Q%A: Looking for Round Cut for $15K Budget

I’m trying to decide on a diamond for an engagement ring. My budget is around 15k. I’m going for a round diamond with an excellent cut and the carat range between 1.6-1.7. For clarity, I’m going for something that definitely cannot be seen by the naked eye so I’m bouncing between the VS2 and VS1. As for color, I notice you mention that H is probably the maximum that’s necessary for a round diamond. Thus, I’m stuck on whether I should go for the higher carat and lower color, or lower carat and higher color. Also, is VS2 high enough clarity where the average person will not be able to see any inclusions?

Thanks for the help!

Thanks for getting back to me.

As for your questions, i am going for a platinum and solitaire setting although I am considering side stones as well. Maybe I can get your opinion on both?

Thanks!

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Sorry one more question. What are your thoughts on B2C jewels? Their prices on diamonds seem like they might be slightly better than James Allen

Thanks for the feedback. That top one looks good though I’ve been tempted to aim for something lower in price since I’ve seen other diamonds with similar settings but almost 1k cheaper. This is the setting I’m choosing and the max ct size appears to be 1.5; https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/platinum-2.6mm-six-prong-pave-diamond-engagement-ring-item-1200?a_aid=dmnd1357

I am also considering these diamonds as well:
https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.52-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-115563?a_aid=dmnd1357

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.52-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-175224?a_aid=dmnd1357

https://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.64-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-188783?a_aid=dmnd1357

Any thoughts on those?