Q&A: Looking for an Oval-Shaped Diamond Within a $15k-$17k Budget

Hello,

I have purchased a Simon G MR1907 wedding set. I am looking for an oval diamond around 2 carats for less than $17k. What diamond specs should I be aiming for? Do you have any diamond recommendations?

I like the second diamond. But, I was told that the side stones on the Simon G set are color G. Will an H color diamond clash with the side stones? Or is the color difference negligible?

The jewelry store where I bought the setting has shown me a few diamonds. The nicest one is a 1.71 carat diamond that is GIA certified. The gradings are: color G, polish and symmetry excellent, clarity SI1. The diamond looks really nice and matches the sidetones, but there is what I believe to be surface graining on the end of the oval which makes it not eye clean to me, looks like a smudge on the diamond. They are asking $14.5k. I believe I can get a much better deal online.

I want a diamond that is eye clean, minimal bow tie effect, that has the most “sparkle”, and best bang for the buck. If I do not get a 2 carat diamond for less than $17k, then I would look for the nicest diamond that is 1.5 carat or bigger for under $15k.

1. Would you consider the two diamonds that you previously sent me to be eye clean? Would either of the two meet my criteria above? Which would you pick out of the two?
a. https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/2.01-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-6111913?a_aid=dmnd1357

b. https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/2.01-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-1051450?a_aid=dmnd1357

2. I’ve spent a lot of time looking at the diamonds on James Allen but I believe their high quality images are making this search more difficult. If I do not get one of the 2 carat above, in your opinion do any of the diamonds below meet my criteria?
a. https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.50-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-6362972?a_aid=dmnd1357

b. https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.71-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-sku-4625666?a_aid=dmnd1357

c. https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.60-carat-g-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-6124412?a_aid=dmnd1357

3. What would you recommend for the 1.5 carat or bigger for under $15k criteria?

I put a hold on the 1.5 carat diamond below. I wanted to check with you again to see if you think it’s a good deal.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/1.51-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-sku-6544619?a_aid=dmnd1357

Just letting you know that I did purchase the last diamond that I sent. It is currently at the jewelers being placed in the setting.

Thank you so much again for your help!