Jul

Best for $12,000 Budget: 2.09 Carats J Color SI2 Clarity Eye Clean Round Brilliant

Moving right along past the best diamond for $11000, we come to the best diamond for $12000. Since this diamond comes in at only $11,710, it is only $640 more than our recommendation for a $11,000 budget. And the result, therefore, is somewhat to be expected. Today’s diamond is also a 2 carat diamond with the same color and clarity. Today’s diamond, though, has an extra 0.2mm in diameter (enough to be noticeable — I wouldn’t match an 8.0mm and 8.2mm diamond for diamond stud earrings, for example). So if you’re looking for something a smidgin larger, today’s diamond might be just for you.