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

Click here to view enlarged image of diamond.

Shape: Round

Cut: Excellent

Carats: 1.51

Diamond Color: I

Diamond Clarity: SI1

Measurements:  7.31*7.37*4.53

Depth: 61.7%

Table: 59%

Diamond Polish: Very Good

Diamond Symmetry:  Excellent

Diamond Fluorescence: None

Diamond Price:$11,100

Click here to be Brought to the Diamond on James Allen

A: I’m very happy to help. btw, I noticed the 904 area code. My aunt and uncle live in Jax. They’ve got a relatively well known name for that town – Wolfson. I think there’s even a high school named after my Uncle’s father.

So here’s what I like for you:
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Emerald-Diamond-1245440.asp – very slick looking stone
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Emerald-Diamond-1335840.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Emerald-Diamond-1305493.asp

Have a look at those and let me know what you think!

Q: Wolfson is indeed a big name here. There is a children’s hospital and a high school named after your family. Those diamonds all look really nice. In your opinion, what qualities makes the first stone a better pick that the third? The third seems to have better clarity and color with only a slightly higher price tag? By the way, my friend who used you was Allan xxxxx from Tampa, Florida.

A: Wolfson is the family that my father’s sister married into, so I’m only vaguely familiar with the details. I just know it always impresses people from Jax

I didn’t necessarily think the first one was better than the third. I was just really struck with it’s picture when I saw it, so I commented on it. But I do want to correct one thing you wrote – the third stone is a grade higher in color, but it’s a grade lower in clarity.

The 1.77 is significantly larger in terms of LxW. So, in my mind, that pushes it a notch higher than the other two. So I guess after further thought, I do like the first one better than the third.

Q: You’re right, I was incorrect as to the Diamond 3′s clarity. I know clarity is very important with an emerald cut stone, but what about color grade? Will G or H color grade be noticeable/problematic? Basically, I want the all around best diamond around 1.5 ct. that is on budget. I think we may have found a winner with Diamond 1 though. Again, thanks for your time!

A: Clarity is definitely very important with an Emerald. That’s another reason why I think option #1 is better. THe color’s not an issue. You can’t really tell the difference in adjacent color grades with your eye when a stone is mounted in a ring.

Q: Unfortunate news but Diamond 1 sold before I could make a move. I do like the other two, but could you possibly suggest a stone with similar qualities as Diamonds 2 and 3, but VS1 clarity?

A: This one’s nice:
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Emerald-Diamond-1335840.asp

But honestly, I think #3 from the original list might be your best option now.

Q: It’s so hard to make a decision of this magnitude! To provide more context, this will likely be a platinum ring with small pave diamond’s surrounding the center stone and along with band (similar to this http://www.collectibles-articles.com/antique/collectible-image-large/2-70ct-emerald-cut-diamond-engagement-ring-gia-14k-gold_130472554675.jpg). I agree that diamond 3 looks very nice, but my only concern is the VS2 rating. I see the small inclusions in the center left of the stone. I browsed some VS1 options and found these with slightly different measurements.

Diamond 5

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Emerald-Diamond-1314403.asp

Diamond 6

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Emerald-Diamond-1327058.asp

…….

And I know that I am probably being a little anal about this, but I am trying to maximize value here. I think the stones we have selected place an emphasis on weight, which is what I want. The fact that this is an emerald is just making me cautious about the stone’s clarity.

A: The first one is square. Is that what you want? The 2nd one is very nice. If you’re nervous about the 1.72 H VS2, than you can always have JA inspect it for you and let you know if you can see the VS2 or not.

Q: Diamond 3 from our initial list is the clear favorite. I have requested a JA gemologist inspect Diamond 2, Diamond 3 from the intial list, and the second stone I just sent you. They are holding the stones for 72 hours. Once they get back to me, I think I am going to pull the trigger.

A: sounds like a plan! Please let me know what they say!

Q: I haven’t received the gemologist report yet for the stones mentioned in the previous email, however, I notice that the diamond 1 (the diamond you originally recommended) from our original list is available again. In your opinion, do you still consider that diamond 1 the best available? If so, what makes it more desirable than stone 3? Is it the fact that it is larger with better clarity?

A: Actually, with this stone, it wasn’t anything in particular that drew me to it. Something just looked very slick about it. i think it might have been the larger corners that are at a very steep angle. It just looks like a very nice build.

Q: I am still waiting on the JA gemologist inspection and then I will make a decision likely between diamond 1 and 3. Both seem like great choices. Diamond 1 is slightly larger with better clarity, but a lower color grade (and a great build). Diamond 3 has better color, but smaller and a lower clarity grade (but the inclusions appear to be very faint).

…….

And funny thing, I was browsing your site and found what I am quite sure is your correspondence with my good friend. http://www.truthaboutdiamonds.com/2010/02/04/qa-skeptical-about-brokering-service-for-2-carat-emerald-cut-ends-up-completely-satisfied/

A:

…….

You can see the name if you click the ivouch link at the bottom.

Q: That’s Allan alright. That was a beautiful stone you found him!

A: It really was! I remember.

Q: Here is the gemologist report. It was mainly between stone 2 and 3 of our original list. Unfortunately, they did not inspect diamond 1 as it was unavailable at that time.

Thank you for your patience while waiting for the gemologist inspection of diamonds 1335840, 1305493, and 1314403.

I have great news, our gemologist has determined that diamond 1335840 has a nice H color performance and is completely eye clean. It was noted by our gemologist that this diamond also has the best light performance of your selections.

Diamond 1305493 has a more rectangular make with corners that have a wider cut. This diamond is predominantly eye clean but the high relief crystal located under the table is not impossible to see. Of your selections, this is the darkest and has the weakest symmetry.

Diamond 1314403 faces eye clean and has a mid to H color performance. Our gemologist feels that this diamond has very good symmetry rather than the excellent grade it was given on its lab certificate. This is an emerald cut diamond that has a square ratio.

I see that you are looking for an emerald cut diamond with a rectangular shape. I believe you will be very happy with diamond 1335840 for that reason and that it will look stunning in any setting. As my colleague Stacy mentioned, we are unable to have additional diamonds placed on hold for inspection due to our three diamond limit per customer. After seeing the gemologist evaluation of diamond 1335840, I don’t believe additional inspections would be fruitful.

Please take a moment to review this information and let me know if you have any additional questions. I have extended your hold on these diamonds for an additional 24 hours while you consider your options. After that time we will release them back to our inventory.

To finalize a purchase, simply call our Customer Service department at 877-826-9866. We are staffed Monday through Friday from 9am-12am (EST), and from 10am-6pm (EST) on Saturdays and Sundays. Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any additional questions. I hope to hear from you soon.

…….

So it’s between 1 and 2 now. I’d love your thoughts when you get a chance. Thanks

A: If they can get #1 inspected soon, then wait, otherwise, I think you’ll be very very happy with #2.

Q: After sleeping on it and speaking with James Allan reps last night, I am going to go with my gut and purchase diamond # 1 even without an inspection report. I will update you when I receive it here in Jacksonville. Again, I want to thank you for all your help and advice on this! You truly provide an incredible service and I wish you all the best!

A: I’m sure it’ll be great! I look forward to hearing your report!

Round Brilliant Diamond around 1.5ct and under $11,500 for the stone. I plan on mounting as a solitaire on a very simple platinum band so I’d like the stone to really glimmer. I have done some searching on James Allen, but the photos vary greatly and it is difficult to tell what stones look cloudy and which are just bad pictures. I have been looking H color SI1 and above, but I am more interested in finding a spectacular eye clean diamond than I am in what the GIA cert says.

Any help is appreciated.

A: I’m happy to help! Here’s what I came up with:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1269726.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

You wouldn’t be able to see the difference between an I and an H if they were next to each other. The SI1 is really nice – everything’s on the side. Totally eye clean. And it’s got an Excellent cut, so this stone will be quite brilliant.

let me know what you think!

Q: Thank you Ira. That is a beautiful ring. I have placed it on hold while I determine her ring size and hope to purchase this week.

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

Diamond Magnified 20x - Click to Enlarge

Carats: 2.11

Diamond Color: H

Diamond Clarity: SI2

Measurements: 7.10*7.00*5.14

Length/Width Ratio: 1.01

Depth: 73.4%

Table: 70%

Diamond Polish: Very Good

Diamond Symmetry: Very Good

Diamond Fluorescence: None

Diamond Price: $11,480

Don’t forget to use our exclusive coupon code TAD0611 with James Allen for 10% off Engagement Ring Settings!

James Allen Engagement Ring

Some of you might be wondering why I selected a stone for my “Daily Diamond” selection today that has a noticeable black inclusion in the table of the diamond.  It’s a fair question.

And here’s my answer:  I’m 95% sure that this small black inclusion will not be visible to your naked eye.  Furthermore, it’s not every day that a nice large princess cut diamond is an SI2, eye clean, and has a killer cut.  This stone satisfies all three, so I just couldn’t pass it up.

Now on to the setting.  I’ve had a large number of readers recently ask me about this setting, so I’m taking this as a sign that this is a very popular setting these days.  Most of those who asked about this setting are, in fact, matching it with a princess cut diamond, so I figured it would make the perfect match to today’s daily diamond selection.

This setting, the 18k White Gold Channel Set Princess Cut Diamond Engagement Ring on James Allen, has 24 pave sized channel set princess cut diamonds weighing a total of 0.60 carats.

The ring costs $1275 in White Gold ($1147.50 after applying the TAD0611 discount) and $1550 in Platinum ($1395 after the TAD0611 discount code).

In White Gold, after the TAD0611 discount, this setting costs $657.  In Platinum, it is $1053 after discount.

Click here to be Brought to the Diamond on James Allen

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

Diamond Magnified 20x - Click to Enlarge

Carats: 1.20

Diamond Color: D

Diamond Clarity: VS2

Diamond Cut: Ideal

Measurements: 6.85*6.88*4.22

Depth: 61.5%

Table: 53.6%

Crown Angle: 34.7°

Crown %: 15.8%

Pavilion Angle: 40.7°

Pavilion %: 42.9%

Diamond Polish: Ideal

Diamond Symmetry: Ideal

Diamond Fluorescence: None

James Allen Engagement Ring

Diamond Price: $11,380

Don’t forget to use our exclusive coupon code TAD0611 with James Allen for 10% off Engagement Ring Settings!

You might have noticed during my current daily diamond series of the best Hearts & Arrows Ideal Cut round diamonds for various budgets that I’ve also tried to highlight a different style concept in engagement rings each day.  Today I will try to continue this pattern.

Another style that I love is where the shank of the engagement ring is studded with small side stones that are larger than typical pave diamonds.  Most pave diamonds are about 0.01 carat.  The side diamonds of today’s ring are 0.05 carat each.  0.05 carat diamonds are usually about 2.4mm across while 0.01 carat diamonds are approximately 1.35mm across.  The difference is quite significant and truly changes the look of the ring.  In the industry, pave-size diamonds are referred to as “stars” while diamonds between 0.02ct and 0.07ct are referred to as “full cuts.”

James Allen has several rings with side diamonds of this size.  My personal favorite among their selection is their 18k White Gold Common Prong Ten Briliiant Diamond Engagement Ring.

Click here to be Brought to the Diamond on James Allen

A:  Hi. I just tried calling you, but as the voicemail answered, I noticed that you asked me to call only after 6pm. I won’t be able to because in Israel where I live, we’re (now for the time being until we change our clocks too) 6 hours ahead of you.

First of all, thanks for writing! And thanks for the kind words about the site.

I do think you can get what you’re looking for with your budget, but it depends on a few things.

1) What shape are you looking for?

2) How intricate of a setting and wedding band are you looking to get? Could you send me a link to a style you like?

3) Yes, if you use the TAD0611 coupon code, you will get 10% off the setting (not the diamond) and wedding band.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Q: Hi Ira- I didn’t know you were in Israel, but now I understand there is a time difference.

As for the shape, she’s pretty insistent on a round diamond with a platinum band.

For the band, I really like this one.

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/settings-with-sidestones/ring/item_58-261.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

Not to ‘metal-ly’ and I think the smaller diamonds on the sides make the center diamond look bigger. I also like others that have 6 or 8 side stones.

Right now, finding the perfect center diamond is really the key.

I’ll also be available by phone in 30 minutes if you are still around.

A: Thanks for the quick reply. Just one thing – you said your budget of 10-12 included the wedding band. How plain/ornate of a band do you plan on buying? I’m trying to narrow down what my exact budget for the diamond is.

Q: I’m pretty set on this setting, which is $1640 before discount:

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/settings-with-sidestones/ring/item_58-261.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

For the band, I was thinking something that would be about the same price. Maybe something like this one.

http://www.jamesallen.com/wedding-and-anniversary/womens-wedding-rings/ring/item_63-263.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

A: Ok, so I’m figuring about a 9300 budget max for the center stone. Lets get started!

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1254384.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357 – AGS triple zero. Only concern here is the stone has clouds. This can either mean that it’s basically clean and will have no visual affects, or it can mean it looks like frozen spit. It’s hard to tell based on the picture, so I’d recommend having JA pull the stone to give you their opinion. If it’s good, the stone is a great value.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1289817.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357 – GIA triple zero. It’s an awful picture with terrible lighting. But the stone looks definitely clean to the naked eye.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1288634.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357 – GIA excellent cut. Another awful picture which distorts the stone’s color, but the stone looks clean to the naked eye.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1278164.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357 – GIA Excellent cut. Also eye clean.

Have a look at these suggestions and let me know what you think!

Q:  The first diamond is no longer available. I liked the other three but have the same 2 concerns with each: 1) The clarity is SI2. I understand that may not mean anything to the naked eye but just want to make sure. On the 3 diamonds you recommend, can you tell if the inclusions are near the perimeter? Also, can you tell if the inclusions are translucent? 2) The girdle size is thick for these, I’d been previously advised to look for a thin or medium girdle. Does this matter?

A: Have a look at my article about diamond clarity here:

http://www.truthaboutdiamonds.com/truth-about/diamond-clarity/

It looks like the last stone in my list was sold already as well. As far as the remaining two stones in the middle are concerned – yes, both diamonds’ inclusions are translucent and near the perimeter.

Slightly thick and thick girdles are not a problem at all. I also don’t really mind Very THick girdles. I usually just tell people to stay away from Extremely Thick girdles.

Q: Thanks so much for your help, Ira. I took a deep breath and bought the second diamond on your list (the 1.7 carat stone).

Here goes. Thanks again.

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

……….

Hey. I know it’s been a while. I just wanted to follow up with you to see how you liked the ring. I’d love to hear!

Q:  Hi Ira- Got the ring last Thursday and love it. It appraised over 15K and I paid 10K for it, so I am happy.

Thanks so much for your help.

A: Hey! What great news!! I really appreciate you getting back to me and letting me know. I’m very happy you’re pleased with the ring. I was wondering if you could do me a small favor if you have the time. Do you think you might be able to leave me feedback on ivouch?

The website is still quite new – I only launched in the summer. These reviews really help me build credibility. YOu can access it here directly here:

(LINK REMOVED)

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

(You can read this users review here on ivouch.com)

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

Diamond Magnified 20x - Click to Enlarge

Carats: 1.71

Diamond Color: F

Diamond Clarity: SI1

Measurements: 6.52*6.43*4.65

Length/Width Ratio: 1.01

Depth: 72.3%

Table: 71%

Diamond Polish: Excellent

Diamond Symmetry: Very Good

Diamond Fluorescence: None

Diamond Price: $11,440

Don’t forget to use our exclusive coupon code TAD0611 with James Allen for 10% off Engagement Ring Settings!

Click here to be Brought to the Diamond on James Allen

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

Diamond Magnified 20x - Click to Enlarge

Carats: 2.29

Diamond Color: I

Diamond Clarity: I1

Diamond Cut: Very Good Diamond Cut

Measurements: 8.34*8.42*5.23

Depth: 62.4%

Table: 59%

Diamond Polish: Very Good

Diamond Symmetry: Excellent

Diamond Fluorescence: None

James Allen Engagement Ring

Diamond Price: $10,820

Don’t forget to use our exclusive coupon code TAD0611 with James Allen for 10% off Engagement Ring Settings!

Diamond Magnified 20x - Click to Enlarge

James Allen also has a great selection of engagement rings to choose from to match with this diamond.  If you really want to make this large diamond look huge on your fiance’s finger, then pair it with an engagement ring that is as simple as possible with as narrow of a shank as possible.  Having this large two and a quarter carat Round Brilliant diamond sit on top of a ring such as James Allen’s 2mm Knife Edge 18k White Gold Solitaire Ring will truly make it look giant.

As mentioned in yesterday’s daily diamond selection, if you’re having a hard time believing a stone like this can be clean to the naked eye, have a look at the zoomed-out version of the picture above.  Depending on your screen resolution, this pic is probably still about twice as large as the actual size of the diamond.  Can you see any inclusions now?

Click here to be Brought to the Diamond on James Allen

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

Diamond Magnified 20x - Click to Enlarge

Carats: 1.90

Diamond Color: H

Diamond Clarity: SI1 Diamond Clarity

Measurements: 7.11*6.73*4.67

Length/Width Ratio: 1.06

Depth: 69.4%

Table: 66%

Diamond Polish: Very Good

Diamond Symmetry: Good

Diamond Fluorescence: None

Engagement Ring on James Allen

Diamond Price: $11,520

Don’t forget to use our exclusive coupon code TAD0611 with James Allen for 10% off Engagement Ring Settings!

James Allen also has a great selection of engagement rings to choose from to match with this diamond. I love their 18k White Gold Prong Set Eight Round Brilliant Diamond Engagement Ring.  I think it would be a perfect compliment to this stone.

Click here to be Brought to the Diamond on James Allen

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

Diamond Magnified 20x - Click to Enlarge

Carats: 1.26

Diamond Color: G

Diamond Clarity: VVS2

Measurements: 6.96*6.99*4.28

Depth: 61.3%

Table: 55%

Crown Angle: 34.3°

Crown %: 15.40

Pavilion Angle: 40.9°

Idealscope Image of Arrows

Pavilion %: 43.10

Diamond Polish: Ideal (0)

Diamond Symmetry: Ideal (0)

Diamond Fluorescence: Negligible

Diamond Price: $11,660 ($11,078 after applying the TRUE5 Discount Code)

Don’t forget to use our exclusive coupon code TAD0611 with James Allen for 10% off Engagement Ring Settings!

Click Here to be Brought to the Diamond on James Allen