Q&A: Looking for a 2 Ct. Round Diamond for a Halo Setting Within a $35,000 Budget

Hi there. I’m in the market for a 2ct round diamond in halo setting. I guess where I keep getting stuck is color vs clarity. I am really looking for that ‘shimmer’ and ‘pop’ from across the room that some of my friends diamonds have but others don’t. I know this is silly and superficial but she doesn’t want a large wedding, but has always dreamed of a ring like this.

Anyway, the long and short of it is, on a budget of less than $35,000 for the diamond itself, would you recommend a 2.01 CARAT F-IF EXCELLENT CUT ROUND DIAMOND (www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/2.01-carat-f-color-if-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-686584?a_aid=dmnd1357) or a 2.01 CARAT D-VVS2 EXCELLENT CUT ROUND DIAMOND) or something else?

I have to admit I’m a bit lost here and they’re all starting to look the same.

Thanks in advance for any help you can provide. 

I’m only going with James Allen because of your glowing reviews, if you think I should also consider BlueNile for a bigger bang for the buck, I’m open to it.

Next – As far as this diamond goes, it’s beautiful. The G color and VVS2 grading scare me a bit, but I do like the lower price point. What’s the primary difference between VVS1 and VVS2? I worry that on a diamond this size it’s more easily seen.

Can we look at the price for a G, VVS2/VVS1 (if appropriate) low/no fluorescence close to 2?
Can we also look at a the price for an F, VVS2/VVS1 (if appropriate) low/no fluorescence close to 2?

I’m really not sure what I’m getting for the difference in price between G and F.

I appreciate the time, usually I’d search myself, but I can’t find a way to search by fluorescence on either James Allen or Blue Nile.

Finally, thanks again for your time and all the help. 

When you’re right, you’re right. I went with your first selection. Thanks so much for the help!