Click on image for enlarged view

Here are the Stats (Or Click Here for a Copy of the GIA Certificate):

Shape: Round

Cut: Excellent

Carats: 0.80

Diamond Color: I

Diamond Clarity: SI1

Measurements:  5.90*5.96*3.70

Depth: 62.5%

Table: 57%

Diamond Polish: Excellent

Diamond Symmetry:  Excellent

Diamond Fluorescence: None

Diamond Price:$3,110

Click here to be Brought to the Diamond on James Allen

Click on diamond for enlarged view

Here are the Stats (Or Click Here for a Copy of the GIA Certificate):

Shape: Princess

Carats: 0.86

Diamond Color: H

Diamond Clarity: VS1

Measurements:  5.15*5.08*3.77

Depth: 74.2%

Table: 72%

Diamond Polish: Very Good

Diamond Symmetry:  Very Good

Diamond Fluorescence: None

Diamond Price:$2,640

Click here to be Brought to the Diamond on James Allen

A: Here’s two great options:
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1352997.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1352993.asp

Let me know what you think!

Q: Thank you for your input. I originally wanted to pay cash but I i have decided to put some the cost on credit so that will up my total to spend up to $3500 on the diamond. I was originally looking at the Jewelry Exchange but looking at there website they seem to have higher prices for the same quality of diamond from say james Allen or Blue Nile. All the other stuff is staying the same. It has to be at least .80 ct. weight and it is going on a white gold cathedral mount four prong ring. definatly would like to get the best diamond for the money.

A: Here’s a couple more options with the new budget:
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1304068.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1331948.asp

Q: I like the .91 ct. but do you think I should go smaller with better color say F or G in color. Not sure how J colored diamond would look compared to a F or G. Is there noticeable yellow in a J colored diamond. Definitely want a diamond with a lot of fire. Not sure exactly what I need to look for to get that. I would assume cut and color would achieve that But I have seen some E vs1 that look cloudy. In the ones you sent I can see yellow tint in the center a little. Is that just due to the photo? Basically what is the highest color I can purchase and achieve a fiery diamond.

A: A J color round ideal cut diamond set in a solitaire setting will definitely look white to your eye. The yellow you see in the pics is an artifact of the photography.

These stones will be exceptionally fiery and brilliant – and large!

Q: Thanks for the info.
Greatly appreciated.

A: My pleasure! Let me know what you decide to go with!

Q: I think this is what I’m going to go with! What do you think about? Is it a good choice?
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-VVS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1313821.asp

A: It’s beautiful. You’re going to love it! Please let me know what you think when it arrives!

I want to get the best diamond for my budget.
Has to be a princess cut.
H preferably but if you see an I let me know.
VS1 + for clarity
Budget for loose stone – $2200 – $2700(if I can stay lower than the max, I will be able to get the band she will love)

Thank you, I really appreciate it. I am on a 24 hour period, where they are holding my diamonds until I make a decision.

After reading your post, with James allen, I decided the only real contender based on measurements is item number 1305061.

I am also looking at 1329360 but I feel the black in the center is the clarity thing you mentioned in your article. I’m so confused. Could you help me get the best bang for my budget?

A: Very happy to help. Here’s what I like for you:
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1340131.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS1-Premium-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1306966.asp

Let me know what you think of those! While the ones you suggested are very nice, I think these two I suggested offer you much better value.

Q: Hmm, the 1340131 was one of my top choices, it looked the clearest and based on the magnification, I couldn’t spot anything but the dark center. Wow, so this diamond is better than an H color? The other option is also nice, but I am trying to get the measurements as close to a 1ct as possible haha.

…….

If I upped the amount to say max 2700, would you have any other suggestions? Thinking of changing the setting and trying to get a bigger stone. Thanks.

…….

Never mind Ira, I am going to stick to your 1st choice. I am hesitant being that the color is an I, but based off your reviews, I am going to trust your judgement. You obviously know what you are doing. I will keep you posted. Thanks a bunch.

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

F or better

VS2 or better (unless an SI1 has no visible things)

Most sites I have been looking at premium/very good to ideal cuts

From what I have read, symmetry of good or better is fine as this isn’t even noticeable to the human eye?

I have been looking for a polish of very good to excellent (is there a noticeable difference to the human eye between good through excellent?)

And now after reading your site, sounds like I want to stick with a fluorescence of faint to none.

Thanks!

A: Thanks for writing. Good is fine for polish and symmetry in my opinion. Here’s a really nice stone I like for you:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Cushion-Diamond-1303083.asp

Q: Thanks for the input, I am looking exclusively for an oval though

A: Sorry! I found a stone, I just had that other link on my clipboard and didn’t successfully copy your link. Here it is:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/E-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Oval-Diamond-1095648.asp

Q: Hey Ira, I have been looking a little more, what do you think of this one:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Oval-Diamond-1337708.asp

This was my pick from all of James Allen oval – ideal cut .65 – .90 ct

Thanks!

…….

also, do you have a new updated coupon code? tadj10 isnt working

A: The coupon only works when you have a setting and a diamond in the shopping cart together. Was that the case? It’s possible they put an expiration on the code through the end of January.

Q: I bought a loose diamond from them and they gave me a discount for linking from your site. Thanks for all of the knowledge on your site !

A: Wow! That’s great!

Click on the photo to see an enlarged version

Here’s the Stats (Or Click Here for a Copy of the GIA Certificate):

Shape: Round Brilliant

Carats: 0.81

Diamond Cut: Excellent

Diamond Color: J

Diamond Clarity: VS2

Measurements: 5.95*5.98*3.72

Depth: 62.3%

Table: 55%

Diamond Polish: Excellent

Diamond Symmetry: Excellent

Diamond Fluorescence: None

Diamond Price: $2,980

Click here to be Brought to the Diamond on James Allen

A: Thanks for writing! I think this might actually be a slightly nicer choice:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1352996.asp

let me know what you think!

Q: This looks great-thanks a lot. Well done on your site-it’s truly an invaluable resource for anyone in the market with little knowledge.

Do you recommend James Allen? It’s such a big purchase to make online-especially outside Europe, but the fact is there is no comparison to the diamonds available in shops here for the same budget and the quality that appears to be on James Allen-even taking into account shipping and VAT.

Kind Regards

A: 100% I recommend them. They’re the best vendor online, period.

Q: Excellent-I’ve placed the order!

Thanks again-never knew there was so much to diamonds..just look gorgeous to me!

A: Congrats!

I decided to take you up on your offer of assistance in selecting a diamond. I am budgeting between $3,000 – $3,500 for a round cut diamond. I want something in the neighborhood of .8 – .9 carats that looks amazing to the naked eye. Not having a microscope in the house – I am not too concerned with any well hidden flaws. I won’t select any other characteristics because I have almost no idea what I am talking about other than what I have read on various sites.

Thanks for any suggestions to help me find a great diamond within my budget – or less would be great too.

A: Thanks for writing. Let see what I can come up with!

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1315828.asp – GIA Triple excellent. Eye clean

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1317605.asp

Have a look and let me know what you think!

Q: Thanks Ira – I really appreciate the suggestions.

Just to get a better sense of what we are talking about – I visited a prominent local jeweler this afternoon. There prices were certainly more expensive and when I showed the salesperson the certificate of the first diamond you recommended there was a definite sense that I had committed a very unpleasant act. Do you think there is ever a reason to buy from a brick and mortar store or are they just unable to compete on price for what is essentially the exact same product?

From everything I saw today – your suggestions are right on the mark. I could barely tell the difference in color and clarity ratings and the only obvious difference I could tell were in the size. I am almost certainly going to buy online and hopefully I can get the funds together before your recommendations are already sold.

Thanks again.

A: There still are some specific instances where buying B&M makes sense. Basically, there are certain times when seeing the diamond is an absolute must, and in those circumstances, B&M is a good idea – even though it’ll be more expensive. THis is primarily for the soft-sided fancy shapes which are awfully ugly 90% of the time.

If you buy from JA, then don’t forget to apply the TADJ10 coupon code. It’ll give you 10% off the setting.

Good luck, and please stay in touch and let me know how it goes. I’d love to hear your impressions after you see the stone up close!

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1349846.asp

Although I was originally looking for a 0.9 ct. stone, it seems likely that the size difference here will be negligible. I’ve come to be a bit of a stickler for cut, so the great visual symmetry and and good rating (H&A Ideal; AGS) are big selling points for me. After looking at the examples on your site, I’d guess that the inclusions in the stone (left of center) will not be obvious to the naked eye, but I just wanted to get an expert’s opinion on this point. After my searching, it does seem to be very nice stone at the price point.

In short: 1. Do you think that the stone is eye-clean? and 2. Do you think that this particular stone is a good value?

Thanks so much for your advice, and thanks again for putting together such a valuable resource. Happy new year!

A: Thanks for the very kind words about the site!

That’s a very beautiful stone you selected. Good value and definitely eye clean. The only thing I might suggest is perhaps going to a stone like this:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1334478.asp

The size difference is negligible and you wouldn’t be able to perceive the difference in color. So the only issue is whether or not it’s worth the extra 10% or so to upgrade to the “true hearts.” Frankly, it’s a very tough call! In the end, it’s really got to be a personal decision since it’s not something that you can easily attach a dollar value to.

Let me know what you think!

Q: Thanks so much for your advice. It’s certainly reassuring to have a second point of view. It was a nice stone you suggested as well; I’m surprised I missed it. I’m still leaning towards my original selection based on (my own) perceived symmetry; it’s great to know that stone should be eye-clean as well.

Also, are AGS Ideal stones any different from the GIA “triple-ex” variety? I ask simply because it seems strange JA.com doesn’t have any H&A GIA stones. I’d think that marketing the top-cut GIA stones as H&A would be beneficial from a sales perspective. Is the H&A cut the “top-tier” of the Ideal cut? I figured it might have to do with the availability of “idealscope” images, but the stone I’m considering is H&A with no such supplemental information…

In any event, thanks again for your help. Again, your site (particularly the side-by-side image comparisons) has been very helpful.

A: AGS and GIA are very very similar. Back when I was knee deep in certified stones working full time in the industry, there was a very slight amount of leniency we perceived at AGS vs. GIA in specific color ranges (generally H-J), but it was an effect that was really only felt on a financial level over hundreds of stones.

See my article on AGS - under “truth about” then “Diamond certificates” then “AGS”

Q: Thanks again for the clarification and advice. I wound up going with the 0.84 ct “True Hearts” stone. It arrived this morning and it looks great. As I’d guessed and you suggested, it does appear to be eye-clean. If I use a little imagination, I might be able to see the inclusions, but I’m certain I’d never find them without a loupe if I didn’t already know their locations.

JA actually sent an ‘idealscope’ along with the stone as well, which is a cute gimmick. Nonetheless, it was good to see first-hand that their claims were true regarding the cut.

In any event, the whole process wound up being an experience more pleasant than I had anticipated, in large part owing to your advice. I’m certain I made the right choice, which is really all I could’ve asked for at this point.

And keep on recommending JA.com; from my ordering experience it’s obvious that they are an extraordinarily user-oriented outfit.

A: Such great news!! Thanks so much for writing and letting me know!

I was wondering if you could do me a small favor? If you could leave me a review on ivouch, I would be most grateful. If you have the time, here’s a direct link set up for you:

Thanks so much! And may you and your fiance-to-be live a long life together filled with health, happiness, and love!!

Best Wishes

Q: I’m happy to leave a positive review of the site. With so much lousy content on the web these days, it’s really a rare service you’re providing.

Thanks again, and best wishes!

A: It’s so nice! Thanks so much!

I am on a budget of about 2k for a round diamond and am curious about the below very nice cut that has K color but a faint fluorescent. I know its hard to tell through the picture and most local stores do not carry that low a color.

Is it safe to assume this will not be too overwhelming yellow?

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/K-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1317174.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

Thanks!

…….

Is it worth downgrading .04 for a higher clarity, again with color?

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/K-VVS1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1236430.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

Thanks again

A: A K color stone isn’t going to be “overwhelmingly” yellow by any stretch. It’s just going to be a much warmer tone than a whiter stone. It’s going to show definite hints of yellow, but definitely not STRONG yellow.

As for your other question about dropping down to a 0.77, I think it’s a good idea, but not to the stone you suggested. This makes much more sense:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/K-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1317160.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

The reason is simple. Eye clean is eye clean. Once a stone has passed that test, there’s absolutely no benefit to going higher in clarity. So it’s really a waste of money. This stone, though, has everything else going for it and you get to save a couple hundred dollars. This stone and the VVS1 would look identical if they were on a table in front of you.

Q: Thanks for the quick response and advice. I think we can live with a warmer K color but would you recommend going to a lower color if its against a pave ring with diamonds in it: http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/ring/item_412-3713.asp. The side diamonds are much smaller, but I want to make sure it does not make the large stone look standout as off in color.

Going slightly above the 2k, any thoughts on these

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/K-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1330997.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357 (I emailed them to get the GIA)

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/K-VS2-Premium-Cut-Round-Diamond-1199867.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/K-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1197539.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

As I am sure is true with 95% of the nervous boyfriends, looking for the most carats for my money at eye clean. Truly appreciate the help!

A: I honestly think the K color on platinum with G/H side stones is pushing it. It’s going to look obviously yellowish. You’re MUCH better off going for a lower clarity and raising the color. You might have to settle for an 0.80, but I really think that’s your best option.

Here’s a couple:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1339655.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1344078.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

Q: Got it, thanks Ira. Do you think these will both be eye clean? I really like the first: http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1339655.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357 and the fact that it is an Excellent cut, which is one area I was not trying to compromise. One thing I have noticed as you pointed out in your ‘cut’ section is that JA will list stones as Ideal when the GIA report lists them as Very Good .

One last question, would you recommend upgrading to a .90 for another 500 dollars? http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1343120.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

A: Yes, I definitely think that the I SI2 will be eye clean.

I don’t think the upgrade to the J SI1 is worth it. The difference in actual size is really negligible. Just BARELY noticeable. Since you’ll have to go down in color and go up in $500, I don’t see it as being worth it.

Q: Alright my friend, well I just put in the order for the I SI2, http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1339655.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357, with http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/settings-with-sidestones/ring/item_58-1175.asp as the ring.

I will let you know when I receive it and if it is eye clean. Any idea of the average shipping time for JA in the states?

A: Congrats! I look forward to hearing your face to face impressions! As far as shipping times, I think it varies based on the complexity of the setting. I’m guess in your case a couple of weeks.

Q: Just wanted to let you know the ring arrived and looks great…and she loved it. I truly appreciate your advice. Anyway, thanks again and have a safe holidays.

A: Thanks again! And congratulations!

I wish you and your fiance a long life together filled with health, happiness, and love!

Best Wishes,

Ira