Q&A: Need Help Finding Round ~2 Ct. Diamond

I’m really struggling on which attributes of a diamond are really most important. I’ve been looking for a round, ideal cut 1.90-2.00 carat diamond with F-G color, VS1-VS2 clarity and no florescence. Are there attributes which I should loosen in order to get a slightly cheaper diamond while still retaining all the qualities I want (brilliance and absolutely zero visible inclusions)?

Thanks for your quick reply.

Here are my answers to your questions below:

-Setting: I’m looking at a ~2mm 18K white gold ring with a solitaire setting (no sidestones/pave).

Can you also please offer me your thoughts on an EGL-certified stone vs. GIA? The jeweler I’ve been working with (J Edwards Diamonds, via a referral from a friend) suggested that I might be able to get a better deal going with an EGL diamond, though I know your site strongly suggests against doing that. Have you worked with J Edwards Diamonds in the past?

Good to know. I’ll forward you the latest recommendation from J Edwards so you can take a look and let me know what you think.

Thanks again for your advice

FYI. Here are the diamonds that J Edwards is recommending. Thoughts?

Begin forwarded message:

Hello X…. I have searched our database and have found a few diamonds that are possibilities..

The one that I think is the best fit for the money is…

2.17 ct round, G color, SI1 clarity… GIA certificate, Cut grade, excellent, no fluorescence.. $23,393. Although you did not mention an SI1, a GIA graded SI1 is so close to a VS2, that I think you should consider it.

Also have the following..

2.01 ct round, H color, VS1 clarity, GIA certificate, Cut grade very good (still ideal), no fluorescence… $26,275

2.10 ct round, H color, SI1 clarity, AGS certificate, Cut grade excellent, no fluorescence… $23,000

Here is another possibility..

2.01 ct round, G color, VVS2 clarity, EGL certificate, Cut grade very good, no fluorescence… $21,869

FYI.. we usually do not recommend EGL certificates as they typically are not as accurate as GIA… Because their reputation is not as strong as the GIA, the prices are less. But we would have to be careful.. and make our own determination about it when we see it. It may or may not be what we want. But it might be worth taking a look.

Of all the stones, I think the first one (2.17) is probably the best buy… GIA accuracy, and although an SI1, it will still be a very strong, clean clarity. And the G color will be very strong and brilliant.

I do have others available in the $30’s… but I think these should have everything you are looking for.. while saving some money.

The mounting is no problem.. once you choose the diamond.

Please let me know how to proceed.

Here is the GIA number [no longer available] of one of the diamonds I’ve been looking at through J Edwards. Let me know what you think?

This is a beautiful diamond. Should I be at all concerned about this one having faint fluorescence?

Also, is “Excellent” cut the same as “Ideal” cut?

It looks like the stone you recommended below isn’t available any longer.

However, I did find the following diamond and setting. Do you mind taking a look both and letting me know what you think? In particular, I’m a little worried that a band that narrow (1.6-1.9mm) won’t be big enough to support a stone of that size. Should I be worried about this? Also, do you think this stone is a good value?

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS2-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1437567.asp

https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/18k-white-gold-pave-set-4-prong-diamond-engagement-ring.html

I’ve also attached the stone’s GIA certificate for your review.

Thanks so much for your help,

…….

One more thing – do you think there’s any issue with the main stone being H color and the side stones in the ring being F-G color? I’ve read that you have to be careful about matching the color of the main and side stones.

Ok, this makes me feel better. This stone and setting is my favorite of the many combos I looked at over the last few weeks.

I will buy both this morning.

I really appreciate your guidance and quick responses!