Concierge Service: Best 2.5+ Carat Round Diamond (Natural)

Brief
Type: Natural Diamond
Cut: Round Brilliant
Carat: from 2.45 ct to 3.15 ct
Color Range: Near Colorless (G-H-I-J)
Clarity: VS1-VS2
Message: Preferably would like to stay in I and above, I’m also okay with an eye clean SI1. It will be on a wide band 5mm yellow gold setting. If something is available on Blue Nile that would be preferable, since that is where the setting is sold. Appreciate the help!

Natural Diamonds

DiamondPriceVendorMy Overall ScoreSetting
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2.50-Carat Round Cut Diamond
Ideal Cut | I Color | SI1 Clarity
$35,05298.2%
Wide Band Solitaire Engagement Ring in 18k Yellow Gold (5mm)

3.024 ct H SI1 Expert Selection Round Cut Loose Diamond
$32,97598.3%
18k Yellow Gold Heavy Half-Bezel Solitaire Engagement Ring with Platinum Head

2.70 Carat round diamond
H Color SI1 Clarity

$37,750
$36,620

+ Free Ring (up to $1500 I believe)
98.1%
18K Yellow Gold 3.3mm Cross Prong Solitaire Engagement Ring

I assess diamonds for a number of factors including:

  • the AGS cut guidelines potential cut grade; What is AGS? See this article; The AGS cut grade takes into consideration fire, brilliance, contrast and light performance.
  • good contrast
  • optical precision
  • the value I believe it represents;
  • must be deemed eye-clean by me;
  • how well it fits the brief.

I only include a diamond I am confident the recipient will absolutely love.

Thomas J Stevens GIA DG CSG