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Q&A: Looking for a 2.50 Ct. Round Diamond for a Rose Gold Solitaire Setting With a $18k Budget

By Mike Fried,

Hello – First I would like to thank you for all the great information you provide on your website. I knew nothing about diamonds, and now feel very informed, but I still want to make sure I do not overpay for color/clarity that will not be noticeable.

I am looking at purchasing a roughly 2.5 carat, round diamond ring, which will be set in a solitaire rose gold band. I have been looking at diamonds on Blue Nile. Based on your articles, I have landed on an ideal, J…and between an SI1 and SI2. Below are the 3 diamonds I’m debating. Any thoughts on these, or others I should consider? Thank you so much.

Blue Nile LD07663652

Blue Nile LD09905300

Blue Nile LD10512265

Here’s my opinion on the diamonds you selected:
LD07663652 – this one is not bad, but I’m not a huge fan of the feather in the middle of the table. Given its location and the size of the stone, this particular inclusion might be visible to the naked eye.
LD09905300 – I wouldn’t go with this one. Black inclusions are the worst, it’s practically guaranteed that they will be visible.
LD10512265 – this one is cut too deep and will be smaller and less brilliant.

Considering Blue Nile’s great return policy, I’d probably go with option #1 and return it if you weren’t’ happy with it. You can send it back within 30 days and get a full refund.

What do you think?

Thanks for the response. I’m about 1 month away from purchasing, so I may circle back before then.

Sure. Keep me posted.

FYI I just ordered the 2.43 ct. Thanks.

That’s fantastic news!

If you can also write me back once you receive the ring, that would be great. I’d love to know how you like it in person.

I got the ring. It looks great. Thanks for your help.

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.
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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