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Q&A: Choosing a Round Lab Diamond for Around $7,000 Budget

By Mike Fried,

I’m trying to get a 2 carat round lab diamond set in white gold.

I really just want the diamond to be completely eye clean.

I like the last one (www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/2.21-carat-f-color-vs1-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-9450698?a_aid=dmnd1357). Looking at the grading report, it is a superbly cut diamond. It does have a ring type inclusion in the center though. Is that just something that’s not visible?

I also found this diamond: www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/2.25-carat-f-color-vs1-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-9450691?a_aid=dmnd1357. How does that compare to the other one? It looks like this one might be better in dimensions, and I can’t see any inclusions in it at all.

Both are fantastically cut, there wouldn’t be a visual difference between them in terms of brilliance/size/eye-cleanliness.

Thanks. I decided to go with sku 9450691 and placed my order just a little bit ago.

Thanks again for your help navigating the diamond world! I really appreciate it.

That’s wonderful 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. They currently run a 10% discount on selected lab-grown diamonds!
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. Right now, Blue Nile offers up to 50% savings on selected jewelry during a limited-time season sale.
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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