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Q&A: Looking for a 1.5-2 Ct. Round Brilliant for a Solitaire or Halo Setting

By Mike Fried, Updated October 24, 2017

Hello, I’m looking for a round brilliant cut diamond, 1.5-2 ct., for a solitaire or thin halo setting, my budget is $15k max. I’d like to focus on quality over size; definitely looking for something as close to colorless as possible, that will really shine. Worried that a halo setting can hide the diamond, though. Thoughts?

The difference in ‘shine’ between a solitaire and a halo is minimal (99% of the people wouldn’t notice the difference at all). Go with the style you think looks best.

I would recommend something like this:

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.72-carat-g-color-si2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-286969?a_aid=dmnd1357

Its bright, eye-clean and would look great in either setting style. What do you think? 

I like it, but I’m worried about the clarity. Should I be concerned about the SI2? 

I am confident its eye-clean. You can ask JA’s gemologist to inspect it to confirm. Once a diamond is eye-clean, it doesn’t matter what the grade is. 

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. They currently run a 10% discount on selected lab-grown diamonds!
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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
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