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Q&A: Looking for an Oval-Shaped Diamond Within a $20k Budget

By Mike Fried,

First, thanks in advance for any advice you can provide.

Second, I am looking for a close to 2 carat oval shaped diamond ring. I would like the ratio to be around 1.4 or slighter higher. I would prefer to stay in the $20k or slightly lower dollar range, but can go higher if needed. I would like, as most people would, a diamond that sparkles brilliantly and has very little bow-tie effect.
I don’t care if it is perfect on paper, I care if looks great in person. Also, I am really confused regarding what “size” the girdle should be. I don’t want it to be so thin that it chips, or too large that it is ugly.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I like these options for you:

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/2.01-carat-h-color-vs1-clarity-sku-4407522?a_aid=dmnd1357
Blue Nile LD08120957
They are well cut, eye-clean and either of them will be very brilliant.

What do you think?

Thanks! Would better clarity and color be appropriate? She really likes nice things!

I understand, but there’s no need to go with higher grades to have a beautiful ring. The difference in colors isn’t usually recognizable from anything above an H grade. Clarity grade is even less important. Once the diamond is eye-clean, it’s simply eye-clean and a VS diamond can look identical to a VVS or IF.
https://www.diamonds.pro/education/color/
https://www.diamonds.pro/education/clarity/

Thank you. I ordered the diamond. The people at James Allen asked if I received help as two people said it looked beautiful. I told them it was your company and they said “of course” and “way to go!”

Thanks again!

I’m so happy to hear that! It was my pleasure helping 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!

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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