We are reader-supported. Buying through any red colored link on our site may earn us commissions. Learn More.
I am looking for an emerald cut diamond (17k diamond budget) 2.4 ct or more to be set in a ring such as this:
14K ROSE GOLD 0.41CT COMMON PRONG ROUND SHAPED DIAMOND ENGAGEMENT RING
I have seen some K color diamonds that maximize size for this budget. Your guides suggest that rounds in rose gold can still look great in K color. Will that hold true with an emerald?
Unfortunately, emerald cuts are different from rounds in this regard. They tend to show their color more. If you want the colorless impression, I’d recommend H color at the lowest (metal-wise, rose gold is closer to white gold than to yellow gold and together with the diamond accents might make an I or lower color visibly yellower).
At the same time, if size is your priority, you could risk it and go with an I – it’s possible that you are not so color sensitive and wouldn’t notice the warm hue. You could always return the diamond if you weren’t happy with it.
I would think then that it makes sense to stay at I color or better and attempt to maximize size. Any help in finding would be much appreciated. I did notice the below linked diamond today and wanted an opinion on it.
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/3.00-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-sku-6300222?a_aid=dmnd1357
This diamond is not a good choice and I would skip it. It has a bit too pronounced black windowing, strong fluorescence might make it look hazy and the IGI lab is weaker than GIA or AGS. There’s just too many red flags flying around.
A decent 3ct I-color emerald cut would cost much more:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/3.01-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-sku-7104664?a_aid=dmnd1357
These are the largest options I can recommend for $17k:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/emerald-cut/2.01-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-sku-6741541?a_aid=dmnd1357
Blue Nile LD12009902
The James Allen 2.01 you linked looks great and seems to have a larger length and width than others at that weight. If I up my budget to around 20k are there any solid larger options? 3ct would require 25k as you showed, but perhaps in between those sizes.
I’m glad we are on the same page here, I do like that diamond, too. You are right that is significantly larger than what you’d expect a 2ct diamond to be, see this 2.14ct as a comparison.
I found one more option that I like. It’s a bit of a stretch, but it’s considerably larger than the previous two. Let me know what you think of it.
Going with the 2.01 ct you recommended!
That’s fantastic news!
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
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
Still afraid of getting ripped off?
Before you buy a diamond, get personal buying advice from industry veterans. We'll help you get the best diamond for the money.
Ask your diamond purchase question here
DISCLAIMER: We don't use your email for marketing. Period.
