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The Ring
1.97–2.49ct Marquise · Lab-Grown · Ritani
Shape
Marquise
Carat
1.97–2.49ct
Color
H
Clarity
VS2
Overview
TypeLab-grown diamond
Stone fromRitani
Setting fromJames Allen
Ring Size5.5
BudgetSub $5,000
Estimated Total~$2,500
Diamond Specs
Best Value Pick
2.49ct
$826
Half a carat more than the next tier for barely more money. Sits just under the 2.5ct magic number price cliff. On her hand this will look like a $15K+ ring.
Stones Found (Feb 2026)
| # | Carat | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1.97ct | $630 |
| 2 | 1.98ct | $671 |
| 3 | 2.02ct | $675 |
| 4 | 2.02ct | $675 |
| 5 | 2.07ct | $770 |
| 6 | 2.08ct | $773 |
| 7 | 2.09ct | $777 |
| 8 | 2.08ct | $784 |
| 9 | 2.49ctBest value | $826 |
Pre-discount prices
Setting (via James Allen)
Head4-prong, V-tips
Head metal14K white gold
ShankFrench pavé
Shank metal14K white gold
Setting price~$1,700
Setting config still being finalized — browse options on James Allen
Before Buying Checklist
- ○Check exact L/W ratio — closer to 2.0 is better
- ○Watch the 360° video — check for bow-tie (dark shadow across width). Some is normal; heavy dark bar = reject
- ○Visual symmetry — both halves should be perfect mirror images, points aligned
- ○No inclusions near the tips — structural weak points that can chip
- ○Note the IGI certificate number — unique serial for the stone
- ○V-shaped prongs on both tips — non-negotiable. Protects the marquise points from chipping
Pro tip: Use James Allen's 360° HD diamond viewer to train your eye on good vs bad bow-tie before picking a stone on Ritani.
The Plan
1.Buy the loose diamond from Ritani (cheapest lab diamond prices online)
2.Ship the diamond to James Allen (best setting designs & 360° previews)
3.James Allen sets it into the chosen setting for a $100 fee
4.Done — best stone price + best setting, khalas
Estimated Total
Stone (Ritani)$630–$826
Setting (James Allen)~$1,700
JA setting fee$100
Total~$2,430 – $2,626
Well under the $5K budget
Pricing Notes
- Lab diamond prices have crashed since 2021 — what once cost $25K now costs under $5K
- Prices jump at magic numbers (1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5ct). Staying at 2.49ct instead of 2.50ct avoids the price cliff
- Marquise has the largest face-up surface area of any cut, appearing ~15–20% larger than its carat weight vs a round
- A 2.49ct marquise on her hand will look like a $15K+ ring
Notes
- ▸Consider platinum over 14K white gold — never yellows, no rhodium re-plating every 1-2 years. Only ~$200–400 more on the setting
- ▸Push for Excellent symmetry over Very Good — on marquise it controls bow-tie evenness and shape balance. Minimal price difference on lab diamonds
- ▸Stay strict on 1.85–2.10 L/W ratio — single biggest factor in how the marquise looks on finger. Don't compromise
- ▸Wedding band: get a contoured/curved band from James Allen, not straight. Straight band leaves a visible gap at the marquise points — contoured nests flush
- ▸Band style: either double French pavé or alternating