Welcome to Questions & Answers Page
In this section of the site, I publish some interesting private exchanges I have had with readers of the site who have contacted me via the "Got Questions?" form. I believe you will find that the questions and answers are both interesting and educational.
To browse through Q&As of the past by topic, please use the tag list on the right-hand side of the page.
Q: First off, your website has been tremondously helpful for me-a first time diamond buyer.
I hugely value cut and I have been looking at Blue Nile and their signature cut. Obviously, I am paying more for the signature brand. So, I used the more stringent table(60.1 to 61.9) and depth%(55 to 57) values for the signature to filter out some ideals on Blue Nile and James Allen. Am on the right track to get the shiniest diamond?
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Q: First, great site and I’m glad that I stumbled onto it!
I’m contacting you for your expert advice, or at lest nudge in the right direction. I am looking at engagement rings with diamonds in the ~10k range.
The Bride-to-be is interested in size over quality, she thinks 1.5ct would be about right. Setting is a Platinum channel setting.
I noticed in one of your daily diamonds you selected a 1.51 and a 1.60 diamonds, both of which seem to still be available. Have you come across any other stock that would be better then these?
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Q: Well you officially scared me from buying a diamond, so many things to know and still you may not be getting what you think or even over paying. Im skeptical about this whole process but seeing that like most people in my situation; i have no knowledge of diamonds, really what do i have to lose by asking your help!
Im looking at buying a loose diamond because im buying the ring seperate. I was looking betweem 5,000-6,200 for price, was looking at ideal cut, F-E colour, vs2-vvs2 clarity, Size came depending on that stuff and where that put me for cost (but probably between .78-1.00).Id rather go really nice diamond and smaller carat, then big and not shiny.
I need your help cause i know nothing really. I want the best sparkle and want the other catagorys to be good enough that it cant be seen with the eye. Ive never looked at a diamond so dont know which colour is going to be noticably yellow and what inclusions im going to be able to notice. I want the best ring but dont want to pay for something that isnt noticable without a microscope!!Like is there a difference between ideal and hearts and arrows? I want it to sparkle but dont want to pay for something that isnt even noticable to her or anyone else. If you could help me cut in the areas that dont matter as much and arent noticalbe but would save me money so that i could get a bigger diamond without sacrificing the look and beauty of what she will be wearing i’d be so thankful. any help would be great, if you read this i thank you for your time.
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Q: We are starting to look for an engagement ring and ran across your site. What great information you have avaiable! Here is the ring that we’re pretty sure we are leaning towards purchasing.
http://www.bluenile.com/build-your-own-diamond-ring?offer_id=12959&forceStep=STYLE_STEP
Any comments or concerns you have about the ring would be greatly appreciated. We didn’t know if these stones were significant enough in size that we have to worry about color matching to the center stone. Also was wondering how much we should be worried if the side diamonds are eye clean. I had a diamond previously that did have black inclusions (2 fairly small but visible) and it was always disappointing. Even though otherwise it was a beautiful diamond, those black dots always bothered me.
As for the center stone the most important thing to us is that it’s brilliant, white and sparkly. We are looking for a round cut, eye clean and somewhere between 1-1.35 ct. We don’t want to have to pay for something unneccessary, but would like a big wow factor. We realize that there is a lot left open on options for size, but we’re more concerned with the other factors that fit within these size parameters.
Also, I know you often suggest diamonds from james allen just because you can actually see what you are buying before you buy it. If that is the case would we be able to take the setting purchased from Blue Nile and separate center stone to a local jeweler to be set or do you have another suggestion?
Thanks for your site and all your help! It’s much appreciated.
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Q: I’ve been looking over your site for the past few days, and wanted to thank you; it’s an excellent resource.
I’m looking for a diamond, round cut, that will be set in a platinum solitaire setting. My budget for the stone is up to about $3.5k – $4k, and I’m pretty much looking to get the best stone in that budget. So far, I’ve been looking at stones in the G-I color range, VS2/SI1/SI2 and Ideal cuts.
I was looking at some stones on James Allen, and I found the stones below, and was wondering if you could offer some guidance on how you feel they would look set, or if you could offer any better alternatives.
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1353916.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1344749.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1355089.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1358918.asp
Also, if I did order from James Allen, do you think it’s worthwhile to have them put the stone in a setting, or do you think I’d be better off having it set locally in Chicago?
Thanks in advance
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Q: I have been looking online for diamonds at blue nile until I read your reviews and now I am more convinced with James Allen. I just would like a little bit of help. Looking for a Princess cut, Ideal, G-H VVS2-VS1 About a carat in weight. I have looked at these two diamonds
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1356790.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1346534.asp
I am thinking of putting it in this setting
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1346534.asp
Do you think that the 1.2 Carat will be too high in that setting? Any other diamonds that you can find on there?
The smaller diamond is also not available to see and I tried to get a picture e-mailed but it never came through.
The last question I have is about the Ideal cut. Is there a difference between an Ideal at James allen and a signature ideal at Blue Nile??
xxxx
P.S. I am from canada and have read about the person who was going to save the duty and get it shipped to the states and pick it up. Did they ever let you know how that went?
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