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

Click on image for enlarged view.

Shape: Round

Cut: Excellent

Carats: 0.63

Diamond Color: J

Diamond Clarity: VS2

Measurements:  5.48*5.51*3.41

Depth: 62.1%

Table: 56%

Diamond Polish: Excellent

Diamond Symmetry:  Excellent

Diamond Fluorescence: None

Diamond Price:$1,730

Click here to be Brought to the Diamond on James Allen

A: Those two are fantastic choices! The truth is, in a million years, you would never be able to distinguish between the two of them. They’re almost a perfect match. So just go with the cheaper one:
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1353294.asp

Q: Thank you for your thoughts. A couple more questions: both stones have SI1 clarity, but when I use the Loupe on the James Allen website, I do not see any dark spots in either of the diamonds like I see in your examples on your website of different degrees of clarity. Do you see why either has the SI1 rating for clarity; where are the imperfections? And does it affect how you see them with the naked eye?

Also, as far as color, I read the information on your website about “color” grading. In these 2 stones, will the “I” color be noticeable to the naked eye?

And I think my last question: for the money would you suggest looking for a smaller stone with better grading or quality, or would you still choose the one you suggest below? (item 1353294) Thank you so much for your help!

PS: just a little background on my search. I am having a goldsmith recreate a white gold ring my grandmother wore which is very similar to this:

http://www.gloriasjewelers.com/gjgallery/gjgallery.php?level=picture&id=86 (if the link does not work, copy and paste into the web address box)

My diamond search is for the center stone. I really appreciate your help!

A: I think I mentioned in that chart of clarity examples that the clarity samples in that chart are as bad as each grade can possibly be. The two stones you linked to have very faint SI1s that you can’t see in these pics.

I think that stone is a great choice. No need to change. 0.60 size offers great value, and I SI1 is really in a value sweet spot.

Q: I bought the stone you suggested and it is beautiful! Thank you for giving me your opinion and answering my questions. I do have another question I am pretty sure you can answer. Aside from the fact that the diamond is beautiful, one of my deciding factors in buying a certified diamond was the laser inscribed number on the girth of the diamond. Maybe I have watched too much TV about diamonds being switched and I want to make sure I have the diamond I purchased.

As I mention below, this stone is the center diamond for a re-created family ring. A goldsmith is actually creating the ring for our local jewelry store. When I dropped off the diamond, I asked to see the certification number on my new diamond using their microscope which they showed me. But the girl at the jewelry store told me I would not be able to see the inscribed AGS number on the diamond once it is set in the new ring. Is that true? I find it hard to believe that the diamond can not be set so the number is between the prongs. I don’t want to seem untrusting, I just want to ensure I have the diamond I purchased. I go back in a week to approve the wax cast before the ring is made; if you agree they should be able to set the diamond with the number exposed, I will insist that is the way I want it. Thank you for your help

A: If the stone will be prong set, then there’s no reason, as you say, that they can’t have the inscription showing between the prongs. Tell them that’s what you want. It was probably just a misinformed newish employee who told you that bogus answer.

Enjoy your new ring!

That being said, I am a normal person and am on a tight budget. I’m looking for the best round brilliant cut diamond that I can get for $1500. I have been trying to find something in the G-H color range, eye clean up to VS1 clarity, preferably an ideal cut and a size around .70 ct (up to .75 ct max). I don’t have a problem with fluorescence up to medium and am really just trying to get the most impressive stone I can and stay on my budget.

This is the link to the wedding set that I plan on putting it into.

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/settings-with-matching-bands/18k-White-Gold-Thin-French-Cut-Pave-Set-Diamond-Wedding-Set.html

Any advice or help is greatly appreciated. You’re site has already opened my eyes to so many realities that I wouldn’t have gotten from anywhere else (especially not the industry that is trying to keep the wool over my eyes!).

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

A: Thanks for writing, and thanks for all your very kind words about the site. Just one question before I begin – why only VS1+? Have you seen my article on clarity?

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

Q: I have. I meant that the highest clarity that I was looking for VS1. I really just want something that is eye clean. Sorry for the confusion.

Thanks for responding so quickly.

…….

I reread the article from the link that you sent me and understand what you were saying earlier. I definitely agree with it not needing to be “10x magnification” clean. Eye clean, or “everyday” clean, is all that I’m looking for. Just like D,E,F, very good ratings for polish and symmetry and VVS2 and higher clarity ratings, VS1 looks super sexy on paper. However, unless I plan on permanently displaying the certificate on the ring for onlookers to see, that’s where the sexiness ends and where the unnecessary spending begins. Too much emotion involved!

Sorry for all the emails, but thank you for being thorough with me.

A: Anyway, here are a couple suggestions that will look super-sexy in real life:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1345588.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1345547.asp

Q: Holy smokes! That is really awesome. Both of those look better than anything I was coming up with.

That being said, I do have one more question for you. I completely raided your website last night/this morning and read every article and most of the posts that I thought would pertain to my search. There were a couple that were close to what I was asking for in price range, but they differed in what they were asking for. After reading all of your truth about posts and their specific success stories, I wondered what you might be able to find if I told you that I wasn’t concerned about color at all. For instance, if I said that I just wanted the best diamond that I could get for $1500 (up to $1700 as my max limit), would it affect your findings? I think that I should be able to get a little bit bigger if I’m willing to sacrifice on the color, right? Besides, after following some of your links and using their coloring scale tools, it doesn’t seem like there’s a huge disparity between F and J colors. Let me know if I’m missing something or if the links are the best I’m going to get for my budget.

I’m completely impressed already and really appreciate all your advice and help thus far.

A: There are a few I SI2s on James Allen, but none of them have pictures, so no way to tell if they’re eye clean or not. This is the largest option for you within your budget with a picture that I see will be eye clean:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1338498.asp

I wouldn’t go lower than an I because of the ring you’re matching it with.

Q: Okay, I understand what you’re saying and that’s originally why I was wanting to stay in the H color range since the accent stones in the ring set were G-H range and I wanted the colors to be similar.

I’m leaning towards going with one of the diamonds that you originally sent me the links to, but I came across this one in my final search and thought I’d send it your way. I don’t know how to tell if it’ll be eye clean or not just based on the picture. I see the problem area at the top of the, but don’t know if that’s actually the top of the diamond, off on the crown or how much it will really affect the diamond’s appearance in real life.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-I1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1196912.asp

Thanks for lending me your expert eyes and opinion.

A: That’s actually an amazing find. Nice job! Just make sure JA prongs that inclusion, and you’re golden.

Q: So you’re saying that it’s pretty much eye clean and that to “cover” or “hide” it as much as possible, I should request that James Allen orient the diamond so that one of the prongs holds the diamond in that area?

A: It’ll be eye clean once it’s set properly.

Q: Whoohoo! I’ll give them a call tomorrow and see what they say about lining the inclusion up with a prong. Is there anything I need to do to make sure you get the credit you deserve? It was your site that led me there in the first place and I want to make sure you get recognized for that.

A: It should all work automatically. After you place the order, they’ll send you an email with a link to click on and confirm your address. If you do that, it should sync up the cookies. But if you use the TADJ10 coupon code, that’ll work as a fail safe measure. Thanks! And good luck! Please stay in touch and let me know what you think when the ring arrives.

Q: Will do!

Thanks for all the help!

A: Great! If you wouldn’t mind, please let me know when you place the order. Also, if you could tell me your order number, that would help tremendously.

Q: xxxxx is my order number. I placed it this morning and used the coupon code you gave me.

If you need any other info, just let me know. I’m happy to help.

A: Looks like it tracked successfully! Thanks so much!

Please let me know what you think when it arrives!

Q: Ira,

Hello again and Happy Thursday. Man-o-man was I impressed when my rings got here. It looks absolutely wonderful and I think she is really going to like it. I’m not quite sure that I could be any more happy with my purchase on any fronts. You obviously gave me a wealth of knowledge and weighed in with your experience-based expertise. The people at James Allen were extremely courteous and helpful, as well. Not to mention, their customer service is some of the best I’ve ever been associated with from patient, knowledgeable staff members to honoring my mounting requests (to hide that inclusion) to tracking numbers that actually work. When I made the purchase over the phone the woman helping me told me that it would ship in three days and that it would be at my door two days after that and it was! That’s awesome.

Thank you again so much for all the help. Now my only challenge is keeping the secret until I pop the question when we go home to visit our families next month. Definitely can’t complain about that.

Have a great weekend

A: Wow, such wonderful news! Thanks so much for the email update – I really appreciate it! Do you think you might be able to do me a small favor? If you could leave me a short review on ivouch, I would be very grateful! Here’s a direct link if you have the time:

xxxxxx

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

Congratulations!

Q: Done!

[LINK TO REVIEW ON IVOUCH]

Thanks for everything

A: Fantastic! Thanks so much!

I am probably unlike many of your consultations in that I am not purchasing an engagement ring. I am buying a ring for myself as a college graduation present. I have already decided on a setting from James Allen. This setting can be found here:

http://www.jamesallen.com/designer-jewelry/meno-collection-by-danhov/18k-White-Gold-3-Stone-Pave-Framet-Ring.html

Item#: 17205W

I have been admiring this setting for quite a while. However, I need to select a center stone from James Allen. The setting can accommodate anything between .50 and 3.50 carats.

Can you help me find the best, most sparkly stone for around 1,500 (no more than 1,800)? I would like it to be comparable to the other stones in the setting (both in color and clarity)so as to not look strange. I’m willing to sacrifice on the size for better clarity and sparkle/cut. However, I was hoping for around .70 carats. The stone would need to be eye-clean. I would like the center stone to be beautiful on its own, so I could pass it down to my children someday. Please help me find a stone with pizazz! I’ll be so grateful. Thank you for your time. It’s really great what you do here for consumers.

A: Thanks for writing and thanks for the very kind words about the site! Before I begin my search – are you aware of the TADJ10 coupon code? This will give you 10% off the setting. In your case, that’s serious money. if you weren’t aware of it, it could have big implications for your diamond budget!

I look forward to hearing from you!

Q: Thanks for your very timely response. I must admit that I have previously seen the coupon code in your responses to others. I think that is awesome! I was originally thinking around 1,500 for the stone. However, with the coupon code, around 1,800 seems like it would be reasonable. I’m not so firm on the 1,800 if you can find me an amazing stone for a little more (1,850 for example).

I’m hoping for something really sparkly (perhaps an ideal cut), but also large enough to make a statement. Do you think you could find me some options for around 1,800 or so? Thanks so much for your help!

A: Here’s what I like for you:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1344081.asp

Triple excellent ideal cut. Totally eye clean. An H Color will be fine in that setting. You can’t really perceive the difference in color between two adjacent colors. And you can bet that if they write “F/G” that it’s going to be G.

I just discovered that my coupon code isn’t working for some reason. I’ve contacted them, and it should be working again soon.

Let me know what you think!

Q: I contacted James Allen about this stone and they said it had an inclusion in the lower left portion that would be visible. Do you think you could find me a few more options? I’m willing to sacrifice size a little bit for a higher clarity and good cut. Let me know! Your help has been much appreciated so far.

…….

So sorry to bother you again. However, my budget has unexpectedly increased (yay!) to 2,300 for the center stone. Would you mind re-evaluating JA’s inventory to see what is the best I can do for that price in that setting? I have a hard time gauging what the stone will look like and how sparkly and brilliant it will be in reality. Also, please let me know when your coupon code is working again. Thanks so much! Sorry to be such a pain.

A:You’re not a pain at all!! Please don’t apologize!! I took a look with your new budget, and here’s what I found:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1307722.asp – looks to me to be borderline eye clean. Should have JA check this one.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1334256.asp – I really like this one. Looks to me to be the best option for your ring specifically because of the higher color.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1310663.asp – another nice F color possibility

Q: These stones are great! I LOVE LOVE the second one you suggested:They are pulling it and having a gemologist inspect it for performance and eye-cleanliness. I should be hearing back from them within two days or so. I hope this is the one because it looks like a great stone and it is larger than I expected to get. As a side, James Allen has probably the best customer service I’ve ever encountered. Blows Zales out of the water. Thanks for all of your help!!! I can’t believe you don’t charge. I’ll get back to you as soon as they get back to me and let you know their report. Thanks a million times over!

A: My pleasure! I’m glad you like it. If you’re curious why I do this, take a look at this article here:

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

Q: Very interesting article, Ira. I’m glad to hear that you reap benefits from the service you provide. Although, you do go above and beyond.

I’ll let you know when I hear from JA about this stone. Cross your fingers for me!!!

…….

A JA employee wrote back about the stone you suggested and said it was totally eye-clean, faces white, and has bright light performance. I went ahead and ordered the .74 SI2 with the setting I previously selected, using your coupon code of course. I totally appreciate the discount…it allowed me to get a bigger and better stone! I’ll be sure to let you know what I think when the ring comes in. Thanks so much again for all of your help!

A: Great news! Congrats on the graduation!! Please let me know what you think when it arrives!!

Oh, the places you’ll go!

Q: I wanted to touch base with you and tell you that I received the ring today. It’s GORGEOUS! It blew me out of the water. The center stone is amazing. I can’t thank you enough for your advice and suggestions. It really was so helpful to me and prevented a LOT of confusion.

I’m going to be sure to casually mention your informative website and service to my boyfriend! Thanks so much again! I attached a picture so you could see. Forgive my horrible photography skills, but the ring speaks for itself.

A: Wow! That ring looks AMAZING! Thanks so much for writing to let me know.

Do you think you might be able to do me a small favor? If you have the time, I would be extremely grateful if you could leave me a review on ivouch.

Thanks again! And congrats on your graduation!

Q: I just left you a review! It’s really the least I can do. Thanks again for everything!! Take care and best wishes.

A: Thanks so much! It’s fantastic!

Here’s the deal. $1500 is my absolute limit, I know it’s not much, but I want to get the best I can for that price. With the basic ring options on BN and JA, that leaves about $1100 tops for the diamond. My girlfriend and I looked at rings together about a year ago, then put the idea on the back burner because of money issues. She doesn’t know I’ve been secretly saving up this $1500 all year long. She’s a bit of a tomboy, doesn’t wear a lot of jewelry, and when we looked together we were looking at small sizes anyways. I was suprised when she was ”grossed out” by the 1 carat sized diamonds and quickly passed them off as too gaudy (lucky me!). She was happy with a .33 carat, but I could really tell she liked the half carat a lot. So, that’s my goal, a .45-.50 carat diamond. But the most important part is the sparkle, the stones we were looking at really sparkled and she couldn’t take her eyes off of it, no matter the size.

So, here I am, diamond shopping online. I’ve found what I’m looking for, in terms of size and what-I-think-will-sparkle expectations. Examples:

BN: .46, Ideal Cut, H, VVS2 for $1030

BN: .47, Ideal Cut, I, VS1 for $978

BN: .46, Ideal Cut, G, VVS2 for $1060

JA: .44, Ideal Cut, G, VVS2 for $1090

JA: .43, Ideal Cut, H, VVS2 for $990

And so on…you can tell from those 5 listings that I’m looking for something that’s Ideal, I color or better, VS1 or better, and as close to .50 carats as I can get. Is this a resonable expectation? Am I going at this wrong? Should I consider a J color or a lower inclusion rating?

Also, I’m no gemologist, so what should I be looking for in JA’s diamond pictures? How can I tell if it’s cloudy or if the inclusions are too large? I want a nice looking diamond, but I want it to have lasting value, too.

Oh last thing: white gold ring. Must be white gold.

Thank you!!

A: Thanks for writing. Is there any particular reason you’re limiting yourself to VS1+? Have you read my article on clarity? If not, go have a look:

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

I think this is a MUCH better option than any of those you selected:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1338434.asp

It’s much bigger. Totally eye clean. AGS triple zero ideal cut. Same price basically as the others. Just as brilliant. Just as white. But a lot bigger.

Let me know what you think!

Q: Thanks for getting back to me so quickly, I really appreciate it. I’ve now read your article on clarity, and I totally see where you’re coming from on that point. Now I’m looking on James Allen at the choice you suggested and others like it. I guess I was just scared of ordering a diamond that I’ve never seen before and getting one with a dreaded “black spot” on it. Too much shopping on Blue Nile I guess.

I think I’ll be sticking to James Allen now. Unfortunately, a lot of the ones I’m looking at right now don’t have a picture uploaded online, but I’m requesting them individually. I’m no expert, so another apprehension I have is that I can’t really be sure what to look for in the virtual loupe. Any tips? I’m looking for the black specks, but are there any other things I should be aware of that will be noticable by the naked eye?

Thanks again

A: It’d be hard to tell you what to look for. It’s not an exact science. It comes from years of experience looking at thousands upon thousands of diamonds to get a real feel for what kind of inclusion will be clean to the naked eye and what won’t be. But I really do believe that the other stone I recommended is a fantastic option for you. If you have any questions about other stones, just send me the links, and I’ll be happy to take a look for you.

Q: Just wanted to say thank you. I jumped on the diamond you suggested for me. I used the chat feature on the james allen website, and they were also able to confirm that the diamond is eye clean (not that I didn’t believe you, but two heads are better than one!). I get regular email offers from blue nile, so I knew that they were currently offering a New Year’s $100 discount, and I mentioned it to them and they matched it! So I got the diamond and saved $100! Pretty great stone for only $920!

So, thanks to you, I have a sparkling new diamond being set and it’s a tenth of a carat bigger than I ever dreamed it could be! That extra little bit…well, not so little, it’s a 25% increase to the size…is thanks to you and I’ll never forget it! As soon as I propose (in about 2 weeks), I’ll spread the word of your website and your advice to everyone I know!

Thank you, sir!

A: Great to hear! So glad you got the discount! PLEASE let me know what you think when it arrives!

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!

A: Thanks for writing! Here’s a nice pair on JA:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/matching-pairs/view.asp?item1=1091483&item2=1313671&a_aid=dmnd1357

But honestly, I think VS1 is serious overkill for studs. I think you’d be much better off with an SI2. On 3/8s and 1/3s, you really can’t see an SI2 with your naked eye – especially if it’s in a pair of studs and not an e-ring (which you typically view from significantly farther away). If you go for SI2s, you’ll be able to get 0.80tw, and for less money. Here are a couple pairs:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/matching-pairs/view.asp?item1=1334336&item2=1322120&a_aid=dmnd1357

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/matching-pairs/view.asp?item1=1334359&item2=1322120&a_aid=dmnd1357

And here’s the link to the setting, btw:

http://www.jamesallen.com/create-your-diamond-studs/earring/item_180-2453.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

Let me know what you think!

Q: Thanks for the quick response. These all look like good options, just need to decide which size I want to order. Will likely make a decision within a day or two. I definitely do not want to visit any more jewelry stores.

A: I hear that loud and clear! If you have any more questions, please don’t hesitate to ask! And please let me know what you decide to go with in the end!

Q: I was all set to order and then realized I have to be home to receive the package to sign for it. So now I have to wait until next week.

I was leaning toward the smaller pair, but the larger size is tempting. I was having trouble getting the correct diamonds to come up after I picked the setting. I also did not see a selection to get screw backs.

Since you are familiar with JA, do you think there is a bigger risk of losing the earrings it I do not get the screw back posts.

I was going to try to chat with a JA associate online when I go to order to see if they could help me with that part of the selection.

Thanks for checking back. I will let you know which pair I order.

A: I’m fairly certain you can get those studs in a screwback for $25 extra. I’m very surprised there’s no option on the screen to add it. I checked myself and couldn’t find it. You should definitely contact their customer support and ask them to add that to the order. Please let me know how it goes!

…….

I just realized that you could always have the package held at the local fedex station and go and pick it up before/after work. When you order, just tell them to mark the package “hold at facility.”

Q: I wasn’t able to order must have sold already.

I picked out this one which I hope is similar.

http://www.jamesallen.com/design-your-diamond-studs/?module=diamonds&item1=1326133&item2=1308401?a_aid=dmnd1357

Thanks again for your suggestions.

A: Looks truly fantastic! It’s going to be great!

Q: Received my earrings from JA. They are fabulous!

Thanks for your recommendations and help with the process.

A: So great to hear! Do you think you could do me a small favor and leave me a short review on ivouch? If you can, I would be most grateful!

May you wear the studs only in good health!

Q: http://www.ivouch.com/truthaboutdiamonds-com/diamond-stud-earrings

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

Diamond Magnified 20x - Click to Enlarge

Carats: 0.61

Diamond Color: H

Diamond Clarity: SI1

Diamond Cut: Ideal

Measurements: 5.47*5.50*3.37

Depth: 61.3%

Table: 55.2%

Crown Angle: 34.5°

Crown %: 15.3%

Pavilion Angle: 40.9°

Pavilion %: 43.2%

Diamond Polish: Ideal

Diamond Symmetry: Ideal

Diamond Fluorescence: None

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

A: It’s my pleasure to help!  Here’s what I found for you:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-I1-Premium-Cut-Round-Diamond-1213287.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-VS2-Premium-Cut-Round-Diamond-1234315.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1234201.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-I1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1230521.asp

All of these will be eye clean.  What do you think?

Q: Thanks for your recommendations. I am leaning towards the third one. Do you happen to have an image of the second one? They did not have it on the site and I’m curious where the inclusions are.

A: If they don’t have it, I don’t have it.  I recommended it anyway because it’s pretty much impossible that a VS2 on a 3/4ct stone will be visible to the naked eye.

Q: Ok great! Thanks again for your help!

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

Q: I ended up going with this diamond:

Item # 1271034

Magnified Image of Diamond

Round 0.74 carat J color VS1 clarity diamond
Price: $1,790

It was only $90 more than the one you recommended for a better clarity rating. The inclusions are undetectable from the magnified image or perhaps I am just unable to find them.  See the attached photo.

Thanks again for your help, I couldn’t have done it without the advice on your site! Happy Holidays!

A: Sounds great!  Did you remember to use the TAD0611 coupon?

Q: Yup. Thanks for the discount.

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

Diamond Magnified 20x - Click to Enlarge

Carats: 0.79

Diamond Color: J

Diamond Clarity: I1

Diamond Cut: Excellent

Measurements: 5.90*5.92*3.66

Depth: 61.9%

Table: 58%

Diamond Polish: Excellent

Diamond Symmetry: Very Good

Diamond Fluorescence: None

James Allen Engagement Ring

Diamond Price: $1,530

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.  When searching for an engagement ring setting to match with a 3/4 carat diamond, you want something that’s going to add some “flash” for not too much “cash,” but you also don’t want to overshadow the diamond with too much action around and behind the stone.  I think James Allen’s 18k White Gold 2.6mm Six Prong Pave Set Engagement Ring exemplifies this delicate balance.  The pave stones set in the shank add much extra sparkle, yet they don’t over power a 3/4 carat diamond.

As with yesterday’s selection, today’s eye clean I1 clarity diamond is a perfect example of the kind of quality you can still get even dropping down to an I1 clarity graded diamond.  Today’s diamond is just as clean to the naked eye as a VVS1 clarity diamond and a fraction of the cost.

Click here to be Brought to the Diamond on James Allen