Here are my parameters:

At least 0.5 carat

At most $1,500 for the diamond

Round shaped

I’m going with either white gold or platinum setting

I like the color to be colorless to the eye

Ideal cut

Also I don’t want any visible flaws in the diamond

I’ve gathered a list that I thought looks good, and would like your opinion on these. Or if you can find something better:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1326118.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1326677.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1332534.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1335219.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1331895.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1331896.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

Thanks!

A: Thanks for writing! Those are all really nice options you suggested. I would recommend that you reject the J color stone off the bat. Out of what’s left, I have to say that the H VS2 really does look incredible, but this stone:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1326118.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

might be a better value for your money.

Don’t forget to apply the TAD0611 copuon code to get 10% off the setting (assuming you’re also buying it from JA).

Best of luck!

Q: Thank you Ira for your suggestion! I took your suggestion and bought the I VS2 stone. I do love the H VS2, but I think the one you recommended is the best value for my money. Saves me a couple hundred bucks

Thanks!

A: Congrats! Please let me know what you think when it arrives!

I’ve seen this diamond:

http://www.bluenile.co.uk/build-your-own-diamond-ring forceStep=DIAMONDS_STEP&track=tab#diamonds_forceStep=DIAMONDS_STEP|builder=BYOR|pid=LD01195010

which seems to be a good balance of price/carat/cut/colour/clarity. What do you think?

Many thanks

A: Thanks for writing and the kind words about the site! That stone looks nice, but I think you could do a little better on the cut.

This stone, for example, costs a little bit more, but it will look MUCH larger than the one you selected on BN:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1174409.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

let me know what you think!

Q: Thanks for your swift response.

That stone looks lovely, the only issue is that being UK based, buying from the US adds around 20-25% to the price in the form of VAT and Duty, which unfortunately pushes the stone outside of my price range. I don’t believe James Allen have a UK operation, which is why I’ve been using Blue Nile. This is a shame though as the Virtual Loupe is a killer feature on the JA website.

Do you know of any similar organisations with UK-specific websites?

A: Don’t be fooled by BN UK – you’re going to have to pay the same VAT & duty from them as well. Their diamonds are not local, they’re all being imported.

http://www.bluenile.co.uk/glossary.jsp?word=vat

Q: Huge thanks for this, I genuinely hadn’t noticed.

Reading the UK tax website has told me that the only difference between the prices now will be a c5% import & customs duty, on James Allen (although Blue Nile’s price doesn’t include VAT, the fact that it is a UK registered business means a ring purchase from them won’t count as personal import). 5% isn’t a huge amount though, and to me a price worth paying for the benefit of the virtual loupe which takes a good deal of the risk out of the purchase.

Buying a ring from the US will be a nice touch actually, my partner has a huge affinity for the US and has a lot of friends in Chicago.

To further complicate matters, I thought I would get in touch with one of my partner’s friends who is convinced that she would prefer an Emerald Cut to a Princess Cut. Apparently there was a lovely emerald cut ring in Sex And The City a few years ago which she loved.

I’ll go back to James Allen and see what I can find!

Thanks again.

………..

I have found this emerald cut stone:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VVS2-Ideal-Cut-Emerald-Diamond-1315607.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

What do you think?

Regarding my budget I’m going to up it a little bit. I’m aiming for stone and setting for $2,500, this will mean that the fully landed cost (shipping, VAT, Duty, etc.) to me in the UK is £2,000. I’d love to spend more, but my partner isn’t currently working and is expecting our first child. James Allen does operate an upgrade service though, so if funds become available further down the line…

Regards

A: Send me an email on Sunday, and I’ll gladly help you find an Emerald. It’s a Jewish holiday tonight and tomorrow, so I don’t have any time now.

Btw, do you have any friends/family flying in from the US in the next few weeks? You could always try to smuggle it in yourself. It’s very easy – someone just needs to wear it.

Q: Many thanks, I will send an e-mail on Sunday.

My sister happens to be travelling back from the States just in time for Christmas. I think this could be a perfect opportunity!

Kind regards

…………

Following on from last week, I have done a little digging, and had one of my partner’s friends do a bit of ‘undercover’ work. It turns out that this was a good idea. I’m basically now looking for an emerald cut diamond. My budget for the diamond is $2,000 dollars or thereabouts, for a total ring value in the region of $2,500. This will land in the UK at a cost to me of about £2,000 (by my calculations.

I would appreciate any guidance you can give me

…………

Did a bit of digging myself on James Allen, what do you think of the following few:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Emerald-Diamond-1328244.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/E-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Emerald-Diamond-1203590.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

And a couple of wildcards (only graded as “Good” for cut):

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/D-VVS2-Good-Cut-Emerald-Diamond-1306167.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/E-VVS1-Good-Cut-Emerald-Diamond-1228193.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

Regards

A: You actually did a great job with these! This stone:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/D-VVS2-Good-Cut-Emerald-Diamond-1306167.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

is the clear winner to me. It’s rated “good” because the table is a little large (75%). But large tables on emeralds aren’t really such a problem. The good thing with this stone is that it is shallow, which means its weight is distributed more in its LxW versus its depth. It’s weight that you can see and appreciate. So even though the stone is 0.58ct, it’s larger in LxW than most 3/4ct stones. Also, I personally like EMs with L/W ratios of 1.50 like this one. Shallow stones brilliant shapes usually translate into a less brilliant diamond, but with a step cut like an Emerald or an Asscher, it doesn’t really matter.

Best Wishes.

Q: That’s the diamond I’ve gone for! I’ve put it on a simple Platinum comfort fit band (my partner likes simple ring bands, and I think it will accentuate the stone better), total cost (including shipping and including your discount code) was $2,329, so within my budget. I can’t believe my budget has stretched to a platinum ring with a diamond of that size and clarity. Thank you so much for your help, it has been such a learning experience, and I’m sure that without your advice I’d have spent more money for a lesser ring.

Regards

A: My pleasure!  Please stay in touch and let me know what you think when the ring arrives!

Q: Just thought I would send you a quick update.

The ring arrived very promptly from James Allen, excellent customer service throughout, I can see why you recommend them.

To say I was pleased with the ring would be an understatement, it is absolutely beautiful. The diamond was a superb recommendation, it looks so ‘pure’ and catches the light superbly.

Most importantly, my partner loves it too. She didn’t have a clue I was going to propose, and thankfully she accepted! She was very impressed that I had not only got a ring, but one that she liked so much. I did admit to having had some outside help, so Liz sends her thanks too!

Many thanks once more Ira, your advice was invaluable, and it was reassuring to know that there are some genuinely nice people about in these increasingly cynical times.

Regards

A: That’s such wonderful news! I really appreciate you taking time out of your schedule to write me this update. I love when I get emails like these. They really brighten my day.

We are looking for…

A round stone that is a half carat (.45-.50); Color: H (possibly G); Clarity: SI1, SI2, or VS2 (I do not want to purchase a diamond that has visible inclusions to my eye. Also, I am unsure about buying a ring with a feather crack or cloud characteristic). A depth % of 58% to 64%; A table % of 53% to 64%; Florescense: faint or none; Polish: At least good; Symmetry: At least good; Girdle Thickness: thin, medium, slightly thick (I am having a hard time with this as well. I have read diamonds with thin girdles can chip or crack easily. I have also read thick and very thick girdles are not good to purchase either) Culet: none, very small, small

I have looked at Blue Nile as well as James Allen and am feeling overwhelmed and not sure which route to go.

Thank you for any help you can provide.

A: Happy to help. Here’s what I like:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1314183.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1315273.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1326686.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

Have a look and let me know what you think!

Q: These diamonds all look nice. My main concern for two of the diamonds are the the feather and/or twinning wisp characteristics. What effect does a cloud characteristic have on a diamond?

I found this diamond on Blue Nile this afternoon. The only clarity characteristic is crystal. At this point, I think I am leaning toward that because I have been reading that is one of the better characteristics to have. What do you think?

http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-search?filter_id=0#diamonds_pid=LD01927712

Thank you for getting back to me so quickly!

A: The opposite is true.  Crystals are usually deep dark black spots that are visible to the naked eye.  Twinning wisps are mostly translucent and spread out.

Q: Interesting. Okay, I do not want to see dark spots in my diamond. Out of the links you sent, I think I like the first option you sent the best because I do not want a feather characteristic in the diamond.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1314183.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

Will the cloud characteristic affect the look of the diamond at all? Would I be able to see where it is at? I did use the loupe, but didn’t notice anything.

A: A cloud on an SI1 is not a problem at all.  You won’t notice it whatsoever.  It will be a very bright and lively stone.  You’ll love it.

Q: Sounds good.

I am now deciding between this diamond at blue nile…

http://www.bluenile.com/round-diamond-1-carat-or-less-very-good-cut-h-color-si1-clarity_LD01553537

and the first link that you sent me.

A: Sounds good.  Let me know what you decide to go with in the end!

Q: We went with the ring from James Allen. It arrived on Wednesday. We are very pleased with the purchase. Thank you for your help.

A: Wonderful news!  Thanks for letting me know!

Item#: http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1326118.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357
Item#: http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1275961.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

I would like to have the bigger diamond but the picture almost looks discolored. Maybe you could let me know if that is the actual diamond that is discolored or if its just the lighting in the picture.

My criteria on any other diamonds you may suggest are as follows.

Budget: Nothing higher than $1,200 for just the diamond.
Must be at a minimum of 54ct.
Must be Ideal cut or True Hearts (if that is as good as an Ideal… not sure on that)
Nothing lower than a J on color
Would prefer a VS2 or higher but I am open to your expertise

I can’t thank you enough for your help.

A: I took another look for you, and indeed the J VS2 is the nicest option out there for you now.

Don’t forget to use the TAD0611 copuon, btw, to get 10% off the setting you choose.

Q: Thank you for looking into this for me.  I ended up finding another one that I really liked last night and went ahead and bought it.  I’ve been looking for about a month now and I just had to be done.  If you want to take a look its:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1326591.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

Either way, thanks again for all your help!

A: Sounds great!  Let me know what you think when it arrives!

* Is your goal cheapest price for given parameters, or best diamond for fixed budget:

Well, I’m looking for the best diamond that I need without overpaying for things that are not needed.

* Shape:

Round

* Desired Color Range:

F, G, H

* Desired Clarity:

VS1, VVS2

* Budget:

$5000

* Anything else you might feel is relevant:

The above parameters are flexible.

After reading your homepage, it seems like a VS2 will be acceptable if the blemish is not visible. Basically, I’m somewhat fortunate as my girlfriend does not really want a big ring as she doesn’t want it to look too gaudy. She saw a friends ring which was 1.25 carats and thought it looked nice, BUT she said she could never wear a ring like that. (note, it wasn’t round so I don’t know if that made it look bigger than the carat weight) She has relatively small, petite fingers. At a store, she saw 0.5 and 0.75 carats and she said that would be enough (but she didn’t try it on, just looking through the case). However, financially, I can afford a bit more than that. So I’m thinking of about a 0.9 carat ring. The ‘guy’ side of me wants to go even bigger since I can afford it. I don’t want to regret buying a too small ring when I could afford a larger one. Yet, I want to respect her wishes. Anyway, I’m looking for any advice or maybe the best value diamond at around 0.9 carats or something else if you recommend a bigger ring.

A: Let me hit your issues one at a time.

Clarity – Did you see my article on clarity? You could easily go down to an SI2 and still have a completely naked eye-clean diamond. I’m happy to limit my search to VS2s only, but I just wanted to make sure you knew that it wasn’t necessary.

Size – Do you think your GF was telling you those things about the size of the diamond because she really doesn’t WANT a larger stone, or do you think she was just being modest and not wanting you to break the bank for her? If you really believe she doesn’t want a larger diamond, then clearly you probably shouldn’t get one. But if she’s just being modest, then definitely go for it and get the largest stone you can. But if you stick to the higher end of your range of color and clarity, you won’t be able to afford a larger diamond for $5000.

Anyway, take a look at my article on clarity, and think about the size question and let me know your thoughts. Once these issues are squared away, I’ll send you some suggestions.

Q: Thanks for replying.

With you selecting the diamond, I would be willing to go down to a SI2 since you have experience looking at diamonds and determining what would by eye-clean or not. If I’m selecting on my own, I would probably stay with a VS2.

As for size, she went to a store and saw a 0.5, .75, and 1 carat and tried them on. She said she would choose the 0.75. So I am searching for a 0.75 to 0.9 diamond. Just a little bigger than what she wants, but still smaller than 1.0.

Also, the price is flexible, meaning if the diamond is $5000 and the total with the setting is $6000, it will be okay with me. But I’m guessing that since the diamond will be under a carat, the total price would be under 5000.

To let you know, her size would be 5.5 or 5.75 if available. Also, I am looking at a platinum or white gold solitaire setting. Something simple and classic.

A: I think you’re being very smart about your choices. I took a look for you and this is what I came up with:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1282403.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357 – GIA triple excellent. Looks eye clean.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1249347.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357 – GIA excellent cut. Eye clean.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-865226.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357 – Excellent cut. Beautiful stone. You can put a prong over that collection of inclusions on the edge.

There’s a huge jump in price between .80s and .90s without such a big jump in size. So I think it’s definitely smart to stay in the 80s.

As far as the setting goes, why not go for a classic tiffany style knife edge solitaire?

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/solitaire-diamond-ring.html

Let me know what you think!

Q: Thanks for the options. Which of these two is the more beautiful diamond? And how can I guarantee that the setting will be placed over the inclusions on the second one?

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1249347.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-865226.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

Also, the typical guy in me still has the urge to go a little bigger. What do you think of these diamonds? I assume size-wise, visually, I’m not getting much for the extra money as its just carat weight, right?

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1295666.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/E-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1192969.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

I guess my budget was $5000 and this will be well below it, including the setting. I should be happy, and I am! But I’m just wondering if I should spend a little more to get a little better quality or go a little bigger? Or should I read your website again and be happy with the savings. Can you say with a degree of certainty that those SI2 are eye clean? I guess the SI2 part scares me as its not even a SI1.

A: Between those two I like the F color better. But they’re VERY close. Usually, JA’s jewelers will know on their own to prong the inclusions, but you can always make a special request as well.

As far as the other question goes – The difference between the two sizes is about 0.2. This is just at the threshold of what’s noticeable to the eye. So the difference will definitely be noticeable, it just won’t be obvious. You’d have to have both next to each other to notice. Meaning, I showed you the 0.80 and then took it away and showed you the 0.90, you would most likely think they’re the same size.

Of the two 90s you suggested, I like the G color better. The E color has a VG cut from GIA.

I’m very confident both SI2s are eye clean, but you could always ask the folks at JA to check it for you themselves. I’m just guessing based on a photo, but they can actually inspect it for you face to face.

Q: Thanks for all your help! Of these two, which is the more beautiful diamond? Could you judge it two ways.

1) Disregard the price difference. Simply which is the more beautiful to look at.

2) Include the $900 price difference.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-865226.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1295666.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

Of course, at any time in this process, if you notice another diamond that I should consider, please let me know. But as of now, I guess these are my two choices.

Also, would you recommend the 2mm or 2.5mm knife edge for this size diamond? She has somewhat petite fingers (5.5 -5.75 size).

And does the ‘comfort fit’ feel that much more comfortable than a regular ring? The knife edge that you suggested also caught my eye before you suggested it. The other setting that caught my eye is the comfort fit for….well… comfort.

…….

I guess one more question. How do these two diamonds compare with what was shown on your website blog?

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1302250.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

Price-wise, it is still in budget and around the price of the 0.9 carat SI2 diamond? Is this a superior diamond compared to my other two choices and worth the price?

A: Disregarding price, they are just about equal. The 0.90 is a tiny bit bigger, but the 0.82 is a tiny bit whiter. I think they cancel each other out.

Including the price, clearly the 0.82 is a much better value.

I wish I could give you a better answer about the ring. I think for this kind of question, you should maybe contact JA’s customer support. My professional experience is really limited to loose diamonds. I’m not so familiar with the intricacies of jewelry.

All I’d say is that the knife edge style is extremely popular, so I can’t imagine it being uncomfortable.

As far as ring width is concerned, I have a feeling the 2mm band is really thin – a little too thin looking. I think the 2.5 would still look great on a petite woman. Don’t forget to use the TAD0611 discount code, btw. It’ll give you 10% off the setting.

Yes, this diamond is definitely superior. Whether or not it’s worth the extra money, that’s another question. The H&A ideal cut means it will sparkle more than the other stones. But whether that extra boost in sparkle is worth the premium is a subjective call. To those who are really sensitive to these things and demand the best, then it’s an easy decision. To others who can barely tell two different diamonds apart, it’s a waste of money.

Sorry I couldn’t make things clearer!

Q: Thanks for all your help!

I am definitely leaning towards the 0.82 diamond.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-865226.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

As you hinted, it’s a waste of money for those who can barely tell the difference, like me and I assume my girlfriend. I keep telling myself to don’t be too frugal since I am VERY frugal by nature. It’s a good point as it has put me in a position to somewhat easily afford this diamond. And I don’t want to be frugal about this once in a lifetime thing, so I still have a little urge to go bigger or higher quality than needed. My $5000 budget was slightly on the frugal side of the range.

But I think I just need to tell myself that this 0.82 diamond is big enough and beautiful enough and not worry about that 1.0 carat threshold or be brainwashed about 2 month salary myth.

Thank you for all your help. If another diamond comes up that you think will appeal to me, let me know. I will give this a few days to think about it so I am completely satisfied with my decision. Or you can give me more encouragement about this 0.82 diamond based on all your experience.

A: I completely understand all of your feelings back and forth. It’s the beginning of a life together with the one you love, and the last thing you want to do is start it off on the wrong foot. You wouldn’t even want to give the impression that you’re sacrificing her special gift at all in order to save a few hundred dollars.

But on the other hand, those few hundred dollars aren’t really buying you all that much (at least tangibly). From the sound of what you’ve told me about your GF, it sounds like she’d want you to buy the 0.82 and save the rest.

Here’s an idea – if you want to make the smart value decision on the diamond, but still want to feel like you’re spending good money on your future fiance, maybe buy her another gift with the money you’ll save? You could get her a nice pair of studs if she doesn’t have one already.

Stay in touch and let me know when you’re ready to buy. Then I’ll look again at that time to see if anything better popped up.

Q: I guess I learned a bit about the diamond market, that you have to act fast. That 0.82 diamond is now not available. So what do you think of this diamond?

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/E-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1269147.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

Is the depth a little to deep? Or any other diamonds out there that catch your eye? Is there a certain day of the week or month that these retailers get new inventory?

A: That stone’s not too deep. That’s a killer stone. Grab that one.

As for your other quesiton, no – it’s pretty much random. There’s no standard re-stocking day in the business.

Q: Thanks for your opinion. I went ahead and called James Allen to put it on hold. I’m at work now (yeah…I know I’m a bad worker) so I can’t actually piece together the order until later tonight. I will have to put in my order by phone and I confirmed that I can still use your coupon, so I hope you still get your commission.

One question though. Any reason why that ring is a SI2? It looks pretty clean to me. It looks like one scratch. But is that one scratch visible? Ii it clean to the eye? Is it something that James Allen can verify for me before I buy it? Or is it cloudy? It just seems like that should be rated higher than a SI2. (haha…look at me, one week of doing this and I already think I can grade stones!)

A: The inclusion plot says that it’s a feather, which are often clear in color. So it’s most likely that the feather is translucent and on the side (possibly under the girdle) – so that would explain why you don’t see it in the picture. That’s a very desirable SI2.

A: Thanks for writing. You can most definitely do better than that. HOF is a brand, and as such carries a huge premium just for the name. That’s not to mention the huge premium you pay for anything at a bricks & Mortar jewelry store. If you’d like to read more background material about this, take a look at the article I wrote “Truth about James Allen & Blue Nile.”

http://www.truthaboutdiamonds.com/truth-about/james-allen-blue-nile/

Take a look at these alternatives:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/E-I1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1260170.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-VVS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1264686.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1274169.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1276451.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

Each of those stones is clean to the naked eye, and each of those stones is an ideal cut diamond that will sparkle like crazy. As you can see, you can get a much larger diamond for your money. Let me know what you think!

Q: Thank you so much for replying so quickly! Which of these diamonds would be your top choice and why?

A: I actually like the E I1. It’s significantly larger than the other 3 and doesn’t much more.  You also get a significantly better color.  The I1 is really clear and will be clean to the naked eye.

Q: I noticed on the image of the I1 an inclusion close to the side . Is that the only one? And is that close enough to the side that it could be covered by a prong anyway?

A: You talking about the whiteish cluster on the left?  That’s the I1.  It’s not close enough to the side to be covered, but because of its location and color, it won’t be noticeable to the naked eye.

Q: ok. thank you very much for your time. i appreciate your help!

A: My pleasure!  Let me know what you go with in the end.

Q: One more question.. are there any diamonds that are the same quality but are somewhere between 5/8 and 3/4? i would like to maybe leave some room for a setting with the 2,500.

A: Sure.  I’ll take a look for you.  Can you wait a few hours?  My hands are kind of tied at the moment.

Q: Not a problem. thanks

…..

When you get a chance, see what you think about this diamond.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/E-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1269398.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

A: Sorry it took so long! That stone is nice that you picked, but i like this one better. Cheaper and bigger and still eye clean and white:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1267002.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

Q: And the sparkle and fire on this one will still be good? i guess that comes with the ideal cut right? well i think i might go with this one. i’m gonna talk it over with my parents again, but i think this one is a winner. Thanks so much for all your help. This is the most money i have spent on something so small so i wanted to make sure it is good.

A: Yeah, this stone will be a little fireball. You definitely won’t be disappointed.

Q: what are the spots of yellow in the middle of the diamond? is that the light reflection or something on the diamond itself

A: Just colors made by refracting light.  It’s not the diamond’s color you’re seeing.

Q: Well i am now the proud owner of a .71 carat diamond. Thank you so much for your willingness to help!!! Best wishes to you over the holidays!

May God bless you and give you a Merry Christmas!

A: Congrats!  You’re going to get the ring yourself?

Q: Ya I’m getting the setting designed myself.

A: Hey.  How does the diamond look?  Are you happy with it?

Q: oh my yes!!! it is gorgeous and a jeweler estimated it was worth about
2,500 or so. anyway i’m still looking for a setting, but your help with
the diamond helped SO MUCH!!

Having read good and bad things about Dubai (Good: Tax free, can get real bargains…Bad: Can get ripped off, Dubai diamonds inferior quality, Buy diamond in sealed bag with cert, they don’t have good cut), can you please give your thoughts on Dubai for diamond or ring buying.

I have around £2k to spend as a total and want a princess cut, .5 to .75 crt diamond with a Gold ring (not platinum or white gold).

A: Unless you have another reason to be in Dubai, I think the idea is just going to end up costing you more money.  There’s a few reasons:
1) While it’s true, in Dubai, most diamonds are sold sealed — there’s a reason for this.  Nobody trusts anybody else.  That’s fine, but the problem is that only IGI, HRD, and a local lab or two (that nobody really uses) offer the sealing service.  GIA and AGS don’t.  See my article about the different gem labs.  IGI and HRD aren’t very reliable, so that combined with the unscrupulousness of the Dubai market would make me very wary of buying there.
2) if you’re budget is 2000 Sterling, the airfare and hotel is definitely going to be more than any VAT you’ll pay in the UK.
3) While it’s true margins in Dubai are very low due to the fierce competition, they’re not much higher, if at all, on a site like Blue Nile.
4) There is very little princess cut selection in Dubai.  Demand for Princess cuts is much less in Dubai than the UK or the US, so stores stock very little of them.

What I recommend is buying a diamond on Blue Nile UK.  You can have the diamond set in a simple gold setting on the site.  I will go look for a stone that I recommend and send you a link via email.

Q: I was wondering if i wanted to buy uncertified diamonds in parcels, how and who can i contact?

A: If you are untrained in buying diamonds, you can really get fleeced.  Why don’t you tell me where you are located, and I’ll see if I have any trustworthy contacts in the area I could send you to.  Is there a specific quality/size you had in mind?  This way I could give you a rough price estimate to shoot for before you try to buy.

Q: I’m located in between JB Malaysia and Singapore. I’m looking at Sizes like 0.40-0.80cts with Very Good- Excellent makes.

A: A former colleague of mine is one of the largest diamond dealers in Bangkok.  I also have a great contact in Hong Kong.  I am afraid that is as close as I can get in terms of people I know personally you could trust.  If you would be interested, I could search a directory of diamond dealers to see if I could find someone closer, but I wouldn’t be able to vouch for them.

Q: I dun [sic] mind contacting your colleague in Bangkok. Thanks alot. =)

I then proceeded to privately send her my contact’s name, email, and phone number.   I’m not sure how it turned out in the end.