Q&A: Looking for an Oval-Shaped Diamond for a Halo Setting Within a $20k-$30k Budget

Hi Team,

I’m in the market for an engagement ring as I am getting ready to propose.

I found your site incredibly helpful in understanding the focus on cut, the difference in online retailers, and would love to ask for your help in finding a ring for my special lady.

Do you have any advice for finding a good deal on an oval ring approximately sized 2.5 carats? My girlfriend is also interested in a halo setting.

There are two main rules when choosing an oval:
1) The depth shouldn’t exceed 74%.
2) The bowtie should be as minimal as possible.
Clarity-wise, we search for eye-clean SI2+ diamonds. Sometimes you can find a perfect SI diamond, sometimes the first eye-clean option is a VS stone (https://www.diamonds.pro/education/clarity/).

We usually recommend H+ color for ovals as they tend to show their true color more than rounds (https://www.diamonds.pro/education/color/).

Can you please tell me your ballpark budget for the center stone? Then I’ll gladly send you some suggestions.

Thanks for the quick response!!

My budget is $20,000 to $30,000.

Here are my recommendations:
Blue Nile LD11047973

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/2.51-carat-f-color-vs2-clarity-sku-5520502?a_aid=dmnd1357

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/2.39-carat-f-color-vs2-clarity-sku-6198021?a_aid=dmnd1357

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/2.27-carat-e-color-vs2-clarity-sku-6382982?a_aid=dmnd1357
They’re well-cut, eye-clean and brilliant. I always recommend checking the actual measurements when comparing two (or more) diamonds, not the carat weight.

So my girlfriend is dead set on having a ring that is at least 2.5 carats. Is the 2.51 James Allen carat ring you sent (2nd link in your list) the only only above 2.5 within my budget?

OK, no problem. I just wanted to show you some smaller (and cheaper) options with similar measurements as 2.50ct.

Here are some other alternatives:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/2.50-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-sku-5630658?a_aid=dmnd1357

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/2.51-carat-f-color-vs2-clarity-sku-5520502?a_aid=dmnd1357

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/oval-cut/2.58-carat-g-color-vs1-clarity-sku-4788072?a_aid=dmnd1357

Blue Nile LD12020078 (I like this stone a lot)

Thanks for the updated list! Yes I do like a few of them!

Can I ask what makes you like the Blue Nile diamond a lot?
Is it a better value at that price point than the other rings? Curious if there is one of the 4 c’s that you are particularly impressed by in the Blue Nile diamond?

I like that BN stone as it’s the cheapest option out of the list while it’s the biggest one. You wouldn’t overpay for specs you won’t be able to see (color/clarity). Its cut and oval shape is very nice. The bowtie seems to be minimal. Picking out a beautiful oval cut is a bit of an art. A smaller table may refract light a bit better, but the difference won’t be noticeable. Also, you said you wanted to reach the 2.50ct size, so I thought maybe you and your girlfriend would prefer a higher carat weight.

I really like the Blue Nile stone and am leaning toward it!

If you like it, then I suggest putting it on hold. Good diamonds get sold quickly. You can contact them via live chat as well, they will be more than happy to help you.

Thanks!!!

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!

Click to Visit

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

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.

Click to Visit

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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Q&A: Looking for an Oval-Shaped Diamond for a Halo Setting Within a $20k-$30k Budget

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