Newbie seeking advice on 2 ct round loose engagement ring

[jigglybuns]

Hi everyone, I'm looking for a 2 ct ring to propose to my college sweetheart but am afraid of getting a sub-par diamond. I've been reading through posts here but seems like I'm learning something new everyday (I just discovered the HCA grading scale, for example) so would appreciate any advice or suggestions you have about round diamonds.

My budget for stone alone: ~$24,000 - 28,000
Weight: 2 carats
Ring size: 5.5

I know the budget is a little wide, but I am not sure whether I should spend more for color (G vs H for example) and clarity (vvs2 vs vs1). So a lot of uncertainties

I'm leaning towards buying stones on bluenile but if anyone else has good suggestions of trusted stores/sites, I'm all ears!

These are the stones I've been looking at:
#1
http://www.bluenile.com/build-your-...tep=DIAMONDS_STEP|builder=BYOR|pid=LD03043550

#2
http://www.bluenile.com/build-your-...tep=DIAMONDS_STEP|builder=BYOR|pid=LD02877654

Thanks in advance for any help!
J

 

[04diamond<3]

Re: Newbie seeking advice on 2 ct round loose engagement rin

Hi, I guess your budget would depend on what you want more. A smaller higher quality stone or a less quality but bigger stone? I would suggest a compromise. I wouldn't pay for anything more than a VS2 if necessary because you can find an SI1 that's eye clean. How far are you willing to go on color? here's an I, that's not much different from the H you posted:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS2-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1548988.asp

This one is stunning!!! And definitely below budget!

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1549785.asp

Better color:
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1395390.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1524322.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1334538.asp

AGS:
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1511331.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1492369.asp

 

[sakari_8]

Re: Newbie seeking advice on 2 ct round loose engagement rin

Undoubtedly Bluenile is one of the reliable company in terms of value and services known but there are some competitors which is worth a consideration such as James Allen, B2C, BGD, WF etc.

I'd Suggest to go for H,I J, VS1/VS2 or SI1 provided it is eye clean with white face up.

http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-3441500-2.70-carat-Round-diamond-J-color-VS2-clarity.aspx?cid=DiamPS&utm_source=pricescope.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=pricescope.com

http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-3407478-2.10-carat-Round-diamond-H-color-VS2-clarity.aspx?cid=DiamPS&utm_source=pricescope.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=pricescope.com

http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-3432612-2.20-carat-Round-diamond-I-color-VS2-clarity.aspx?cid=DiamPS&utm_source=pricescope.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=pricescope.com

 

[sakari_8]

Re: Newbie seeking advice on 2 ct round loose engagement rin

Also check with B2C for the Ring, why not take advantage of their "Try it for free" services.

 

[SMC]

Re: Newbie seeking advice on 2 ct round loose engagement rin

Try looking at some of the diamonds using James Allen's new site beta.jamesallen.com. I love how you can view the diamonds using a 360 viewer. This is really helpful if you're not sure if the inclusions you're looking at in a report are eye clean or not.

James Allen also lets you select your top 3 diamonds, get idealscopes on them, and have a gemologist make a recommendation based on your choices. It's a great free service. You should make sure that the 3 you're choosing are the ones that you are most interested in because they don't give you anymore past 3.

 

[vishke8]

Re: Newbie seeking advice on 2 ct round loose engagement rin

Undoubtedly Bluenile is one of the reliable company in terms of value and services known but there are some competitors which is worth a consideration such as James Allen, B2C, BGD, WF etc.

I'd Suggest to go for H,I J, VS1/VS2 or SI1 provided it is eye clean with white face up.

http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-3441500-2.70-carat-Round-diamond-J-color-VS2-clarity.aspx?cid=DiamPS&utm_source=pricescope.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=pricescope.com

http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-3407478-2.10-carat-Round-diamond-H-color-VS2-clarity.aspx?cid=DiamPS&utm_source=pricescope.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=pricescope.com

http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-3432612-2.20-carat-Round-diamond-I-color-VS2-clarity.aspx?cid=DiamPS&utm_source=pricescope.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=pricescope.com

Nice find Sakari_8 I liked the first 2 options posted by you, they look promising.

 

[hearts-arrows_girl]

Re: Newbie seeking advice on 2 ct round loose engagement rin

Seems like a nice budget. Maybe do some more reading so that you can find a good compromise on the 4 C's. (VS2 is plenty high for clarity, VVS is too high for me.) Can't wait to see what you come up with. Good luck with your hunt!