We are reader-supported. Buying through any red colored link on our site may earn us commissions. Learn More.
Hey there.
I’m looking for a round cut stone at 2 carats that would be set in a simple solitaire white gold ring. I also want an ideal cut. I’m indifferent on color and clarity as long as it looks great. My budget is about 12k but would prefer to be a little lower.
I also found this James Allen diamond:
Can you let me know what you think of it?
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/2.00-carat-h-color-si2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-6794121?a_aid=dmnd1357
Unfortunately, this diamond is not a good choice. We try to avoid the IGI lab as much as we can. They are weaker than GIA/AGS and inflate the grades.
For a simple solitaire setting, you can easily go with a lower color – I or even J – and it’ll look amazing. There are no additional diamonds to make the color difference.
This is the best priced 2.ct round diamond I found:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/2.02-carat-j-color-si2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-7237690?a_aid=dmnd1357
It should be eye-clean, but you need to ask JA for the GIA report so that we can check the clarity notes and cut parameters.
Thank you for the prompt response. All great info and thanks for the heads up about GIA/IGS. Was planning on using James Allen to buy a ring, so thank you for diving in there and finding a great option. That is exactly what I’m looking for. I also found the following stone as well:
Do you think this is worth the extra premium over the J clarity diamond? If not, I think the stone you found would be a great option. I was planning on a white gold, knife edge solitaire setting for a classic look.
One concern I have is if my partner wants to update the band at all and add pave or sidestones. Would that make the jump to H from J make more sense?
You’re welcome, I’m happy I managed to shed some light on it.
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/2.01-carat-h-color-si2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-6724010?a_aid=dmnd1357
This one is unfortunately not a good option either. I saw the GIA report and it says “clarity grade based on clouds not shown.” This means there is a very large cloud that covers a large percentage of the diamond and saps the brilliance from it. You should never buy a diamond with this note. Even in the video the diamond appears very cloudy.
I’m glad you mentioned the possibility of future side stones. In that case, you’re right, J color wouldn’t be enough. I’d go either one grade up (I looks absolutely colorless in a pave/side stone setting) or two grades up (H color looks great in any setting she’d choose).
These are the largest eye-clean diamonds I can recommend in your preferred price range:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.63-carat-i-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-7033120?a_aid=dmnd1357
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.59-carat-h-color-si2-clarity-true-hearts-cut-sku-7040798?a_aid=dmnd1357
Ask for the certificates, please.
I’m really looking to get up to 2 ct range. I found this stone as well:
The GIA report is attached. It has some small inclusions, but I think it would be eye clean.
…
Also attached are the other two certs for the other two stones as well. The more I look at these, I think they would be fantastic options as well.
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/2.00-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-6717386?a_aid=dmnd1357
This one might be eye-clean (although I can’t confirm that given its size and the fact that there are many pitch black inclusions all over it), but it’s still a no go due to the cavity inclusion. It’s better to avoid cavities as they might disrupt the integrity of the diamond. Moreover, they collect dirt and then appear black and ugly and can reflect throughout the diamond. I try avoiding them as much as I can.
Looking at the other certificates, this diamond www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.63-carat-i-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-7033120?a_aid=dmnd1357 is absolutely stunning, it’s beautifully cut and perfectly eye-clean. It’s going to make an amazing ring.
This one is also gorgeously cut and should be eye-clean as well:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.59-carat-h-color-si2-clarity-true-hearts-cut-sku-7040798?a_aid=dmnd1357
I’m sorry I didn’t find any recommendable 2ct options, but sometimes less is more and ultimately it’s better to have a slightly smaller diamond that you know is going to look great than a larger option that would have many red flags flying around.
I went ahead and purchased the 1.59 ct True Hearts cut diamond. I really think it will look fantastic and my girlfriend will love it! The other diamond is also great, but I really wanted to emphasize an amazing cut while sacrificing a little on clarity (to an acceptable level). 2ct would have been great, but I think I made the right decision with a great diamond.
Thank you so much for your help. This is a really great service that you have.
That’s great news! I’m glad you liked my suggestion so much. You got yourself a beautiful diamond.
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.
