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Hi, I was wondering if you could make some budget friendly recommendations for a diamond that is close to 2 carats and eye clean. Likely mounted in a white gold or platinum setting. I’ve seen a wide range in prices from as low as $12k and some well above $20k. Ideally I can find something in the $15k range – but tell me if that’s not reasonable.
Thanks for your help!
I’d be happy to make some recommendations and guide you through the process. What shape diamond and what type of setting are you considering? Will it be a solitaire or does it have sidestones/pave? This may affect the colors that I recommend for the center diamond (as we explain in our post on color).
I’m looking at a round brilliant and a solitaire setting. I am trying to get advice from her cousin…but haven’t got anything yet, so assume I should stick to the classic.
You shouldn’t have a problem with your budget. I love these diamonds for you (note that the BN diamond is a comparable alternative to the one that was originally recommended as that previous company doesn’t exist anymore):
https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD09050418
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/2.01-carat-j-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-234160?a_aid=dmnd1357
What do you think?
These look really nice. For the Blue Nile diamond – with the inclusions – do you think those would be visible to the naked eye? Is there a setting you’d recommend that could pair well to hide at least a couple of the spots (she is light-olive skin, thin, long fingers)?
For the James Allen – same question on what would be visible. I can see a mark almost in the middle, which is the most concerning – but with a 40x zoom, I have no idea if it is visible in real life. Same question on the setting too.
Is there much of a difference visibly between a 2 and 2.2 carat weight?
Thanks again!
I think the BN diamond is the better bet. That diamond is 100% eye-clean. The image is already very magnified and the inclusions are dispersed around the edge. You are fine.
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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