Hi, I’ve been looking for a diamond/ring and am having some trouble. I know some of the basics but then read articles and feel the need to start all over again. I am looking to buy a 2.5 carat round diamond or larger. The cut I would like to be very good and above, the color J and above, the clarity SI1 and above and polish and symmetry very good and above (saw while reading somewhere thats what is most suggested). I’ve been looking at sites such as israeldiamond.com and bluenile.com.
I came across your site and it mentioned don’t buy unless it is GIA certified… I really don’t want to spend more than 15k and am not sure that will cover what I’m looking for. I found a diamond on Israels site that is a 2.72 cut very good color I, Clarity SI1, for under 11k but it’s EGL Israel certified…
Please let me know if you have any questions.
I would never recommend anyone purchasing a diamond with that certificate under any circumstances.
https://www.diamonds.pro/education/egl/
Unfortunately, exactly as you assumed, there is no way to buy quality for that price. I would much rather have a smaller diamond with a lot of brilliance that looks amazing than a big rock that is dull.
Thank you for getting back to me. I understand now why a EGL CERTIFIED diamond isn’t worth it. I still would like to figure out the best option for me based on the information I provided even if I need to change what I’m looking for. Are you still able to help with that?
Of course I will help you.
One question before I start searching. What style setting (solitaire, pave/side stones, halo) and metal (yellow gold, white gold, platinum) are you planning on getting?
Probably a solid gold band, not rose gold so to put most of the money into the center diamond. I’m attaching some pictures. Also I’ve been told now the oval shape is nice option too.
I was looking at Blue Nile yesterday and found some round 2.5s. They emailed me the first picture item# LD07006609.
Sorry I know there’s a lot here let me know if you have questions.
Thank you.
That diamond is not good. It’s too deep. Ideally, the depth should be close to 61% and never exceed 62.8%. Not only will the diamond be less brilliant, it will look smaller: https://www.diamonds.pro/education/carat-weight/.
I checked and couldn’t find anything larger than this 2.11ct stone:
Blue Nile LD07202616
As for ovals, they are beautiful too. I found this 2.20ct:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/2.20-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-sku-2038490?a_aid=dmnd1357
I chose to search on James Allen for ovals as it’s very important to see he actual photos/360 views to determine how significant the bow tie is.
Let me know what you think.
From what you suggested I found this on Blue Nile. Let me know your thoughts.
Blue Nile LD07724584
It looks great, however, I’m slightly worried about the J color. Since the diamond is pretty large, the color will be more noticeable.
But if you’re not in a rush, you can give it a try and when you receive it and don’t like it, you can exchange it for an I color one.
Sounds good. Can we do the same process for an oval shaped diamond? Should I watch for a specific depth… You mentioned the bow tie effect? If comparing sizes if you’re usually looking for a 2.5ct round, does that mean you’re also looking for a 2.5 oval?
Thank you again for your help!
When you’re comparing the size, ovals are usually longer than rounds. However, they are also narrower. It just depends on what you like more. The 2.20ct from JA is the best I could find within ~15/16k.
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
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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