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Q&A: Help Finding a Round Diamond for a Solitaire With a $20-30k Budget

By Mike Fried,

Hello,

I am looking for help in purchasing an engagement ring. I have read your site and narrowed down my selection. My price range is 20k-30k. I want a round diamond, true heart. Carat should be between 2.5-3.5. I would like closer to 3.0-3.5 as possible. James Allen has a few that are closer to 2.5 carat. Color to the eye should be clear so narrowing down to H-J.

I narrowed down a few (listed below) but when I look at the close images I see black spot toward middle top. Would this be noticeable or is there any place or other diamonds that would meet my needs.

Thank you for your help.
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/2.60-carat-j-color-vs1-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-3039651?a_aid=dmnd1357

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/2.38-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2568967?a_aid=dmnd1357

Can you also tell me what style of setting (solitaire, halo, pave or other) and metal (platinum/white or yellow gold) you’re going to use? Different settings suit certain colors better. I want to make sure that they are going to look colorless.
https://www.diamonds.pro/education/color/

And yes, I’m afraid that the black crystal right on the table of the J color stone is going to be eye-noticeable. That’s why I don’t recommend purchasing this one.

Thanks,

For setting looking for solitaire. Simple band, as thin as possible. Want either platinum or white gold. Whatever will compliment the diamond the best.

Also important to note I live in Texas and know one of the vendors you recommend Brian Gavin as the top 3 online companies is only a few hour drive from me. However it may mean I have to pay tax (unless I have it shipped somewhere else) and I’d rather invest that money into a better quality ring from James Allen/Blue Nile.

How does this process work. Will you email me some suggestions and what is the expected turnaround? If we cannot find anything now, do you know how often inventory is updated.

Thanks.

Thank you for the information.

Since you plan to use a solitaire style setting, I suggest searching for an I or J color stone. It’s going to look colorless and it saves you money.

Here’s my suggestion from JA:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/2.71-carat-i-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-2225070?a_aid=dmnd1357

Since it is a big stone, I didn’t like the inclusions on the other lower clarity grades. That’s why I find this VVS stone the best option around 28k on their site.

If you wish for an extraordinary brilliance 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 worlds experts when it comes to perfectly cut diamonds. If you want to spend extra on their cut, it’s a great way to go. Here’s my suggestion from their site:
www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/2.315-i-vs1-round-diamond-ags-c-104094416001?a_aid=y

Can you contact them directly to get a well-informed feedback regarding the taxes? They will be able to help you with this information better.

Let me know what you think.

Thank you. Both are nice. Do you know if the the BG stones are noticeably different/more brilliant in person perspective? There is a difference in price that is hard to explain. Also the BG stone you recommended is not available. It says reserved online. Do you have others?

Thanks.

Yes, the stones from BGD are significantly more brilliant. So if an extraordinary brilliance is what you’re looking for, BGD is a great way to go. I’m sorry the diamond I sent was gone so quickly. Here’s another great option from their site:
www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/2.120-i-vs1-round-diamond-ags-104093730065?a_aid=y

If you prefer to spend the extra buck on a bigger diamond, the one from JA is a fantastic option, too. Some people prefer brilliance over size and some vice versa.

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. Get 30% off lab-grown diamonds during a limited time sale.
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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