good. I am looking at either a halo setting from Blue Nile or one I have seen at James Allen.

H VS1 are great specs. There is no issue with these two grades.

Here’s an alternative from James Allen:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/1.75-carat-f-color-vvs1-clarity-sku-5498586?a_aid=dmnd1357

It’s the best priced 1.7ct elongated emerald cut I found in their inventory.

Are there any other options from Blue Nile you would consider for me?

I found this one:
Blue Nile LD00000232

The marks on the table is most likely dust, you can check with them to be sure.

I really do like this one and it was on my list as well. How do you feel the H color will look in a platinum setting? I am having a custom setting designed by a local jeweler and just want to make sure that the H color will be okay – I am spending quite a lot on my setting so I want to make sure the diamond color looks just as good.

H color looks colorless in most settings. Unless your custom made setting has D/E-color melee diamonds around the center stone, you don’t need to worry about any color difference.

Is it okay if I send you a couple other ones I am looking at as well? Can you let me know your thoughts?

Blue Nile LD10436536

Blue Nile LD10648052

LD10436536 is a fantastic option. Love it!

LD10648052 has a bit too obvious black windowing. I’ve seen such a diamond in person and it does not look good. I’d pass on this one.

I think I will go ahead on the LD10436536 if you think it would be a good option. The pinpoint inclusions on the bottom shouldn’t be visible unless they are under a loop right?

I appreciate all your help and patience it’s really hard to make this decision when spending so much money. This is my 25 year wedding anniversary gift so I want to make sure it’s exactly what I want.

Not at all. That diamond is absolutely eye-clean.

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.
  • 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!

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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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