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Q&A: Looking for an Oval-Shaped Diamond for a Yellow Gold Pave Setting Within a $25k Budget

By Mike Fried,

I am looking for an oval cut diamond (2+ carat) and would like some advice on sourcing.

Can you also tell me what your approximate budget is? Then I’ll be happy to send you my suggestion.

I would like to stay below $25,000 for the diamond.

I plan on setting the diamond in a 14k gold setting. I would like to get as big a diamond as possible without sacrificing quality, but definitely above 2 carat.

What do you think if this one?

Blue Nile LD09968478

The issue with the stone you sent is its strong fluorescence. It can cause a hazy look on I+ color grades. That’s why I wouldn’t go for this one.
https://www.diamonds.pro/education/fluorescence/

Would the 2.41 carat diamond you sent over work in a halo setting?

Yes, this stone is perfect for a halo setting. I wouldn’t go lower with the color grade. But H is still great.
https://www.diamonds.pro/education/color/

Thoughts on this one? I’m now thinking no halo but a yellow gold band with diamonds on the band.

Blue Nile LD09961522

How would you compare this Blue Nile one to the 2.41ct James Allen one you sent?

The stone you found is also beautiful. The main difference between the stones is in the ratio. The 2.41 carat stone is more elongated and if you check the measurements, it’s bigger/longer.

It depends on what ratio you like more.

Thank you!

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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