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

I am looking at spending US$2000 for solitaire diamond ring. I would appreciate if you could send me some suggestions. Here is the form below with the following details:

best diamond for fixed budget
Shape: Round
Desired Color Range: eye clean for the best value
Desired Clarity: eye clean for the best value
Budget: US$2000

Many thanks and have a good day!

A: Here you go:
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1344869.asp

And just pick one of their solitaire settings with this.

Q: Thank you very much for your good recommendation, I would like to confirm the order and match with 18K White Gold 2mm Comfort Fit Solitaire Engagement Ring. What do you think?

A: It’s a great idea! Did you already place the order?

Q: Dear Ira Weissman, I’m already placed the order and I bet my girl friend will love it. Thanks again! Cheers

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

Q: Good day to you Ira Weissman!

The diamond ring is well received and my girl friend is very pleased with the ring. Thank you very much for your kind advice and good recommendation!

A: That’s fantastic news!

Thanks! And congrats!

Notionally, my budget for rock and ring is about $2500. The ring would probably be a solitaire 4 or 6 prong, white gold. That said, I can see a budget of $2000 for the diamond. Based on my reading at this site, current thinking is:

round, near colorless, eye clean. I’d like to get the biggest decent diamond for the budget, and I look to you for any advice you could offer with the above in mind. I saw some data about how price between say .69 and .7 can be a big step, so any of my initial specs are open to your guidance, including a small bump in budget.

Thanks so much for this.

A: Thanks for writing and thanks for the kind words about the site! Here’s what I like for your budget:
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1354977.asp – eye clean. AGS triple zero ideal cut.
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1350242.asp – eye clean. GIA triple excellent.

let me know what you think!

Q: Both nice picks. When I look with virtual loupe, item# 1354977 seems to have some yellowish marks in the center. The item 1350242 doesn’t have this. Would I see those yellowish marks with naked eye?

I can go either way, $100 delta is minimal. Do you have a preference?

Also, going with a solitaire setting. Do you advise 6 prongs or 4? I don’t like basket style as much, as they seem to obscure the diamond.

Thanks, I am ready to buy after our reply.

A: Those yellow marks are probably there because someone in the room was wearing a yellow shirt or there was some yellow on the wall. You wouldn’t see yellow like that in the stone. Either way,I think I would recommend the other stone since GIA is a tiny bit stricter in color in this range, so just for the extra measure of security, I’d say to go with the GIA certified stone. Otherwise, they’re so similar, you wouldn’t be able to tell the difference between them.

Let me know how it goes!

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

Click on image for magnified view.

Shape: Round

Cut: Excellent

Carats: 0.75

Diamond Color: J

Diamond Clarity: VS2

Measurements: 5.80*5.82*3.63

Depth: 62.4%

Table: 57%

Diamond Polish: Ecellent

Diamond Symmetry: Excellent

Diamond Fluorescence: Faint

Diamond Price: $2,550

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):

Click on image for an enlarged version

Shape: Round Brilliant

Carats: 0.71

Diamond Cut: Excellent

Diamond Color: J

Diamond Clarity: SI1

Measurements: 5.73*5.67*3.55

Depth: 62.3%

Table: 56%

Diamond Polish: Excellent

Diamond Symmetry: Very Good

Diamond Fluorescence: None

Diamond Price: $2,010

Click here to be Brought to the Diamond on James Allen

http://www.bluenile.com/build-your-own-diamond-ring?action=remove&forceStep=DIAMONDS_STEP#diamonds_forceStep=DIAMONDS_STEP|builder=BYOR|pid=LD01959584

http://www.bluenile.com/build-your-own-diamond-ring?action=remove&forceStep=DIAMONDS_STEP#diamonds_forceStep=DIAMONDS_STEP|builder=BYOR|pid=LD01951913

http://www.bluenile.com/build-your-own-diamond-ring?action=remove&forceStep=DIAMONDS_STEP#diamonds_forceStep=DIAMONDS_STEP|builder=BYOR|pid=LD01876101

I’m leaning toward the diamond on the 2nd link but would like to know what you think and what are your suggestions.

I have another question, I heard that the diamond fluorescence, Negligible is the same as None, is it true?

Thanks in advance for your time!

A: Negligible is the same as none. Nothing to worry about.

As for your ring, mind my asking why you’re limiting yourself to VS1+ in clarity? Look what you can get for less money:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1353070.asp

The diamond would be just as eye clean as a VS1. Clarity doesn’t affect brilliance, so the stone would be as bring and lively as the stones on Blue Nile – it would just be noticeably larger!

Q: Thanks for your quick answer. I am looking for at least VS1 clarity bec my fiance wants to buy from bluenile and since we don’t get a chance to see the diamond over there, we thaught VS1 would be the minimum clarity as not to have many inclusions in the diamond. We have heard many good reviews about bluenile and decided to go with it..Is there any difference between the diamonds offered in blue nile and james allen regading quality? Also, I would like to know, u said in ur website that AGS is not as strict as GIA, is that mean that an AGS ideal cut might be in GIA only a very good cut.

For the color, I’m looking for at least a G color or above..I have seen recently a ring in a store, it was a GIA ideal, D color, SI1, 0.5 carat but on my hand it looked quite bigger than the other 0.5 carat I have tried with lower color grade. Does the color along with a good cut make the diamond looks bigger?

Finally, I liked the diamond u showed me, I couldn’t see any inclusions except a small scratch on the left side which I was not even sure if it is a scratch or not..but l’m still looking for sthg with a G color or above eventhough a little smaller.

Thanks again for your help and assistance!!

A: The diamond on JA are just as good as BN. The only difference is their prices are slightly better and they have pictures so you can see what you buy before you buy it.

The difference between AGS and GIA is very minimal. It’s the kind of thing where you only start to recognize differences over thousands of stones – not on individual stones.

Color doesn’t make stones look bigger. It must have just been that particular stone that had a spready cut.

What do you tihnk about this one:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1350097.asp

Q: Could you please let me know what do u think about this one?

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1346512.asp

Comparing this one to the other two below that u have sent me earlier, which one do you think would be more sparkly and lively? I would like to get your opinion before i make my final selection and make my order. You are a great help..Thanks a lot!!

A: The one you linked to might be ever so slightly more brilliant, but the H SI2 I recommended will be noticeably larger. So it’s a toss up between those two factors, I guess.

Q: We made our purchase yesterday and we went with this one..We thaught this one has a good cut and might be noticeable as well..Thanks again for ur time and ur great help..U are the best.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1346508.asp

A: Great news! DId you buy it with a ring? If so, did you apply the TADJ10 coupon code? Congrats!

Please stay in touch and let me know what you think when it arrives!

Q: Sorry to get with you that late..I actually ordered the diamond alone..I didn’t find the setting that I was looking for on the JA website..I wanted a simple tiffany setting but all JA solitaires have a very low prone that makes the diamod sits low which I didn’t like much…I shopped around in the stores and they offer similar pricing for the setting..so not decided yet if I’m going to order the setting here from US or back home.

For the diamond, it arrived early last week and it’s really very nice…It sparkles a lot and under the day light it looks very white and sparkly..you wouldn’t even tell it’s an H color…I love it…The true heart is really the way to go..

I have forwarded your coupon code and your website to my cousin..He is buying an engagement ring from JA within the next few weeks..He was just waiting to hear about mine…so he is definitely would be using your coupon.

Thanks again for the great information u have on ur website and ur quick answers to all my questions…U made my shopping really very easy.

A: So great to hear! Thanks for writing and letting me know! Do you think you might be able to do me a small favor? If you would be able to write me a short ivouch review, I would be very very grateful. Here’s a direct link if you have the time:

xxxxxxx

Thanks again! And congratulations!!

Q: I have wrote my review on ivouch. And I’m recommending all my friends to you website!! You were really a great help and I’m very happy with my purchase.

Thanks!!

A: Thanks so much! It’s wonderful!

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!

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-I1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1230504.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1344869.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1344080.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1345624.asp

A: Thanks for writing! Here’s what I think:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1344080.asp – has a big eye visible inclusion dead center – no good

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-I1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1230504.asp – the I1 is hard to see in the pic. It’s at about 10 o’clock. It’s hard to see because of the glare on the stone, but it will most likely be visible to the naked eye.

Between the other two, I’d say to just go with the cheaper stone. I don’t think the visual difference between the two is worth the big jump in price.

Q: Thanks for replying back so quickly.

Are you saying those other two diamonds would be eye clean in your opinion. If I have to, I would pay more for an eye clean diamond. I would be open to other diamonds that you suggest. Secondly, my understanding is all ideal cut diamonds sparkle the best. Is this correct?

Thanks again for your help.

A: yes, the other two are eye clean. And yes, if it’s an ideal cut, it’ll have fantastic sparkle.

Good luck! Let me know how it goes!

Ira

Q: I went to a diamond store today to see differences in diamond color with my eyes before I purchase a diamond, just to be sure. I think after seeing diamonds today I want to go with a diamond that graded with a little less color. I am willing to spen the extra $400-$500 to do this upgrade. I am looking at G color. I have two stones that I would like your opinion on. So you dont have to go to beginning of e-mail-Characteristics looking for: Ideal cut round, 3/4 carat, G color, SI1 (must be eye clean).

Oh, one last thing is TADJ10 the correct # for setting discount?

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1345558.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1345557.asp

A: Those two stones are great! Just go with the cheaper one because essentially, they’ll be identical to your eye.

And yes, the TADJ10 coupon is the right code.

Q: I just received my ring today and it is beautiful. Everything I expected and more. I would like to thank you for helping me in selecting a great diamond, for a great price. Definitely will recommend you to anyone I meet thats looking for a diamond ring.

Thanks again

A: Such wonderful news! Thanks so much for letting me know!

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

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

Q: I am having trouble with that site sending me a confirmation e-mail. Without that it wont let me submit my review. I tried using there resend confirmation e-mail, but just doesn’t work for me.

A: Thanks so much for trying! Maybe it’s in your spam box?

Q: I was able to get logged on to iVouch site and write you a review for your website. Thanks again for your help and time selecting a beautiful diamond.

A: It’s fantastic! Thank you so much!

My girlfriend has very slim fingers and does not want a diamond that is too large, so since the 2 side stones together are .34 carats, I was thinking between .5 to 1 would be good for the center. My price range for the diamond is max $2000, so I had my eye on E,F color, VS1 and VVS2 clarity, and ideal cut.

Since it won’t be the largest diamond, I am really hoping for a ton of brilliance! Let me know what you think, thank you!

A: You can apply the TADJ10 coupon code to get 10% off the setting. Have you factored that it already? If not, does that mean I can go to 2200 for the diamond?

Also, there’s really no need to go so high in clarity. A VS2 will not be visible at all to your naked eye and won’t affect the look of the diamond at all. Plus, a G color will look completely white and will match the side stones perfectly. Is it Ok if I suggest G VS2s? This will allow you to get a larger diamond.

I look forward to hearing back from you!

Q: Thank you for the response! My top priority was a sparkling diamond so if you feel that G and VS2 are fine, then I am all for it. I was not factoring in the 10% discount but thank you for the tip! I would say $2000 is still the target max but if there is something mind blowing then I am certainly flexible. Let me know what you can find, thanks!

A: This one’s pushing the budget a bit, but it’s really fantastic:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1335498.asp

This one is nice as well, and more in your budget:

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1337422.asp

Q: Thank you Ira. The first one, from the photo, seems to have an imperfection near the middle. Would that not be noticeable?

A: That little speck isn’t even close to being naked eye visible. You have nothing to worry about.

Q: Thank you again for your help with this. I am buying the diamond now, and although the suggestions you made are no longer available, I have been searching for similar diamonds. The coupon code you suggested is not valid and I was hoping there was still one available. Let me know when you get a chance, thank you!

A: Nice to hear from you again. The code now is TADJ10. Would you like me to help you locate the best stone for your budget?

Happy new year!

Q: Happy New Year to you as well! I was thinking about this diamond as long as I could use the coupon code. However, it is coming up as invalid when I try to validate the code.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Princess-Diamond-1337433.asp

Let me know if there is another code. Thanks!

A: Did you get the code to work?

Q: Yes, I got the code to work and I purchased the ring. Thank you so much for all the help! If for whatever reason the diamond does not live up to expectation I will ask if you have any new recommendations.

Thanks again and happy New Year!

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

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