So far I’ve come up with this combination from James Allen:

Setting

Item#: 17152P

Platinum 0.42ct Channel Set Diamond Engagement Ring

#8 stones, 0.42 G-H VS

Size:

Price: $2,025.00

Diamond

Item#: 1518167

Princess 0.91 carat G color VS2 clarity diamond

I had posted about this diamond on your site before and you liked it. Thought I’d get your opinion one more time before I make the purchase. Thank you so much!

A: That combo is a winner.

Q: Ok. Easy enough. Thanks for checking it out for me!

A: My pleasure. I wish all our readers made it this easy

Budget: $4000 Budget    Carat: 0.90 ct    Color: G Color    Shape: Princess Cut    Clarity: VS2 Clarity   

The post Q&A: Looking for Second Opinion on 0.91Ct. Princess Cut Diamond appeared first on Truth about Diamonds.

I think its a great buy but if you have any hesitations please let me know. I think I get great characteristics for the budget I have, and I feel I have managed to find the biggest diamond I can without getting a diamond that looks bad. There are however a couple of things I am not sure about.

How will the color look being a J with faint fluorescence? Will it look yellow at all or will it be more near colorless? I just worry as J is at the bottom on the near colorless spectrum, would this mean that when looking at it, it will look more yellow than white? I also read that with a lower color grade, you should have some fluorescence as this will make it really sparkle so that is why I chose this one with some faint fluorescence. I am still a little worried about getting medium or strong fluorescence though.

What about the SI1 clarity. I think the clarity is good and all one needs, but as I have read, you must still inspect the diamond under a loop to make sure. I have done so and don’t see much other than some distortions to the sides, which I believe means that they are then hard to see? But there is one tiny dot in the middle which I have noticed. Just to the bottom of dead center. Will that dot be noticeable in your opinion? Do you think that this diamond is “eye clean” as that is all we want it to be… No need to be VVSI or whatever. I have had a live chat with a James Allen consultant and they said it was eye clean, but I just wanted an outside perspective.

Then regarding the depth% and table%. These are somethings which I know very little about. When browsing, I have only chosen diamonds which have perfect cut, polish and symmetry as the cut can really make a difference as to how the diamond shimmers. So if the cut is excellent as said, does that mean the depth% and table% are fine? I have read that depth should be between 58% to 63% which this diamond falls into at 60.5%. However I also saw that the table should be between 53% to 57.5% which this diamond does not fall into. I did see that it can be acceptable at 64% though, and this diamond is 59% so is that okay?

If you think this is a good diamond for a budget of $6000 – $7000 then please let me know. Or if you think it has flaws which make it unacceptable for purchase. If you have other recommendations which you feel will be better choices, also please let know.

I look forward to hearing from you

A: It seems like you have this diamond buying process down pat. I love the diamond you selected. Its eye-clean, the J color is fine and the faint fluorescence is an added bonus.

Let me know how it looks when it arrives.

Q: I read your profile yesterday, just before you replied. Thanks for your reply to my email and getting back to me so soon. Once again, I just want to thank all you guys for the great work you do. Your site is amazing and has helped me allot. I don’t think there is even a paid service out there that will offer what you guys can.

Now, to the diamond talk…

Some things have changed and I have had to change my budget to $5500 to $6000, or maybe push it to $6200 but not as high as the diamond I previously chose. I decided to lower the carat and was amazed to find that it only had to be lowered very slightly in order for the diamond to fall into my budget. Its still a nice big rock in my opinion! I found the following diamond and would like to know if you think its a good buy:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-SI1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1524041.asp

I think it’s excellent and I know my girlfriend will be over the moon with a 1.24ct diamond on her finger. There are barely any inclusions (According to my very slight knowledge on diamonds) other than a little dot in the centre. I just want to make sure that this won’t be visible when on her finger and will remain “eye clean” as that’s all we really want it to be. I have checked out the GIA report and looked at the diagram at the bottom, and all it has is a few twinning wisps and a feather, no big blotch inclusions. I stayed with the J color with slight fluorescence as I feel that is the best value for money on what is still a quality diamond (Once again, that’s my opinion and I could be wrong, hence the emails you guys at the Truth About Diamonds to make sure).

Please could you share your thoughts with me, it will be greatly appreciated. If there are any other diamonds out there that you think will be a better suit for my budget then please let know. I am hoping to get the best quality diamond which is at least 1.18ct to 1.3ct and up that fits into my budget. With those parameters in mind, please could you let me know if I have achieved finding the best diamond I can, or if there is something which you feel to be more suitable.

A: That diamond looks great as well. I think you will be very happy with it.

Q: Thanks for letting me know Mike, I will update you guys as to how it goes.

Budget: $5500 Budget    Budget: $6000 Budget    Budget: $6500 Budget    Budget: $7000 Budget    Carat: 1.20 ct    Carat: 1.30 ct    Carat: 1.40 ct    Color: J Color    Shape: Round Brilliant    Clarity: SI1 Clarity   

The post Q&A: “I don’t think there is even a paid service out there that will offer what you guys can.” appeared first on Truth about Diamonds.

I’m looking for a diamond solitaire pendant and found this website http://www.77diamonds.com/ which seems to have some nice ones on offer. They are based in the UK (like myself). Have you heard of them? Do you know if they are trustworthy?

They have the following round diamond for sale and I thought I’d ask your opinion on whether it is well priced or not. It’s selling for 3250 GBP (20% VAT/sales tax included). That’s about 5280 USD.

0.75 carat G VVS2 Excellent cut GIA certified

Code: RBCPKH6QBHSV

Cert. Number 7131844462

Depth: 60.10%

Table: 58.00%

Polish: Excellent

Symmetry: Excellent

Fluorescence: None

Measurements:

5.87×5.90×3.54

Many thanks in advance!

A: 1) They are not actually based in UK. They are based in NY. They are no different than any other major site.

2) I suggest reading our review of Blue Nile. The same issue applies to 77 as to BN. As we show very clearly in our clarity post, there is no point in getting a VVS2. You are better off getting a nice Si1 like this:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1469180.asp

This diamond is 100% eye-clean and would look identical to the diamond you selected. The only difference is the price. According to JA’s shipping calculator, the price for this diamond is 2,369 gbp including VAT.

What do you think?

Q: Thank you so much for your reply. Unfortunately, it looks like the diamond you suggested became unavailable shortly after your e-mail. I’ve had a look at James Allen’s website and I can see the benefit of being able to see a picture of the actual diamond you are buying. My only problem is that they will charge me duty fee (as I’m in the UK) and this will amount to several hundreds of pounds. Do you know of an online retailer similar to James Allen who can ship from the UK (or EU)?

If you come across other diamonds you think may suit my needs, please let me know.

I really appreciate your help!!

A: I don’t understand your concern. The diamond was cheaper than the UK diamond you selected. Who cares what the breakdown is if you get the best diamond for the right price?

None of those sites are actually UK based. They just open an office. So they save the import fee but you have to pay for that extra overhead.

Q: I suppose you are right. What do you think of this diamond? I can see a few inclusions but that’s with the loop. Will it be eye-clean?

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1519745.asp

A: That’s a nice diamond. It’s eye-clean.

Budget: $3500 Budget    Budget: $4000 Budget    Budget: $4500 Budget    Budget: $4800 Budget    Budget: $5000 Budget    Budget: $5500 Budget    Budget: $6000 Budget    Carat: 0.60 ct    Carat: 0.70 ct    Carat: 0.75 ct    Carat: 0.80 ct    Color: G Color    Color: H Color    Shape: Round Brilliant    Clarity: SI1 Clarity    Clarity: VVS2 Clarity   

The post Q&A: Need Help Buying a Round Diamond in the UK appeared first on Truth about Diamonds.

A: I think you get a much nicer (and larger) diamond with rounds. Check these out:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1499245.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1446379.asp

I love that first diamond. It’s bright, eye-clean and a great value. What do you think?

Q: Thank you for the response. Sorry I am just replying; I was on vacation until today. I understand you are on vacation now. I like these diamonds in that they are larger than I thought I would be able to get, but I am somewhat concerned about the color grade. I was under the impression that I should be looking at a G or H minimum grade in color. I know that color is hard to notice unless you put two diamonds next to each other, but my concern is that a lot of my girlfriend’s friends just got engaged so a lot of diamonds will “be in the same room” so to speak. Is this something I should be thinking about? Thank you for the advice!

A: Those stones will be fine. No need to worry unless your fiance to be pops her stone out of her ring along with her friends and they put them together on a white card face down.

Of those two, I like this one better:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1499245.asp

Q: Thanks for the quick response! I think that diamond looks great. Could you give me some tips for the setting? I want a solitaire setting because it is simple (I know she will like that), and I plan to go with platinum so that it lasts long without tarnishing. However, I am not sure what type/size would look best with this diamond on her fingers. She has very slender fingers. Thank you again!

A: It’s really not something I could help with – there’s no objective benefit of one setting over another. It’s 100% a matter of personal taste and style. Let me know what you end up getting! and please do let me know what you think when it arrives.

Q: Ok I will! Thank you again for all of your help Mike and Ira!

…….

I just wanted to say that the ring was excellent and the proposal went amazing this weekend! She said “yes” and was very excited. I attached a picture of the ring on her finger. Thank you so much for all the advice and help!

A: Thanks for writing and letting us know. I’m delighted that you were pleased with our help.

We wish you and your partner a life of happiness and fulfillment.

Budget: $7500 Budget    Budget: $8000 Budget    Carat: 1.10 ct    Carat: 1.20 ct    Color: I Color    Shape: Princess Cut    Shape: Round Brilliant    Clarity: SI1 Clarity   

The post Q&A: Round vs. Princess Cut for Platinum Solitaire Setting appeared first on Truth about Diamonds.

My budget is 10-12k and I’d like to place a round diamond in a white gold setting that has blue sapphires on each side similar to this setting:

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/settings-with-colored-sidestones/Pear-Shape-Blue-Sapphire-Ring-11153w.html

Do I need to take any extra considerations when choosing a diamond with regards to color, since it will be next to the blue gemstones? It’d be nice to go down a couple steps on the color due to the blue stones and put the savings into a larger diamond . I would like at least a 1.5 carat diamond.

She is very attracted to the “sparkly” diamonds we see in the store windows, is there a big, noticeable difference between the ideal and very good cuts?

Any suggestions and help are greatly appreciated. Thanks for your time!

A: With that setting, I’d stick with I+ on the center diamond. I love this for you:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1511717.asp

It’s bright, eye-clean and a great value.

Q: Thanks for the quick reply. Thanks for your help, and a great, educational website!

A: My pleasure.

Budget: $10000 Budget    Budget: $11000 Budget    Budget: $12000 Budget    Carat: 1.40 ct    Carat: 1.50 ct    Color: I Color    Shape: Round Brilliant    Clarity: SI1 Clarity   

The post Q&A: Looking for 1.5 Ct. Round Diamond for Blue Sapphire Sidestone Setting appeared first on Truth about Diamonds.

I need to buy an engagement ring. I am looking for a 1.5ct or larger round brilliant cut diamond and I hoped to stay under $9,000 but I realize that may not be possible. Based on your advice, I have been looking for I color, SI1, GIA stones with excellent cut. From looking around, many SI1 stones do not seem eye clean to me. FYI, I hope to use a setting that has with channel set diamonds so I want to make sure that the center stone color is not too far off.

Any help or suggestions you could give me would be greatly appreciated.

A: Firstly, I would suggest sticking with H+ for the color. With those type of settings, you want to make sure that the center diamond is brighter/whiter than the setting.

I really like this diamond for you:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1522375.asp

It’s bright, eye-clean and a great value. The medium blue is a nice bonus (it lightens it up half a shade of color).

What do you think?

Q: The diamond you chose for me is beautiful and I may very well end up buying that one. After working my finances, I realize that I can increase my budget to approximately $10,500 for the diamond if need be.

Here is another diamond that I have been looking at: http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1496987.asp

I know that it is an I color and you advised going H+. The setting I am going to use is James Allen 1217p in platinum:

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/channelset-rings/14k-white-gold-60ct-channel-set-princess-cut-engagement-ring-1217w14.html

The channel set side stones are G-H, so if I still need to go H+ please let me know. You are the expert and your advice is beyond valuable to me.

Once again, thank you very much for the help. I hope to make a decision and get this ordered as soon as I can.

A: You should stick with the H+. It is important not to drop below H with that setting.

Q: Once again, thank you for your expert advice. It is very reassuring. I am getting very close to a final decision. Here are the two diamonds you recommended for me:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1522375.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1523332.asp

Forgive me for the following ignorant questions. I am able to afford the larger stone, so my question is, am I gaining much? Does the 1.51ct look significantly bigger than the 1.40ct? Is a diameter difference of 0.20mm meaningful? Is one of these stones better than the other? I know that you like some florescence in an H color diamond, the 1.40 has it but the 1.51 does not. How do they compare to one another in brilliance, fire, and being eye clean?

A: They are both excellent choices. It should be up to you whether you want to spend the extra. The size bump will be noticeable. I don’t know if its worth the extra money though.

Budget: $10000 Budget    Budget: $9000 Budget    Carat: 1.40 ct    Carat: 1.50 ct    Color: H Color    Color: I Color    Shape: Round Brilliant    Clarity: SI1 Clarity   

The post Q&A: Looking for Best Round Diamond for Channel Setting appeared first on Truth about Diamonds.

The other jeweler is going to show me a couple diamonds later this week (had to order them). She is going to show me G and H color and SI1 clarity diamonds .90 and .91 ct.

My question is which is more important, higher color or higher clarity? I am planning on a white gold solitaire ring because she won’t see it until I pop the question. I figured this way she would have more options when picking out her wedding band (is this true?).

Thank you soooo much and you website is absolutely the best. It’s gotten me this far!

A: I would stay away from this jeweler completely. The ONLY reason to sell a non-certified diamond of that price is if you are hiding something. 1) There is no way the diamond is actually an I VS2 by professional standards and 2) The diamond is likely very poorly cut.

Certifying a diamond costs $50-75 dollars. The jeweler doesn’t even certify them himself. I’d say about 98% of diamonds in that quality range are certified by the diamond manufacturers before they even reach the US. The better ones get legitimate certificates (GIA and AGS), and the worse ones get certified by more dubious certificates (gemscan, IGI or the infamous EGL). The bottom 2% are horrifically cut diamonds, or diamonds with fatal flaws (like yellow fluorescence).

So the jeweler either bought one of the bottom 2% and is trying to pawn it off on you. Or he bought a diamond with a certificate, thought he can trick someone into thinking its a better grade and threw out the certificate.

An I VS2 1ct with a Very Good cut (not even excellent) costs $5,000-6,000. Does saving the $75 on the certificate seem like a good reason to sell the diamond for half its true value?

I’m sorry, but jewelers and the manufacturer (like the one I used to work for), who use illegitimate/no certification to deceive customers really makes me sick. That was a big part of why I walked away from the business originally, and why I like what we do now (helping consumers avoid the screwing) so much.

Q: Thank you for the response!

After reading your section on color, I realize I can sacrifice a bit on color (white gold solitaire) but the jewelers I’ve talked to won’t deal anything below an H. What do you recommend? I’m a little nervous buying one online because I can’t see it before I buy it. Could you give me 5 minutes of your time to talk on the phone? I have a couple questions that would be easier to explain on the phone. My number is… You can call me anytime and I will return the call as quickly as possible. Thank you again so much!

A: I would recommend a pair like this:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1516274.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/14k-white-gold-25mm-knife-edge-solitaire-diamond-ring-17002w14.html

The knife edge solitaire is very popular right now. Personally its my favorite. I love that diamond and think this is a great combo.

Q: I am trying to keep it a little closer to $4,000. Here are a few I found but it is showing Blue in the picture, is that the Flou?

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Very-Good-Cut-Round-Diamond-1480582.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Very-Good-Cut-Round-Diamond-1463692.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS2-Very-Good-Cut-Round-Diamond-1489207.asp

I’m not sure but but would the florescents make these look better?

A: Go with the third one. Its the best of the three (cut-wise). The medium blue is a nice bonus.

Q: Thank you so much. I ordered everything this morning. Thank you again for the help. I greatly appreciate it!

A: Let me know how it looks when it arrives.

 
Q: I will! I still had an appointment with a local jeweler. Mainly just to see how they compared. He showed me a couple EGL certified .7 & .8 ct, H&I – SI diamonds. I was generally pleased with them so I feel really good about the GIA cert, .9 I-VS I ordered. I’ll let you know how it looks when it gets here. Thank you again for the help!

A: Sounds great. Keep me posted.

Q: Looks great! I am very impressed with how it looks. Compared to the other diamonds the jewelers showed me this one is by far a better buy! Thank you sooo much for your help.

I did completely miscalculate her finger size though. I ordered a 5.5, she is more like a 3.25 or 3.5. I will have to contact James Allen and try to get it resized.

Thank you again for all of your help! I’ve already told so many people about you and your website. What a life changer!

A: Thanks for writing and letting us know. I’m delighted that you were pleased with our help. Do you think you can do us a quick favor and write us a small review on www.ivouch.com? If you could, we would be extremely grateful. Here is the link:

xxxxx

We wish you and your partner a life of happiness and fulfillment.

[LINK TO REVIEW ON IVOUCH]

Budget: $3500 Budget    Carat: 0.80 ct    Carat: 0.90 ct    Carat: 1.00 ct    Color: I Color    Shape: Round Brilliant    Clarity: SI1 Clarity    Clarity: VS2 Clarity   

The post Q&A: Looking for Best Round Diamond for $3500 Budget, Local Jeweler or Online? appeared first on Truth about Diamonds.

Can you recommend the best value for a loose diamond to be set in a solitaire setting for about $7-7.5K?

I found the following diamond for $8,170 but wasn’t sure if it’s a good one in terms of value.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS2-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1475111.asp

It’s a bit too expensive so I am trying to find an alternative. Any advice will be greatly appreciated!

A: I think this diamond is a much better value:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-SI1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1514999.asp

It’s bright, eye-clean and will look great in a solitaire.

Q: Thank you very much for your advice and the services you provide! I purchased the diamond you recommended. It’s supposed to arrive tomorrow and I will let you know my first impressions.

A: Sounds great. Let me know how it looks when it arrives.

Q: Wanted to thank you again for your invaluable advice!

I am attaching an image of the diamond that you recommended set in a Bez Ambar setting.

A: Thanks for writing and letting us know. I’m delighted that you were pleased with our help. Do you think you can do us a quick favor and write us a small review on www.ivouch.com? If you could, we would be extremely grateful. Here is the link:

XXXXX

We wish you and your partner a life of happiness and fulfillment.

Q: Thank you very much. The review is up:

http://www.ivouch.com/truthaboutdiamonds-com/the-best-resource-online-for-diamond-research-and-recommenda/pp=1

A: Thanks. Best of luck!

Budget: $7000 Budget    Budget: $7500 Budget    Carat: 1.10 ct    Carat: 1.20 ct    Color: I Color    Color: J Color    Shape: Round Brilliant    Clarity: SI1 Clarity    Clarity: VS2 Clarity   

The post Q&A: Looking for Round Brilliant Diamond for Solitaire Setting on $7-7.5K Budget appeared first on Truth about Diamonds.

First off, I want to thank you guys for the wealth of resources that you’ve made available on this wonderful website. I am a woman who is lucky enough to be able to pick her own engagement ring, and am now tasked with the responsibility of picking ‘the one’. Although I have a woman’s perspective on the engagement experience, my favourite posts of yours are definitely the ones from guys who are struggling to make the big ring decision. It’s so amusing and sweet to read stories of men sweating bullets over a rock. I never thought that buying a ring would be such a stressful decision until I was faced with it myself.

So here’s my story, and forgive me in advance for the length of this message, but I want you to know how much I’ve learned from your site:

In August of this year, my boyfriend proposed with a promise ring and told me I could pick out the engagement ring myself. I was thrilled at this privilege, but know better now that he actually doesn’t want the responsibility of picking the wrong ring. Before he proposed, he told me he made the rounds at Tiffany and Birks (in Canada) and a slew of other brick and mortar stores, and was really put down by the ‘up-selling’ experience.

After getting engaged, I immediately went to Blue Nile and fell in love with a gorgeous antique setting (http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-engagement-ring-platinum_17374) and was ready to pick out the best diamond I could find for the cheapest price listed. I almost pulled the trigger, but the more I read online, the more scared I became of buying a diamond, sight unseen. I’ve come to realize, because of websites like yours, that a diamond ring is not a commodity, but an emotional retail experience.

I then turned to James Allen and found great diamonds, but could not see any setting that rivaled the antique milgrain design I found on Blue Nile. I was crushed to say the least. Seriously, James Allen, you need to up your game in the settings department. But to make a long story short(er), I spoke to several JA sales associates and they told me that they could put a milgrain edge on any setting I wanted for FREE!

So, here’s the nitty gritty:

Total engagement ring budget = $8,500 (setting + diamond + tax – I live in Canada)

My setting: 2.2 mm band, Pave Style with F/G side stones in White Gold ($1,040) or Platinum ($1,840)

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/ring/item_412-1921.asp

Diamond budget = $6000 to $7000 (If the diamond is closer to 6K, I can afford to get the platinum setting. If the diamond is closer to 7K, I will order the white gold).

Realistic Diamond Expectations:

Cut: Excellent

Color: G/H (prefer G because of the side stones)

Carat: 1.0+

Clarity: I would love a VS2, but I think an eye-clean SI1 is in my price range and will still look beautiful. I saw some beautiful True Hearts I/VS2 diamonds in my price range, but I’m uncomfortable with the warmth next to the pave stones. They might have been sold already as well.

Below is a list of stones I narrowed down on James Allen. I plugged every one of the Depth and Table percentages into the JA diamond cut calculator and eliminated any diamond that did not have a predicted brilliance of ‘Ideal cut’.

I would really appreciate your expertise on helping me identify whether or not these stones are eye-clean and which ones you like the best, or if you have other ones you can suggest that is great too.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1513627.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1519562.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1520189.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1521054.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1521166.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1523268.asp

I also investigated Item #1521051 and #1494411, but I don’t think their cuts were as brilliant as the other six. Please let me know if I am totally off base with this.

If you’ve made it to the end of this email, thank you so much for your patience and perseverance! I would value any and all advice you can give me in helping me choose a diamond.

I look forward to hearing from you. Thanks again.

Ps: I’m just wondering if and when you favour me with a reply, do you reply to me privately first or do you post the answer on your website immediately. I’m just worried that someone will buy up these diamonds from beneath me and I would really like the opportunity to put a few on hold and request ideal scope images from JA. Thanks!!!

A: I actually really like the first diamond you selected there. Its eye-clean and seems like a great cut.

Q: Thanks for responding!

Unfortunately, 2 out of the six diamonds I linked to have already been sold, so in a panic, I spoke to James Allen on Monday and they advised me to put some diamonds on hold for the gemologist to inspect, and surprisingly they did not recommend the one you did below, the $7050 diamond, as in there was nothing wrong with it, but they felt that the other two were better value for lower price.

The one you like:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1513627.asp

Instead, we put these two on hold and all the JA associates seem to be telling me that the first diamond down here is such a great steal, but you did not recommend it which has me worried that the inclusions are eye visible. Can you please, please, let me know what you think of the two below before I hear back from the gemologist??? I raised a concern that the first diamond seems to have been on the market for over a year (based on the GIA certificate) and I’m worried about that large crystal in the middle of the table and that every one else has passed over it …

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1519562.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1521051.asp

Also, I really love the cut and clarity of the $7050 diamond, but will the medium blue fluorescence affect the brilliance and make it cloudy? It’s also the most expensive on my list of 6. Did you see any other diamonds on my list or on James Allen closer to $6000 or $6500 so I could afford a platinum setting instead of white gold?

A: They were absolutely right to recommend those diamonds to you. When I searched for diamonds, they weren’t there so the one I suggested was the best value remaining. The 1.01 is a much better choice.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond-1521051.asp

Let me know how it looks when it arrives.

Q: Thanks for getting back to me, Mike! I really appreciate it. I feel so relieved now that I have some good diamonds on hold. I was worried I put the wrong ones up for inspection.

I’m sorry to keep asking you questions, but you’ve been so helpful….

Can you please tell me why you like the 1521051 better than the 1519562? Is it the cut or inclusions that are better?

A: I like the inclusions better.

Q: Thanks for the explanation, Mike.

I just wanted to let you know that I heard back from the JA gemologist today.

All of the James Allen associates told me the 1519562 diamond was superior, even in terms of inclusions, but the gemologist inspected the diamonds in person and agreed with your choice, 1521051. I guess I’m not surprised, but wanted to share the feedback.

I am also happy to give the positive feedback that the gemologist gave on these diamonds. When the gemologist pulled these diamonds, the first thing that she noticed was the 1.01 carat-G-SI1 (diamond 1521051) amazing light performance! She also said that this diamond will face up eye clean, after we cover a small inclusion up with a prong. The 1.00 carat-G-SI1 (diamond 1519562) also has excellent light performance however, there are some inclusions that an untrained, unaided eye will be able to pick up on. After hearing this feedback, I agree with the gemologist that your best option would be the 1.01 carat diamond due to it having amazing light performance and being eye clean.

A: Sounds great. Let me know how it looks when it arrives.

Budget: $6000 Budget    Budget: $6500 Budget    Budget: $7000 Budget    Carat: 0.70 ct    Carat: 0.80 ct    Carat: 0.90 ct    Carat: 1.00 ct    Carat: 1.10 ct    Color: G Color    Color: H Color    Shape: Round Brilliant    Clarity: SI1 Clarity   

The post Q&A: Looking for 1+Ct. Round Brilliant Diamond for $6-7K Budget appeared first on Truth about Diamonds.

A: Australian retailers charge insane prices. It’s a limited market.

I’d be happy to make some recommendations and guide you through the process. What type of setting are you considering? Yellow gold or white gold/platinum? Will it be a solitaire or does it have sidestones/pave? This may affect the colors that I recommend for the center diamond (as we explain in our post on color).

Let me know and I’d be happy to send you some suggestions.

Q: Since i sent you the first email, i now have a new budget of only $3000 for my diamond. Unfortunately we were counting on using some money that didn’t end up coming through so were a bit tight now. I understand i wont be able to get 1ct in this price range.

I am thinking of just purchasing the diamond online, and then having it set here. The setting i have chose is white gold, with tiny little diamonds down the side (pave i think?) and a halo of diamonds around the centre stone. It has a very fine band 1.7-1.8mm.

The other thing i should mention is that we probaly wont be ready to purchase the stone for a couple of weeks, so if you think it would be better for me to get in contact with you again when we are actually ready to buy i am happy to do so.

Based on the information i’ve provided what sort of size diamond do you think i will be able to get? And what colour grades should i stick to when browsing?

A: Hit me with an email a week before you are ready to purchase. The diamonds I recommend will surely be gone by then.

Q: We will be ready to purchase our diamond by the end of next week, (friday 21st) so thought maybe we could start the search. As i said before the budget has changed we would feel most comfortable staying under $2500. I have been looking a bit myself and was hoping to get your opinion on a couple of stones. I have been paying particular attention to the depth of the stones and measurements. #: 1513234 and #: 1522287 were the 2 top choices. I also found #: 1521749 that is a bit higher priced than i was hoping for but if you think its worth it we may consider.

Looking forward to hearing from you soon,

…….

I also found these ones over the weekend #: 1482020 and #: 1441401 would love to hear what you think,

A: If your budget has it in there, this is the best one by far:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-IF-Very-Good-Cut-Emerald-Diamond-1521749.asp

It’s got a great L:W ratio, the cut is fine, high color and obviously eye-clean. Its a real winner.

Q: I’m glad to hear your opinion on the diamond but as i mentioned before it is pushing our budget a bit. I would love to get your opinion on a nice emerald cut around the 2000 – 2500 range. What do you think of 1522287 and 1441401 and 1482020 ? I know your obviously very busy and i really appreciate your time and advice, but if you could manage to give me a bit of feedback, even just a yes or no, on all 3, not just the clear winner (which is likely to be the most expensive one) so then if i do decide on one of the cheaper 2 options i can still feel confident that i will be purchasing a great diamond.

A: I don’t like the E-IF (poor l:w ratio; will look small). The other two are great diamonds. I like the G-IF (it will look larger than the E VVS1) but the E VVS1 is a far better value (the noticeable size difference won’t be worth spending $500 more).

Q: Just thought i would let you know i have placed both the G IF and E VVS1 on hold while awaiting a gemologist report from James Allen. So once i receive that i will make a final decision and purchase. I did have someone from James Allen look at the diamonds and he said this about the G IF – 1482020 – The main thing that concerns me about this one is the black spots in the table. That could be an indicator of “windowing” (which just means that you will be able to see right through the diamond) and is also indication that there is some light leakage in the diamond.

What do you think about this?

A: I would wait for the gemologist report. I ignore those ‘windowing’ issues from the photos because its just as likely a result of the focus/contrast.

Budget: $2000 Budget    Budget: $2300 Budget    Budget: $2500 Budget    Budget: $3000 Budget    Carat: 0.60 ct    Carat: 0.70 ct    Carat: 0.80 ct    Carat: 0.90 ct    Carat: 1.00 ct    Color: E Color    Shape: Emerald Cut    Color: F Color    Clarity: Flawless    Color: G Color    Clarity: IF Clarity    Clarity: VVS1 Clarity    Clarity: VVS2 Clarity   

The post Q&A: Looking for Biggest Emerald Cut Possible for $2500 Budget appeared first on Truth about Diamonds.