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Q&A: Looking for an Oval-Shaped Diamond With a $12,000 Budget

By Mike Fried,

Hi there!

I’d like to ask your opinion on this diamond? Does it have terrible bowtie effect?

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/2.02-carat-f-color-vs2-clarity-sku-7373033?a_aid=dmnd1357

Do you think you could also request the GIA report for that diamond? Seeing the certificate, I’ll be able to give you well-informed feedback.

Thank you for your response. This is the report.

Thank you.

The diamond looks great on paper, but I’m not a huge fan of the black windowing on its 3 and 9 o’clock. Given its size, those black areas might be very noticeable in person.

Would you like me to recommend a better option? What’s your preferred price range?

That would be amazing if you could recommend another. $21.000 would be the price point.

I found the following options that would look amazing in any setting you choose:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/2.01-carat-f-color-vs1-clarity-sku-6789689?a_aid=dmnd1357

Blue Nile LD10395059

They are very well cut and have minimal bow-tie.

I just noticed that the length and width ratio is 9×6 instead of 9×7. Is that alright? Does it mean its smaller looking?

It’s alright, not all diamonds with the same weight are the same size. The one from JA is a bit smaller on paper, but it wouldn’t be noticeable in reality.

I decided to purchase the diamond you recommended. Thanks for helping me out!

That’s great news!

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!

Please enter your email address to receive your 25% off coupon code:

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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